Anime Collector: Starting With the Malevolent Shrine-Chapter 205 ⟴ Alice’s Crisis of Confidence

"Lady Erina, Kobayashi-senpai and Kinokuni-senpai are giving it their all — shouldn't we get more serious too?"

Erina seemed distracted, but Hisako, in her role as secretary, sensed something unusual in the air.

Rindō's cooking radiated power — the overwhelming aura of the Elite Ten's 2nd Seat emanating from her dishes' fragrance.

The petite Momo was equally absorbed in crafting her desserts, making Hisako shift nervously.

Erina's brow furrowed as she observed Nene's soba dish — a creation she'd never seen before.

She felt confused. Had these students decided to stop concealing their abilities? Why reveal their trump cards now? Perhaps Sonoka's spirit had inspired them to showcase their true potential openly.

Her thoughts were scattered — even at her best, she still lagged behind these three seniors.

As she hesitated, an elegant woman in a kimono approached, silently observing the six of them. Sonoka noticed her first and went to thank her for providing the venue and rare ingredients.

Such ingredients would have been hard to obtain in the past, but the Yukinoshita family had risen far above its former status.

"You're too kind, Miss Kikuchi. As Haruno's friend, you're part of the Yukinoshita family, and helping each other comes naturally. Haruno just messaged that Daiki and the others will arrive soon. Please take extra care with the cooking." Mrs. Yukinoshita spoke with gentle warmth, her girlish tone contrasting with her usual commanding presence.

Though others might have missed it, Sonoka and Haruno saw it clearly — Mother had changed.

"Of course. A chef must take responsibility for their cooking. We'll give our best, regardless of who the guests are."

Sonoka's earnest expression drew a soft smile from Mrs. Yukinoshita, "Then I'll leave it in your capable hands."

She turned toward the mansion entrance — Daiki's arrival meant she needed to prepare her report.

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Bright lights illuminated the road before the Yukinoshita family mansion as Haruno arrived in a luxury car.

"So this is the Yukinoshita family mansion. The architecture is simply magnificent — our home pales in comparison." Itsuki gazed up at the mansion, rebuilt after its destruction during the Matsushita group conflict.

Its scale and grounds had expanded dramatically, befitting Chiba's leading prestigious family.

Alice felt surprised, not by the mansion's luxury — her own home was grander — but by the Yukinoshita family's transformation. They had evolved from a local family into rivals of renowned culinary dynasties.

'The Yukinoshita family has certainly gained influence. Unable to approach Daiki directly, they're building connections through family ties instead.' Despite her straightforward nature, Alice understood this complex dynamic, and it worried her.

She had originally thought the Nakano sisters were her main rivals, but now the Yukinoshita family proved most troublesome, especially with their two formidable sisters.

Alice noticed that Mrs. Yukinoshita's physical condition was remarkably healthy — even surpassing that of many young people.

'Her skin is more delicate than Mother's, white as jade... Could this be related to Haruno's situation?' Alice discreetly studied Haruno and Yukino — both sisters possessed enviably beautiful skin.

What frustrated her most was that even Itsuki's complexion was smoother and more delicate than hers.

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Could Chiba's climate really be that beneficial? But wasn't this a seaside area? It made no sense!

Alice touched her cheeks uncertainly. With her cool-toned fair skin, silver-white short hair, and crimson eyes, she had never faced such doubts before. For the first time, she questioned the superiority of her mother Leonora's genes.

"I apologize for taking your time today, Daiki-kun." Mrs. Yukinoshita said, her voice delicate and apologetic.

She should have reported earlier, but matters had been hectic lately. The Jujutsu World, the Onmyōji World, and even foreign Mage Associations had been attempting to establish connections with Daiki through her family.

"Haruno, please escort our guests to the main hall. I need to discuss some business matters with Daiki-kun. The food should be ready shortly."

Haruno promptly led Alice and the others away.

At first, Itsuki hesitated, but seeing Yukino join them reassured her. With both sisters present in the hall, what could go wrong? She just needed to ensure Haruno stayed put.

Satisfied with this reasoning, she followed along, unaware of the unexpected turn events would soon take.

Mrs. Yukinoshita led the way down the dimly lit path, discussing business matters until shadows enveloped them. Her breathing grew increasingly urgent, her tone changing.

Daiki observed her alluring silhouette, as graceful as a peach blossom.

"Ah..." She fell into his arms with a soft cry, "These matters mean little to me. I simply want to know how you'll show your gratitude."

Mrs. Yukinoshita's face flushed crimson. At his words, she turned away and lifted her kimono with trembling hands.

Daiki raised an eyebrow — she wore nothing underneath. He removed the cumbersome kimono, revealing her jade-like skin gleaming in the darkness.

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Meanwhile, Sonoka noticed the group's arrival.

Nene instinctively watched the newcomers closely. Noticing her alertness, Rindō and Momo also observed the group — all girls, seemingly unremarkable.

However, Erina's eyes widened in surprise.

Could that be Alice? What brought her here?

Alice caught her cousin's shocked expression and smiled slyly — she had successfully made contact with the Dragon King.

Meanwhile, Erina foolishly continued preparing food, absorbed in some cooking competition. With her current skills, she would likely face early elimination.

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