Late at night, the last traces of sunset had already faded into the horizon.
Silvery moonlight bathed the earth, while the stars glittered like scattered diamonds across the vast sky, casting a tranquil spell over everything.
On the second-floor balcony of his tavern, freshly returned from Akihabara, Zane sat leisurely, a glass of fruit wine in hand, savoring the quiet beauty of the night.
Perhaps the finest pleasures in life were found in these simple, subtle moments.
The wine in his hand wasn't particularly strong, nor explosively aromatic, but its delicate fruity fragrance lingered gently at the tip of his nose.
Just a light sip was enough to infuse the heart with peace.
…
In truth, Zane wasn't just a master brewer — he was a lover of fine drinks.
Yet since arriving in this world, he had seldom indulged, at least not in front of customers.
Occasionally, lively patrons would invite him to join their drinking bouts, hoping to stir up a more festive atmosphere.
Every time, he would politely refuse.
Not because he feared losing composure — and certainly not because he couldn't hold his liquor.
But as the tavern's chef, Zane knew all too well: alcohol dulled the senses.
Tipsiness could slow his reflexes, cloud his palate, and ruin the delicate timing required for perfect dishes.
Even the faintest whiff of alcohol could skew a chef's ability to smell and taste, leading to small errors — misjudged seasoning, clumsy knife work, or missed cues while cooking.
Therefore, during regular hours, he always maintained a clear head.
Tonight, however — with the tavern closed for renovation — he had no obligations.
No customers, no orders to prepare, no expectations to meet.
Tonight, he could drink freely and allow himself a rare, brief liberation.
…
[Ding-dong!]
[24 hours have passed. Tavern upgrade complete.]
Suddenly, the mechanical chime of the system shattered the night's serenity.
Zane's eyes snapped open.
Hearing the announcement, a wave of excitement replaced his somber thoughts.
He immediately stood, headed downstairs, and flipped on the dining area lights.
The sight that greeted him stunned him into silence.
The tavern he had once known had been utterly transformed.
The most striking change was the centerpiece: a circular walnut cooking station that allowed patrons to sit all around, immersed directly in the culinary spectacle.
The flooring had been replaced with rustic red travertine tiles, each one slightly different in hue, creating natural, lively patterns that warmed the space.
In one corner, a cozy leisure and smoking area had been set up, separated by low wooden partitions.
The lighting had also been upgraded: alongside the traditional Japanese paper lanterns, stylish pendant and wall lights now cast soft, inviting pools of light, enhancing both the atmosphere and the color of the dishes.
Private dining tables dotted the room — ideal for couples or small groups — each one offering a taste of warmth, intimacy, and "home."
Outside, the façade had been reimagined: antique wood elements, full-length glass windows, and a gently swaying bamboo water feature replaced the old flower garden.
Above the round lantern sign, a new plaque proudly bore the name of the tavern: "Drinking Alone Under the Moon."
The expansion had added just fifty square meters, but the smarter, more open layout made it feel twice as large.
Every detail, from the placement of the tables to the texture of the walls, whispered care, thoughtfulness, and a yearning for comfort.
In short —
The entire place had been reborn.
…
"Am I dreaming?" Zane muttered.
"The changes… they're too much!"
He chuckled to himself.
New customers would surely be enchanted — but regulars, those who used to love the old, cozy charm, might be in for a shock.
Still, as he slowly took in every corner of the upgraded tavern, his doubts faded.
The more he looked, the more his confidence grew.
When the doors reopened, he was certain: this place would become a beloved haven for many more patrons.
[Ding-dong!]
[Special mission issued.]
[Within one week, host must successfully recruit one employee. Reward: Special kitchen utensil ×1.]
Zane clicked his tongue lightly.
"Figures they'd drop a mission like this now."
Even without the system's prompt, he had already realized: the expanded tavern couldn't be managed by him alone anymore.
Sighing, he leaned back.
The world of Totsuki Academy was filled with talented chefs, sure.
But recruiting someone suitable on such short notice…?
That was easier said than done.
…
A tavern is a magical place.
Here, the heavy doors of society creak open.
The uptight office worker loosens his tie.
The worn-out salaryman finds solace.
And amidst the simple clatter of plates and the chef's easy banter, the many flavors of life are slowly savored.
Order a plate of food.
Sip warm sake.
The exhaustion of the day melts into the background, replaced by warmth, by laughter, by simple human connection.
And now—
In a quiet corner of the newly refurbished tavern, a figure was already seated.
"Ahh… mmm…"
As the still-warm sushi disappeared into Rindo's mouth, she sighed in utter contentment.
The thin, translucent slice of white fish melded elegantly with the seasoned rice.
Its subtle sweetness unfolded, delicate yet profound, every chew releasing a clean, refreshing aroma that slid effortlessly down the throat.
The tangy sharpness danced along her skin.
The fresh texture of the crab roe, piled generously atop the rice, burst in her mouth like little jewels of flavor.
The freshness, the richness, the perfect contrast — bite after bite, it was simply intoxicating.
"Mmm!"
"As expected of Zane's cooking."
"This sushi…" she murmured with closed eyes, savoring every lingering note,
"just one bite is enough to wash the whole day's fatigue away."
Even after swallowing, she still licked her lips, feeling unsatisfied, intoxicated by the lingering taste.
A pure, blissful expression crossed her face —
And in that moment, it was clear:
Rindo Kobayashi had been completely conquered.