The proportion of repeat customers is the ultimate standard by which a restaurant's success is measured — and Zane's tavern was no exception.
Turning first-time visitors into regulars, who then bring in new faces, created a virtuous cycle that formed the heart of the tavern's strategy.
There was no denying it.
Regulars like Rindo brought not only steady business but a vibrant sense of life to the place.
If the day ever came when guests like her lost interest, it would mark the beginning of the tavern's decline.
…
"Master, you were right," Rindo said, exhaling the scent of alcohol as she swirled her glass.
"There are always some real monsters among the new students!"
Her mind drifted back to today's shokugeki (food battle), and she sighed.
During the entrance exams, she didn't remember seeing Alice Nakiri — meaning she must have entered as a special admission.
But what really shocked Rindo was that, on the very first day, Alice had challenged the entire Dessert Cuisine Research Society…
and defeated their second-year ace, Shiro Hakuhe, with an unexpected molecular dessert.
"That's surprising," Zane commented.
"Didn't you just say the other day the new students' cooking was terrible?"
Hearing his question, Rindo chuckled bitterly.
"Yeah, it was," she admitted. "But Totsuki has special admissions — people who skip the entrance exam altogether."
"And today, another Miss Nakiri showed up… and totally stole the spotlight."
She set her glass down and began recounting the day's spectacle in vivid detail.
…
Sometimes, excessive competitiveness isn't about the competition itself —
it's about not being able to accept one's own limitations.
Among the incoming students, Alice Nakiri's skills definitely stood near the top.
However, her intense desire to surpass Erina Nakiri clouded her judgment.
Her obsession pushed her into rash actions — like that shocking shokugeki on day one.
"More haste, less speed," Zane muttered, frowning slightly.
"She's too eager to prove herself. If she's not careful, she'll burn out."
In his view, competitiveness itself wasn't good or bad — it didn't need to be suppressed or praised.
But when success became an obsession, failure could crush a person completely.
And in truth —
Alice's competitive fire wasn't so much about ambition.
It stemmed from a much simpler place.
She just wanted recognition — ever since childhood, when Erina refused to acknowledge her homemade cake.
Alice might act more recklessly than Erina in many ways, but Zane found her straightforwardness refreshing.
Compared to the sometimes frosty Erina, Alice's honest, vibrant personality made her far easier to get along with.
"Also…" Zane added thoughtfully,
"Showing her cards too early will only make her a bigger target."
"She hasn't yet realized just how cruel and unforgiving Totsuki's competition really is."
Rindo nodded in agreement.
Still —
Alice's sheer skill and boldness left Rindo with a lingering unease.
If she kept growing at this pace…
it wouldn't be long before she posed a real threat to the current Elite Ten.
Saying she was "the closest" wasn't an exaggeration at all.
…
"Wow!"
Just then, a lively voice broke the conversation.
A group of students pushed open the tavern door, led by a cheerful girl with chestnut-colored hair tied into a bun.
She stepped inside, gasping as she took in the completely remodeled interior.
"My goodness! If it weren't for Shunkatei being next door, I would've thought I walked into the wrong place!"
Behind her, Ryoko covered her mouth in shock, her eyes wide.
To her, the tavern felt both familiar and brand-new at the same time.
Satoshi, Zenji, Shun, Daigo, Shoji — and the newly transferred Soma Yukihira — followed in behind her.
Especially Soma, whose sharp eyes immediately began scanning the revamped tavern.
Amazement.
Excitement.
Curiosity.
Confusion.
His face twisted through a range of complex emotions.
Perhaps, as someone who had also grown up running a restaurant, this warm, distinctive tavern stirred a strange sense of familiarity in him.
And yet…
Why had the Polar Star Dorm group chosen this place for his welcome party?
He couldn't quite figure it out.
…
"Chef, um… I brought you something."
At that moment, Megumi Tadokoro shuffled in, clearly nervous, cheeks flushed.
She held out a beautifully wrapped box of cookies, her hands trembling slightly.
Seeing her, Zane smiled.
"Megumi, I take it you passed your first school exam?"
He didn't take the cookies right away — instead, he asked kindly.
"This… this…"
Megumi fumbled, struggling for words.
Then she lowered her head even further and pushed the box forward again, voice trembling.
"Zane, I really want to thank you!" she blurted out.
Without your help, I might have been expelled!
"Huh?"
Zane blinked innocently.
"Why thank me?"
Satoshi, laughing nearby, chimed in.
"Zane, you don't know?"
"For the first exam, they had to make Burgundy wine-braised beef!"
Megumi nodded furiously.
"Back when I was struggling, you taught me everything about that dish…" she said earnestly.
"If it weren't for your advice, I don't think I would've made it."
"So I made these cookies to say thank you. Please… accept them."
Zane chuckled softly, finally taking the gift.
"Alright, alright.
Your kindness — I'll accept it."
Seeing him finally accept the cookies, Megumi beamed, pure joy lighting up her face.