42 42. The final game of the Grand Cuisine Tournament is over. (2/2)

But against my old man, even if I try to trick him, he'll beat me to it.

That's why I dare to choose this dish.

The quality of the demons I raised, their quality and taste.

Mina's skills, Kasarina's guidance, Fitis' help, and my cooking, which has improved during this competition.

I'm going to show you all of them.

It's simple, but this is the answer I found.

The judges stretched out their chopsticks to the culmination of all of our efforts and slowly slurped it up.

”Hmm.

This.

What leaked out of it was neither the grandiose impressions nor the rave reviews that I had just heard.

It's just a sigh of admiration. After letting it out, the judges quietly put my food in their mouths and ate it all before they knew it.

”It was indeed a good dish.

That's what the gourmet master let out the first time he tasted our food.

Now, the judging begins!　Judges write the name of the one who was more delicious and vote!

The room goes silent at the presenter's declaration.

Then the first judge's evaluation is given.

It says--Keiji.

”Oops!　The first vote is for Himlo-Keiji!

The audience's clamor and the jury's vote that followed is revealed at the same time.

There it was written again, Cage.

The presenter's voice asks if he will get all the votes for the final as well, but it will be shattered by the next vote.

The name on it is Kyou. That is, my name.

Without even the time to gasp, the votes of the four eyes are revealed. It was my name on there too.

Wha-ha!　Finally, in the final, the myth of Cage's victory with all the votes is overturned!　This leaves the vote at 2 to 2, and the final judge is now the Gourmet Master's assessment!

The room is abuzz with excitement. The enthusiasm is at its peak and the gourmet master, quiet as a rock, slowly takes his pen as if he has made a decision.

Running letters. Eventually the brush stops moving and the gourmet master's eyes look at me to compare my father to me.

And then silently his name spreads through the hall.

”------

Was it me who took my breath away. Or was it my father?

The whole hall was silent for a moment, and I couldn't even tell.

But soon, the crowd was celebrating the winner of the final, and the crowd was cheering.

My father and I just stood there quietly and watched the results.

”...... hmmm, oh boy. Well, whatever the outcome, it was fun to play this full-out match with you, Kyou.

And then I see my dad reaching out to me.

Yes, I do. Regardless of the outcome, if you did your best for each other, then I'm entitled to hold your hand.

I looked at Mina and shed tears, and in the audience I saw Dora-chan, who was also in tears, as well as Lily and Fitis hugging Rock.

Strangely, the only feeling I had inside me was a sense of accomplishment.

I had given it my all. Come to think of it, I've never done such a thing since I was born.

Regardless of the outcome, I won't deny the good feeling I have right now.

But next time I won't lose. Dad.

Yeah, I'm looking forward to it.

The winner is Himuro Cage.

The final of the grand culinary competition - in which I suffered my first defeat.