Mother's Day meal

Mother's Day quickly rolled around, meaning the restaurant was packed. The fact that all mothers dining in could be treated to a special limited-time meal, only added to the increased crowd size.

"So when are ya gonna make a special meal for me?" Rika pouted.

"You aren't a mother yet," Itsuki grumbled.

"I hope you didn't suggest this special with the intention of eating it yourself," Zuina grumbled.

"Not in the slightest, though why're you so on edge?"

"Obviously because of the workload. Your exclusive special idea might be a great business move, but due to our staff size, we're working like crazy just to not fall behind."

"At least this place is big enough that it can fit everyone inside without forming a line down the street."

"Unfortunately, we still can't keep up the pace, and we can't ask for back-up from other places."

"Guess I'll have to do some scouting at Tabemono then."

"Ah, wasn't today supposed to be the final selection?"

"Correct. I hear its down to just 4 candidates; Benihime, Azuki, Rize, and mo- Mahi," Itsuki stated.

"They're making em work on Mother's Day? Damn, I'd have thought they'd settle things after it," Rika shrugged.

"Well, lots of things ended up delaying the selection so it's a miracle it will even be decided today. Of course, the end result might not be the greatest considering there's a 75% chance the next headmaster will be hostile towards us."

"Nah, I'd say just 50/50. My mother in-law's a big tsundere after all."

...

At Tabemono gakuin, the judges prepared to announce their final verdict. "After much deliberation, we've arrived at our decision. Benihime Shirohime..."

Benihime nodded and stepped forward.

"You have displayed great growth, but unfortunately it is not enough to serve as headmaster. You are out."

Benihime went pale with shock. "O- Out? But you were acting like you had chosen me!"

"Sorry, but we just like doing things a bit more sadistically than most places. Azuki Ryono..."

Azuki scowled and stepped forward.

"As one of Tabemono's most prestigious instructors and the wife of the late former headmaster, Asahi Ryono, you've shown just why the Ryono family is one of the most elite cooking families, but you were not good enough, thus you are out."

Azuki clicked her tongue and shot Rize a glare.

"Rize Muya..."

Rize stepped forward as Mahi began to smile.

"Despite the controversy surrounding you, there is no doubt you are one of the greatest chefs of our era."

"But not the greatest?"

"I would argue Mochika Myouchi deserves that honor, but alas, she is still in her rebellious phase. Thus, you are our new headmaster. Congratulations.

The smile on Mahi's face vanished in an instant as she stared at the judges. "What the hell! You were saving me for last!"

"I never said the last person asked to step forward would be the winner, in fact it's the opposite. You were by far the worst applicant of the 4. Seems you learned nothing from your marriage to Shinji Makihara."

That line was all it took to set off Mahi. Azuki took notice and quickly dragged her away, leaving just Benihime and Rize with the judges.

"I can pick a second-in-command, right?" Rize asked.

Everyone affirmed that was correct.

"Good, cuz I'm choosin' blondie."

Benihime gasped and glared as she turned to face Rize. "I don't need your pity!"

"But second-in-command is next in line to be headmaster."

"Are you saying you're going to nominate me and then resign?"

"Hell nah. I'm keepin' this spot for life."

"Hoh? In that case I'll accept and prove you wrong by usurping your position from you."

"Music to my ears."

...

Mahi trembled with fury as she walked with Azuki. "Damn that man. They only denied me because that man told them to. He doesn't want me overshadowing him!"

"Oi Mahi, I know your marriage life was bad, but I don't think Shinji has control anymore-"

"EVERYONE'S IN HIS CAMP! I finally had my chance to rise and reclaim the throne of the best, but that man denied me again! He forbid me from cooking at home not because he deemed himself superior, but because he knew I was superior and would outshine him! If I wasn't forced into marrying him I'd have lived my life single! No domestic abuse! No worthless child! I would have had the fame and glory I deserve! Madam Ookuma was the only one who truly recognized me, yet that man murdered her!"

"Oi Mahi, I don't think Shinji-"

"HE MURDERED HER! HE'S HELLBENT ON TAKING AWAY EVERYTHING FROM ME!"

"MAHI! Calm down! I'm pissed I lost too to Asahi's illegitimate pet project, but you're just spouting crazy!"

"Azuki, are you too beginning to be tainted?"

"Of course not. In fact, let's go harass those assholes at Ryokoma."

As the two arrived, Mimi greeted them and escorted them to a table.

"So care to sample our exclusive mother's day dish?"

The two nodded and Mimi headed off to the kitchen.

"Ugh, it feels insulting to come here just to clear my head," Azuki sighed.

Mahi meanwhile remained silent until the food arrived.

"So you're serving this slop? An insult to all mothers."

"I don't think you get a say, considering you disowned me," Itsuki glared as she walked away.

"Wow, your relationship with your mom is worse than mine," Matcha whispered.

"Matcha, cherish your relationship with your mother. Unlike mine, she's a good mother."

Matcha frowned as she noticed the sad look on Itsuki's face. Not once had she ever seen her that sad, nor had her own mother ever done or said anything to her to make her make the face Itsuki was making.

"Maybe I am a tsundere... Alright!"

Matcha slapped her face and headed over to a table where Mocha was sitting with Hina, Mochi, and Bianka.

"Bout time ya decided to show up. So got something to say to me?" Mocha asked.

"H- Happy Mother's Day, would you like to try our Mother's Day special?"

"Sure, but only if you make it."

"Rest assured, the manager will ensure I do," Matcha chuckled.