Episode 2: The Battle of Kitchen Stadium

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Scene: The Kitchen Stadium hall.

A charged atmosphere enveloped both Eriko and Shizuru as they stared each other down from across the kitchen.

Eriko
At last... The time has come.

Shizuru
You're looking awfully confident, Eriko.

Eriko
Of course... Because... Today, I will be able to crush the irritating flies hovering around my Lord Yuuki!

Shizuru
Ha ha, so, you still haven't realized that that you're the one who's going to be separated from my little brother today, have you?

Rino
Wow, the contest hasn't even started yet, and the tension between them is already so thick! With that staredown, the spy has been cast!

Rino
By the way, a spy is a person, right? Anyone who can throw another person must be really strong, right? Do people like that really exist?

Shizuru
Of course, somebody who could throw a spy would be really strong! But just so you know, the real saying is "the die is cast," not the "spy."^[1]

Rino
Oh, okay!

Eriko
... Is it really acceptable for you to be the host, Rino?

Rino
Huh? What's the problem?

Eriko
You are an acquaintance of Shizuru's, are you not? I suppose I have no problem if you're on her side.

Eriko
Because I'm going to win no matter what... Heh heh.

Rino
Well, I'm the host today. I'm neutral in this competition.

Eriko
Ah, is that so... But by the way... You also think of yourself as Yuuki's little sister, no?

Rino
Um, yes. What about it?

Eriko
UNFORGIVEABLE!

Rino
Umm...

Eriko
On top of an insect who professes to be his older sister, another who professes to be his younger sister!

Eriko
Why is it that Lord Yuuki is surrounded by such strange women...

Eriko
Ah, poor you, Lord Yuuki... I'll stamp out these insects for you soon enough. ... Just wait for me.

Shizuru
I think you're underestimating me!

Shizuru
As Yuuki's older sister, isn't it only natural for me to make him happy?

Shizuru
That's my duty as his older sister -- as his family. This is my fight, and I'll have it won in no time!

Rino
Right, right! As his sole younger sister, it's also natural for me to make him happy, too! We may be sisters, but we're rivals in that way!

Eriko
F-Family!? Without any blood ties between you, I can't understand what you mean...

Eriko
Taking advantage of Lord Yuuki's kindness, arbitrarily calling yourselves his sisters, lingering so close to him... You are truly shameless!

Rino
Ooh... As piercing as Eriko's gaze is, it's about time for us to begin the competition!

Rino
The rules are simple! All you must do is make the chocolate within the allotted time, and feed it to Yuuki.

Rino
The one whose chocolate Yuuki says is tastier is the winner!

Rino
Oh, I forgot... After the contest has concluded, you members of the audience will also be able to sample the chocolate!

Rino
Now, then, let's take that energy and move on with the show! Allez cuisine!

A gong rings.

Eriko
......

Shizuru
......

Rino
Now, the two contestants have arranged their ingredients, and are making steady progress on their cooking!

Rino
Are we seeing history in the making right now!?

Eriko
... !?

Rino
Ahh, Eriko has knocked over the pistachios that she had painstakingly assembled on the counter!

Rino
That hurts! Will Eriko be able to make up this time loss!?

Eriko
Why... do you... insist on harping on my mistake?

Rino
With her even temperament, Shizuru is steadily pulling away from Eriko!

Rino
Oh, my!? All of a sudden, Shizuru has stopped moving! What could have happened!?

Shizuru
... Rino, could you be a little quieter?

Eriko
Truly... Your voice is grating on my ears.

Rino
Hmm? The contestants seem to have some objections, but I can't hear them well from here.

Rino
If there are no problems with the broadcast, then let's continue on just like this!

Rino
Now, it's time for some Special Help!

Eriko
I didn't hear anything of this...

Shizuru
Special Help... What are you talking about?

Rino
For a limited time, my big brother has the chance to help one of our two contestants!

Rino
Any kind of help is okay! Now, big brother, take your pick!

Yuuki
1. "But what should I do..."
2. "You're really putting me on the spot here..."

Option 1.

Eriko
Not to worry -- I'll walk you through the steps.

Eriko
Though, perhaps if I simply entrusted my entire body to you, this battle would be over all the sooner...

Option 2.

Shizuru
It's all right, little brother! I'll be all right even if you just leave me be!

Shizuru
All I need is for you to keep your supportive eyes on me!

End of branches.

Rino
Even without Yuuki's involvement, the contestants are working themselves into a fervor!

Rino
Now, then, let's start our Special Help time!

Yuuki
1. Help Shizuru.
2. Help Eriko.

Either way, a round of the event minigame begins.

Option 1.

Rino
And, finish!

Rino
That was a strenuous effort by Shizuru!

Shizuru
Yes, I'm so happy! Thank you, Yuuki!

Eriko
Wait right there! You're trying to bias him towards you by hugging him!

Option 2.

Rino
Eriko has staged a furious comeback in the last half of this contest!

Eriko
We did it, Lord Yuuki!

Eriko
I'm so happy... Then, I'd like you to take this batch back with you... Heh heh heh.

Shizuru
Hey! Why are you dragging Yuuki around like that!? Do you want to make him hate you!?

End of branches.

Rino
Goodness, it certainly is a close contest between these two! It seems like the audience is also at peak excitement!

Man 2
Whooo! You're the best, big sister!

Man 4
Eriko, you can do this! You'll win for sure!

Shizuru
Ah ha ha... But we haven't even shown off the chocolate yet...

Eriko
Just now... Who was the insect who called my name? Please, come on stage so that I can grind you to a pulp.

Rino
Well, well. The audience is cheering for you two, so please don't be too hard on them.

Rino
Now, then! The part you've all been waiting for -- it's time to present the chocolate!

Who will be the one to claim victory -- and Yuuki along with it?