Flavors of Fusion: Catalina's Culinary Journey

Chapter 7: Exploring the Research Societies (Part 2)

After bidding farewell to the Chinese Cuisine RS, Catalina's culinary adventure led her to the Shiomi Seminar, known for its research on spices and herbs. She stepped into the room, her senses immediately engulfed by the aromatic symphony of various spices.

Inside, she found Jun Shiomi, the professor of the seminar, engrossed in her work. Spices were scattered across the table, and she was diligently mixing them in a mortar. Catalina approached her with a smile, realizing that Jun hadn't noticed her presence.

"Excuse me, Professor Shiomi," Catalina said, catching Jun's attention. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything. I heard about the research you're conducting on spices from all over the world, and as someone who loves working with spices, I couldn't resist stopping by."

Jun's eyes widened, slightly flustered by the mess surrounding her. "Oh, my apologies for the disarray. I didn't expect a guest. Please, come in."

Catalina reassured her, a warm smile on her face. "Don't worry about it. Creativity often thrives in chaos, and I can see that your passion for spices is truly commendable."

Jun's curiosity piqued, she asked, "Latin culture, you mentioned earlier. Could you tell me more about it? I'm always fascinated by the cultural significance of spices."

Catalina's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Oh, where do I even begin? In Latin American cuisine, spices play a vital role. From the fiery heat of chili peppers to the rich aroma of cumin and coriander, our dishes are infused with flavors that awaken the senses."

The two of them engaged in an animated conversation, sharing fun facts about spices from different regions of South America. Catalina couldn't help but slip out a memory of feeding Joichiro something spicy but unappetizing, causing Jun's eyes to widen.

Jun's eyes widened with a mix of admiration and amusement. "You fed Joichiro Saiba something disgusting? Catalina, you're my hero!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine admiration.

A brief flashback flashed through Jun's mind as she reminisced about her time in the Polar Star Dormitory, where she would conduct culinary experiments with the residents, including Catalina.

Before their conversation could continue, Akira Hayama, known for his extraordinary sense of smell, entered the room. He interrupted their discussion, mentioning how he had been taking care of the chores that Jun had forgotten to do. However, his words trailed off as his gaze met Catalina's, his curiosity piqued.

Jun seized the opportunity, pulling Akira towards Catalina. "Akira, this is Catalina. She's an incredible culinary talent, and I thought you should meet her."

Akira nodded politely, his gaze slightly guarded. He remembered Catalina from the transfer ceremony and didn't want to come across as forgetful. But Jun reminded him to be kind and hospitable.

Catalina couldn't help but notice the tension and decided to shift the focus back to food. "Your mom is cool, Akira," she remarked casually, recalling Jun's earlier gushing over her son's remarkable sense of smell.

Akira's defenses went up, and he corrected her, "She's not my mom. She's my guardian."Catalina noticed his defensive tone and quickly rectified her statement. "Well, shecan be like a cool mom sometimes, don't you think?"

Akira paused, caught off guard by her response. His expression softened slightly, and he couldn't help but be intrigued by Catalina's straightforward and playful nature. Before the conversation could drift further, she brought it back to the matter at hand.

"But let's not get sidetracked. Akira, what are you cooking? I'm eager to find out," Catalina inquired, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.

Akira hesitated for a moment before leading Catalina to the kitchen. As he prepared a curry dish, Catalina observed him with intrigue. She marveled at his meticulousness and the way he effortlessly maneuvered through the spices.

Akira decided to create two versions of the curry, each highlighting different spices. His movements

were graceful, his hands dancing across the ingredients with precision. Catalina's senses were on high alert as she tried to guess the spices he used.

With a mischievous glint in her eye, Catalina confidently listed the spices. "Cumin, turmeric, cardamom, and a hint of cinnamon. Am I right?"

Akira's surprise was evident, a mix of admiration and curiosity shining in his eyes. He nodded, impressed by her accurate guess.

The aroma of the two curry dishes filled the air, tempting Catalina's taste buds. She savored each spoonful, savoring the complex flavors that Akira had expertly crafted. The spices blended harmoniously, creating a symphony of tastes that left her utterly satisfied.

As Catalina indulged in the flavors, she couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. Her journey through the various research societies had not only expanded her culinary knowledge but also introduced her to captivating individuals who would play a significant role in her Totsuki adventure.