Merry Christmas, 圣诞节快乐, Feliz Navidad to Every viewer reading this chapter. I never thought I would get 50+ follows and 40+ fav in two weeks, I really appreciate all your support. Many of you have been waiting for this chapter and I thought should I post it on Christmas eve but presents are best suited to be opened on Christmas day so here's my present to you all~~.


Reviewer Corner.

IndraAshura: One word for your anticipation about both the Azami Arc and Tamako Arc. Azami "Scar" Tamako "Prince". Thanks for you constant support man, i really appreciate it.

SunStorm: Thanks for the kind review~~. This story started off as me just writing about things I think off before sleeping haha. I do try and keep the quality high and the story as realistic as possible.

Guest: That's very kind of you, I appreciate the concern as well. My company is not that hectic since I get weekends off but for next week I have to in-depth researchers so the story may be hinder a bit.

KousukeAizen: Nope, the story is T Rated. Its my first time writing here so i am not that familiar about the rating. K is for Kids, T is for Teens and M is for Mature right? There wont be any lemons but they will be sexual tension and scenes in the story later on.

SaviorFreedom: Its crazy what one simple thing can change a whole history right? You got your wish and enjoy Chapter 4.


At the center of the backyard, he could see a little girl with white hair sitting under a giant tree with her head down. He could immediately make out that the girl was Alice. The rain was already pouring and it seems she has no intention of leaving her place, thus Soma ran towards her hoping to bring her towards shelter.

After reaching her spot, Soma called out quietly to her: "Alice-san…Alice-san we should get going, it's raining and your party is about to start soon." Alice however, did not respond and continue to cover her face with her knees.

After a few seconds, Soma decided to shake the girl and asked her if she was okay. The sudden contact woke Alice up from her slump and stare at the person who make contact with her.

"S…Soma-kun? Her voice was trembling and her eyes were covered with tears. Her red ruby eyes felt hollow and her white hair was drenched in rain. The sight of her cause Soma to inhale deeply, his heart was aching after seeing his happy-go lucky friend turned into a sobbing mess.

"Are you okay?! What happen Alice-san?! Are you hurt anywhere?!" Soma rapidly asked.

"Soma-kun…Soma-kun…Soma-kun" That was the only reply Alice gave him, it seems like his presence was the only thing stopping her from crying again. Thus, Soma gently pulled Alice towards himself and hug her.

"It's going to be ok now, I'm right beside you, I'm not going anywhere." Soma gently whisper to Alice in hopes of calming her down. Alice responded just by hugging him back and burying his face under his neck.

After a silent minute, Alice began to talk: "Why are you out here Soma-kun, how do you even know I'm here."

"I passed by your dad and he told me where to find you and thank god you're here. I would have gone crazy if I saw you passed out before I found you. More importantly we should go inside before we catch a cold." Soma answered.

"En, let's go to my room, I don't want to be near the ballroom." Alice replied solemnly while still inside Soma's embrace. Soma obliged and hug her closer to his chest to shield her from the rain.

While slowly walking to her room, Alice softly muttered: "Neh, am I always seen as the tag-along to Erina? Is that what everyone sees me as? The two Nakiri princess: one blessed with divinity, one destined to be shadowed."

Soma did not utter a single word and allow Alice to vent out her thoughts and frustration. Her tears were dripping thus leaving a dripping mess on Soma's shirt.

"Do you know how I excited I was today? Getting up early, wearing the new dress that my parents gave me, looking at the mirror smiling about how this day would turn out. I was so happy when everyone went up and greeted me happy birthday but it turns out that was just the opening speech. Many people came up to me asking: Where is Erina? How is Erina doing? Please send my regards to Nakiri Erina."

Soma was about to comfort her when he heard words that made him snap: "Maybe I'm just not good enough, I can't even make a dish that is up to her standards. Maybe I am the average chef people talk about, I wont ever stand near Erina and even you Soma-kun."

"ENOUGH!" Soma's roar signal the end of Alice's rambling. "Don't Ever Say you are not good enough until you continuously tried. You failed the first time so what? I lost against my Dad every time we have a cook off. He maybe the best chef of his generation but that generation doesn't have a Yukihira Soma there."

Alice was about to counter but Soma put a finger on her lips and continued: "You're not the only one who was excited about today Alice-chan. You see, I have this habit of mine that when something excites me I am unable to sleep the day before. I was looking forward to celebrating your birthday, going to your house, playing games with both you and Erina-chan. It was the first time that someone invited me over to their house."

"You were excited to meet us both? Haven't the thought of Erina being more special came up in your mind before?"

"I never thought of Erina-chan being more special than you, sure she has the god's tongue but was that what she wanted when she was born? I heard from my dad how busy she is with her tasting appointments, I could imagine how rough would that be for Erina-chan. She can't spend time enjoying herself like us two, not given any choices to make decisions. Others said that it is her duty but is that what she wanted?

Alice listened quietly and began to think deeply about how her cousin tends to stay quiet after her tasting appointments, how lonely and sad she felt when grandpa was not around. The only time she was talkative and happy were when she baked food for her to taste and when they visited Soma's restaurant.

"Alice-chan, there's no need to cry over yourself for not noticing her pain sooner" Soma said as her wipe the tears of Alice's face. "When I said you could be the Hero of the Nakiri family, I was not joking. You have the brains that I don't have and with how determined you are to make Erina-chan enjoy your food truly inspire me. We as chefs always will do our best to satisfy our customers needs, but in your case the customer is your close cousin with god given abilities. So just trust in yourself Alice-chan, my mum told me this once: Respect is not given, Respect is earned. I haven't tasted any of your food but I believe that if Erina continuously give your food a try, it means that you are indeed a great chef will huge potential. You certainly had earned the respect of me, Erina, your grandpa and also many more."

Alice is speechless after hearing what Soma thought about herself, the dark cloud surrounding her begins to give way to a bright and warm light. The buds that were sprouting in her heart begins to grow even more and who knows how much longer it will take to fully blossom.

"Mou, you really are an idiot, who will be sad after hearing that. Arigato Soma-kun for coming and reaching out to find me and for being my friend." Alice said cheerfully and hug her arms around Soma's neck and bringing him into a deeper hug.

"Ara Ara~~~, look what we have her. I knew you like him dear but I didn't think you would act so fast and bold."

Soma and Alice both turned towards the sound and saw someone very familiar to both. The woman looks extremely beautiful, she appears to be a mature version of Alice. The woman has long white silver hair that seems to flutter around the wind and deep red ruby eyes. The woman appears to be looking at them with a teasing grin and cartoonist eyes.

"O…Okaa-sama, what are you doing here. I thought you were in the ballroom with papa." Alice muttered out while blushing.

"Ufufu, looks like I interrupted your time together. I heard from Nassan that a boy with red hair was looking for you so I left the ballroom in search for both of you, it's much more fun don't you think" The woman replied while winking to Alice.

Soma stayed quiet and observed the mother-daughter interaction, 'Now I know where Alice gain her personality from, will Alice look the same when she becomes older'. Soma can't help but wonder to himself.

Seeing the boy's staring, the women began to talk to him: "MA~~ You must be the boy that Alice keeps talking to me about, she kept asking me question like: Would Soma-kun like this dress? What games should I play with Soma-kun first? You should have seen how giddily she was when talking about you."

"Okaa-sama!" Alice screamed embarrassingly while Soma just thought: 'Wow, Alice is the one getting teased.'

"Your Yukihira Soma, right? The one who managed to charmed my dear Alice and cute Erina-chan. I'm Alice mother, Nakiri Leonora. Seeing how close you two are, I think you are indeed a good influence to my daughter. Please treat her well in the future as well." Leonora request of Soma.

Soma replied firmly: "Of course, she and Erina are my dear friends after all". Alice blushed heavily and pull Soma towards her room to clean up from the rain.

Seeing their interaction put a smile on Leonora's face. "Ufufu, you have a tough rival don't you Erina-chan?" She suddenly turns around and said towards the corner.

"I never though people would use advantage of Alice to meet me, I never really thought how hard it has been for Alice. I'm really sorry Leonora Oba-sama." Erina answered.

"Mou, why are you calling me Obaa-sama? Am I really that old? I know you are young Erina-chan but I'm still young as well, Hmph". Leonora pouted.

"Haa…There's a difference between between Oba-sama and Obaa-sama you know? Are you really not mad about me making Alice sad?". Erina asked solemnly.

"Come here Dear, you did nothing wrong. Whether is regarding Alice or your mother. We don't know why your mother suddenly left but we now know how you and Alice feel and care for each other. Even in situations like this, you both still care about each other more than yourself." Leonora replied and open her arms wide inviting Erina to come over.

Erina slowly walked towards the motherly figure. How long has it been since she felt her mother's warmth, how tough it has been for her to hide her emotions in public, how lonely she felt when looking at Alice's and Soma's faces when they are with their family. Slowly, the tears she has been holding on started dripping and she buried her head into her aunt's bosom.

After a minute of crying, Erina slowly regained her composure while remaining in her aunt's embrace. "Thank you Leonora Oba-sama, please excuse me now as I have an important job to do now."

After seeing Erina off, Leonora giggly wondered to herself: 'A Culinary Trinity huh, where will their path go from here. Hehe, with those three nothing is for sure.'

After an hour of cleaning up, Alice and Soma were putting on clothes given by the Nakiri maids. They can't help but wonder if they had prepared the dresses beforehand. Soma was given a black tuxedo while Alice was given a white ballgown.

Seeing each other in their respective dress caused both of them to blushed healthily. "You look beautiful Alice-chan." Soma started.

"Fufu, thank you my handsome prince" Alice teasingly replied.

After complementing each other, both of them make their way towards the ballroom. Many guests were waiting patiently in the ballroom while some of them can't wait to leave since the party is about to commence. Their chances of meeting Nakiri Erina will be even lesser since Nakiri Senzaemon will be accompanying her.

Nakiri Senzaemon begun the party by giving a greeting speech and thanking them for attending the party. Next up was Nakiri Sōe who thanked the guests and updated them about some upcoming projects about the Nakiri family and then was Alice's turn to be up on stage. However, what occur next made the crowd gasp.

"Alice-chan, I don't think that's a good idea you know. This is your party and I'm not used to giving a speech to people you know"

"Mou, don't be like that Soma-kun. I want to let everyone know you are my dear friend, so pretty please?" Alice asked while giving Soma the puppy eyes.

Soma relented and allowed Alice to grab him on stage. "Hello everyone, my name is Nakiri Alice and I thank you all for attending my party. I would like to introduce you to my dear friend: Yukihira Soma".

Being put as the center of attention, Soma just gives Alice a wry smile. 'What a troublesome friend'. "Etto, I'm not used to giving speech to people so I'll keep things short. I won't forgive whoever tries to hurt Alice-chan or Erina-chan. They are my dear friends, they are not something or someone that you can take advantage off."

The reaction was split to say the least. Some people admired him for his guts while some just dismiss his words completely since he was a little brat. The Nakiri family who were present gave a smug grin in reply while the Yukihira family just smile proudly at their son.

The even bigger surprise after Soma's speech was the appearance of Nakiri Erina. She was wearing a gold ballgown which greatly complements both her and Alice's dress. The guests though she was not schedule to give a speech but they were proven wrong.

"You really are an idiot Soma-kun, I didn't need you to defend me but I really appreciate your words." Erina smile warmly towards Soma.

"Now onto two things I would like to say. First of all, whoever tries to take advantage of Alice will never gain an appointment with me. Whoever that ignores my warning, I will guarantee your company will be disbanded immediately. Secondly, there are many chefs that will be able to lead the culinary world besides me, I already know two of them myself. Erina said while glancing at Soma and Alice. Do I make myself clear?!" Erina spoke like a dignify queen to her subjects.

No one usher a word in response as some of them knew that they were in deep trouble if their deeds were found out by her.

Finishing her speech, Erina walk towards Alice and Soma. "Lastly, Happy birthday Alice. You and I may argue and fight a lot but I will always cherish the moments we have together, you were my first friend and I am really glad that it was you. Soma-kun, Arigato. Thank you for being my second friend and for telling me that you will not treat me differently even if I am the god's tongue."

After seeing and hearing Erina stand up for her, Alice for the third time today could not hold back her tears. She immediately hugs Erina and cried softly on her shoulder while whispering gratitude. Soma on the other hand just gave Erina his normal grin and thumbs up for what she did.

"I think it's still too early for you to be thanking me Alice, I haven't given you my present yet have I" Erina said while motioning to the maids.

After a few seconds, the maids brought out a white birthday cake filled with strawberries and cream toppings as the decorations. Other than that, the top and bottom border are filled with golden ruffles while the sides are designed with red roses.

"Are you shock Alice? I improved on the first cake you gave me and…" before Erina could finish however, she was brought to a bone crushing hug by Alice.

"Mou, you don't need to say anything more Erina no baka, this is possibly the best present I could have received besides Soma-kun hehe. Thank you Erina". Alice said sincerely.

'Hmph, guess you don't need to know that this cake is called: Gâteau sacrificiel de Noble, this is the only gift that I can give you back for all the sadness that I have given you.' Erina thought to herself.

"Well guess just leaves my present then, here you go Alice-chan, Happy birthday." Soma said as he hands her a small box.

"Can I open it now Soma-kun? Can I? Can I?" Alice asked excitingly.

Alice then open the box after seeing Soma nod his head, inside the box she can see Soma has given her a hair ornament. The Kanzashi is a white flower with red coral barrette as its center which greatly resemble herself.

"I thought of many presents to give you but they don't seem to fit. After asking mum, she suggested that hair ornaments are best suited as it won't come in the way of you cooking." Soma said.

"Hahaha, this brat ran all over the shops looking for this specific color. He was really stubborn in choosing a color that resembles you." Joichiro suddenly interrupted and rub Soma's hair.

While Soma was busying getting away from his father's hand, Alice felt deeply moved that someone she just met a week ago would do that much for her.

'This really is the best birthday I could ever had, 'Arigato Erina, Soma-kun'.' Alice thought to herself as she took in the picture of her grandpa, her parents, Erina and lastly Soma.


Never thought Erina would bake a cake for Alice did you guys~~ The name of the cake you guys ask: "Sacrificial cake of the Noble" since Alice is Old French for Noble. I was stuck on what Soma should give since Alice already liked his cooking, in the end I settle for a hair ornament since it wont come in the way of her cooking like a necklace or a hand wrist.

PS: Next chapter will probably 1 day or 2 days after New Year, lets hope 2021 is way better than 2020.