Shirouko bit her lip and scooped up another spoonful of tofu. Having learned her lesson this time, she took only the tiniest morsel, carefully brought it to her mouth, and chewed slowly.
The intense heat still struck like a surging tide, but it was no longer as overwhelming as the first bite.
She gradually grew accustomed to the stinging sensation and, in the brief lulls between the fire, even managed to catch the rich fragrance of cinnamon and star anise interwoven together.
Chapter 133