"WHAT DID YOU SAY?!" Lisa smacked the table with her palm directly landing on its wooden surface. She accidentally got the attention of the whole candidates who were trying to eat their food peacefully in the cafeteria.
Lisa sighed, she was feeling agitated and embarrassed about what she had done.
"Hey! Lisa, calm down. Everyone is looking at you..." Aran muttered as he leaned his face near the table. The group was surprised by the sudden outburst.
"Ah! I'm so sorry, please continue eating your food." Lisa bowed in front of them and everyone continued gobbling. She sat down, looking a bit flustered by her actions.
"Is that really true, Aran?" Eunice confirmed what he said.
As usual, the whole gang is eating in the center of the cafeteria and they are sitting pretty close with Aran. Since they have been doing this for a long time now, Aran didn't have that much choice but to get used to their sitting arrangement. Though, almost everyone in the cafeteria is looking at them because of their weird arrangement. They are the solid foundation of the very first popularity-based group in the whole academy.
This is mainly because:
Huck's popularity as the Prince of the Iron fist covered the first seat. Next was Eunice who got the highest combat ability score in the entrance examination last month. Beside Aran was Lisa who is entirely known for her lineage and her capabilities as the granddaughter of Master Himawari. She also got a high score in the entrance examination. Next to her was Nikki Shimizu who is known for her great intellect in magic formulas and history and who scored the highest in the written test. And finally, Aran Crossford is the renowned hero of the Fosier Academy.
This circle of friends has their own incredible achievement and almost all of the candidates were talking about them.
Aran sighed. He began to explain what he received once again.
"Yeah, I just met her this morning. It says in the letter that her father is inviting me for a dinner for expressing their gratitude to me. And the reason is, it is because I saved his daughter from that masked magician last time. Honestly, I don't even know if I am really worthy enough to consider accepting this offer for dinner when I am just literal no one." Aran gazed down at the table as he explains the content of the letter.
Despite his greatest feat, Aran wouldn't consider himself as someone who needs to be thanked by nobles. It was common for a candidate like him to save everyone even if they are in the higher ranks. He is just someone who has no ranking and doesn't deserve any formal gratitude. That's how he aligned the situation.
"No one? What do you mean by that? Everyone already knows your name, Aran. You are the hero who saved the entire academy from that criminal, and of course, it is inevitable in your case to have invitations like this because the royalty and nobles already have their eyes on you. I mean, without considering your stance as a normal citizen of the capital, I am pretty sure that they will turn their eyes blind on that preassumption." Nikki showered them with her own opinion.
Nobles don't really care about an individual's position in society if what they are discussing is about the life of their precious family. They would do anything to save who they loved and pay them. It is different when you are trying to join a political marriage or trying to have a forbidden relationship because of status. The whole point of this invitation is to express their gratitude to the man who saved their daughter.
"That's true. You do have a point. But like, I am not really used to these kinds of stuff so I don't really know where to start. I haven't been able to interact with the outside world for a long time, let alone, having to meet a noble family under these circumstances." Aran jotted his own worries. He doesn't know how to act in front of the nobles.
"Well, you don't have to be unconfident..." Eunice added. Aran stared at her.
"Why don't you just consider it as an opportunity? Wait, not an opportunity but an accomplishment or reward for the heroic act you've done. It is not like they are giving you free rein on their gratitude. They have a reason why and that reason is pretty essential enough to be considered as a high standard. Saving the life of a Duke's daughter might be an easy springboard for you to gain a rank in the system of this kingdom and you could even become rich just by doing that. It is a lifetime opportunity and you need to consider it. Those measly shortcomings of yours are not a hindrance to turn down an offer." Eunice explained.
"She's right... You are lucky that you are getting that much attention. And most people outside the capital couldn't even get their own rights because of their ranks. Maybe you could help them someday if you were to own your own land as part of the royalty or if you gained something for yourself. Granted that you will be starting from the bottom, I don't think that being a commoner is a facade that you need to keep. Everything may change depending on your decision." Huck added on their conversation as he chomped down the large loaf of bread.
"Yeah, you have a point too... Lisa?" Aran turned around to ask for Lisa's opinion. She seems to be a bit reluctant.
"I'm a bit unsure if they're just doing this out of goodwill or if they have more expectations but I don't really have a say to this either, Aran. It is your life. If you think that this opportunity is good for you and if you think that it will make you happy then I will support you with my whole life. We have been together for so long. It is time for you to make your own decisions for your personal growth now." She said.
Lisa curled her lips upward, giving a happy vibe in their conversation. She moved closer to Aran and leaned her head on his left shoulder. He blushed for a little as he smelled her fragrant hair.
Eunice noticed this vibe and without hesitating, she picked a spoonful of rice and forcibly fed Aran in her own volition.
"Eugh! What the–" Aran got surprised and choke down or a little. He grabbed the glass of water and drank it straightly without stopping. "T-That's a bit bold, Eunice..." He coughed.
Eunice shifted her head away from Aran. "Hmph!"
Lisa noticed this and gave her a smirk. Her attack was incredibly powerful.
"By the way, Aran. If you are planning on going in there, that means you need to have a formal suit for that occasion. Do you have one?" Nikki asked.
A sudden silence dropped on the whole group. Aran's eyes grew larger as he realized that he doesn't have anything to wear for the occasion.
"AAAAA!!! I FORGOT!" He screamed. Everyone turned their attention to him.
"HEH?! UMM? I'M SORRY! DON'T MIND ME!" He panics as he sat down on his chair.
"...So yeah, do you have one?"
"No, I only have limited clothes here. You know that I am poor, right? I only work with Lisa's father on his business but the pay is not enough to be able to buy something fancy. Yeah, I don't really have something to wear, I should turn her down–"
"I might be able to help you with that~"
Suddenly, a woman's voice with a mature tone startled them.
Aran and the whole group slowly glanced at whoever offered her help. And it was at that moment that Aran realized that it was Mahrisse.
"L-Lady Mahrisse Silvestre?!" Aran was surprised by her entrance. It seemed like she has been listening to their conversation.
"Yep! Also, stop with the formality, just call me Mahrisse! Sorry for disturbing your meal. I just heard your scream from my own table and decided that I should confront you. So yeah, it seems like you guys are talking about the letter that I gave, is that right?" She asked.
"Ah yes, I'm so sorry about that..." Aran rubbed his head and bowed.
"Aran? Who is she?" Lisa asked with a serious expression. Eunice, Nikki, and Huck looked at him as well.
"Oh yeah... This is um–"
"Allow me. My name is Louise Anne Mahrisse Silvestre, I am the third daughter of Duke Frederick Silvestre from the north. It is my pleasure to meet all of you." Her astounding formal introduction placed them at ease but at the same time, they were captivated by her beauty and popularity.
In terms of formality and ethics, Mahrisse would be on top of Lisa who came from a major family as well. Although she was a princess, Lisa doesn't exude that much authoritative pressure and aura as she was able to explore the world freely and meet a lot of people.
"Woah look at that, Lady Mahrisse is meeting that popular group..."
"She is really beautiful!"
"Cute!"
"Princess!!!"
Murmurings from her grand supporters continued to amplify as she introduced herself to the group. Aran let a slight sigh and made a weary smile in front of everyone. Needless to say, they were a lot of supporters and it is probably more than Aran himself.
"Is she asking the hero to a date?" One question struck her overconfident nature and went out of character for a second.
(Date???) Mahrisse twitched on that thought.
"U-Umm... So anyway, I was thinking of umm..."
"The third Lady of the Dukedom of Silvestre. It is pretty rare to see a noble from the north in a place like this. I thought there was a branch of Fosier Academy from that region, why did you enroll in the capital?" Eunice suddenly asked. She was able to return Mahrisse on the track.
"Oh yes, it is because it is more lovely here than the Aphecion branch. I was told that talented individuals were enrolled in the capital branch and I have more chances to learn more here. I have a high aptitude for elemental magic and my father enrolled me here to become part of the candidacy. He is reluctant at first since it is quite far but I wanted to improve my skills to protect our domain. I insisted on doing so because I might be able to surpass the high magicians in this kingdom." She answered.
"Heh, that's pretty nice..." Lisa spoke up. She seemed to be acting indifferently.
"So that means, you are from Section A?" Nikki asked.
"That's correct. I am registered under the first section. Or should we call the star section? It is pretty lively there but I find it more intriguing to hang out with the other sections."
"Is that out of your own feelings, or you just came down here just to mock us, lowly commoners?" Eunice's words startled them for a bit but Mahrisse just shrugged it off. It seems like she's used for a situation where sometimes people goes overboard to think that she is one of those who treats commoner below.
"Oh no, not at all. Please do not misunderstand. I just came here to be friends with everyone and to meet Aran as well." She placed her left hand on Aran's shoulder and pats it.
""HUH?!"" The two ladies screamed.
"N-n-n-uh!" Lisa squirmed.
"Hmm? What's wrong?"
"Hey look at that, the princess placed her hand on the hero!"
"She touched him! Oh my god!"
"Do you think the princess likes him?"
"Yeah, I think so!"
"It is getting spicier here, Aran." Huck added another fuel.
"Huh?" Mahrisse heard the whisperings and decided to quickly remove her hand away from Aran's shoulder. Her cheeks started to get red, realizing what she had done.
"Sorry..." She muttered while averting her gaze from Aran.
"That's okay, so about the offer... I don't think I would be able to go. I don't really have the fancy clothes that they are talking about and if I go there with just my casual, then I think your father will disown me as soon as he sees me." Aran finally told her the problem. Mahrisse listened to him attentively and then immediately after that, she burst into laughter.
"Hahaha! Didn't you hear me at all?" She asked.
"Huh?"
"I said I will take care of that, silly! We can go shopping for clothes tomorrow! Don't worry about the price, I want to take you to the central shopping district to buy new fancy clothes in order for you to meet my father." She insisted.
"HEH??! But umm... That would be, uh..." Aran was lost for words.
"Come on, you don't have to turn it down. As I said, you have saved my life. I will do anything to provide you with what you need." Mahrisse winked.
(This girl... I need to be careful around her!) - Eunice
(Another rival! This is going to be harder than what I have expected) - Lisa
"So yeah, are you going, Aran?" Mahrisse asked.
"Umm, if that will take care of it, sure. What about the class though?" He asked. Everyone looked at him.
"We don't have any sessions tomorrow, we have all the day and we can go shopping in the morning as well," Mahrisse answered.
Aran sighed and turned to the group.
"Umm... What do you guys think?" He asked them.
"Sure, I will allow you to go with her, but in one condition!" Lisa interjected. She grabbed Aran's left arm.
"Umm?"
"I will go with you tomorrow and watch!" She declared.
"Umm... Yes, ma'am." He couldn't do anything, he just mustered up the degrading value and agreed to the condition.
"I will go as well! We don't know if there are going to be any problems for tomorrow. Just in case we ran into something, I am going to be the vanguard." Eunice also exhibits agreement in going with her for tomorrow. But to be honest she just wanted to tag along because she's wary about the two other ladies.
"I think I am going to pass... I still have a lot of things to study." Nikki sat down for this one.
"Huck? Are you coming as well for tomorrow's shopping?" Aran asked him.
"Huh? Uhh... I think I am going to pass as well. I am not really into these kinds of activities. I will just stay on the training grounds and train my body more." He turned down the invitation as well.
"So that leaves us with... Me, Eunice, Lisa, and Mahrisse..." Aran counted them down.
(I should've talked to him personally, I kinda wanted it to be with just the two of us...) Mahrisse sighed as she accepted the condition.
Judging from their reaction, it seems like they are aware that Mahrisse is trying to steal Aran from their group. But then, of course, they wouldn't do something as excessive as trying to seal Aran's choices and decisions.
"From the bits of it, it looks like you're going to be on a date with three girls, isn't that fun?" Huck teased Aran.
Lisa, Eunice, and Mahrisse blew their ears off, a steam smoke coming out of their hot face as they realized what he is referring to. All of them squirmed in place. On the other hand, Nikki seemed to be frowning at some point and she kept on stealing glances on Aran's side. Their conversation turned into something wild and expressive to the point that every single table in the cafeteria is directly focused on them.
"Alright then, I think that is settled, we'll meet together at the front gate of the academy in the morning. I will see you guys later~" With that, Mahrisse left their table and Aran waved her goodbye. Both of them inhaled and exhaled at the same time while trying to comprehend what just happened.
"Yeah, I think I made a big mistake for saying that..." Huck realized it.
"Yep, you really made it more awkward..." Nikki agreed.
"That girl irritates me for some reason..." Lisa said.
"Yeah, same here..." Eunice agreed.
"..." Aran sighed.