"Then there was also a potion I made when I was 7! My parents were so happy, they couldn't help but cheer for me that day." ［Edin］
"Cheer... Don't you mean scream? I could still remember them writhing in agony, as if they were going to die. Like croaking frogs." ［Kale］
"Yeah! That wasn't even a potion! That was just a fart bomb!" ［Alea］
"Hah! You just don't understand my ingenuity. Do you think any other 7-year-old would be something that smelly? Wasn't I pretty amazing?" ［Edin］
Time passed, and the minutes quickly flew by whilst Yuna listened to the stories of the threeー or rather than stories, it would be more appropriate to call them "banters", much like Kris and Aria whenever and wherever.
Yuna kept on listening to the three, smiling ever so gently as they watched them fight, argue, tease, and retaliate against one another, all mostly because of Edin's random and nonsensical remarks which was nothing short of absurd.
He wasn't arrogant, nor was he narcissistic, but rather, he was just a big idiot like a certain prince whose name shall not be mentioned. His free spirit and stubbornness to try out everything that comes to his mind was something to admire.
DONG DONG DONG
And just like that, the sun has reached its zenith, and lunch has arrived. The bells rang all over the academy, making everyone's ears perk and capturing their attention, the atmosphere getting more lively all of a sudden.
"Tsk! You got lucky, Edin. We'll finish this later." ［Kale］
"That's only natural. How could we fight on an empty stomach?" ［Edin］
Even the trio of childhood friends stopped after hearing the bell, fully acknowledging that lunch comes first before anything. It was as if they weren't just about to engage in yet another dogfight, now looking like a normal bunch or friends.
Though, not like Yuna doesn't understand them. After all, daily meals were free in the Academy for all students, everyone able to avail meal sets 3 times everyday. Best of all, it is said that their meals in Darius were pretty good. Who wouldn't be excited?
"Elena, will you be going with us?" ［Alea］
"Un! It would be my pleasure!" ［Yuna］
"Great! I'll show you the best dishes in the cafeteria!" ［Alea］
There was no time to waste. As soon as Alea invited the young lady, she grabbed her hands, immediately departing afterwards. They all headed towards the cafeteria, all looking forward to what dishes were available for the day.
And as one would expect, all eyes were on Yuna as soon as she walked down the corridors, many falling for her at first sight. No matter where she goes, she would always stand out without fail with how fair of a lady she was.
Thankfully, none of them dared to approach them, scared of those around her. And no, it wasn't because of Kale who looked like a delinquent, but Alea. The girl who is known as the "Rabid Dog" of Darius, even overpowering the upperclassman boys.
"Mmn... You are popular, aren't you, Elena?" ［Alea］
"Fufufu! I'm already used to it. Let's just not pay them any attention." ［Yuna］
"Mmn... So you aren't denying it, huh..." ［Alea］
Commented Alea, once again taking a good luck at Yuna. She was quite the beauty herself, but even she couldn't help but be a little envious of Yuna's fair and pearly complexion, goddess-like beauty, luscious hair, ample body, and everything else.
It wasn't just Alea, but the other women as well. It was so overwhelming, they couldn't even begin to get jealous even if they wanted to. All they could do was accept defeat and recede the throne to Yuna. She was simply on another level.
"Hm? Is there something on my face?" ［Yuna］
"Nothing... I just think that Elena's really cute and beautiful." ［Alea］
"Fufufu! I think Alea is plenty cute and pretty too!" ［Yuna］
"Huh? Cute? Pretty? Which part of this gorilla is cute and pretty?" ［Edin］
"You...! You punk! Read the mood, will you?!" ［Alea］
He should have kept his mouth shut, but he decided to tread along the dangerous waters, making Alea's face which was once red from bashfulness to red from anger, Edin sent flying away with one of her signature punches.
The Rabid Dog of Darius strikes again, and as a bonus, the other boys were scared off too, not wanting to be sent flying away with Edin. It was good that Kale decided to stay quiet, keeping his opinion to himself. He was not an idiot like Edin.
All thanks to Alea's quick demonstration, the walk towards the cafeteria was pretty smooth, not a single person bothering them. And thanks to Yuna's popularity, they also got to skip a line. It was better even better than a VIP pass,
"Hoh～! We should bring Elena next time too! This feels amazing!" ［Edin］
"Yeah. It feels like we just got a premium pass," ［Kale］
"Hey! Don't treat Elena like some sort of item, you dumbasses!" ［Alea］
Soft white bread, hot chicken soup, ginger pork steak, sunny-side up eggs, vegetable salad, and a cold serving of orange juice. It may not compare to a restaurant's, but for a free meal. It was an already exceptional meal many would like.
Not only were they cooked perfectly, they were also made with a balanced nutrition in mind, the meals changing everyday so that the students wouldn't get tired of them. As one would expect from a grand and prestigious academy.
There was just itsy-bitsy problem... A student could only avail a single meal set each for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A single meat set which was far enough to satisfy Yuna's large and voracious appetite.
"Elena, is the meal not to your liking?" ［Alea］
"Ah, not at all. I was just wondering what to eat first." ［Yuna］
"In that case, you just need to follow me. First, you have to..." ［Alea］
Well, not that she could exactly tell everyone about it. Though she isn't ashamed of her appetite, she wouldn't want to trouble Alea and the others too much, and make them needlessly worried about her.
Thankfully, she had already agreed that she will be meeting with Grey at the cafeteria and have lunch together. All she needed to do was hold out until her beloved arrived and everything would be resolved. Everything rest in Grey's shoulders,
""""Thank you for theー""""
"""Kyaaaa～!!"""
Everyone couldn't even finish their prayers, when a loud cacophony of squeals rang all throughout the cafeteria. Not just them, but everyone else was taken by surprise, their heads turning towards the cause of commotion.
Surprisingly, the cause of it was all but a single person. His black hair was like ebony in the deepest forests, eyes like the purest of amethysts, skin which was smooth like jade, and a face like a drawn masterpiece. The very definition of handsomeness.
Of course, that young man was none other than Grey, surrounded by girls from all directions, each one of them pressing towards him, squealing like fangirls who just got to meet their favorite idol. It was like a fan meeting.
"Waah.... What a handsome man..." ［Alea］
Even Alea who was on the tomboyish side couldn't help but admire Grey's beauty which looked like it was sculpted straight from marble. She couldn't even move her hands, in a daze as she stared at the young man by the counter.
Well, even if the ladies did admire him, their mobbing was of no use. Grey's eyes were as cold as ice, looking at them, not a single one brave enough to approach him. Even the most flirtatious ones could only watch from afar.
"Tsk! What's so good about that guy?! He's just a little handsome, is all."
"Hah! He's just a wimp. Look at how puny his body looks."
"Tch! Look at him acting so arrogantly. This is why I hate exchange students."
Of course, as much as the girls admired and lovestruck by him, the boys were just as envious, every single one of them, gritting their teeth from despair. All they could do is curse him, also quite a bit afraid of his piercing icy glares.
But such icy glares felt like a lie, a smile on his face blooming like spring as he faced a certain direction. It was so bright, it was blinding, shooting arrows in the hearts of many ladies. A loud pandemonium of squeals followed soon after.
"E-Elena! He just smiled at me, right?! O-Or was it you? Geez! I can't tell!" ［Alea］
Of course, that smile was directed to none other than his dearest and most beloved fiancée, the young lady reciprocating with a subtle smile. They were smiles which caused all sorts of misunderstandings here and there.
"E-Elena! He's glancingー No, he's heading over here!" ［Alea］
Grey soon finished taking his order, getting a fine set like Yuna did. His steps then resounded in the air once again, heading in Yuna's direction. Everyone couldn't help but look at them, wondering what was happening.
"You got here earlier than I thought. Did I make you wait too long?" ［Grey］
"Not at all. We just got here not too long ago." ［Yuna］
"I see. That's a relief then." ［Grey］
And what occurred next was a baffling scene, everyone puzzled about what just happened. An outstanding beauty and a cool and handsome guy just talked to one another, looking picture perfect together as they exchanged words.
"Oh, I did hear there were 2 exchange students that came roday. You must have come from the same academy as Elena." ［Kale］
"E-Eh?! Elena, you know this handsoー I-I mean, this gentleman?!" ［Alea］
"Un... Actually, he's my fiancé." ［Yuna］
Fiancée... Such a wonderful word with such a nice ring to it. It was so nice, everyone was frozen the moment they heard Yuna's nonchalant statement, their mouths wide open in agape, and so were their eyes. It was a bombshell.
"Nice to meet you. You can call me Shin, I'm Elena's fiancé." ［Grey］
""""Fiancé?! They're engaged?!""""
Everyone had the same reaction, shocked and surprised as one can be, the sound of broken hearts shattering all over the cafeteria, a deep and sharp sensation striking everyone's hearts and making them bleed. It's name was pain.
The boys wanted to deny it, and the girls regretted listening to them, both sides taking huge hits from the sudden realization. It was great that 2 gorgeous people joined the Academy, but to think they were engaged to one another. It was false hope.
Moreover, the two didn't seem to be in an arranged marriage, looking at one another lovingly as if there was no tomorrow. The sweetness of the air was like poison to the single people, everyone leaving with tears streaming down their faces. It was nothing more than short-lived ecstasy.
Now, Grey and Yuna don't have to deal with the students, no one foolish nor daring enough to try and fight a losing and pointless battle. The two didn't expect such an outcome, but they welcomed it with open arms.
"Haah... To think that hanー I mean, Shin, was your fiancé... Sorry, Elena... My words must have made you uncomfortable...." ［Alea］
"No, it's okay. It's not like you knew. I should have told you sooner." ［Yuna］
"I'm glad... Thank you for understanding, but... What's with this ridiculous amount of food... Is there a feast going on or something?' ［Alea］
Asked Alea, her eyes glued towards the table in which plates upon plates of food are displayed, two people happily digging in with smiles on their faces. Now, everyone is looking at them for an entirely different reason. They were in shock.
After all, it was the first time they saw people eat so much. It was already so much of a shock when Grey brought them out, but when they started wolfing them down, it was another kind of "amazing", everyone unable to believe their eyes.
They were especially frightened of the young lady whose ears were flapping up and down whilst she enjoyed her food. Of course, she was minding her manners, eating "lady-like" as one might say.
"Ah, that... Well... We eat quite a lot, you see." ［Grey］
"Quite a lot, huh... It sure does seem like it...." ［Alea］
A simple explanation, ended with a bright smile. Alea didn't ask any further and just accepted the truth before her, still unable to believe her eyes. She could never see Yuna the same again after such a spectacle.
"Don't be shy, Alea! Eat as much as you like." ［Yuna］
"A-Ah, yeah... I still have some on my plate. I'll eat more later." ［Alea］
To be honest, Alea has a lot more to say, but couldn't bring herself to when she doesn't even know how to string her words right for the two. Though, it was an entirely different matter when it came to Kale and Edin.
"And... You two! Have you no shame?! Stop eating like pigs! You're noisy!" ［Alea］
"Hah?! What's wrong with eating something you're given?!" ［Kale］
"That's right! You should accept it and be grateful!" ［Edin］
"What?! Are you telling me I'm ungrateful?!" ［Alea］
And off they go to their world again, a ruckus unfolding over the cafeteria table. It was just another day for the three, the only difference was that there were Grey and Yuna, and a lot of food over the table. Food which Yuna enjoyed thoroughly.
The winds blew over the academy and time passed by in the blink of an eye. Lunch was soon over, wasted away as everyone chatted and laughed merrily. Grey quickly got acquainted with the three, making new friends yet again.
The school bells rang once more, and it was finally time to leave. A pandemonium of footsteps resounded all over the corridors, the sound of chatter accompanying it. The four of them soon headed back to their classroomsー or so they were about to...
"Hm? Did your advisor not tell you? There's a meeting with all the instructors so there will be no classes in the afternoon." ［Grey］
"""A meeting...?"""
But just as they were about to part ways, Grey broke a sudden news to everyone, all of them wearing puzzled faces and unable to believe their eyes. After all, not once did Professor Dorothy mention anything of the sort.
No, it was more appropriate to say that even Professor Dorothy was taken aback by it, probably not knowing that there was even a meeting to begin with. It seems like trouble was brewing near, and Grey and Yuna aren't the cause for once.
"Hmm... That means we're free all afternoon, huh..." ［Alea］
"What should we do with this then?" ［Kale］
"Beats me. You're the delinquent here. Don't you know something nice to pass time? Like games or something like that? Anything?" ［Alea］
"No, I have nothing in mind, and... I'm not a delinquent, goddammit!" ［Kale］
While students would usually be excited at such an announcement, everyone was rather troubled with what they should be doing with all the free time in their hands. Each one of them only knew alchemy, after all.
"Kukuku! Worry not, my dear friends! For I have a brilliant idea!" ［Edin］
And just when Kale and Alea's banter was getting headed up, an almost maniacal laughter echoed in the air, Edin wearing yet another untrustworthy expression. He was very sure of himself, announcing his words with confidence.
"Since it's Shin and Elena's first day here, why don't we give them a tour of the Academy?! This is the perfect time!" ［Edin］
Funnily enough, it was actually a good idea as he proclaimed before, Kale and Alea a little bit taken aback that it didn't involve anything weird like testing out new potions or being forced into an experiment which was worse than death. They were amazed.
"Waah～! That's a pretty good idea, Edin! You actually thought of something normal for once! I'm proud of you!" ［Alea］
"Heh. Looks like your mind is not just moss and weeds, after all." ［Kale］
"Who do you think you're talking to? I'm a genius, after all!" ［Edin］
Though that as it may be, he still needs working on his character. Kale and Alea were already insulting him, but he didn't mind such remarks, his ears only filtering in what he wanted to hear, Grey and Yuna not knowing how to react.
"Of course! I also have the perfect place in mind!" ［Edin］
And off they go, once again kicking up some dust as they change their directions, taking twists and turns all over the campus, seeing all sorts of sights unfold before them, from tiny alleyways all the way to grand and massive halls.
With no classes in the afternoon, there were also many more students roaming about and wandering the campus, everything much livelier than it was in the morning. They all played games, chatted out loud, did some alchemy, and so much more, passing their time in any way they can.
A couple more turns, and the sight was dyed green, crystal glimmers shimmering all over the place as sunlight reflected on the glass panes, the refreshing scent of the wind greeting them as they arrived at their destination.
"Welcome! To our marvelous Greenhouse!" ［Edin］
Declared Edin with a bright and proud smile on his face, extending his arms out in both directions. Behind him were plants, plants, and even more plants, the landscape dyed green with all the leaves and blades present.
Common house flowers, flowering orchids, medicinal herbs, forest weeds, luscious bushes, small trees filled with flowers, a patch of empty soil, shovels, trowels, and many more. It was a sight to see, filled with all sorts of materials.
There were even a beehive and a miniature pond present, all so they could harvest honey and algae which are common materials in alchemy. Though not as massive and varied as the ones nobles and royalty possess, it was still pretty amazing."
"Waah～! Is this your greenhouse, Edin?" ［Yuna］
"Not just mine, I also share this with Alea, Kale, and 5 other students. We take turns taking care of the plants here." ［Edin］
"Amazing! As expected of Darius Academy!" ［Yuna］
"Of course! We're all geniuses here, after all!" ［Edin］
Ignoring Edin's pointless and nonsensical remark, Grey and Yuna wandered around the greenhouse, their eyes swimming left and right. They may all be common things for them, but it was still interesting to see what other alchemists work with.
And while not as rare and powerful, there was also a magic plant present, and even some plants which Grey and Yuna had never seen before. They were plants which were bred and cultivated by the students themselves.
"Hm? This is...?" ［Yuna］
Amongst those plants was a tall bush with rose-looking flowers, the petals almost entirely red, only the edges dyed a contrasting blue color. It carried a wonderfully pleasant smell as well, mild yet sweet and citrusy.
"I wonder what's this caー" ［Yuna］
"Ohh! You have a good eye, Elena!" ［Edin］
Yuna couldn't even finish her words, an excited Edin cutting her off. There was a sudden, bursting flare in his eyes as he approached the young lady, looking like a madman who just found his next prey enthusiastic as can be.
"Uh... Umm... Edin, is this perhaps yours?" ［Yuna］
"That's right! This is one of my most recent creations, which I call 'Specimen-404'! Also known as the 'Lorinia Fairy Flower'! I made it with the wild Lorinia Rose and selected the offsprings which have a pleasant smell! Not only are these beautiful, they're also fragrant, and have a therapeutic effect! Also..." ［Edin］
Yadda... Yadda... Yadda...
Yuna only asked a single question and Edin started explaining all about the flower he just cultivated relatively recently. He has turned into a complete chatterbox, not sparing a single detail as she explained things to Yuna.
His words fired off like bullets of a machine-gun, heading to more complex topics relating to the history of the Lorina Forest, and the inventions using the Lorinia Rose. It was quite the lengthy explanation, but Yuna listened fervently. She was an alchemist, after all. There was no way she would let go of such a chance.
"You're amazing, Edin! This is fantastic!" ［Yuna］
"Of course! I'm a genius, after all!" ［Edin］
"Then that must mean you're making 'those', right?" ［Yuna］
"That's right! I'm going to revolutionize them!" ［Edin］
"Un! Perfume!" ［Yuna］ "Fart bombs 6.0!" ［Edin］
They were in sync as they opened their mouths, but their words couldn't be any more different. Their thoughts were the exact opposite of one another, Yuna letting out a subtle "Eh?" as question marks floated in her head.
"You see, ever since I was a child, I always wondered how stinkbugs are able to survive despite being so small and weak. And then I realized it was because of their terrible and notorious stench! And then I thought to myself, what if I apply a strong stench to myself! And then...." ［Edin］
And so, he went off his own world again, explaining about things no one even asked about as if there was tomorrow. His way of thinking was simply on another plane of existence, Yuna only able to stare at him with puzzled eyes.
It wasn't just Yuna, but everyone else as well. They were all taken aback, Kale and Alea in particular shaking their heads in reassignment. It was the first such a thing happened, and it won't be the last either...
"Kale, Alea.... Uhm... This may be a bit rude to ask about your friend, but... Is Edin perhaps... an idiot...?" ［Grey］
"...Unfortunately... Yeah..." ［Alea］
"I'm really sorry about this..." ［Kale］
CHAPTER 364 END