After finding the next path, Adam did not immediately devote himself to studying enthusiastically.
After all, he wanted to study magic to protect his life and live better. With the magic stone in hand, he had enough time to slowly enrich himself. There was no need to give up his current enjoyment just to rush for time.
Wednesday of the second week of the first school year was the day Adam encountered wizard chess for the first time in his life.
"Check!"
As Stein shouted excitedly, the white king on Adam's side of the chessboard looked at the approaching enemy and trembled on his throne. This was already the fourth time today. If not for the constraints of the rules, it would have run away.
Adam analyzed the board and sighed.
"I lost... Stein, you're really good at wizard chess."
"Hehe~ It's not that great."
Stein twisted uncomfortably on the sofa.
"Adam, you're good too. You've just learned the rules and already play well."
Adam smiled, petting Mark and Sibi, who were curled up on his lap. He waved his wand, restoring the wizard chess pieces.
Wizard chess pieces restore themselves after a game, but it takes some time. Those eager for the next game, like them, have to either restore the pieces themselves or bring out another set.
"By the way, Adam, how's your Potions homework?"
"I've already finished it."
"Ah—how about you, Mark?"
"Finished."
"Okay... I'll write mine after dinner."
Stein didn't have the habit of copying homework. He only asked to check the others' progress—if everyone had finished, it was probably time for him to start writing.
"Hey, why are you all in the dormitory? Everyone's outside talking about tomorrow's flying lesson!"
Robert and Uther returned to the dormitory, watching their three friends share stories they'd heard in the Great Hall.
"They're all lying to you. Even if you're a wizard, the adults at home won't let children ride broomsticks before attending school."
Stein advanced his pieces without looking up.
"Broomsticks are like cars in the wizarding world. What parent would let their child drive before getting a license? It's too dangerous."
Persuaded by Adam, the knight hesitated before stepping forward to block the opponent's pieces.
"Yeah."
Mark nodded in agreement.
"What?"
Uther and Robert were shocked. So many people in the Great Hall had told stories—could they all be lies?
"Bernard, maybe you wouldn't understand, but Uther, aren't you from a wizarding family? How did you not know?"
Stein looked up, puzzled.
"I thought they were being serious. I figured things were different in the UK..."
Uther sighed and sat on the sofa.
"Oh, by the way, Adam, the house-elf in the kitchen asked us to give this to you."
Uther dug through his pockets and handed Adam a box.
"What's in it? Making something new?"
"It's a new snack."
Adam opened the box, revealing it was filled with chestnuts. This box, gifted by his grandma, had been enchanted with an undetectable extension charm. It should last a long time.
"I need some other ingredients to bake the cake, but I'm busy this afternoon. How about making sugar-roasted chestnuts for tonight?"
Cooking them with magic wouldn't be tiring anyway.
"Great!"
His roommates, unfamiliar with roasted chestnuts, were simply eager to try Adam's cooking.
That night, the dormitory was filled with the sweet aroma of honey, syrup, and chestnuts. The freshly roasted chestnuts split open slightly, revealing a bit of yellow flesh. A little force was all it took to crack them open.
Popping one into your mouth, the soft, sweet chestnut flesh, still warm, transformed into creamy chestnut puree. The sweetness of syrup and honey blended with the natural starchiness, creating a layered sweetness that brought a sense of happiness.
"Ah~ No, if I keep eating like this, I'll get fat! I think I already have a belly!"
Uther, who had eaten nearly a pound of chestnuts, wailed from his bed, clutching his stomach.
"Stop exaggerating. You're not fat at all. You're just full, and it'll go away after you digest it."
Adam thought for a moment before adding:
"Besides, if you do gain weight, Hogwarts food is way oilier and sweeter than what I make. I'd only be partially responsible."
"Ugh... I need to start losing weight!"
Seeing Uther so distressed, Adam offered:
"Fine, next time I cook, I won't invite you."
"Yes, yes, I'll eat your share. I have no intention of watching my weight."
Stein grinned, knowing he never gained weight despite eating so much.
"No! Adam, you have to let me eat with you!"
Adam: "..."
Some people don't seem to understand what it means to lose weight.
"Tomorrow is our first flying lesson. I hope the weather will be nice," Robert sighed. Even though he had come to terms with being a wizard, the thought of riding a broomstick still felt surreal.
Except for those afraid of heights, who could resist the allure of flying?
"Let's hope so."
Adam wasn't sure when he fell asleep, but when he woke up, the room was already filled with light.
"Huh?! How come you guys woke up before me today?"
Adam was surprised to find himself the last one up. He checked the alarm clock by his bed... His internal clock was still fine—he had woken up around the same time as usual.
"Today we have flying lessons. Everyone was too excited to sleep."
Robert was already putting on his socks.
Robert had started as a boy with impeccable clothes, wearing accessories like garter clips and shirt stays that Adam thought were some sort of special wizard gear. Now, after living with his friends, Robert had started tossing his socks around and casually throwing on his shirt.
Uther, who once took second place in needing the most time to get ready, thanks to his makeup routine, had now moved to the top of the list.
"Perfect, not many clouds today. Looks like a sunny day!"
Stein stood by the window, hands on his hips.
"Won't it be too sunny?"
"I doubt the British sun will make you any darker."
Uther shot Stein a look, rolling his eyes.
It seemed the entire first-year class would have flying lessons today. In the common room, the usually grounded Hufflepuffs were buzzing with excitement. In the Great Hall, students bragged to their classmates about flying experiences.
For instance, a platinum-haired boy claimed he had once dodged a Muggle helicopter while riding a broomstick.
"At that distance, he would've been sucked into the propeller."
Robert's expression was dubious. He didn't know much about broomsticks but knew helicopters well enough to spot the absurdity.
"These people love telling tall tales, don't they?"
Adam patted Robert on the shoulder.
"Let's go; our flying class is the first one today."
(End of the chapter)