"How are the both of you so well informed about the school?" I asked, genuinely curious as we continued walking.
Natalia let out a light laugh, her green eyes twinkling with amusement. "Oh, that's easy. We bought a pamphlet in the main city for an absolutely exorbitant price," she said, holding up her fingers to emphasize the absurdity.
Noel nodded, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "It was overpriced but worth it. The pamphlet covers everything—the dorms, the dining options, even the training facilities. Though," she added with a playful glance at Natalia, "someone might have gone a little overboard trying to buy it."
Natalia rolled her eyes dramatically. "Hey, it was a limited edition! And besides, now we have all the insider info."
I couldn't help but chuckle at their antics. "Well, I guess that's one way to be prepared. Though I'm not sure, I'd have spent a fortune for a pamphlet."
"It's called investing in our success, Samuel," Natalia said with mock seriousness, before breaking into a grin. "You'll thank us later when you're not wandering around aimlessly."
Noel added, "Besides, now you benefit from all that knowledge for free. Consider it our good deed for the day."
"Fair enough," I said, shaking my head with a laugh. "I'll take all the help I can get."
As we stepped into the dining hall, Starlight Express, I took in the cozy yet sophisticated design. The left side of the room was littered with tables, each displaying an impressive variety of dishes from across the different sectors of the galaxy, from vibrant, steaming soups to intricately plated meals.
Opposite the entrance, the open kitchen buzzed with energy. Flames flared momentarily as chefs worked with precision, their movements a seamless dance of culinary expertise. Aromas of roasted spices, grilled meats, and fresh herbs filled the air, mingling with the soft hum of conversation. Above the counter, a glowing holo-menu displayed the custom order options, showcasing the promise of meals tailored to suit the diverse palates and dietary needs of the students.
The warm lighting cast a golden glow over the dining hall, enhancing its inviting yet sophisticated ambiance. Natalia's eyes sparkled as she scanned the offerings. "Alright," she said, turning to us with a grin. "What are you both in the mood for? I'm definitely heading for a custom order. No matter how good it smells, you don't come to a place like this to settle for buffet food."
Noel laughed, her pink eyes lingering on the vibrant dishes at one of the tables. "I might just grab something from the buffet for now—quick and easy. But I can't deny the custom orders are tempting."
I glanced between the glowing menu and the tables brimming with food, my stomach growling once again. "Honestly, I'm starving enough to eat everything in sight," I said with a grin. "Maybe I'll do both."
Natalia chuckled, nudging me lightly with her elbow. "Ambitious, aren't you?"
I shrugged, still eyeing the spread. "Not ambitious—I'm just starving after the entrance exam. Pretty sure I haven't had a proper meal in days" Then, turning to both of them, I suggested, "Do you just want to split up and meet back at one of the central tables?"
Noel nodded, her pink eyes scanning the seating area. "That works for me. I'll grab something quick from the buffet and snag us a spot."
"Sounds like a plan," Natalia agreed, already heading toward the custom order counter. She tossed a playful look over her shoulder. "Don't take too long, Samuel. The good seats might be gone by the time you've decided."
"I'll keep that in mind," I said with a laugh before making my way toward the open kitchen.
The extravagant menu loomed above me, glowing softly with a dizzying array of options. From intricate galactic cuisine to hearty comfort food, the sheer variety was daunting. After a moment of deliberation, I settled on Vencath, a high-end cut of red meat prized for its tenderness and rich flavour, paired with a side of roasted vegetables.
The chefs moved with practiced precision, flames flaring and knives flashing as they prepared my order. Within minutes, my plate was ready—perfectly arranged and steaming hot. I quickly thanked the chefs before making my way toward the central dining area, balancing the tray carefully.
Spotting Noel and Natalia already seated at a table near the middle of the room, I smiled. Noel was quietly sipping from a glass of water, her plate neatly arranged with a mix of vibrant greens and what looked like a light soup. Natalia, on the other hand, was in the middle of an animated conversation, gesturing with a fork as she spoke, her plate loaded with what could only be described as a feast, though it also contained mostly vegetables without any sort of meat.
"Looks like I'm late to the party," I said as I reached the table, setting my plate down and sliding into a seat.
Natalia glanced at my plate, her green eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Your meal just took longer to make since it consisted of meat," she remarked, giving me a teasing grin. "Both Noel and I stick to plant-based dishes, so our orders were probably quicker to prepare."
I nodded, realizing her point as I glanced at their plates. Natalia's spread was vibrant and colourful, packed with roasted vegetables, grains, and an array of sauces, while Noel's meal was far more straightforward—a composed salad accompanied by what appeared to be a warm, aromatic broth.
"I went with a custom order, too," Noel chimed in after a moment, her soft voice drawing my attention. "Something light from the salad section. It seemed like the best choice after the long day."
"Guess that makes me the odd one out," I said with a chuckle, cutting into my Vencath. The aroma alone was enough to make my mouth water. "Though to be fair, I think my stomach would have revolted if I hadn't gone for something hearty."
Natalia laughed. "I get it. But hey, I hear the chefs here are some of the best in the galaxy, so you might just have converted us by the end of this meal."
Noel gave a small smile, her pink eyes sparkling with amusement as she took another sip of her broth. "Natalia stop joking around, we both know full well we won't be switching to a meat based diat anytime soon."
Natalia rested her chin in her hand and exhaled dramatically. "I know, I know," she said, casting a playful glance in my direction. "Sadly, the Sylvan digestive track wasn't meant for the consumption of meat. Though I must admit, watching you enjoy your meal makes me a little envious.
Our conversation flowed effortlessly as the three of us enjoyed our meals, the relaxed and light atmosphere being a stark contrast to the prior days event. The hum of conversation around use created a pleasant atmosphere unit it was abruuply interrupted by a booming voice echoed throughout the room.
Our conversation continued to flow effortlessly as we enjoyed our meals, the atmosphere light and relaxed. The hum of conversations around us created a pleasant backdrop until it was abruptly interrupted by a booming voice echoing across the dining hall.
"Cousin! I didn't expect to meet you here!" A voice dripping with condescension cut through the chatter like a sharp gust of wind, drawing the attention of everyone at our table.
I turned, already dreading the sight, and there he was. His massive, imposing figure filled the restaurant doorway, casting a shadow over the room. As he entered the establishment, his sun-kissed bronze skin glowed under the faint sunlight. He had a grin on his square face that stretched wide in an uncanny manner that did little to mask the malice lurking in his sharp green eyes.
His light orange hair bounced as he approached. It was dishevelled in a somewhat purposeful way—calculated chaos that, according to him, would apparently exude charm or intimidation, depending on the audience.
As my gaze met his from beneath the veil, I felt a tight knot form in my stomach.
It was him. Of all People.