Lunchtime could easily be the best moment of an academy day, especially when the meals were prepared by the finest cooks in all of Sancta Vedelia, designed to please the greatest nobles and their progeny.
"It's really spacious," Annabelle remarked, looking around the bustling cafeteria.
"Well, with the first years, second years, and third years, it gets quite crowded," I replied, scanning the room for an isolated table.
I noticed Victor sitting alone with Selene, much like John and Amelia at another table. Celes, Cylien, and Elizabeth were seated together, with Sephira joining them. I had expected Sirius to be with Sephira, but she was chatting with Cain, who looked bored. Given the recent events, it was wise not to leave Cain alone.
Alicia was sitting with Roda, which was a pleasant change from her usual solitary meals. Adrian was still absent, presumably unconscious. I was fairly certain it wasn't my fault. Had Behemoth done something to him while he was recovering?
My gaze then shifted to some peculiar elves. Lykhor and Allen were seated with Alvara, who sat as if she owned the place. One of her slaves held an umbrella over her while she ate gracefully. She hadn't changed a bit.
Finally, I noticed Percy Moonfang conversing with Dentiel Elaryon. Both were Pretenders, but I hadn't paid them much mind until now. They hadn't caused any trouble so far.
"Let's sit at that table over there," I suggested, guiding Annabelle toward a secluded table for two, perfect for us.
"May I join you girls?"
An irritating voice reached my ears. My gaze immediately turned cold upon seeing Earth. He wore a refreshing smile as he approached Celeste, Cylien, and Elizabeth.
"Oh, Earth, well, if you don't mind girls' discussions," Celes replied with a giggle.
"I don't mind at all. In fact, I'm quite curious about what the three great beauties of the Academy might be discussing about men," Earth laughed, taking a seat between Celes and Elizabeth.
As I felt a surge of anger rising, Annabelle gently tugged on my sleeve, pulling me back to the present.
She looked at me worriedly. Annabelle was aware of who Earth was and knew about my past memories, so there was nothing to hide. But she was genuinely concerned about me.
"Sorry about that, let's eat," I said, taking my seat.
We ordered our meals, and soon the staff brought all our dishes.
"It smells really good!" Annabelle exclaimed, her eyes lighting up.
"The cooks here can prepare dishes from various countries and traditions. Must be new for you. Just ask for whatever you want," I said, sipping my glass of grape juice.
Now I truly felt at peace, dining with Annabelle. It was genuinely healing.
I should invite Samara next time as well.
"Do you like it?" I asked Annabelle.
"Mm! I've never tasted anything , but it's really good," she said, her eyes wide with delight.
"Eat as much as you want," I smiled.
Annabelle nodded, tucking her blonde hair behind her ear. "Thank you, Edward."
"Hm? For what?" I asked, puzzled.
"For bringing me here and for this," she said, likely referring to our peaceful meal together. "I am really happy."
She beamed a genuine grin at me.
I sighed as I stroked her hair. "If this much can make you happy, I'm willing to do it every day, Anna. Your and Samara's happiness are my priorities. Ask me for anything you want, and I will bring it to you."
Annabelle smiled sadly. "I wish Mary could be here with us..."
I grasped her hand gently. "I wish that too."
She rarely spoke about it, but I knew Annabelle had been quite traumatized by that day in the Enigma Dungeon. She witnessed Mary disappearing right in front of us, and she herself was nearly erased by Leon.
Just thinking about it made my blood boil.
I really love her as a friend, but Leon, regardless of how important he was to her, is someone I can't forgive.
"I promise you. You will see her again soon." I said seriously.
Persephone was in the underworld, making it complicated for my current self, but I had a plan. Naturally, Hades, a God, stood in the way of taking Persephone, but even Gods had their fears.
Once the Second Game concluded, I would focus on retrieving Persephone. But before that, it was crucial to create bodies for Anna and Samara.
Initially, I planned to request assistance from the Heads. Melfina had mentioned that if I performed well in the previous exam, I might have the leverage to ask. However, that plan was derailed when I couldn't hold back my tongue and insulted them after my mother's kidnapping. There was no chance they'd grant me access to the Holy Tree now.
I needed another strategy. Some Heads would undoubtedly refuse me access. The Dolphis Kingdom despised me, much like the Teraquin House. The Raven Head, Lazarus, was a lost cause—I had angered him last time. The Elaryon House hadn't been directly offended by me, but all Elves held a grudge against me, so that was out too.
Fortunately, I had a good relationship with the Zestella and Tepes Houses. The Moonfang House, however, remained neutral. It didn't look promising...
"Don't worry, Edward. Samara and I aren't in a hurry, you know," Annabelle said with a reassuring smile, sensing my frustration.
"Right, just wait a bit longer."
"I'll wait forever for you, Edward," Annabelle displayed a charming smile as she slowly ate a meatball.
"Alright, no dessert for you."
From whom she learned such seducing gesture and expressions?
No need to look far, it was without doubts from Layla.
After enjoying a hearty meal with Annabelle, I stood up, feeling the contentment of good food settle within me, and made my way toward Celeste.
There were no classes scheduled for the afternoon, allowing everyone the freedom to stay and study if they chose. However, I had no intention of spending my time buried in books.
"I think you've had enough to eat, Celes," I called out from behind her.
"Ah!" Celeste shivered, startled by my sudden presence, and turned around, glaring at me with her cheeks puffed out and crumbs adorning her lips.
"I said you've eaten enough, don't you think? Unless you're aiming to break a new weight record. If that's the case, you're well on your way," I said, recalling the time I had lifted her effortlessly.
'Then what else could it be?'
I already had a pretty good idea. It was obviously her chest!
"W-Where are you looking?!" Celeste exclaimed, standing up abruptly and swinging her fist toward my face in an attempt to punch me, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. I dodged her blows with ease.
"My bad, that was disrespectful. You aren't heavy," I said, tilting my head to the side in a gesture of apology.
"I'm not angry about that!" she retorted, raising her leg to kick me, which I quickly caught with my hand.
"Sorry for staring at your chest. I was just a bit...attracted," I admitted.
"Attracted? I didn't think you were someone that simple," she said, a smirk of her own appearing.
I grimaced. "I am still a man. For example, right now, my gaze can't help but be drawn toward your visible thighs and—"
"Shut up!" Celeste quickly jumped back, pinching down her skirt.
"That was a good training session. Now, follow me," I said, turning on my heel.
"Ah? Where?" Celeste asked confused.
"I need you for something," I replied, not slowing my pace.
"What do I get in return?" She asked mischievously.
"I thought we were supposed to be friends?" I frowned, glancing back at her.
"Well, even friends can gift each other!" She huffed.
"I guess you're right. What do you want? A diet plan?" I asked with a laugh.
"D-Die!!" She screamed, lunging at me again. I deftly dodged to my left, only to inadvertently bump into something soft.
Quickly, I caught the arm of the person I had stumbled into and the object that had nearly fallen to the ground. When I turned around, I found myself holding a golden umbrella.
My gaze traveled downward, meeting a pair of striking yellow-green eyes. I am dead.