By the time orientation ended, my stomach was growling louder than a dragon with a toothache. Thankfully, the Academy cafeteria was as grand as everything else here—vaulted ceilings, chandeliers glowing with soft mana-light, and enchanted trays flying overhead with steaming food.
—inner thoughts—
Forget magic classes. Forget prestige. Forget glory.
THIS. This right here is the true reason to attend CM Academy. Food fit for royalty. Maybe I’ll graduate with honors in “Buffet Devouring.” 🥲
—end monologue—
“Lizzy, don’t overeat,” Priscilla murmured, carefully balancing a tray of dainty sandwiches.
“Mmhm,” I said, already stacking my plate like a tower of heaven. “One must fuel greatness, little sis. Greatness cannot run on lettuce alone.”
Glazier sat at the far end of the table, posture straight, a modest meal neatly arranged before him.
“…Brother, is that all you’re eating? Just soup?”
“Efficient,” he replied flatly, spoon moving with military precision.
“Efficient, he says,” I muttered, shoving a roll into my mouth. “Meanwhile, I’m preparing for a war.”
I was halfway through devouring my mountain of food when a loud, cheerful voice boomed across the cafeteria:
“Oi! You there—the peasant girl in Special Class!”
The fork froze halfway to my mouth. Slowly… I turned.
Marching toward me was a girl with fiery red hair tied messily into a ponytail. Her uniform was half-buttoned, her tie loose, her grin sharp and confident. She plopped her tray across from me with zero hesitation, startling nearby nobles.
Whispers rippled instantly:
“Isn’t that Ashley Summerdale?”
“Cousin of Prince Ashton…”
“She’s… unusually loud for a noble.”
Ashley slammed her tray down. “So! You’re LizCiel, right? The magicless one who somehow landed in Special Class?”
The cafeteria went silent. Forks paused. Even enchanted cutlery froze mid-air.
Priscilla flinched. “L-Lizzy, maybe don’t—”
Glazier muttered, “Unnecessary noise.”
I, however, grinned, brushing crumbs off my hands. “Wow, straight to the point. No ‘hello,’ no ‘how’s your day,’ just a dramatic spotlight on my deepest flaw. I like your style.”
Ashley’s grin widened. “Ha! I knew you’d be interesting. So tell me—what’s your secret? Bribery? Blackmail? Did you save a professor’s cat from a tree?”
I gasped, clutching my chest. “How did you know?! The cat and I swore secrecy!”
Ashley blinked—then burst into booming laughter. A loud, unladylike laugh that made half the nobles recoil in horror. “BAHAHA! You’re hilarious! No wonder they shoved you into Special Class.”
“Correction,” I said, wagging my finger. “They put me there because I’m secretly the lost daughter of a goddess, destined to save the world with the power of… bread rolls.” I took a huge bite for emphasis.
Ashley slapped the table, laughing even harder. “Ohhh, I like you, peasant girl! You’re not boring like the rest of these stiff-necked nobles.”
That’s when a sharp, venomous voice sliced through the cafeteria.
“Or maybe,” Francine Darkstar sneered, standing with Ophelia and Nixy at her side, “she’s just an embarrassment who doesn’t belong here.”
I didn’t even turn. I just raised my roll like a sword. “Fear not, noble lady! This bread shall shield me from your bitterness.”
Snickers erupted across the room. A few nobles choked on their drinks trying not to laugh.
Francine’s eyes burned. Ophelia’s mouth twisted in disgust. Nixy’s icy glare could’ve frozen lava.
Ashley glanced at them, then back at me. “Ohhh, these are your enemies?”
“Correction again,” I said sweetly. “My fan club. They follow me everywhere. Adorable, right?”
Ashley doubled over, slapping her knee. “HAHAHA! You’re killing me!”
Francine’s fists clenched. “Enjoy your jokes while you can, peasant. Your time here will be short.” With a huff, the trio stormed off, gowns swishing like angry peacocks.
Ashley leaned across the table, eyes gleaming. “Seriously though, LizCiel. A magicless peasant in Special Class? That’s unheard of. There’s gotta be something more to you.”
I winked, sipping my drink. “Oh, Ashley, if I told you… I’d have to erase your memory. And I’m way too lazy for that.”
She squinted, then grinned wolfishly. “Fine. Keep your secrets. But I’ll find out eventually.”
“Good luck.” I raised my bread roll like a toast. “Even I don’t know what I’m doing half the time.”
Ashley clinked her cup against my bread. “To chaos, then.”
“To chaos,” I echoed, smiling.
—inner thoughts—
And just like that, I’d made my first… friend? Frenemy? Loud stalker? Whatever she was, Ashley Summerdale was nosy, shameless, and hilarious.
Honestly… I kinda liked her.
—end monologue—
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