"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 uand my iy. 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 listeo 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.

  Yu on listening to the three, smiling ever so gently as they watched them fight, argue, tease, aaliate 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 stubboro try out everything that es 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 ter." ［Kale］

  "That's only natural. How could we fight on ay stomach?" ［Edin］

  Everio of childhood friends stopped after hearing the bell, fully aowledging that lunes first before anything. It was as if they weren't just about to engage i anfight, now looking like a normal bunch or friends.

  Though, not like Yuna doesn't uand 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 ihe young dy, she grabbed her hands, immediately departing afterwards. They all headed towards the cafeteria, all looking forward to what dishes were avaible 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 dy 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 deli, but Alea. The girl who is known as the "Rabid Dog" of Darius, even overp the uppercssman boys.

  "Mmn... You are popur, 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］

  ented 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 plexion, 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 wao. All they could do t defeat and recede the throo Yuna. She was simply on another level.

  "Hm? Is there something on my face?" ［Yuna］

  "Nothing... I just think that Elena's really cute aiful." ［Alea］

  "Fufufu! I think Alea is plenty cute and pretty too!" ［Yuna］

  "Huh? Cute? Pretty? Which part of this goril 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 bashfulo red from anger, Edi 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 retty smooth, not a single person b them. And thanks to Yuna's popurity, they also got to skip a li was better eveer than a VIP pass,

  "Hoh～! We should bring Eleime 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 chi soup, ginger pork steak, sunny-side up eggs, vegetable sad, and a cold serving e juice. It may not pare 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 banutrition in mind, the meals ging 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 rge and voracious appetite.

  "Elena, is the meal not to your liking?" ［Alea］

  "Ah, not at all. I was just w what to eat first." ［Yuna］

  "In that case, you just o 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 o do was hold out until her beloved arrived and everything would be resolved. Everythi 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 otion.

  Surprisingly, the cause of it was all but a single person. His bck 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 her than Grey, surrounded by girls from all dires, eae of them pressing towards him, squealing like fangirls who just got to meet their favorite idol. It was like a faing.

  "Waah.... What a handsome man..." ［Alea］

  Even Alea who was oomboyish 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 ter.

  Well, even if the dies 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 ag santly. This is why I hate exge 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 pierg icy gres.

  But such icy gres felt like a lie, a smile on his face blooming like spring as he faced a certain dire. It was sht, it was blinding, shooting arrows in the hearts of many dies. A loud pandemonium of squeals followed soon after.

  "E-Elena! He just smiled at me, right?! O-Or was it you? Geez! I 't tell!" ［Alea］

  Of course, that smile was directed to her than his dearest and most beloved fiahe young dy reciprog with a subtle smile. They were smiles which caused all sorts of misuandings here and there.

  "E-Elena! He's gngー No, he's heading over here!" ［Alea］

  Grey soon fiaking his etting a fi like Yuna did. His steps then resounded in the air once again, heading in Yuna's dire. Everyone couldn't help but look at them, w 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 was a baffling se, everyone puzzled about what just happened. An outstandiy and a cool and handsome guy just talked to one another, looking picture perfect together as they exged words.

  "Oh, I did hear there were 2 exge students that came roday. You must have e 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 nont statement, their mouths wide open in agape, and so were their eyes. It was a bombshell.

  "o meet you. You call me Shin, I'm Elena's fiancé." ［Grey］

  """"Fiancé?! They're engaged?!""""

  Everyone had the same rea, shocked and surprised as one be, the sound of brokes shattering all over the cafeteria, a deep and sharp sensation striking everyone's hearts and making them bleed. It's name ain.

  The boys wao deny it, and the girls regretted listening to them, both sides taking huge hits from the sudden realization. It was great that 2 geous people joihe Academy, but to think they were eo 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 su oute, but they weled it with open arms.

  "Haah... To think that hanー I mean, Shin, was your fiancé... Sorry, Elena... My words must have made you unfortable...." ［Alea］

  "No, it's okay. It's not like you knew. I should have told you sooner." ［Yuna］

  "I'm gd... Thank you for uanding, 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 ptes upon ptes of food are dispyed, two people happily digging in with smiles on their faces. Now, everyone is looking at them for airely 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 whearted wolfing them down, it was another kind of "amazing", everyone uo believe their eyes.

  They were especially frightened of the young dy whose ears were fpping up and down whilst she enjoyed her food. Of course, she was minding her manners, eating "dy-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 expnation, ended with a bright smile. Alea didn't ask any further and just accepted the truth before her, still uo 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 pte. I'll eat more ter." ［Alea］

  To be ho, Alea has a lot more to say, but couldn't bring herself to when she doesn't even know how t her words right for the two. Though, it was airely 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 yiven?!" ［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 ehhly.

  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 ughed 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 apanying it. The four of them soon headed back to their s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 csses iernoon." ［Grey］

  """A meeting...?"""

  But just as they were about to part ways, Grey broke a suddeo everyone, all of them wearing puzzled faces and uo 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 deli here. Don't you know something o pass time? Like games or something like that? Anything?" ［Alea］

  "No, I have nothing in mind, and... I'm not a deli, goddammit!" ［Kale］

  While students would usually be excited at su annou, everyone was rather troubled with what they should be doing with all the free time in their hands. Eae 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 ughter echoed in the air, Edin weari another untrustworthy expression. He was very sure of himself, announg his words with fidence.

  "Si'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 procimed 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 thah. 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 w on his character. Kale and Alea were already insulting him, but he didn't mind such remarks, his ears only filtering in what he wao hear, Grey and Yuna not knowing how to react.

  "Of course! I also have the perfect p mind!" ［Edin］

  And off they go, once again kig up some dust as they ge their dires, 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 csses iernoon, there were also many more students roaming about and wandering the campus, everything much livelier than it was in the m. They all pyed games, chatted out loud, did some alchemy, and so much more, passing their time in any way they .

  A couple more turns, and the sight was dyed green, crystal glimmers shimmering all over the pce as sunlight reflected on the gss pahe refreshing st of the wind greeting them as they arrived at their destination.

  "Wele! To our marvelous Greenhouse!" ［Edin］

  Decred Edin with a bright and proud smile on his face, extending his arms out in both dires. Behind him were pnts, pnts, and even more pnts, the ndscape dyed green with all the leaves and bdes present.

  on house flowers, fl orchids, medial herbs, forest weeds, luscious bushes, small trees filled with flowers, a patpty 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 aterials in alchemy. Though not as massive and varied as the ones nobles and royalty possess, it was still pretty amazing."

  "Waah～! Is this yreenhouse, Edin?" ［Yuna］

  "Not just mine, I also share this with Alea, Kale, and 5 other students. We take turns taking care of the pnts here." ［Edin］

  "Amazing! As expected of Darius Academy!" ［Yuna］

  "Of course! We're all geniuses here, after all!" ［Edin］

  Ign Edin's pointless and nonsensical remark, Grey and Yuna wandered around the greenhouse, their eyes swimmi and right. They may all be on things for them, but it was still iing to see what other alchemists work with.

  And while not as rare and powerful, there was also a magit present, and even some pnts which Grey and Yuna had never seen before. They were pnts which were bred and cultivated by the students themselves.

  "Hm? This is...?" ［Yuna］

  Amongst those pnts was a tall bush with rose-looking flowers, the petals almost entirely red, only the edges dyed a trasting 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, aed Edin cutting her off. There was a sudden, bursting fre in his eyes as he approached the young dy, looking like a madman who just found his prey enthusiastic as be.

  "Uh... Umm... Edin, is this perhaps yours?" ［Yuna］

  "That's right! This is one of my most ret creations, which I call 'Spe-404'! Also known as the 'Lorinia Fairy Flower'! I made it with the wild Lorinia Rose aed the offsprings which have a pleasant smell! Not only are these beautiful, they're alsrant, and have a therapeutic effect! Also..." ［Edin］

  Yadda... Yadda... Yadda...

  Yuna only asked a single question and Edin started expining all about the flower he just cultivated retively retly. He has turned into a plete chatterbox, not sparing a siail as she expihings to Yuna.

  His words fired off like bullets of a mae-gun, heading to more plex topics reting to the history of the Lorina Forest, and the iions using the Lorinia Rose. It was quite the lengthy expnation, but Yuna listened fervently. She was an alchemist, after all. There was no way she would let go of such a ce.

  "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 revolutiohem!" ［Edin］

  "Un! Perfume!" ［Yuna］  "Fart bombs 6.0!" ［Edin］

  They were in sync as they opeheir mouths, but their words couldn't be any more different. Their thoughts were the exact opposite of one another, Yuing 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 stenyself! And then...." ［Edin］

  And so, he went off his own world again, expining about things no one even asked about as if there was tomorrow. His way of thinking was simply on another pne 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 particur shaking their heads in reassig. It was the first such a thing happened, and it won't be the st 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