| Author: Eltria | Original Source: Syosetu |
| Translator: Mui | English Source: Re:Library |
| Editor(s): Robinxen | |
Avoiding malice was easy, but in the world of children, that would signify ‘losing.’
After some contemplation, I decided to have lunch in the cafeteria as usual. The cafeteria offered freshly cooked warm meals for purchase, and students could either buy lunch or eat the packed lunches they brought. Additionally, during lunchtime, there were mobile food stalls known as school stores that appeared on campus, allowing students the freedom to eat whatever they liked wherever they pleased.
Alfe and I sat facing each other, enjoying the lunch my mother had prepared.
The standard sandwich filling included anchovy potato salad and fruits. Alfe’s sandwich contained ham, cheese, and vegetables. Alfe made a slightly displeased face after taking a bite. I could easily imagine that there were vegetables Alfe didn’t like hidden between the ham and cheese. Judy had a tendency to sneak vegetables between the ham and cheese to get Alfe to eat them. The vegetables today were slices of zucchini. I don’t remember it having a distinctive taste, so if she could eat leafy vegetables she should be able to handle it, but…
“Sourrr.”
It seemed like they were pickled in vinegar, probably because it had become warmer. It didn’t bother me much, but children’s taste buds were more sensitive compared to adults, particularly to bitterness and acidity. This was likely an inherent biological trait to prevent the ingestion of toxins or spoiled food.
When I was still a street child scavenging through garbage, the functionality of such taste buds was quite helpful. However, despite knowing better, I’ve lost to hunger countless times and stuffed myself with things I shouldn’t have.
“…Want to swap with mine?”
“Yeah!”
Since we had received quite a few envious glares during class, it seemed like a good idea to relax during lunchtime. Offering to swap, Alfe’s eyes sparkled, and she nodded enthusiastically.
“Oh, but…”
“It’s okay if it’s already been bitten. Or should I take those vegetables and a new one?”
“Sure.”
Come to think of it, the other sandwich also had vegetables. Waiting for Alfe’s reaction, I used a fork to remove the zucchini from the partially eaten sandwich and placed it on the new one. I handed Alfe my anchovy potato salad sandwich in return.
“This is a bit sour too. Can you handle it?”
Come to think of it, there was a bit of vinegar in this one too, but Alfe seemed to like this flavor. Maybe it was a matter of quantity.
“This is the flavor you like, Leafa, so I like it too1.”
I see, both my mother and Alfe recognized this as my favorite. While it did taste good, I don’t remember ever explicitly saying it was my favorite. Lost in thought, I quickly finished the meal, leaving only the fruits.
“You can take your time eating.”
As a precaution, I reminded Alfe and took a sip of water before eating the fruits. I’ve become quite accustomed, but I still should pay attention to my habit of eating things quickly when distracted. Still, the fact that no one would take away my food even if I ate slowly was a blessing. Though it was a bit dizzying to see those who casually left their food half-eaten…
In the cafeteria, some students freely ordered whatever they wanted, leaving what they didn’t finish. Perhaps it’s because they were kids and hadn’t figured out how much they could eat, but it was still unsettling that they were not reprimanded for it. While I wouldn’t go out of my way to change others’ behavior, it was not a pleasant sight to witness.
“Leafa?”
“Ah, sorry…”
It was definitely better to focus on Alfe in front of me than on those irrelevant people. Alfe was a light eater, but watching her enjoy her food slowly was quite pleasant.
“Is it delicious, Alfe?”
“Yeah. I like the salty taste of anchovies.”
“I see.”
Seeing Alfe happily eating was truly nice. I didn’t have to be overly concerned, and just being there was enough.
“…There they are again, together.”
Amidst the various voices chattering around, it seemed that rumors and gossip about Alfe were mixed in, but I tried not to pay attention.
“She’s weird, after all. Even my relatives with Pure Eye are normal except for seeing Aether.”
“…”
Alfe reacted slightly, gazing anxiously into the air. Amidst all that commotion, showing a reaction similar to when her name was called indicated that she understood the term “Pure Eye” referred to them.
“Am I… weird?”
Alfe muttered while pretending not to hear it despite hearing it clearly. I didn’t want Alfe’s abundant talent to be crushed by such things. I didn’t know how much influence I would have, but I made sure to convey my opinion.
“… I don’t think so. Everyone just envies you, Alfe.”
“Envies me?”
“Yeah. Because you have something that everyone else doesn’t.”
I redirected Alfe’s attention towards me so it would eliminate the voices of the classmates as much as possible.
“Something everyone else doesn’t have…”
I nodded as I gazed at Alfe’s Pure Eye. The way it shined in gold was really beautiful.
Still, it was troublesome that it became clear that there existed a faction among classmates who spoke ill of this Pure Eye and her excessively strong magic power.
“As Teacher Anais mentioned, the school’s policy is to provide education befitting that ability. You don’t need to pay attention to those beneath you2.”
“…Is it okay not to… get along with them?”
The majority of students—normal kids—operated under the idea that having many friends was better. But in my opinion, that was hypocritical and unnecessary.
In the first place, there was no reason for you to concede to someone who directed ill will at you. But telling that to Alfe might just confuse her.
“…I’m here, Alfe. It’s okay to be friends with just me. We’re in the same group now.”
“…Leafa, are you okay with not getting along with the others?”
“I have you, Alfe, so I don’t feel the need for anyone else.”
Since I actually felt that way, I conveyed my true feelings. After hearing my words, Alfe presses a hand to her cheek and stares at me intently.
“Alfe… Alfe Has you too, Leafa… I don’t need other kids.”
Her speech reverting to the less mature one was probably a sign of anxiety. Perhaps she really wanted to be friends with everyone. I did wish she would realize it, no matter how unlikely.
Still, Teacher Anais might have already sensed such malice and envy and put us in a separate team so they wouldn’t drag us down. I once again realized how amazing a teacher she was.
