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After drying Hom’s hair as usual, I attached a thin chain to Hiraishin, turning it into a pendant, and headed to the cafeteria.

That evening’s special dinner was roast pork paired with a sweet-and-sour blackcurrant sauce. At the dorm residents’ request, the roast pork was cut thick and seasoned generously with salt and pepper. The blackcurrant sauce’s balance of sweetness and tanginess was utterly tantalizing.

Judging by the tender texture of the meat, it seemed likely that it had been marinated in some acidic fruit during preparation. There was a faint citrus aroma as well, suggesting the use of something like orange or grapefruit. Even though the blackcurrant’s dark color was eye-catching, pairing it with the mashed potatoes brought out a delicate citrusy undertone.

Considering that the weekend menu featured chicken with orange mustard sauce, they might have used leftover oranges for this dish. As always, I couldn’t help but admire the cafeteria ladies for their skill in making the most of limited ingredients and turning them into delicious meals.

Having spent a considerable amount of mental energy crafting a magical device for the first time in a while, I found myself unusually hungry. Normally, I wouldn’t be able to finish a full plate, but today I polished mine off with ease.

Across the table, Alfe, Farah, and Hom were on their third servings. I wondered if there was still any left.

When I glanced toward the counter, I saw Alfe and the others returning with plates of food. It seemed the cafeteria staff had anticipated the elective classes today and prepared extra.

“We’re back, Leafa!”

Alfe returned with a cheerful smile, carrying a plate with a third of the roast pork on it.

“It’s the last piece, so we decided to split it up.”
“Looks like it. Think it’ll be enough for everyone?”

Feeling a bit guilty for being late to the second helping because they’d waited for Hom and me, I asked. Alfe beamed at me in response.

“It’s fine. We’re going to eat your cookies later, after all.”
“They’re precious treats,” Farah chimed in agreement with Alfe’s statement. Knowing they’d saved some cookies from the weekend made me feel a little tickled inside.

“There are only two left, though. But when we eat your cookies, it gives us so much energy.”

Blushing slightly, Alfe smiled as she took her seat. She then sliced into the still-steaming roast pork and brought a piece to her mouth.

“Then I’ll make more next time.”
“Yeah!”

Judging by how even Alfe, who rarely ate this much, kept going for seconds, it seemed the elective classes in the Magic department had been quite challenging too. As the meal neared its end, I decided it was a good time to ask them about their lessons.

“…Hey, Alfe. How was the elective Magic class today?”
“Nyahaha! Listen to this, Leafa—it was amazing!”

Farah enthusiastically prompted Alfe, who took a sip of after-dinner tea before starting to recount the day’s events with a delighted expression.

“Ms. Matilda’s first class had us form groups of three and defeat a Clay Golem,” Alfe explained.

Clay Golems were animated figures made of clay or wood, created by witches for training against potential demonic threats. Since they were modeled with demons in mind, their size rivaled that of Mecha Soldiers or Subordinate Units. Though their movements weren’t particularly fast, their offensive power and durability were formidable.

“Training for demon encounters, huh? That’s pretty intriguing, considering there hasn’t been an invasion like that in over three hundred years.”
“But if it ever happened, wouldn’t we need to fight back with magic or Mecha Soldiers? That’s why it’s better to have some experience, just in case,” Alfe explained, summarizing Ms. Matilda’s teachings for us.

She had a point. There were no guarantees in life. For Ms. Matilda, who upheld the traditions as the witch of eternal night, such teachings were only natural.

After all, the Arcadia Empire was a militarized state. War could break out with any nation at any time.

Having endured such experiences in my previous life, I wanted peace in this one. But not even the goddesses could predict the future. Knowing their whimsical nature, it wasn’t impossible that they might one day turn on humanity.

“…Leafa?”

I’d gotten lost in thoughts of my past life and the goddesses.

“Ah, sorry. So, were you able to defeat the Clay Golem?”
“Yep! Lili-Lulu and I teamed up and were the first ones to take down a Clay Golem!”
“That’s…”

Given that the elective was held jointly across three grades, that result was impressive. Judging from the outcome, the combination of two Dark Elves and a Half-Elf might have been unique to their group.

“That’s remarkable, Alfe.”
“Right?! The Elf Alliance is seriously amazing!”

Farah nodded enthusiastically, as though she were the one being praised. Her excitement was infectious, prompting both Alfe and I to laugh along with her.

“…Ha! After such a tough class, you’ve still got the energy to laugh?”

A voice called out from the cafeteria entrance. Standing there, arms crossed, was Vannabelle, staring at us with a stern expression.

“Yoo-hoo~!”

Beside her was Numelin, both of them covered in scratches and bruises. Unlike Farah, who could rely on her Magic Eyes, it seemed the two of them had faced a grueling battle. Considering what Hom had told me, they’d probably been pushed to their limits.

“What’s up? If you’re looking for seconds on the roast pork, it sold out a little while ago,” Alfe called out to Vannabelle and Numelin, raising her voice slightly.
“What’s up? We came to get you, that’s what. Ms. Matilda’s medicinal bath has been set up in the grand bathhouse. Lili-Lulu told us to bring you over right away,” Vannabelle replied.
“Oh no! I completely forgot!”

Alfe clapped a hand over her mouth, clearly remembering something.

“Thanks for letting us know, Vannabelle, Numelin!”
“Don’t mention it~,” Numelin replied with a carefree smile.

Still, if Lili-Lulu were the ones calling, why had they asked these two to relay the message?

Curious, I turned my gaze toward Vannabelle. She must have guessed what I was about to ask, because she suddenly pouted and turned her head away.

“Don’t blame me! They cornered me into it,” she grumbled.
“What did they say?”

My curiosity piqued, I urged her to explain. Numelin stifled a laugh, giving Vannabelle a pat on the back as if to encourage her.

““We, the F Alliance, have made our pact. Naturally, entrusting the class representative with the message is the logical course of action.””

Vannabelle and Numelin recited in unison, mimicking Lili-Lulu’s tone with uncanny precision.

“See? How could I refuse after that?” Vannabelle grumbled, scratching at her ears and hair in frustration.

Being called “class representative” by Lili-Lulu must have embarrassed her. Even from a distance, the redness of her face was impossible to miss.

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