Chapter Seventeen: The Little Fairy Returns!
The rain had mysteriously stopped last night, and a colorful rainbow hung faintly in the freshly cleared sky. Dewdrops glistened as they slipped off the small twigs and leaves, and the air retained a certain dampness, filling my nostrils with the fragrant scent of earth.
After parting ways with Sarah and Daisy, I wandered along a different stone path toward the cafeteria. All around me, hurried students rushed past, making their way to the academy’s entrance, while I seemed to be the only one going in the opposite direction. Occasionally, someone would stop to glance at me, but due to my oversized sunhat that obscured my hair and my somewhat… delicate stature, most people probably couldn’t see my face clearly. As a result, I didn’t garner too much attention, and a bit of casual stare was something I had grown accustomed to. It felt surprisingly comfortable at that level of scrutiny.
Looks like I’ll have to wear a hat more often…
Upon arriving at the cafeteria, I discovered it wasn’t yet open. So, I found a clean set of steps nearby, curled up on them, and hugged my knees while quietly waiting, watching as more and more students briskly walked past me, converging toward the entrance.
I could vaguely hear a raucous commotion in the distance, suggesting a huge crowd had gathered at the entrance. It was probably so packed that even Angel would have difficulty squeezing in…
Does he live like this every day? Constantly in the public eye, being gawked at wherever he goes… It must be annoying.
I absolutely despise that monkey-in-a-cage feeling…
Thankfully, I could keep my identity under wraps.
As I mused over these thoughts, a thunderous cheer erupted in the distance, and just then, the cafeteria doors suddenly unlocked. I jumped up, dusted myself off, and rushed inside, becoming the first student to enter today.
The moment I stepped through the door, a medley of delicious aromas engulfed me.
Aside from a long line of cooking stalls, the massive cafeteria was emptier than a failed magic trick, and I was the only occupant… just as I preferred it.
I gleefully began my search, starting with the grill where a friendly uncle handed me a rabbit leg wrapped in brown paper to take to Sarah. Then I grabbed a few tasty fruitcakes, casually deposited them on a table, and walked over to the soup stall, batting my eyelashes and biting my finger as I asked the smiling auntie, “Do you have pea soup?”
“Yes! Wait just a moment, little sister, and I’ll get you a bowl.”
“Yay~”
I nodded obediently, filled with anticipation.
As far as I could recall, I had never tried pea soup before. The Valen Empire has a cold climate, making it difficult to cultivate plants. So, on the dining table at Shanter Castle, vegetables were as rare as unicorns, showing up maybe two or three times a week; the main staples were tender meats and sweet treats.
But Daisy grew up in Silgaya, and she loved eating this stuff.
“I grew up on peas. We have a huge pea field at home. Mom brewed me pea soup every day, light and subtle in flavor… Peilo, you should definitely try it. It’s good for your health.”
That stormy girl told me so.
Though in my past life it was said that too many peas could cause bloating, perhaps in this world, eating them would just cause bloating in other areas.
I decided I would drink more every day from now on.
After being handed the bowl of creamy pea soup, I plopped down at a table and began devouring the sweets, quickly downing three bowls of soup that seemed to have milk and animal fat mixed in. The flavor was mild and just right, but I felt a bit embarrassed to ask for a fourth bowl. The cafeteria was gradually filling with other students, and continuing to eat would risk my dignity. So, I settled for a few honey pies and plain peas to take with me, and with my arms full of delicious paper bags, I left the cafeteria and headed toward the training grounds.
The chaos from the direction of the entrance had subsided, signaling that Angel must have made it inside the academy. I had little interest in what he was up to today; I really didn’t want to see that smirking handsome face of his, but still, I should probably attend the theology class.
As I crossed the rusty iron gate into the training area, I was stunned to see it had filled up long ago. The space, nearly the size of two football fields, was swarmed with a thick crowd of heads; it seemed like every student from first to sixth year had gathered here today.
Where are Sarah and Daisy…?
“Excuse me, sorry… coming through…”
As I maneuvered through the throngs, clutching my food, I searched for familiar faces. There were many like me, clutching their snacks, filling the air with delicious scents. I spotted a rather unassuming student and asked him where the first-years were. After he pointed me toward the back of the field, I suddenly caught sight of Teacher Melville.
By the shores of Lake Cilaan, right over here…
“Teacher Melville~!”
I called out from a distance, and the elderly man with white hair and a long beard turned to me with a smile.
“Ah, Peilo!”
“This way!”
In the distance, a girl was waving her hands and calling my name. I squinted to see, and it was Sarah.
But as she called out, countless eyes turned toward me.
“…Peilo?”
“What…?”
“Our little fairy from Lake Cilaan is back?”
“It’s her, it’s her! Ah, I’m so thrilled… I want to pick her up and throw her high into the air~”
Uh, excuse me?!
I heard that!
My heart filled with both embarrassment and anger. If I weren’t holding food, I would have loved to drag that guy who suggested throwing me into the air and punch him right in the nose.
“Let me through!”
I shouted in discontent, and immediately, the crowd opened up to give me a path. A familiar face grinned at me and bowed, saying, “Welcome back to our beautiful dark fairy… wow, what do you have in your arms? Can I have a bite?”
“In your dreams.”
Who is this overly familiar guy?
I couldn’t remember, probably someone I had shared a class with…
I ignored him and, dodging countless stares, quickly made my way to Sarah, with Daisy standing nearby, smiling subtly upon seeing me.
“Come on, get your breakfast.”
“Where’s the rabbit leg? Where’s the rabbit leg? I’m starving…” Sarah frantically dug through the paper bag, then exclaimed, “Wow, honey pie… huh? Why so many peas?”
“Take it, take your rabbit leg! Stop rummaging… The honey pie is mine!”
“But didn’t you already eat?”
“I didn’t.”
“Who are you trying to fool…?”
“I’m not.”
Sarah snatched the rabbit leg, and Daisy, taking her sweet time, came over. I gestured for her to take a piece of honey pie, then I pulled out my own piece and popped it into my mouth.
“Mmm, ugh…”
“What are you saying?” Sarah, holding the rabbit leg, looked confused.
“Mmm…”
I switched the paper bag to my left hand, and with my right hand pinching the honey pie in my mouth, I took a quick bite, swallowed, and then asked, “Have you two seen the Pope yet?”
“Not yet; we only saw the Church’s war chariot…” Sarah said, a little disheartened. “We seemed to have arrived too late. Those maniacal folks were already camped out at the gates before dawn, so we didn’t get a good spot… but the Pope must be sitting inside the carriage. I saw a shadow, but it seemed to be two people…”
“Two people?” I replied, puzzled.
“Yeah, someone rode in with the Pope.”
Sarah took a bite of her rabbit leg and leaned in, whispering, “Peilo, do you have any idea who it might be?”
“How would I know…” I rolled my eyes.
Margaret left ages ago, and I didn’t know anyone else from the Church, so who could it be…
“Miss Peilo, haven’t you all eaten?” Suddenly, someone behind me spoke up.
I turned to see that guy who had bowed to me earlier, now walking over with a paper bag in hand, grinning broadly.
“I slipped out during the commotion and bought some donuts outside. Want some?”
Huh…
A raised eyebrow and a hint of interest flickered across my face.
