So, a Homunculus, huh? In just the ten years since I was reborn as Eremia and stayed off the battlefield, monsters like that had appeared. If those things were mass-produced, this kingdom would be easily destroyed.

No, that’s not quite right. Judging by Miku’s tone and the fact that the information hasn’t been officially disclosed yet, their appearance might be recent—maybe within the past few months. If it happened after the ceasefire, that would be even more troublesome.

"But, but, as expected of our future frontier lord, El-tan! Let’s get married as soon as we graduate, okay~?"

"That future does not exist."

Miku let out an exaggerated sigh.

"No waaay~ … Then, I guess I’ll have to create some 'undeniable facts' before graduation…"

"I can hear you."

Resting her chin on her hand, Miku looked at me with a provocative gaze.

"That’s because I’m saying it for you to hear~"

"You foolish cat. What kind of talk is that to be having with a ten-year-old?"

"Nfufu."

Feeling a gaze on me, I turned around and saw Lili just as she entered the cafeteria. Void, noticing my reaction, glanced in her direction and immediately stood up as if to flee.

"Well then, I’ll head back first."

"Yeah. You lost a lot of blood; get some rest."

"Like I need to hear that from a kid who was half-dead. Besides, slum rats aren’t that fragile."

As Void turned his back, I called out to him.

"Void."

"Huh?"

He turned around with a suspicious look.

"Yesterday, you stopped that monster—ah, the Homunculus. Thanks to you, I survived, and the damage didn’t spread further."

"And?"

"So, um… I’m grateful."

"Hah?"

Void’s eyebrows twitched.

"I just… realized I hadn’t thanked you yet."

"You’re such an embarrassing kid."

"Sh-Shut up."

Grinning with his teeth bared, Void walked off toward the entrance. As he passed by Lili, they exchanged a word or two before he quickly left the cafeteria.

Oujin muttered.

"He may not show it, but I think he’s grateful to you too. Of course, I am as well. We all owe you."

"I-I get it. You don’t have to say it out loud. You’re pretty embarrassing yourself, Oujin."

"Come on… Don't take it out on me…"

"Nyahaha!"

Miku laughed.

Lili took her sandwich set from the counter but didn’t sit at our table. Instead, she chose an empty table by herself.

It was just like the first day when Blythe brought her back. At the inn’s tavern, she sat alone at a table without ordering food, apart from us in the Blythe group.

She probably didn’t know what to do.

Of course, back then, I grabbed her by the collar, sat her next to me, and stuffed her mouth full of food.

Maybe that’s why. Feeling nostalgic, I called out to her, saying the exact same words as back then.

"What, you’re not coming over here? Food doesn’t taste as good when you eat alone."

Lili turned to me with a slightly surprised expression.

I had no intention of revealing my true identity. But this much should be fine.

She composed herself and responded.

"I thought I might be intruding."

"If you’re worried about Void, don’t be. He’s a delinquent. He just has a hard time being honest."

Miku grinned mischievously at me.

"In contrast, El-tan and Ryoka-chan are embarrassingly straightforward, aren’t they~?"

"Hey, you! Shut it!"

"Haha, give me a break already."

Exchanging glances, Oujin, Miku, and I stood up simultaneously.

Miku carried Lili’s sandwich set over to our table.

Oujin, like a butler, pulled out a chair.

I took Lili’s hand, guiding her to our table.

I couldn’t just grab her by the collar and drag her over like before. If I tried now, she’d probably throw me instead.

"Lili, from now on, I’m going to keep doing this. Just like your master did for you."

"…Is that your way of getting back at me?"

"Of course. It’s exactly what you always did to me."

For a while, Lili stared at me, wide-eyed. Then, slowly, she lowered her gaze—and smiled.

Like a flower blooming.

Just like she did that night when she first showed me her smile.

And then, she muttered the one line that ruined the moment.

"You mean Instructor Ituka, right?"

…Way to ruin the mood. Why did you have to say that now…?