’’She should be in her room soon; just ask service to get her.’’ Steven answered, still inspecting Edward as if this guy were about to explode at any moment.
But Edward didn’t seem to care what Steven was doing and instead just walked past him with an acknowledging nod.
’’Something is wrong with this guy.’’ Steven whispered to himself as Edward slowly ascended the stairs, disappearing.
Standing alone at the stairs, he could feel himself being watched by somebody peeking from the living room, but having felt those magical traces so many times today before, he could easily identify it.
’’June, is something wrong? Shouldn’t you return to your dorms already?’’ He spoke as he turned his head directly towards her.
’’I... I just wanted to know if Edward returned; that’s all.’’ She answered, but the lies were almost written on her face.
But while staring at her, he remembered what the workshop owner had told him this morning. ’’June, about your gifts...’’ As he could watch her flinch at him mentioning the gifts. ’’Could you not give me them in the open?’’
It was better to hide her non-combat talent for now until Steven could make himself a better overview on what is happening.
And with her more than agreeing nods, almost as if she were stuck in a loop. ’’Of course... I can do that if it makes you nervous.’’ She spoke, her voice shaking from what could either be identified as happiness or victory.
Even though this wasn’t the reason for his action, Steven kept quiet. And continued his way toward his room. As he walked past Irose, the old man spoke. ’’I have looked at your calendar, my sir, and if you want, I can tell you whenever a meeting is.’’
’’Good, thank you a lot, Rose.’’ Steven answered, still in thought on how to progress.
’’The only problems are your visits with Ms. Stargazer and Moonstone... Which seem to be spontaneous.’’ As he cleared his throat in embarrassment.
Steven could only stare at the old man. ’’It’s not what you think.’’ But it didn’t seem to convince him in any way. Each interaction with this man felt like defeat no matter what.
’’I will handle those myself.’’ He continued already walking past his door, as he could only hear a fading sound. ’’As you wish,’’ from Irose.
Finally falling on his bed, he just wanted to fall asleep early but simply couldn’t, his thoughts running wild with everything that happened in such a short time and how to act in the future.
But there was one thing much more powerful than all his problems, and that was his hunger; he hadn’t eaten all day.
He could just order something to his room, but lying still felt wrong to him, especially because Lucy and Merency knew exactly where he was right now.
Changing into comfortable clothes without his crest or class on it. He got ready to leave.
Opening his giant window, he took a simple step forward, leaping down. As he landed on the hard dirt ground below, that didn’t hinder him from continuing his way.
Walking through some bushes, he made sure nobody was following him in any way, as their garden slowly faded into the city of the lower classes filled with people.
Walking past many shops, he could feel many people staring at him, but as he was just shopping, they slowly lost their interest in him.
Finally finding something that seemed to sell something actually edible, he walked inside. It was a small cafe, mostly empty, and only a single employee in sight.
Choosing a random table at a giant window, he waited for them to take his order. A young woman hurried towards him just after he sat down. ’’Do you already have something... in... mind, sir?’’ She spoke visibly shaking.
’’Wanted to ask if I can get a late lunch?’’ He asked calmly, still inspecting the menu, which only seemed to be designed for the morning guests.
’’Yes, sir, I’m sure the cook won’t have a problem with that...’’ She answered instantly as if she didn’t even think of it.
Letting out a sigh, Steven added ’’Please don’t treat me like that; I’m just a guest here today.’’ He was tired of everyone acting strange and just wanted to relax.
As the waitress froze. ’’Of course, sir, then I will ask the cook. Give me a moment.’’ With her disappearing Steven finally relaxed a bit, and with her return just a moment later he was able to order anything he wanted.
He didn’t know if it was because of his status.
Or just because the shop was so empty.
But he also didn’t care, and after his food and coffee had arrived, he only slowly ate while watching the lively street outside.
The waitress continued standing close by staring holes into him. ’’If you want to ask something, just do it.’’ Steven spoke, feeling in a good mood for any questions.
’’What... What brings someone like you here, sir?’’ She finally asked, not daring to look at his eyes, as Steven thought about her question for a while.
’’I just wanted to relax a bit, and this place seemed perfect for it.’’ He answered, waving his hand at the empty shop. As she seemed to understand what he was talking about.
But their conversation was interrupted by somebody entering the cafe and yelling. ’’Service.’’ Two young men and a woman sat down at the first table they saw. ’’What is taking so long? We want the menu.’’ The other guy continued as the waitress hurried over towards them.
Steven couldn’t hear them talk, but even without that, he could feel the mana of the waitress surging in rage each time she talked to them.
As he watched her deliver something just to bring it back a minute later, Steven felt like those guys were just playing around and not really here to order anything.
Standing up, he walked over to the waitress who just returned again from the kitchen with cups of coffee; he stood himself in her way. ’’Don’t worry; let me do it.’’
As he took them from her hands, watching her face change between shock and relief. As Steven made his way to the table, making sure they didn’t notice him early.
’’Here’s your coffee.’’ He spoke with the most female mimicry he could do. As they didn’t even look up at him.
’’What’s that brew? It looks terrible. Bring us a new one.’’ The girl spoke without even trying it.
’’Oh, is that so? Let me try then.’’ As he picked up one of them and drank it in front of their eyes, gaining their attention. ’’I think it’s pretty nice.’’
As realization began to hit them all. ’’Shit, it’s bright.’’ One of the guys said while trying to stand up to apologize but just tumbled to the ground.
’’You guys should leave.’’ Steven spoke, his voice firm.
As he watched them nearly run out of the shop.
He simply turned to the waitress with a smile.
’’I think my food has gone cold. Could you warm it up again?’’