“Uh...weren’t you going to get more of the special?” I asked.
“Why would I, when this marvelous creation exists?” Then she began wolfing down parfait after parfait.
I weakly laughed. Who would’ve ever guessed that an elder dragon had a sweet tooth?
“By the way,” she started, her mouth full of ice cream, fruit, and chocolate, “is it normal for you to eat your meals alone like this? Do you not have any companions to share a meal with?”
“Of course I do! It’s an awkward time of day right now, plus it’s the long break. Most people are at home, not at school. Usually, I eat with another guy, but it’s not like we always have a specific time we eat together at. We just kinda meet up and eat every now and then. But I guess it’s a little too late in the day now, so he’s probably already done with dinner.”
“Maybe you’ll see him sooner than you expect.”
“Huh?”
“There’s a guy approaching this table right now.”
I quickly spun around. Ca’al? I thought you may have eaten already. Great, now we can— But my heart sank just as quickly as it’d risen.
The guy approaching us was someone I was familiar with, but he wasn’t anyone I wanted to be interacting with. I let out a long exhale, mentally preparing myself.
“Well, well. If it isn’t the Guardian prodigy in training, Ms. Aporenzi. What are you doing in the dining hall at this time of night? A light—no, a heavy nighttime snack, I see. Do be careful of your consumption. The Guardians may not have standards for appearances, but as a student here, you should. I can only assume how poor you’re making this meal taste for your beautiful dining companion,” he said, his eyes locking onto El, who was currently stuffing her face with parfaits. “Hello there. Charmed, I’m sure,” he said, sticking out his hand for her to shake. But El took one look at it and returned to eating her parfaits. “No need to be shy. You may be in the presence of nobility, but there’s no reason to worry. I treat all fairly, especially delicate flowers such as you. Let’s begin with a brief introduction, shall we? After all, you must be dying to know my name, aren’t you?”
El paused and looked up at him, ice cream on her face. Then, in a serious tone, she said, “I really can’t care less.”
His eyebrow twitched, but he smiled through the humiliation and continued his introduction. “The name’s Rhand, Rhand Foghiri. Third year and Magic Breaker. Pleasure’s all yours, I’m sure,” he said, flashing her his patented wide smile.
El gave me a look, raising her eyebrow. “Friend of yours?” she asked.
“Not even close,” I sighed.
“Don’t insult me by implying that I’d ever associate myself with a filthy mage,” Rhand said. “However, I’ll forgive you since the Celestials obviously gifted you with beauty instead of intelligence.”
I heard a snap. I looked over and saw that the metal spoon in El’s hand had been broken in half. Not bent—broken. Spoons do that?
But Rhand didn’t seem to notice or care. “Your silver hair is literally only second place to those stunning golden eyes of yours. I don’t think I’ve seen that combination before. Where do you hail from? Don’t worry if you’re from a rural area; that doesn’t bother me one bit. After all, when I succeed as the head of my family and get my very own territory in Ruywall, I aim to make sure that all those who serve me are treated fairly.”
“Rural? Why would you assume I’m from a rural area?” El asked.
Rhand sheepishly pointed at the collar around El’s neck. “I apologize if I’m wrong; however, I’m not familiar with that particular fashion trend.”
“This is El, my cousin from a town you’ve never heard of,” I quickly explained. “It’s her first time out here, so I’m showing her the ropes and so forth.”
“El... What a beautiful name. Perfectly befitting of an elegant lady such as yourself. What’s its origin?”
“Dragon,” El answered before I had a chance to stop her.
“Dragon...? Oh, I see. You’re being playful. No problem. I’m willing to go along with you. So, your name shares its origin with those primitive beasts? You seem much more sophisticated and beautiful, however. I thank the Celestials every day for their gift of the Fissure, separating those monsters and all the other riffraff from our realm. If any of them strayed into our realm, I’d spare no effort to ensure they’re taught that their kind isn’t welcome here.”
I might be imagining it, but I swore that the temperature around us was rising, and the perpetrator was El.
“Anyway, we’re having our dinner now. Do you mind leaving us alone?” I asked, trying to get him out of here before he made El mad enough to start something.
“Oh, how rude of me. Of course, I don’t intend to overstay my welcome. I was simply smitten with your beauty, El. As an apology for interrupting your meal, allow me to offer you some advice. Warning to the wise,” Rhand said, looking at El. “You’re better off staying away from these mage-types. They’re heathens, you know.”
El snorted. “If only I could.”
“Oh, it’s easier than you think. Simply join me as a Magic Breaker. I’m supposed to be getting a squire this coming year, but for you, I’ll reject them and allow you to take their place. Accept my hand, and whatever chains that bind you to this infidel will be broken.” His teeth glinted as he smiled once more.
El looked at me and pointed at her neck, but I shook my head. No, of course they can’t get rid of that for you. Or at least I’m pretty sure they can’t. Although, it’d be fun to see him get in trouble with the Guardians for even trying, so maybe it’d be just barely worth it.
“If Magic Breakers are what I assume them to be, I don’t think I stand to gain anything from joining. If anything, it’d be more trouble than it’s worth,” El rebuffed, resuming her parfait eating.
“Aw, don’t say that. We’re based in the city of progress, Breyhtown, meaning that not only do we have the most cutting-edge technology born of our scientific superiority, but we are also very progressive people ourselves. Every day, like-minded people join our order, seeking freedom from the oppressive society that mages have constructed. I’m sure you feel the same.”
“No. I don’t really feel the weight of that burden. There’s something else I’m burdened with, but you’re obviously useless in that regard. I have no use for you. Begone.”
Rhand began turning red. “You... You know you’re talking to me, Rhand Foghiri, an elite among the Magic Breakers, don’t you? As a third year, I’ve already become the leader of the second level in the combat track, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find anyone who gets past me. But honestly, if I really tried, I could become the leader of the third level. That sword idiot only gets to take it easy because nobody ever gets past me. It all comes down to me being a gentleman; that’s just the kind of person I am. I wouldn’t want to embarrass the poor guy. All he’s really got is some proficiency with a sword and some physical ability. He doesn’t have nearly the brains, brawn, and backing that I do. Seriously, I can’t help but feel bad for him. He’s got nothing going for him. All his duel victories were flukes. Everyone knows that.”
My fists began shaking. You don’t know anything about Ca’al or what he’s been through. An arrogant bastard like you will never be able to lay a single finger on him. You can harp all you want about how magic is a pain to society and needs to be eradicated, but I won’t let you talk badly about him. “Listen—” I started, slamming my hands on the table.
But before I could say anything further, El’s lips curled into a smile. “So, you’ll be my opponent? I was assuming my road forward would be somewhat of a challenge, but if you’re to be my second opponent, then this placement test is more of a joke than I imagined.”
“Y-You’re taking me for a weakling?!”
“I’m talented at sizing others up, and you are on a much lower level than anyone I’ve met today. In fact, I’m surprised you haven’t passed out already from your long-winded tirade. A strong breeze will be sufficient to defeat you,” she smirked, pointing her broken spoon at him.
I could practically see steam coming out of his head. “Don’t think I’ll go easy on you just because of your looks!”
“Mm-hmm,” El said nonchalantly, returning to her parfait with a different spoon that’d come with one of her other parfaits.
Unable to get the last word, Rhand stormed off.
El, seemingly having lost interest in him, finished the remainder of her parfaits. A satisfied look spread across her face as if it’d melted into the shape of happiness.
I sighed and wryly smiled. “Sheesh, keep your mouth clean,” I said, using my handkerchief to wipe off the ice cream, much to her annoyance.
I wasn’t sure if El had intended to help me by standing up to him, but whatever her motivation had been, it was a fact that I felt better as a result.
“I can go for another parfait; do you want one?” I asked.
El’s eyes sparkled like a little kid’s, and she enthusiastically nodded. As I got up, I couldn’t help but think that maybe things would work out after all.