We spent over three hours in the kitchen.

In fact, I think it's almost five, if I count the early period of food preparation. I had resolved myself before coming, but even I had no idea it would take so long.

But, for what it's worth, our efforts pay off.

The set of meals we end up preparing is superb—almost divine.

I say "we," but it's actually more of Professor Seraphina. I pretty much just observed her and assisted throughout the process. She's the main star of today—an absolute behemoth in the kitchen.

I cannot even dare to compete.

For Appetizers, we have Warm Golden Lentil & Silver Vegetable Herb Soup. Not only are Lentils incredibly nutrient-dense, but the Golden Brown variant packs at least three times more nutrients for the same quantity and is even more delicious. They are very expensive, though. Then, there are the vegetables, which add a wide range of vitamins.

Silver and Gold meld together to form a harmonic blend of soup—peak perfection.

According to Professor Seraphina, they will help fill the stomach gently, activating digestion, and supplying early protein and fiber.

For the side salad, we made Purple Spinach, Pink Apple & Bright Yellow Walnut Salad with Lemon-Honey Vinaigrette.

This helps deliver fresh micronutrients and healthy fats before the heavier dishes. It also helps boost digestion and immunity, pairing freshness with a delectable crunch.

Now, for the Main Dish…

For protein, we have Herb-Roasted Bull Chicken Thighs with Ginger-Garlic & Light White Lemon

Normally, I go with the breasts, but Professor Seraphina told me that the thighs are more nutrient-dense. Then the mix of herbs improves digestive balance. With such a dish offering sustained protein without being too heavy or greasy, I can see myself making it—especially the same way she did.

For the Carbs and Fiber, we have Quinoa Pilaf with Vegetables & Almonds. The Quinoa pairs perfectly with meats and vegetables, rounding out nutrition. Not only do they offer steady-release energy, but this meal is very high in amino acids and minerals.

As for the Vegetable Entrée, there's Roasted Singing Root Vegetables with Honey Olive Oil & Herbs, offering a balanced mix of sweet and savory. It adds a lot of color, variety, and essential vitamins A & C to the meal set.

For Bonus Sides, we went for Steamed Apricot Beans with Toasted Deep Blue Sesame Seeds, which offers a lighter green dish to balance the richer elements of the main course.

As for beverages, the Professor went simple with it and chose Golden Ginger & Black Mint Infused Water. I haven't had any of them before today, but apparently, they help cleanse the palate and aid digestion without sugar.

Naturally, we also have dessert.

Silver Creek Yogurt Parfait with Gold Honey, Sapphire Berries & Mixed Emerald Seeds. They're not only light and nutrient-rich, but I find them to be satisfying without being sugary. In addition, they have high protein, are gut-friendly, and have an astounding richness in vitamins and minerals.

Simply and utterly perfect—we accounted for everything.

'And it's all thanks to this woman…' I sharply turn my gaze to the woman next to me.

Today has reminded me that there's always someone better. I used to think I knew my way around the kitchen and that I was a pretty good cook, but my confidence has been shattered immensely by Professor Seraphina.

Yet she gives me a sweet smile as we set up the table, her brilliance shrouding the deep cruelty of her method. I feel utterly defeated.

But, at the same time, I feel a sense of fulfillment and relaxation.

The cooking took so long, but now that it's over, and we are nearly done setting up the table, a kind of giddiness permeates my every being.

"Remember this feeling, Javier!" Seraphina smiles at me in observation. "It's the feeling every cook chases in their career. The joy that comes with accomplishment… with creating something superb in the kitchen!"

I nod at her, watching her glistening eyes flash with greatness.

This woman… is incredible!

By the time we're done setting up the table, the intense aroma of the meals has seeped into everything and everywhere, causing Professor Seraphina's home to smell absolutely divine.

I can't get enough of it.

However, even amidst my reverie, I notice something.

"You set up three portions, but we're only two," I mutter aloud. "Are you expecting someone?"

She looks at me with a slightly stunned smile, before laughing lightly and nodding.

"Indeed, I am."

DING!

"Ah, right on time!" Professor Seraphina beams, before quickly glancing around and looking at herself in a very particular manner.

I don't think I've ever seen her so self-conscious before.

"Could you help me get the door? I'm a mess right now, and I need to change into something more appropriate." She chuckles a little awkwardly, lifting the few strands of her honey brown hair that dance around her forehead.

I smile and nod.

"Sure."

Without speaking another word, I casually walk to the door while she exits the room.

"Oh, Javier… hey." The moment the door opens, I'm met with the surprise of seeing another Senior Professor of the Academy—Professor Klien Mornantte, my colleague in the same Department of Sciences & Natural Philosophy.

Not only are we co-workers, but during my time as a student here, this man was one of my favorite lecturers, up there with Professor Seraphina and Anna Randalorion.

I had no idea he and Seraphina were so close…

"Professor Klein, please come in." I smile brightly at him, quickly adjusting my position to allow him to enter.

He laughs sheepishly before proceeding inside.

I watch him rub his head awkwardly as he glances around expectantly, before taking off his hat and coat and appropriately placing them on the hanger with practiced motion.

Now free from the constraints of the hat, his bright yellow hair, packed in a ponytail, flutters with elegance. His glasses tilt mildly, but he quickly adjusts them, causing his brilliant blue eyes to sharply reflect through them.

Professor Klein Mornantte is a very handsome man.

This isn't the first time I have had that thought. Even though he is in his thirties, he looks absolutely youthful, with a scholarly aura and unmistakably noble air around him.

He is actually a Baron of the Kingdom, and it is obvious just from his appearance alone.

The man is a High Noble, through and through.

"Where is… Miss Seraphina?" He asks with a slightly complex expression, his polite tone carrying an air of nervousness as he glances around to distract himself from my burrowing gaze.

I laugh to myself.

'Does this man like Professor Seraphina? Judging by her reaction earlier, it seems she likes him too…' I think back at how he easily fixed his coat and hat on the hanger, and how his gaze across the residence felt comfortable and familiar.

This makes me certain that it isn't his first time visiting.

In fact, I can go as far as saying he has been here quite a few times already…

'Plus, why is he wearing such a long coat and a large hat? Was he trying to obscure his identity?'

I see…

I believe I have an answer here.

'Could it be that these two Professors are in some kind of a secret relationship?' My eyes twinkle instantly, watching Professor Klein with sheer intensity.

However, I still try my best to hide my suspicions under the guise of friendliness.

I wouldn't want to make anyone uncomfortable…

'Dating coworkers is not allowed in the Academy. Apart from that, there's another issue…'

I quickly shake my head and sigh.

This isn't my place to interfere.

In the end, it is up to the choices of these people.

I am merely a spectator, and it's not like I'm interested in Professor Seraphina that way. Also, who can really stop the advent of romance in their lives?

For a moment, I think back and remember someone I was recently with.

'Dahlia…' My thoughts trail, and I sigh.

All of a sudden, a feeling of loneliness courses through me, and I feel my heart quake with the sting of loss.

I thought I had moved on from her death, especially with my goal of saving everyone by learning more about my Leviathan powers and regression, but it seems I was wrong.

Memories still linger within me.

Emotions flow…

"Um, Javier…?" Professor Klein's voice breaks me out of my reverie, as he stares at me curiously.

"Oh, what? Ah, Professor Seraphina? She said she wanted to change into something more appropriate and had me answer the door." I reply honestly, before beckoning him to follow me.

I lead him to the dining area with a smile on my face.

"To be honest, I came here to learn about cooking from Professor Seraphina. I've become quite a gourmet recently, and I want to try new things." Without being asked, I tell the man the purpose of my visit before he gets the wrong idea.

Of course, knowing Professor Klein's good-natured personality, he is likely not to make things difficult for me.

However, when it comes to love, I can't be certain about anything.

"Oho? That's great!" To my relief, he bursts out laughing and nods. "I certainly hope you enjoyed yourself. How long did you spend cooking today? Three hours?"

"Almost five…" I answered deflatedly.

"Haha! That's still fine. We once spent nine whole hours one time when she roped me into… ah, forget what I just said…" He clears his throat, blushing a little.

'This man…' I laugh, nearly shaking my head in pity.

I can't help but wonder how their secret relationship has endured for so long, with Professor Klein being so honest and good-natured. Something tells me I can pry out the details if I try hard enough, but I won't.

These are two of my favorite people in this Academy.

Why not let them have their fun?

"Ahh… the air smells so fragrant." Professor Klein changes the topic almost immediately, a genuine smile on his face as he catches a whiff of the aroma that permeates the corridor that leads to the dining area.

"You two really went all out with the cooking!"

"It was all Professor Seraphina, to be honest. I was only her assistant." I laugh and shake my head softly. "In fact, we actually just finished setting the table before you arrived."

"Oh, really? Then it looks like I came at the perfect moment!"

He rubs his two hands and licks his lips, his eyes gleaming with delight. Perhaps it's just my imagination, but I believe I heard his stomach also rumbling in hunger.

Ah, no… my bad.

On second thought, I think the sound is coming from mine.

I'm soooo hungry!

We eventually enter the room, and Professor Klein's eyes brighten even more once he sees the dishes. Then—

"Sorry for taking so long. Hope you boys didn't wait too long for me." Professor Seraphina eventually steps into the dining area not long after we enter.

This time, she's wearing a long, flowing white gown and an oversized jacket, along with her signature shawl. I can see the stars in Professor Klein's eyes once she makes her entry, and I watch the two of them try to hide their blushing cheeks.

Ah, young love…

Now I feel like an interfering third party.

I am tempted to leave, but with such a grand meal prepared before me, I have to obey my hunger and satisfy all my cravings first.

"Alright… shall we get started?" Perhaps Professor Seraphina sensed my impatience, because her statement resonates deeply with my belly, and I nod at it emphatically.

And so, we all sit in the dining area, and after a brief prayer to the gods, we begin feasting.

**************

About an hour later, I walk out of Professor Seraphina's home and wave her goodbye.

Professor Klein wanted to see me off, but I told him not to worry himself. It would be pretty awkward if he had to wear his uncomfortably large hat and coat again just for that.

Besides, I feel a little bad for intruding on their little lovers' meetup.

I know this is dirty to think, but I wonder if those two have… done the deed.

Hehe…

They likely have.

Nobles like to maintain an air of purity, but in fact, they can be quite energetic when it comes to their carnal desires. Take Dahlia, for example: that woman was something else. Even Serena, my friend, has a certain wild side to her that I hope never to experience firsthand.

Likewise, I believe Professor Klein and Professor Seraphina also have their hidden demons that they only unleash when they are alone.

I'm sure they couldn't wait for me to leave so they could get started.

Animals…

As I have these lighthearted thoughts, using them to distract myself from the burning pangs of loneliness within me, I eventually leave the staff block and take a walk away from the northern area of the Academy and proceed to the west, where the Bronze Wing is.

While walking, I contemplate many things.

Mostly the past.

I truly had no idea how good I had things back then… and how lucky I was.

But there's no need to be sad.

As long as I am alive, there is hope for me to correct my mistakes.

I will go back someday… and save them.

All of them.

'Until then, I can only choose to enjoy my life and live a life worth living.' I close my eyes and smile, enjoying the fresh breeze that wafts around me.

Then, I hear something.

"S-stop! Please stop…" It's a weak, powerless voice that erupts just a small distance from me.

'Hmm?'

I pay closer attention and hear even more sounds and voices.

"Just shut up and accept your beating!"

"Don't think you can escape like last time! Next time, you'll think twice about making trouble for us again! Hehe!"

"Keep it down! Looks like a Professor is passing by…"

As I stand there, amidst the fragrant winds of spring, it doesn't take long for me to realize what is happening behind the bushes just a couple of meters away from me.

'Bullying… Someone is being bullied.'

[A/N: I know things have taken a slice-of-life turn, but just as with Volume 1, it's all building up to something nice, so just be more patient and enjoy the process. Also, I hope no one was shipping Javier and the Professor… hehe…]

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