"In the past, because of the family business, we often had to host banquets."
"Honestly, I didn't enjoy eating with those guests. Most of them were nobles from various city-states, and as a girl, I had to behave like a proper lady—mind countless rules while eating, all kinds of restrictions, it was such a pain."
"For example, you had to constantly be aware of how your knife and fork were placed; there were limits on how wide you could open your mouth while eating; you weren't allowed to make chewing sounds; even how you held your glass had to follow etiquette, and you couldn't fill it too full; you had to be aware of your facial expressions for the guests, and constantly adjust your behavior depending on the atmosphere of the banquet... and so on."
"Just thinking about it is exhausting. How is anyone supposed to actually enjoy food under such rigid expectations?"
Gumi sighed in resignation. After venting about her past, she muttered softly under her breath, "And I never even got full…"
"But…"
"I was the only child my parents had."
At that, a smile unexpectedly appeared on Gumi's face. Her gaze, filled with nostalgia, softened with warmth at the memory.
"As the sole heir of the guild, since I enjoyed a materially comfortable life and received all of my parents' love, it was only right that I bore the responsibilities that came with it."
"It's just a shame... Years of banquets made me form a sort of prejudice against restaurants like this, and the food they serve…"
"Hmm—"
"I guess... 'prejudice' is the right word."
"I always feel like the atmosphere in these places is stifling. The food feels cold. And no matter how much I eat, I never feel full."
"Of course, of course, it's not the restaurant's fault. It's my own problem."
Gumi waved her hand earnestly, clarifying.
"I've always thought of it as a punishment from the god of cuisine."
"Because I spent so much time trying to please the guests, trying to maintain ladylike manners, trying to help the guild's interests—so I ended up neglecting all the delicious food."
"By the time I finally had a chance to truly enjoy the food, it was like it had taken offense. It greeted me with coldness, blaming me for being late."
"So later on, even when I dined alone and tried to savor each dish sincerely, that chill never quite left me."
"Maybe…"
"It's the same reason I dislike high-end restaurants. They always remind me of my once all-powerful father bowing to noble guests, and of my mother—who hated alcohol—downing cup after cup just for appearances. I hate those scenes. And so I came to hate the places where they happened."
"Every time I try to enjoy the chefs' carefully prepared creations, my tastebuds end up recalling the final course of a long banquet—cold and lifeless."
"So it's not that I dislike the food here. It's just that these little delicacies… they've come to dislike me."
Watching the girl beside him—tears beginning to form in the corners of her eyes—Gut opened his mouth, unsure how best to comfort her. In the end, he simply placed a gentle hand on her shoulder and gave a soft pat.
"Sorry, I'm sorry."
Gumi quickly raised her hand to her nose and took a sharp sniff, pulling her emotions and tears back inside. Then she stood up and bowed to Serie and her fellow disciples.
"I'm sorry for talking so much about myself and bringing everyone down. Really, I apologize."
"It's fine. Sit."
Serie gestured for her to sit down.
"I chose this venue not just for the meal, but because there are some things I need to tell you all."
Receiving her teacher's permission, Gumi bowed once more, then sat back down.
But as soon as she sat, she felt her senior Gut nudge her slightly.
"Senior? What is it?" Gumi whispered.
"Don't head back right after dinner. Come stroll the night market with me. There's a festival tonight, and it'll be lively—lots of good food."
"Really? You promise, senior!"
Seeing her reach out her pinky finger, Gut was momentarily stunned. Then he smiled and hooked his own pinky with hers.
"Promise."
From above, Serie quietly watched her disciples and their little exchange, tapping her fingers on the table and waiting for them to finish before she resumed speaking.
"The Continental Magic Association's first mage examination held in Äußerst officially concludes today."
"Tomorrow, I'll be leaving the city with Gut to head to our headquarters in Holy Capital – Schlacht, where another round of exams will be held. We'll be staying there for quite some time—probably not returning until next year."
"Hmm?"
Both Gumi and Lernen were visibly surprised—only Gut had known in advance. They had expected Serie to eventually leave, but not so suddenly, or for so long.
"During this time, Lernen, Gumi, you two will remain here in Äußerst."
"Though the exam is over, the Association's branch in this city is still under construction. I'll need you two to oversee and assist with the remaining development, as representatives of the Association."
"Understood, Master."
Lernen nodded in agreement.
"Master, make sure to come back soon, okay? I'll miss you—and senior too."
Unlike her emotionally awkward senior brother, Gumi added that gentle, warm line, whether from genuine feeling or politeness, no one could say—but it still warmed everyone's heart.
And seeing the sincerity in Gumi's expression, Gut believed it to be true.
Serie went on to explain further duties for the two, including some guidelines from the Association, and some training tasks she wanted them to work on while she was gone. Upon her return, she'd assess their progress based on those expectations.
By the time all was said and done, the dishes they had ordered were ready. The waiter outside pushed in the serving cart, and Serie gave the signal to begin.
One by one, finely prepared dishes were served. Though some had cooled from waiting too long, their flavors were still excellent.
While enjoying his meal, Gut couldn't help but glance at Gumi beside him.
How to put it—she really seemed like a different person now. Even though she was clearly trying to restrain her movements, her manners were still elegant and controlled, like she'd instinctively reverted to her upbringing.
From a cheerful neighbor girl to a dignified noble lady in an instant.
It was just like...
Just like Lernen.
Well, Lernen was an actual noble, so Gumi mimicking him in etiquette wasn't so strange after all.
After dinner, everyone stood outside the restaurant, ready to say goodbye as usual.
Gut and Gumi exchanged glances—remembering their promise.
But to everyone's surprise, Serie didn't leave like she usually did. Instead, she stepped forward with a smile.
"Tonight is our last night together for a while."
"I heard a certain disciple mention there's a festival in the night market tonight. Why don't we all go have a look?"
"Yay!"
Gumi cheered and jumped up in delight, while Gut looked to his teacher and happened to meet her gaze directly.
Giving her a grin and a thumbs-up, Gut thought to himself—
Looks like Frieren wasn't exactly right. Serie's way of showing emotion to her disciples isn't all that hard to understand.
This "old lady"… really is pretty cute.
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Powerstones?
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