Chapter 48

Elena had once promised Cedric that she would buy him a delicious meal if he joined the invention club.

Since Cedric had brought along Oliver, she decided to treat Oliver to a meal as well.

Not long after the freshman welcome party, Saturday arrived—the day Elena planned to have lunch with Cedric and Oliver. For some reason, Alice seemed more excited about it than Elena herself.

When Elena attempted to leave wearing her usual outfit, Alice blocked her path.

“Elly, are you seriously planning to go out in that?”

“Yes. Why?”

Elena was wearing a brown dress. The neckline was rounded, and the loose design didn’t cinch at the waist. It was comfortable and one of her favorite outfits.

However, Alice’s face was filled with dissatisfaction.

“That looks way too casual.”

“I’m wearing it because it’s comfortable.”

Alice sighed dramatically, placing a hand on her forehead.

“You’re meeting Cedric, aren’t you?”

“Yes. So?”

“Then you should dress up more nicely!”

Why? 

Elena didn’t even get the chance to ask before Alice grabbed her hand and dragged her back to her room.

Without asking for permission, Alice began rummaging through Elena’s wardrobe. A moment later, she pulled out a white dress.

It had puffed sleeves, frills around the chest, a ribbon-cinched waist, and a skirt adorned with rich pleats.

If the brown dress was simple and student-like, the white dress was more formal and elegant. Though beautiful, it was slightly uncomfortable, so Elena had been saving it for special occasions.

“Wear this.”

“It’s uncomfortable.”

“Stop complaining and put it on.”

Under Alice’s relentless persuasion, Elena had no choice but to change into the white dress.

“Now, have fun and enjoy yourself.”

“We’re just having lunch.”

Elena muttered in protest, but Alice didn’t seem to hear a word. She patted Elena’s back as if comforting a child.

“Sure, sure.”

The way Alice treated her like a child left Elena feeling uneasy as she left the room.

The unfamiliar skirt felt uncomfortable.

Even though it was the same knee-length as her school uniform, it felt different. She couldn’t shake the feeling that others were sneaking glances at her.

‘Is this really okay?’

She considered going back to change.

But just as she was about to turn around, she noticed the clock hanging by the dormitory entrance.

It was 11:30 a.m., and their meeting time was noon.

Factoring in the time it would take to get off the carriage and walk, she needed to leave now.

‘No choice, then.’

Though uncomfortable, she couldn’t keep Cedric and Oliver waiting. She decided to head out as she was.

Elena quickly boarded a carriage and made her way to the bustling streets. When she arrived at the meeting spot by the clock tower, she saw Cedric looking different from usual.

Normally, Cedric was either in his school uniform or swordsmanship practice attire.

Since they only met during swordsmanship lessons or club activities, she had never seen him in casual clothes.

But today, he wore a white dress shirt and black trousers. His usually disheveled hair was neatly combed back.

Though the changes were subtle, Cedric’s impression was strikingly different.

Suddenly, Elena felt grateful to Alice.

‘If I had come in my brown dress, it wouldn’t have matched at all.’

The brown dress she initially chose was pretty, but it wouldn’t have suited Cedric’s outfit today.

Elena stood frozen for a moment, then resumed walking as her eyes met Cedric’s.

“Elena, over here.”

“Good, I’m not late, am I?”

Elena looked around Cedric.

“But where’s Oliver? Is he running late?”

“Oh, Oliver can’t make it today. He asked me to apologize for him.”

“Really? Why?”

Cedric’s brows furrowed in regret.

“He’s not feeling well.”

“Oh no. I’ll have to treat him to lunch another time.”

Cedric quickly waved her off.

“No need. He said to consider today as his treat since he couldn’t make it.”

“Still…”

“If you feel that bad, just buy some dessert for him later. I’ll deliver it.”

“Alright.”

“Oh, and here, take this.”

Cedric handed her something he had been hiding behind his back—a bouquet of yellow roses mixed with baby’s breath.

Elena held the bouquet in her arms, bewildered.

“What’s this?”

“A token of appreciation for lunch. I thought of yellow roses when I saw your hair color.”

“But today’s lunch is supposed to be my treat for you joining the club.”

“I just didn’t want to feel like I was taking advantage.”

Cedric playfully extended his right arm, striking an escort pose.

“Shall we go? I know a good restaurant.”

A few passersby chuckled as they saw them. Embarrassed, Elena lightly jabbed his side with her elbow in jest.

“What’s with the escort? So cheesy.”

Fortunately, Cedric wasn’t embarrassed by her teasing. Instead, he lightly grabbed his side where she had poked him and pretended to groan.

“You’ve gotten stronger. That actually hurt.”

Cedric was an aspiring knight, while Elena was a magic department student who had only recently learned the basics of swordsmanship.

If anything, her elbow probably hurt more than Cedric’s solid side. Still, she decided to humor him.

“That’s because I had a good teacher.”

“True. Shall we go, then?”

Instead of offering his arm again, Cedric took the lead. Elena followed closely behind.

The restaurant Cedric had in mind was well-known, even to her. It was a slightly upscale place where academy students often celebrated special occasions like birthdays.

Though it exceeded her initial budget, it was still manageable. The real issue lay elsewhere.

“Cedric, this place requires a reservation.”

“I know.”

He gently took her hesitant arm and led her inside. Addressing the welcoming staff, he said confidently:

“Reservation under Kaine.”

“Ah, yes, for two. Please follow me.”

It turned out Cedric had not only brought a bouquet but also made a reservation in advance.

‘Wow, he’s thorough.’

Impressed, Elena followed the staff to their table. Before sitting down, Cedric even pulled out her chair for her.

It was perfect—like something out of a romance novel.

The thought made her cheeks flush.

‘What am I even thinking?’

A date? 

She was relieved Cedric couldn’t read her thoughts. Otherwise, she would’ve been mortified by her overactive imagination.

“What do you want to eat? This place is known for its course meals.”

Elena skimmed the menu and pointed to Course A, which included an appetizer, steak, and dessert.

“I’ll have this.”

“Great. And to drink?”

“Hmm, apple juice?”

Though the atmosphere seemed to call for wine or champagne, they were still students and underage for alcohol.

Cedric seemed surprised by her choice but soon chuckled softly.

“Got it. Two Course A meals and two apple juices, please.”

“Understood.”

Once the server left, they were alone again. Elena took the chance to look around.

Their table was in a secluded spot, offering privacy for their conversation.

As she inhaled the fragrance of the bouquet Cedric had given her, she asked:

“When did you even make this reservation? I didn’t think of it at all.”

“It’s our first meal together outside the academy, so I wanted to put in some effort.”

“You’re so thoughtful.”

They chatted lightly until the food arrived. The conversation started with club activities and eventually shifted to swordsmanship lessons.

Cedric leaned closer, prompting Elena to do the same instinctively.

“Are you sure you don’t want to continue learning swordsmanship?”

After the freshman welcome party—specifically, after capturing Anguis—Elena had stopped taking swordsmanship lessons with Cedric. She no longer felt the need.

The threats she had worried about were gone, and she had discovered more effective methods.

“Yes. It’s a bit disappointing, but I want to focus on my thesis for now. Taking swordsmanship lessons after school would leave me less time for club activities. Besides, you need to focus on your training.”

Unlike the magic or alchemy departments, the swordsmanship department didn’t require a thesis. Instead, students had to pass a duel with their professor to graduate.

Cedric’s goal was to join the Royal Knight Order, making this a critical time for him. Elena didn’t want to take up his valuable time just to learn self-defense.

Cedric rested his chin on his hands, mimicking her posture.

“I’ll miss it, though. I had fun teaching you.”

“Well, at least we’re in the same club, so we can still see each other.”

“What, were you planning to avoid me if we weren’t?”

Though she hadn’t thought that, she decided to tease him a little.

“Hmm, maybe?”

“What?”

Cedric laughed, realizing it was a joke. Elena joined in, laughing until the server arrived with their soup and salad.

The appetizers—corn soup and smoked salmon salad with lemon dressing—were delicious.

“This place really lives up to its reputation.”

Elena couldn’t help but express her admiration, to which Cedric responded:

“Glad you like it.”

“Thanks for making the reservation.”

Cedric blushed slightly and murmured:

“I’d do it anytime.”

But his voice was so quiet that Elena didn’t catch what he said.