Test !

The cafeteria's curious murmurs

The cafeteria of Himwarry Academy was normally a raucous place — a swirl of laughter, clattering plates, and half-hearted study sessions tucked between meals. But today, there was a different kind of buzz threading through the air. Groups of students leaned close over their tables, eyes bright with eager gossip.

"Aether's sponsoring his class again, huh?" whispered one boy, elbowing his friend with mock envy.

"They must be really lucky," sighed a girl nearby, fiddling with her spoon. "Why doesn't someone ever sponsor us like that?"

"It's always that Technomancy bunch," another grumbled, though not without a smile. "They even got that full-course dinner last time. Who does that?"

Of course, none of them knew it was the Dean who had secretly funded that extravagant feast. All they cared about was that the tables seemed to have turned. For once, it was the non-mages basking in fortune, while the proud mages could only watch. Slowly but surely, the pecking order of Himwarry Academy was starting to tilt in unexpected directions.

Vivien's quiet wonder

At a sun-drenched table by the windows sat Vivien and Esme, their plates only half-touched as they watched the shifting tide of conversation. Vivien's pale eyes flitted from table to table, absorbing every laugh, every starry-eyed whisper.

Esme leaned back with a small huff and told her, "Basically, everyone's guessed it. They all know it's Aether who's sponsoring the food again. It's become… well, something of a legend around here."

Vivien simply nodded, her thoughts quiet. All this — the noisy joy, the playful envy, the way an entire cafeteria's mood could change because of one boy's generosity — it was new to her. Strangely delightful.

As she watched, the room almost felt like a lively festival ground instead of a dining hall. And for the first time since she had arrived, a faint spark of curiosity — maybe even longing — warmed her chest.

A small plan hatches

Esme, catching Vivien's thoughtful look, grinned and leaned forward. "Anyway… want to go see Aether? He might be in his class now."

Vivien blinked. "Is that… alright? We won't be disturbing him while he eats, will we?"

Esme burst out laughing, a hand covering her mouth. "No, trust me — he won't mind. I know it."

Vivien tilted her head slightly. You know it? From what she could remember, Esme had never even spoken with Aether. But perhaps it was simply that — here in this academy — everyone seemed to know of him. Everyone spoke of that boy with the same blend of affection and exasperation, as though he was a shared story that belonged to them all.

A carnival in Technomancy 1

They finished their lunch quickly, hoping to catch Aether before the next bell. As they made their way through the halls, Esme joked about "marching to the moon" — earning a small, rare giggle from Vivien.

But as they neared the Technomancy wing, laughter and the clatter of chairs spilled into the corridor. Peeking through the door to Aether's classroom, they found a scene that could only be described as a miniature festival.

Students clustered around tables laden with food, shouting jokes over one another. Some were waving bits of bread or roast like tiny flags, others had doubled over laughing at who-knew-what. Even Akabane Teach was there, smiling with a plate in her hand.

Esme's emerald eyes lit up. "Woah! This looks fun. I kinda want to join them."

Vivien stood silent, equally stunned. She had never seen a class look quite so alive. For a girl who'd grown up surrounded by cautious whispers and stifled etiquette, it felt like stepping into another world.

An unexpected meeting with Akabane

Just then, Akabane Teach noticed the pair lingering by the door. She quickly excused herself from a giggling knot of students and came over. Her brows shot up in surprise when she took in Vivien's delicate features and unmistakable bearing.

"Oh— I'm so sorry! I didn't see you both standing there." She hesitated, then muttered under her breath, "The Dean's granddaughter…? What's she doing here?"

Vivien and Esme dipped polite bows. Esme took the lead, her words bubbling with barely restrained excitement. "Sorry to interrupt! We were hoping to see Aether… is he here?"

Akabane glanced back into the room, then shook her head with an apologetic smile. "Ah, just missed him. He stepped out a moment ago, but he'll likely return soon. You're welcome to wait here if you'd like."

She hesitated again, eyes darting between Vivien and Esme. What in the world did that boy do now that even the Dean's granddaughter is here looking for him? But her instincts told her there was no trouble brewing — after all, it was always the boys who tried to stir things with Aether, never the girls.

Esme turned to Vivien. "Want to wait for him?"

Vivien nodded gently, a quiet "Yes," slipping past her lips. That alone eased something in Akabane's shoulders. So it's not a problem, then… thank goodness.

A sudden summons

Just as Esme stepped through the door, eyes sparkling with anticipation, a voice boomed through the loudspeakers.

"Attention to all mages! Please gather at the main hall. We are about to begin today's mana assessment. Those who are still eating, please hurry. Those finished, report at once."

The light in Esme's face dimmed at once. "Ugh… it just had to be now, didn't it?"

Vivien gave a tiny, sympathetic sigh. "It seems so."

Esme pressed her lips together, then turned back to Akabane with a rueful shrug. "Sorry, Teach… guess we'll have to come by another time."

Akabane shook her head, smiling. "No harm at all. Good luck with your tests."

They both dipped into polite bows. As Vivien lifted her head, she found Akabane offering her an unexpectedly warm look — almost protective.

Then they left, their footsteps echoing lightly down the corridor.

A teacher's small wonder

Akabane stood there a moment longer, watching until they disappeared around the corner. She let out a long, thoughtful sigh.

Should I tell Aether that the Dean's granddaughter — and that cheerful redhead — came by looking for him? She tapped her chin. No… it's probably nothing. Still, it might be fun to see that boy's face when he hears.

With a small laugh, she returned to the classroom, where her students were still caught up in the joyous chaos Aether had left behind.