The Academys cafeteria is on the first floors corner. Its size is about the same as the size of the place of assembly where the school entrance ceremony was conducted, in other words, even if all the first year student came in, there would still be enough space left.

Despite being just before noon, nearly half of the seats are already occupied.

Now, what am I going to do?

Since I live in the dormitory, Im supposed to come here almost everyday but

The form of order in the school cafeteria is a completely free all-you-can-eat buffet. Students from pilots Department and mechanics department have many physically demanding situations so theres certainly not enough to ensure more than a set meal.

As much as possible, it would be in the form of an all-you-can-eat buffet.

Its a lot of effort to even choose.

Thanks to that, I mostly wouldnt get tired of running back and forth every day since I started living in a dorm.

Today the main ingredient is meat.

Theres no such thing. Its because in my village fish were pretty rare.

Although a river was present, The fish that could be captured were palm-sized, because there was nearly no place to eat, it rarely was lined up on our dining table.

Thanks to it, during the few days I started living in the dormitory, I feel like only eating fish.

To Salt-grilled, fried, foil grilled and roasted, they are cooked frequently enough for my taste buds[TN: tongue] to enjoy.

Hee, because my house was close to the sea, I did feel like they were rare.

While saying so, Leila serves herself up with roast beef as her main ingredient and plenty of vegetables on her plate.

The women in this place apparently do not have the tendency of dieting. In a harsh battlefield if you do not eat youll fall.

If so, have you ever eaten raw before? As expected, even here they wouldnt take out raw foods

Adding bite-sized steaks on a round plate and puttting plenty of sauce.

In addition, potato salad and cabbage were plentifully served on a separate dish.

There was not much chance to eat raw. But, I like marinated foods

Its to the point of feeling envious

Finally, as I take a drink and some bread, I go to seat on a vacant seat.

Leila sat in front of me.

Wheres Layla hometown? If its close to the sea it must be down south right?

Id like to go there now.

if there is a marinade, by all means I would like to try eating it.

Its impossible

But that hope is cut in two by Laylas word.

If I look at Layla in surprise, that facial expression got unpleasantly distorted.

Why?

that is

Five years ago. The suddenly came to attack, it got destroyed in an instant. Those that couldnt escape in time all got killed, The one that fled do not return to the village out of fear. Although the dispatched order of knight immediately drove them out, the village is a ghost town. The villagers moved to another town.

To think that there would be someone familiar to me with war experience Even knowing that this country fights using aluminares, Because of my sensitivity as a japanese, no matter what, I always think its matter concerning some countries far away somewhere.

So I will not forgive Obardo

The fork in Laylas hand got gripped with strength.

After I become an aluminares pilot, I will absolutely destroy them

I see, so thats Laylas principle, huh?

Because she trained holding such hatred, thats why shes got such sword skill.

No wonder, compared to us who got here because of our passion for aluminares, our levels are different.

So, what about Eldo?

Youre saying it as if youve piloted one before

Oh, I had a little opportunity. Although a little, I also got to operate it.

Although in actuality it isnt at the level of little, but it would be bad to arbitrarily talk about it.

Hee, how was it? Was it difficult after all?

No, the piloting itself has been simplified so it wasnt that hard

Its basically consist of foot pedals and handling levers[TN: Is that you gundam? what are doing in this novel?]. Since minor magics can be triggered on top of buttons and switches so theres hardly any special operation.

However, when it comes to a fight theres a lot of intense movements, Its quite difficult because you also pay attention to your piloting. On top of your piloting you also think about the use of magic. Well, if you can do multiple activation theres no problem

Is that right? I want to ride one soon

The first years are expected to accumulate fundamental knowledges in relation to aluminares, to intensively exercise their magic and their sword skill. Theres also other classes such as the courtesy class, Theres no opportunity to ride aluminares.

Well, in the first place, the training machines share the same generators as the aluminares in the battlefield, its worth is that of a single castle. Because it cant be manufactured in large quantities like a mass-produced machine, its natural for 2nd years and 3rd years to have priority. Rather, its close to a miracle for it to even be used for practice.

hey both of you, can I sit next to you?

A pair called out to us as they advance while eating heartily.

As I peek at Layla, Layla also nods her head to me.

Here you go

Thanks. It sure has become quite crowded

As I look, the people in the dining hall has increased greatly.

It looks a liitle dreadful to even search for a seat.

Im Baptiste. Baptiste Orban. The one with glasses here is[TN: he got interrupted here of he doesnt know his name, the author isnt clear on that yet]

Its Leon Lazare. Nice to meet you

Baptiste, how similar to a legends hero.[TN:I dont know which legend hes referring to]

Conversely Leaon with his blue hair and glasses looks quiet at a glance. Hes just close to Baptiste, to think that he lasted until the end during endurence test, it looks like he has trained hard.

Im Eldo. Nice to meet you

Hey, Are you guys dating!? You seemed pretty close during the test

Hey, Right off the bat, its rude

Hmm, I feel like I somehow understand the relationship between Baptiste and Leon.

Were not dating.

That was interesting! By the way, you twos magic is abnormal! Wouldnt we be in danger if we receive a blow while riding an aluminare?

Certainly if you receive that icicle you would be out of luck. Although mine is totally deceptive.

However, Layla denied by shaking her head.

Its still impossible. At best, I can trip someone or make obstacles on someones way is my limit. Other than icicles, its just a cold space.

Seriously? Even that doesnt have an impact on aluminare, isnt that too amazing?!

My bad, my bad

Under Leons warning, Baptiste apologizes while smiling wryly. He doesnt look like he has any remorse.

Wether or not Leon understands that he sight and took a sip of his soup.

By the time everyone finished their lunch, it was right on time.

I better go soon otherwise itll be bad

This afternoon, its written, huh? Thats my weak point

Its your fault for not studying properly

It looks like Baptistes weak point is studying. Judging from this conversation, Leon is probably good at it. Well, I somehow could guess it. Baptistes character is the type thatld throw of his effeort in things like physical exercices.

What do you think of those two?

Im a little bad at history

Im completely not worried about basic math, national language, problems related to aluminares, but I do not have a quite satisfactory understanding with respect to the history of this country.

Although when I got in the dormitory I also received some textbooks and immediately studied history, but unfortunately, I was short on time.

Still, I did not only read up to the period of the founding of the nation.

Since history is part the school subject, I learned it by heart. I had no other choice since I didnt have any textbooks

But you completely wasted that one advantage though

Let me see, Which one it about~

While whistling*whistle whistle*, Baptiste looks up in the air.

While walking on the road to the classroom, I try to ask about that.

Wouldnt you say that those two do not act very noble-like? Although its a little different from what I imagined. I thought they would be more arrogant.

I thought sotoo.Howdo I say this? They werent any swagger[TN: Read this with a british accent, Itll magically be less ghetto if you will]

Layla also seems to have the same impressions.

Oh, Were frequently told that. In my case, its because I have such personality. A long time ago, I used to run around the market and places like it. It s because I was treated wellby an old-man and old-woman that owned a street stall, so I do not have any particular prejudice

Oh, them

The member that came to provoque me seems to a noble.

Commoners, doesnt have enough people to assemble a group of friends during the entrance ceremony from the same village.

if they come to you to start a mess tell them aboout us. Although we look like this our family is pretty high up in the rank

Well, I do appreciate it, but is it okay ro use your names as I please?

If the other party is a trade partner, wouldnt that cause some grudges to remain?

Because those kind of guys are enough cause me to throw up. Even if we get close to one another, theyll never willingly separate from us. Its troublesome instead

Oh, please feel free to use it

While we were talking about such things, we finally arrived at the classroom.

Good, everyone is here

As the time arrives, the professor comes in. In those hands, things that looked like booklets were piled up.

One by one, take one and pass it behind you. Dont open it yet

As I take one booklet I turn to my back. It is a nostalgic movement that I havent experienced for I dont how many decades.

Its a test evaluating ones comprehensive knowledge. Apparently this is likely the content of the test.

As the professor checks if the booklets has been spread to everyone, started explaining.

The tests time is 3 hours. The person who finishes early, can also exit after putting his answers in a box on the teachers desk. However, once you exit this room its unacceptable to enter this room until the end of the test. So be careful. With that, todays schedule ends. Then can you come in if youd like to

A 3 hours continuous test, huh? Does this means that this booklet contains problems from all the subjects?

Those that have an upsetstomach tell by raising your hands. If its this much, I allow you to go out and come in. But if we found out you cheated, youll be dropped out from the school without question. But if it hasnt been found out no problem. You can do it however you like cheat despite knowing the danger or gain points through your own merits

To even acknowledge cheating But because if its found out youll be dropped out, he isnt acknowledging it? the intention is as long you arent exposed you arent a criminal.

As I thought so, a guy on my right closes something in his bag while letting out a sigh.

Hey, Baptiste

You

Dont bother telling himThis guy is an idiot

As a pitiful gaze flew Leons eyes sitting in a manner that interposes Baptiste.

Im beginning the test. Start!

Ooops, it has begun. Well then, I have to work hard to keep my concentration up, huh?.

As I turn the pages of the booklet, I started solving the problems.

When an 1 hour and a half passed, Layla rises from her seat. A stir ran amongst almost all the classmate due to that speed.

By giving precedence to the ones I understand, even I finished about 80 percent of them. From here,

I have to scan all of the problems, carefully think about the places I dont understand, when it comes to reviewing it may take me just enough time.

Ill have to go earlier

Ah, yeah

Layla got out of the classroom after gathering her luggage and putting her examination paper into the box on the teachers desk with a relaxed facial expression.

With that thought, this time a man from the opposite side leaves his seat.

Phew, I finished[TN: ]

That mutter, isnt it absolutely different from its usual meaning! ? Its not that the test is finished, doesnt it turns into the results are finished! ?[TN: ]

[TN: guess where the pun/joke is I have no idea *looks side way*]

well, Ill wait for you outside.

So does Leon tell Baptiste as he gets out of the classroom.

Well, one person with confidence, Another person went out of the classroom with a sparkling smile, they cant help being impatient, huh?

After that, 2 hours and a half easily passed without anyone leaving the room. Little by little, people started to leave the classroom.

Then, Excuse me for leaving first

yeah

Leon leaves his chair as he gathers his luggage.

Calculation and language are not so different from the modern era. Theres no particular problems with knowledges related to aluminares.

Although the test is in the form of multiple choice questions with numbers, they are lined up with names I ve never heard before so it cant be helped.

I have no choice but to rely on luck.

Its three hours! Stop answering your examination paper first before submitting it

In the end, I continued to review the problems until the last moment. Except for history, I should have made zero trivial mistake in the other subjects.

Excepting me, as the remaining students leave the classroom one by one, the hallway got a little crowded.

Phew, its finally finally over

I was returning to the dormitory while loosening my stiffened muscles by considerably stretching them.

the dormitory I live in, is located 5 minutes from the school. Since the majority of the students that enroll into the Academy live in a dormitory, the number of those dormitories is quite large, lined up in a row, it look like the municipal residential area.

The dormitory I got in is the sixth dormitory closest dormitory to the Academy comparatively to all the other dormitories. Because it was able to receive the room of a student that couldnt enroll, I was quite lucky.

Im back

I greet the janitor cleaning the entrance of the dormitory.

the janitor is without any romance with someone of the same age, she so old that she cant even start a love story as a widow. Because her waist is fully bent.

Well, shes still able to work as a janitor because its not necessary to cook.

Therefore, there is no such thing as a cafeteria in this dorm. although theres a kitchen, but its enough to boil some tea. If there was some instant noodles I could make some, but unfortunately it hasnt been invented yet.

I could at least make some chicken ramen, should I try considering it when I have some free time? No, I feel like theres not enough time to call it free time.

Welcome back. The test how was it?

If you know your weakness, you have to compensate for it.

Yes, Ill study again from now on.

For the time being, I will put down the history textboooks until I can recite them by heart. After that, Ill do some sword practice. I wonder how do I go about it?

Is something troubling you?

Isnt it enough with just the class?

Because on top of that its necessary to do some private tutoring

review the class till the bitter end, recap, reaffirm. I feel that unless I do this much the top brass will not notice me.

In order to catch up with her, it shouldnt be enough to do some average training.

As I speak about it to the janitor, she nodded her head in agreement.

Its a good resolution. Well then, how about I introduce you to someone that can mentor you? If I was 20 years younger, I would have been the one to teach you but

What, its because I was thinking about my junior from when I was retiring as support maid. If you help me in the management of this dormitory, itll be killing two birds with one stone

Understood. Contact me when youve decided

Yes, then excuse me.

I may have obtained a mentor from an unexpected place. However, if its the janitors junior he must quite old.

Next time, Ill try asking her.

The beds thin futon and wood simply hurts

Huh I better work hard from tomorrow on

With a test just after the entrance ceremony, I might surprisingly be tired.

Without resisting my heavy eyelids, I fell asleep.