Chapter 67: Mealtime!
"...Why are there so many sea cucumbers, chives, and raw oysters?"
Eikou couldn't help but blurt out his complaint.
The other party's ambition was practically written all over this.
"I already said this is a nutritious meal, of course I have to prepare plenty of body-replenishing food. Your body is still developing, and since your training consumes a lot of stamina, it's absolutely necessary to take in enough nutrients!"
Scathach explained seriously.
The problem is… just what exactly is this "nutritional supplement" aiming at?! What kind of warrior are you trying to turn me into?!
"Don't get the wrong idea, this is also for your own good."
Scathach glanced at the health checkup report.
"Last night, I saw your skill 'Disaster With Women' was ranked EX. So it's not surprising that you're always surrounded by women. You're just a brat, yet you've got the nerve to build yourself a harem, it's really irritating."
"..."
Eikou thought to himself — sorry, but that report probably needs to be updated now.
Because on the night of that party, his "Disaster With Women" skill was enhanced with the additional effect of "special attack against married woman." At this point, if he ran into someone like Murasaki Shikibu or Marie Alter, they basically wouldn't be able to take their eyes off him.
"There are countless women's gazes on you in Chaldea, so you'd better train your body to be strong. Otherwise, you won't be able to handle it…"
Scathach said with meaningful implication.
"..."
Just imagining that scenario was enough to make his hair stand on end.
To prevent any accidents, Eikou decided to obediently continue training, then pour all his resentment into eating as much as he could.
Once I'm done with this super nourishing meal, Scathach, it'll be your turn to suffer!
...
[May 27, 7:00 a.m., you have completed the hellish training course under Scathach-sensei.]
[Due to the high training intensity, your body is quickly aching all over.]
[Strength, Agility, Endurance, and all physical action skills are temporarily debuffed.]
[You fully focused on studying throughout the morning.]
[Listening to the lectures seriously, reviewing seriously, and even when Charlemagne and classmates from the next class came to invite you to play during break, you refused.]
[At noon, instead of eating with the Round Table Knights group in the cafeteria, you asked Oberon to buy you a yakisoba bread and a drink from the small canteen. After eating on the way, you went straight to the quiet library to continue reviewing.]
[Study, study, and study even more — countless exam questions are waiting for you to conquer…]
[The goal of reaching the top 10 of the entire grade still seems far away.]
[While you were reviewing in the library, you heard footsteps and a cheerful humming voice...]
Lunchtime, at the Chaldea library.
"Hmm~ hmm~ hmm~ Magecraft of Britain, Artoria's having lunch~"
Eikou was still going over the wrong answers from the last mock exam when a slightly off-key tune suddenly echoed.
Judging by the voice, it was probably a Servant from the Artoria line, but it could also be Kawasumi Ayako or Lady Avalon.
In the sunlit library, Artoria Caster walked in, carrying a backpack like a child, hugging a steaming bowl of porridge in her hands. Her face was full of happiness.
"Eh, isn't that Eikou-san?"
The desk mate Artoria greeted him with a cheerful smile the moment she saw him.
After two days of fitting in, this countryside Artoria seemed a lot more lively now, even greeting people properly.
"What's up, Artoria? Where did that bowl of porridge come from?"
Eikou asked.
"A kind Onee-san gave it to me. She saw I didn't seem full after eating in the cafeteria, so she gave me this big bowl."
Her simple, innocent face lit up with a sincere, happy smile.
"Wow, people at this academy are so kind, you can always meet such nice people!"
A kind Onee-san passing by?
Eikou paused for a moment but didn't think too much about it. After all, Servants from the Artoria line were extremely popular at the academy. Some even had quite a few fans among other Servants, so being given food like this wasn't strange at all.
After all, there were plenty of warm-hearted Servants around.
"That's great. There really are a lot of good Servants in the world."
He smiled and said,
"But I should remind you, next time don't bring food into the library, it'll disturb other people who are reading. I don't mind, but others might complain."
"What, there's a rule like that?!"
Artoria was startled, her face flushed with embarrassment,
"Sorry, I've never been to an official library before, I'll be careful next time! I'll leave!"
"It's fine, just keep it in mind from now on. Today there's basically no one here. Since you're already here, go ahead and eat." He added, "Don't worry, if anything happens, I'll take responsibility. I'm close with the librarian here."
"Thank you, Eikou-san!"
Artoria obediently nodded, then sat down and began enjoying the fragrant, delicious, but rather mysterious bowl of porridge.
The moment she took the first bite, her bright green eyes lit up, and she exclaimed emotionally:
"It's so good!"
She immediately took several more spoonfuls, her soft face practically melting with happiness.
But after a short while, Artoria glanced at him — the person sitting opposite her, studying.
"Eikou-san, sorry to bother you… have you had lunch yet?"
"I already ate yakisoba bread."
"What, how could that fill you up? Why don't you have some with me too?"
She spoke with concern, gently pushing the bowl of porridge toward him.
Shocking — even the Artoria knew how to share her food!
"No need, I'm actually pretty full. I'll accept your kindness."
Even though yakisoba bread wasn't exactly nutritious, it was pretty filling, and he'd also eaten that gigantic "super nutritious breakfast" prepared by Scathach earlier this morning.
Still… that porridge smelled really good.
But Eikou thought, since Artoria enjoyed eating it so much, he didn't want to take away that small bit of happiness from her.
"I see."
Artoria softly nodded, her voice lowering.
Eikou noticed a faint, subtle emotion in her tone.
She seemed a little disappointed — maybe because he had helped her before but she never got a chance to repay the favor, and now when she finally did, he tactfully declined it.
Alright then, to keep her from feeling awkward, he could eat a little.
"To be honest, this porridge really does smell amazing…" Eikou said. "Can I try a bite?"
Artoria smiled sweetly: "Of course you can!"
Eikou accepted the bowl and spoon from her. The moment his hand touched the spoon, Artoria's face flushed a little.
She suddenly realized — isn't this kind of like an indirect kiss?!
Eikou also noticed that, but by now, it was too late to care.
He scooped up a spoonful of porridge and took a bite.
The sweet, rich barley porridge spread through his mouth, the flavor dancing on his tongue.
Just as Eikou was about to praise the taste, two dice suddenly dropped down.
[You have eaten Circe's barley porridge. Please roll a Magic Resistance check.]
[Check — great failure.]
[Uh-oh. You're about to turn into a pig.]
"??"
What the hell—this porridge was made by Circe?!
Eikou immediately panicked.
Wait—then Artoria, who also ate the porridge, doesn't that mean…
[Your ally has rolled a Magic Resistance check.]
[Check failed.]
[Uh-oh, Artoria Caster has turned into a wild boar!]
...