The most convenient thing about phones, perhaps, is how they can take photos—collect evidence and gather intel.
Louise was still young and hadn't thought it through much, but she did recognize the value of this tool. Maybe… she could present it to that person—
That person being, of course, her childhood friend, Princess Henrietta.
After teaching Louise the basic functions, Hayashi Maki didn't intrude further and let her happily fiddle with it.
As she looked over the photos she'd taken, Louise stole a glance at someone—and her mood suddenly sank. He really was from another world. He called himself a demon, but he just looked like a very handsome man. It's just… what if he leaves in the future?
That thought made her heart ache, and she lost interest in the phone altogether.
…
After a while Hayashi Maki checked the time. "It's afternoon. Time to eat? Cafeteria?"
Louise looked a bit embarrassed. "Um… do you still have any of those cup noodles?"
"Of course. Want one?"
He couldn't help smiling—she looked like a little snack-obsessed girl. "Mm. If you do, I'll have a cup," she said, doing her best to sound calm, though her ears were red. Asking her contractor for food was embarrassing for a noble lady.
Hayashi Maki nodded, took out a spicy pork-flavor cup, and prepared it for her. If even the angel Gabriel could be corrupted by modern snacks, it was no wonder a noble lady couldn't resist. Who doesn't like treats?
Seeing her expectant look, Hayashi Maki said, "I'll go see if the cafeteria has fruit. Cup noodles shouldn't be a habit; you need a balanced diet."
"Mm. Go, and come back soon—don't dawdle," she replied, turning back to wait on noodles. This one seemed spicy. Sister Éléonore would probably like it. As for second sister Cattleya, her health was poor—she should eat milder food.
Thinking of her sisters, Louise felt a pang. She hadn't gone home last winter break, afraid of being scolded. She was Louise the Zero, after all—an entire year and not a single successful spell. Just explosions, every time. How could she face her family? Hayashi Maki had said he could help her awaken the ability to cast—but how could she bring herself to do that with him? They'd only just met. That sort of thing was for lovers.
Muttering to herself, her gaze fell to the noodles, her heart a tangle of hope and anxiety.
—Cut to Hayashi Maki—
Just as he reached the cafeteria hall, a chef in uniform clapped him on the shoulder with a grin. "Yo, our sword—this way!"
"Eh… your sword?" Hayashi Maki followed, puzzled, into the kitchen—where the attendants gave him a warm welcome. Siesta, in maid attire, was among them, smiling at him with a complicated look.
"Hello—Hayashi Maki. Nice to meet you all," he said easily, returning their smiles.
"Haha, likewise—take care of us, our sword! No commoner ever dares defy nobles—you set a great example for us. Seeing that arrogant noble get taken down, ahh—so satisfying," the head chef laughed, explaining the nickname, then gestured at a spread on the table. "So—don't be shy. Eat. It's on the house."
"In that case, I won't. And if you ever run into trouble, you can always talk to me," Hayashi Maki said, accepting the kindness. He was an easygoing sort—and getting in good with the kitchen made getting closer to Siesta that much easier. Why else come to the cafeteria? To "happen" upon the maid, of course.
After stuffing himself, he gave a thumbs up. "Delicious. Thank you—treating me to a meal."
"Haha, think nothing of it. Your composure in front of nobles—makes everyone breathe easier. Come by anytime; we'll feed you for free."
Hayashi Maki nodded amiably and dug in, then asked about fruit. "We have it," the chef said, "but it's expensive—reserved for nobles. But for you, it's still free!" Hayashi Maki shook his head. A free meal was one thing; free luxury fruit was overkill. He'd grab some from his own space—or from his world. After all, time here paused when he left.
After thanking them again, he glanced at the maid girl sneaking looks at him. "Siesta, could you walk with me? I'm still unfamiliar with the place—and I'm a little bad with directions," he said sheepishly, gentle smile in place.
Everyone in the kitchen, chef included, traded wry, suggestive looks. Siesta was the prettiest of the attendants—even nobles wanted her. Beauty and hero—what a pair. And with Hayashi Maki around, maybe he could resolve Siesta's troubles.
The head chef answered for her with a grin. "Siesta, go show our sword the way. Leave the rest to us."
Blushing, Siesta thanked them, glanced at Hayashi Maki, and ducked out. Hayashi Maki gave the others a knowing nod; the chef patted his shoulder and waggled his brows. "As expected of our sword—good eye. Siesta's the gentlest of our commoner girls—treasure her."
"I will. Thanks," Hayashi Maki said, and fell in step with Siesta. When it came to flirting, take the initiative. If his memory of Familiar of Zero served, a certain noble had his eye on Siesta—wanting to bring her to his estate to "work"… as a concubine.
Hayashi Maki, of course, wouldn't let that happen. Since he'd met this gentle maid, she would be his.