"...He eats well."

Orca looked at Leo with a somewhat tired expression.

At first, she seemed very displeased about eating with Leo, but that feeling quickly faded.

Watching the constant stream of food entering Leo’s mouth, her initial displeasure turned into fascination.

"Teacher, can you handle this? You said you’d pay. It looks like the bill will easily exceed hundreds."

"Don't worry. I have more money than you think."

"...Really?"

Orca started worrying about my finances, but I remained confident.

I still had plenty of money left from exchanging the jewels the principal gave me.

Honestly, spending that money on myself felt a bit, no, very overwhelming...

But using it like this felt entirely worthwhile.

The principal wouldn’t mind if it was for feeding students.

"Do you have a hole in your stomach? How can you eat so much?"

"Huff. I tend to eat a lot sometimes."

"Sometimes...?"

Orca looked at the pile of seafood remains next to Leo.

Even though the staff kept clearing the plates, it didn’t seem to diminish.

"Usually, I eat like anyone else, but sometimes I need to eat a lot."

"Need to?"

"Because of the relic."

I opened my mouth to clarify Orca's curiosity.

"The relic he carries demands the user’s life force as a price."

"How does Teacher Ophelia know that...?"

Oops.

I had answered for Leo without thinking.

Since I knew the story, I did it reflexively...

I started sweating as I replied to Leo’s question.

"Student information is organized in records. I tend to remember notable students."

"...I see."

"Yes, yes..."

Luckily, Leo didn’t doubt my explanation and returned to focusing on his food.

Phew, I’m glad he bought it...

Sneaking a glance at him, he didn’t seem to want to explain further.

He seemed more interested in finishing his meal than feeling offended.

Since he didn’t mind talking about his benefactor, it should be fine if I explain.

Taking over for Leo, who resumed eating, I continued explaining to Orca.

"According to records, Leo received that armor from his benefactor."

The silver armor worn over his slightly large academy uniform is a relic.

When Leo was very young, his village burned down for some reason.

A passing knight saved Leo, who was on the verge of death.

To save Leo, the knight gave him a piece of his relic armor, which saved Leo’s life.

After everything settled, Leo tried to return the armor but couldn’t find the knight.

Unable to return it, Leo has worn the armor ever since, admiring the knight.

...That’s Leo’s backstory.

"I see..."

"However, not all relics are purely beneficial. Leo’s relic gives strength but also takes something in return."

It takes his life force.

That’s why Leo doesn’t grow.

Most of the nutrients he consumes go to the armor.

Young Leo, driven by admiration, kept wearing the armor, which stunted his growth.

Now, he’s past the age where growth is possible.

...Judging by the game’s dialogue, even if Leo knew the armor’s effects when he was young, he wouldn’t have taken it off.

Due to the armor’s abilities, Leo binge eats periodically.

Regular meals aren’t enough to replenish his energy.

In the community, they referred to this as Leo "refuelling," likening it to a car getting gas.

"...So that’s why he eats so much?"

"That’s right. Huff... Thanks for the meal, teacher."

"You can eat more. You’re still hungry, right?"

"I have my pride, teacher. I think I’ve already eaten more than enough."

Finally, Leo stopped eating and bowed his head towards me.

...What’s with that expression?

I didn’t do anything, so why is he so grateful?

"I admire your willingness to make significant expenditures for your students."

"...You’re quite cheeky."

"Don’t worry, Orca. I can cover my meal costs."

Wait...

I planned to pay for the meal?

"Actually, I..."

"I appreciate your concern, teacher, but you shouldn’t overdo it. You haven’t been here long, so your budget must be tight. No need to strain yourself."

Leo smiled gratefully but declined my offer to pay.

He’s worried about my finances.

Such a considerate kid. He’s likely regretting the cost of the expensive meal, but he’s smiling.

He probably thinks showing weakness would be disrespectful.

His consideration, even where it’s unnecessary, aligns with how he’s depicted in the game.

...And he’s also terribly clueless.

Teacher really does have plenty of money, kid...

"So? Why did you come?"

"Pardon?"

"You came here because you had something to say. I was impressed by your eating, but we should talk now."

"Oh, right. That’s true."

"You forgot, kid?"

"Oh, right."

"Why did you forget too, teacher?"

Well, he was eating so well.

I was so fascinated I forgot the purpose.

Now that I think about it, Leo did have something to say.

Leo scratched his head, seeming to remember, then smiled sheepishly and approached, bowing his head.

Not to me, but to Orca.

"I’m sorry."

"Huh...?!"

"I came to apologize for the other day."

Leo bowed deeply to Orca, who looked flustered.

"I apologize for lecturing you without understanding the situation. I’m sure it upset you. I regret it."

"Teacher..."

Orca looked between me and Leo, unsure of what to do, but I decided not to interfere.

This was an issue between the two of them.

It was better for them to resolve it themselves.

Maybe I should leave, but...

I didn’t want to. I was curious about their conversation.

I never thought Leo would come to apologize to Orca.

Is this a result of the changed prologue outcome?

"I heard you weren’t threatening students but were tired of the curious stares. I wanted to apologize for misunderstanding."

"..."

Orca looked around awkwardly, avoiding eye contact.

She must be unaccustomed to receiving apologies.

When something bad happened, she was always the scapegoat.

She was always blamed, even for things she didn’t do, so apologies were foreign to her.

"Will you accept my apology?"

"Um..."

In this sense, the situation was favorable.

Despite her cuteness, Orca’s social skills were abysmal.

It was hard to imagine her getting close to anyone.

But what about Leo?

A boy dreaming of knighthood, idolizing his savior, is still immature.

He makes errors in judgment, easily believes lies, and hasn’t fully grown.

However, he quickly acknowledges his mistakes and strives to improve.

With no negative experiences with demon possessors, he was a perfect friend for Orca.

You can do it, Orca.

If you accept his apology, you two can become friends...

"Whatever, I’m used to it."

"Really...? I didn’t mean to hurt you..."

"Ugh, it’s fine! I said you don’t need to worry, kid!"

"Does that mean you accept my apology?"

"I said it’s fine, you idiot!"

...I watched that scene before leaving the restaurant.

If I stayed longer, I might ruin the good atmosphere with my excitement.

I couldn’t control my expression due to my overwhelming happiness.

People might find it strange.

As I left the restaurant, I spoke to the staff at the counter.

"Check, please. Include what that boy ate."

"Understood."

Maybe because Leo ate so much, the bill was staggering.

...This is equivalent to a used car.

Was Leo really planning to cover this himself?

He likely had no money.

Caring in unnecessary ways...

"You seem in a good mood, customer. Did something nice happen?"

The staff, curious about my cheerful demeanor, asked while looking at the receipt.

I guess it showed.

I smiled at the question and replied.

"I saw a kid who I thought would never have friends make their first friend today."

"That must be nice."

"Of course."