After completing the Geology Exploration Class, we returned to Luminor Academy from Dungeon City.

It had taken us three full days before we entered the dungeon, and it took us an entire day and two more hours to clear it. By the time Ethan and I made it back to the academy, it was late in the afternoon of the fifth day.

The exploration class started on the second day of the week and ended on the seventh day, which meant Ethan and I returned around noon on the sixth day—what would be Saturday, in modern terms.

Today and tomorrow were free days, a chance to rest without worrying about classes. Tonight, then, would be the best time to finally settle the reward I owed Ethan from before.

I should prepare myself in case Ethan tries to come at me again at any time...

‘But this time, I shouldn’t get ahead of myself.’

Last time, I had convinced myself that Ethan would demand his reward right after his victory over Harold in the duel. I got so excited, only to end up embarrassed when nothing happened.

This time, I decided not to bring up the reward until Ethan himself mentioned it first. One humiliating mistake like that was enough.

“This class ended faster than the last one, Ethan,” I said, breaking the silence.

“Well, we finished quickly last time too. It was you who wanted to stay behind a little longer.”

“But you agreed to stay, didn’t you?”

“Well, yeah. It’s not like we get to be alone together that often. We did have to struggle a bit, but after we made it back, I feel like I’ve gotten stronger.”

Well, that makes sense. Spending six days in the forest together, Ethan probably absorbed a lot of experience points along the way.

Come to think of it, I don’t know exactly what level Ethan is right now. I’m almost certain he’s stronger than me, though.

The Swordsmanship Department, where Ethan studies, tends to focus more on physical practice in real-world combat situations, compared to the Magic Department.

Naturally, they have a lot of sparring classes, and in this world, sparring still grants a small amount of experience points.

On the other hand, magic classes are more about theoretical studies, changing the flow of mana to strengthen spells, learning new magic, or mastering the art of combining and multi-casting spells.

So, compared to Ethan in the Swordsmanship Department, I wouldn’t get as much experience, even though I could make up for the lower levels by learning different kinds of magic.

‘Looking back, most of the battles that gave me lots of experience were all with Ethan.’

The King Serpent Hunt, the Abyss Kraken Hunt, the Roaring Crescent Moon Bear Hunt—every one of those fights was alongside Ethan.

Even in the yearly Hunting Festival and the recent exploration class, I’ve always been with Ethan. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s at least five or ten levels higher than me by now.

‘But it’s only temporary. Only for now.’

Once we graduate from the academy, Ethan won’t have time to swing a sword while learning how to manage his estate. Meanwhile, I’ll be living the free life of an adventurer, raking in experience points day by day. Closing the gap will just be a matter of time.

“…So, Lilith…”

‘Once I leave the Blackwood family and push myself hard for a year or two, I’ll probably be as strong as Ethan. It’s just that, for now, I haven’t had the best opportunities to gain experience. First, I’ll focus on earning money as his exclusive maid, then start slow from there…’

“Lilith, you’re not listening to me again, are you?”

“…Huh? Ah, I-I’m sorry!”

Oops, I must have gotten lost in my thoughts again and missed what Ethan was saying.

“Would you mind repeating yourself one more time, Ethan?”

“I was asking if you’d like to have dinner at the restaurant in the commercial district tonight, Lilith. We worked hard together during the Geology Exploration Class, after all.”

“Oh. That’s what you meant.”

“So, what do you think?”

“…Whatever you suggest sounds fine, Ethan. After all, the profits we made from the class could cover the meal costs…”

“There’s no need to go that far. You should keep all the money you made from selling the map. You’re the one who bought it in the first place.”

“But didn’t we agree to split the income and expenses equally from the Geology Exploration Class?”

“All the more reason for you to keep it. The class officially ended when the professor recorded both our grades. At that point, it was you who sold the map, and it’s not like that money belongs to me.”

“…”

“I probably wouldn’t have thought of selling the map for a profit anyway. Seeing how you handled it, I’m starting to think you might have a talent for business.”

“Oh, no, you flatter me too much, Ethan.”

Though I felt a bit awkward, it was still nice to hear Ethan acknowledge the money I earned.

Instead of both Ethan and me ending up with two and a half gold coins each from the Geology Exploration Class, I ended up with a total profit of five gold coins.

Well, the more funds I have for my independence, the better. No reason to turn it down.  

Time passed, and soon it was evening again.

Ethan and I, having promised to dine at a restaurant in the commercial district, left the dorm, leaving only Isabel behind in the room.

“Sorry for leaving you behind again after being away for several days,” Ethan said apologetically.

“No, don’t worry about me! Just enjoy your date with Lilith to the fullest, young master!” Isabel replied cheerfully.

“…I’m sorry, Isabel. Lately, I’ve been leaving you alone a lot….”

“Really, it’s fine! As long as Lilith and the young master are getting along well, that’s all that matters to me!” Isabel said with a bright smile, seeing us off as if it was nothing, even though Ethan and I were heading out on another date right after returning from the academy.

Isabel had been spending a lot more time alone in the dorms lately. Especially since classes like the Exploration Class meant being away from the academy for several days at a time, it couldn’t be helped.

“Don’t worry about it, Lilith! I’ve made a lot of friends at the academy too!” Isabel said suddenly.

“Huh?”

“Lately, when nobles like you and the young master leave the academy for exploration classes, it’s not just me who gets some temporary free time. There are other exclusive maids who also stay behind. We’ve gotten to know each other, and sometimes we even have meals together in the dorm dining hall.”

Well, now that I think about it, Ethan and I weren’t the only nobles at the academy who had exclusive maids.

With Isabel’s personality, she’d be popular no matter where she went, so I guess I was worrying for no reason. It seemed like I could relax and enjoy the evening without feeling guilty.

Feeling more at ease, Ethan and I leisurely walked through the commercial district, scanning the area for a good place to have dinner.

“There aren’t as many people out tonight, even though it’s the weekend,” Ethan noted.

“I think it’s because the Geology Exploration Class hasn’t ended yet, young master,” I replied.

“Is there anything you’d like to eat, Lilith? Tonight, let’s go to a place you want,” he said kindly.

“Anything you choose is fine with me, Ethan.”

“…You know, that’s actually the hardest answer to deal with, right?”

…Thinking back, he was right.

It was one of those answers that, back in my previous life, you were never supposed to say during a date when deciding on a place to eat. Realizing my mistake, I quickly scanned the area, searching for a restaurant where Ethan and I could enjoy a pleasant evening together.

‘If possible, somewhere with good food and a nice atmosphere… and maybe some light alcohol to go with it.’

I was considering the idea of setting the mood, hoping that tonight might naturally lead to a more intimate atmosphere.

Even though I hadn’t brought it up yet, Ethan was still supposed to receive the reward I had promised him after completing the Geology Exploration Class.

…Just in case, on the off chance he’d forgotten, I figured creating the right mood on my side wouldn’t hurt.

‘A French or Italian restaurant would probably be the safest bet.’

Both cuisines have a good atmosphere and pair well with wine. While I didn’t expect anything like the high-end restaurants from my previous life in this fantasy world, I figured that a little help from alcohol could set the mood.

“That place over there, Ethan, how about we…” I started to suggest the French restaurant we’d visited once before when—

Sniff sniff.

“…?”

I suddenly caught a familiar scent that I hadn’t smelled in a long time.

‘Wait, that rich smell… could it be?’

A tantalizing aroma of olive oil and the savory scent of perfectly fried chicken filled the air.

As I focused on the scent carried by the wind, I could hear the crispy sizzling sound hitting my ears. Just hearing it made me imagine the crunch of the fried coating breaking apart in my mouth.

This was the kind of soul food that, back in Korea, you’d order at least once a month—especially during important sports games, when delivery orders could be backed up by an hour.

Before I knew it, as if hypnotized, I found myself pulling Ethan by the hand toward a fried chicken restaurant.

“…Ah.”

Wait.

…This wasn’t my fault at all.

The real culprit was this shop selling fried chicken out of nowhere in a medieval fantasy game world!