The beast tamer exiled from the hero’s party and the cat eared girl from the strongest race meet
After lunch, Tina’s lesson began.
However, perhaps because everyone had just eaten, nearly half of them ended up falling asleep…
Seeing that, Tina said, "Let’s make it break time," and decided that everyone should take a nap together.
Was that really okay?
I couldn’t help but think that, but…
Once I actually lay down for a nap, I realized that this was nice in its own way.
We were on the rooftop.
Basking in the warm sunlight, feeling the gentle breeze…
And in that peaceful setting, everyone took a nap together.
It was incredibly relaxing—warm, comfortable, and surprisingly wonderful.
And just like that, study time came to an end.
"Alright, that concludes today’s lessons. Good job, everyone."
"Thank you very much!"
After giving the final closing greeting,
"Uuugh… I’m exhausted…"
Kanade was the first to collapse, followed by the others, all looking worn out.
Using your body is one thing, but using your brain is another…
They looked completely drained.
Still, it didn’t seem like the day had been wasted.
Though they were tired, everyone seemed satisfied and genuinely happy.
Studying is supposed to be the goal, yet having fun while doing it might seem contradictory…
But with everything that’s happened lately, I think it served as a good change of pace.
"…Ah, I see now."
Suddenly, I understood why Al-san had suggested all this.
She was worried about us.
But Al-san has a bit of a twisted personality.
If she’d said it straightforwardly, we… I probably wouldn’t have been able to relax.
She really thought things through for us.
"Hey, Rain."
"Yes, Al-san?"
"Do you think my daughters have gotten a little smarter now?"
She was worried about us, right?
…Probably.
"Well… I think what they learned will be useful someday."
"Indeed. Nothing learned ever truly goes to waste."
Whether it’s studying or exercise,
Art or magic…
The efforts you accumulate never betray you.
They may not show results exactly how you expect…
But someday, somewhere, they will help you in unexpected ways.
That’s what I believe.
Spending time with everyone has taught me to believe that.
So…
"We have to keep moving forward."
I stretched my hand toward the sky and slowly closed my fingers, as if trying to grasp the clouds.
"To celebrate the end of studying…"
"Let’s have a toast!"
That night, led by Kanade and Luna, a mysterious little feast began.
Celebrating the end of studying…
Did they really hate it that much?
"Ahh! Alcohol after hardship tastes amazing!"
"I agree! I never want to go through that again."
"Are you two really okay with that…?"
"I don’t think that’s okay."
Iris looked exasperated, while Rifa had an expression that said it was already too late.
"B-but I think… I wouldn’t mind studying again."
"Huh? Finia, do you like studying?"
"I don’t like it, and I’m not good at it either, but… um… I think it was fun."
"When you put it that way…"
"I can’t deny it."
"If we get the chance, studying again might be nice."
"Then shall I teach you every day?"
"Every day is too much."
"I… might want to try harder."
"Nina, you’re such a hard worker. Good girl, good girl. Want some candy?"
"Hahaha!"
"Sakura seems to want some too."
"Is it okay to give candy to a dog…? Though she is the strongest species, so maybe it’s fine?"
Everyone chatted and picked at their food.
For a moment, I found myself wishing Yuki and Gray were here too…
But that couldn’t happen.
It hurt. It was lonely.
Still, we have to overcome that.
And make sure it never happens again.
That is the duty of those who remain—the ones entrusted with what was left behind.
"Rain-san."
"Come, drink with us."
Nokia-san and Al-san sat down beside me, each holding a bottle.
"Here you go."
"Thank you."
Nokia-san poured me a drink.
It felt a little luxurious.
"Sorry for making such a sudden request."
"No, it was fun for me too, in the end."
"I’m glad to hear that."
"Though, there is something that concerns us…"
Something concerning?
Both Nokia-san and Al-san looked unusually serious.
What could possibly make them look like that?
"Well, you see…"
"Y-yes?"
"…We think we should have included cooking lessons."
"Huh?"
"You know… my daughter—Sora’s cooking is, well…"
"I can cook fairly well, so I thought about teaching Sora, but by the time I realized it, it was already too late."
"What do you think? Should we hold another lesson? It would be the perfect chance to teach Sora how to cook."
"Ah…"
It certainly was a tempting suggestion.
Very tempting, but…
"But in that case, we’d have to taste-test it, right?"
"……"
After a moment of silence,
"Let’s not do that."
That was the conclusion they reached.
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