The Extra's Reincarnation

The bell finally rang, a sound that managed to be both jarring and a sweet release.

Elenore turned to me, her golden eyes bright.

"So, what did you think of Magic History?"

"Surprisingly interesting," I admitted, gathering my things.

"I think I'll add it to my list for the semester."

"Really? Oh, that's wonderful! We can study together then!" A delighted smile bloomed on her face.

Study partners with the Saintess?

That was definitely going to attract attention.

But what more could I do since I have to keep a close eye on her.

"Sure," I said, trying to sound nonchalant.

"Why not?"

We fell into step, heading out of the lecture hall and towards the Quaestor Block.

Elenore led the way, and we chatted easily about the professor's eccentricities and other things a like.

The academy cafeteria was located just a few streets down from the main hall, still within the grounds of the Quaestor Block.

But when we stepped inside, I had to stop dead in my tracks, my jaw practically hitting the floor.

"This… this is a cafeteria?" I blurted out, completely unprepared for the sheer scale and opulence of the place.

"Of course! I mean haven't you ate here before?"

"No... not at all."

It was less a school mess hall and more like a luxurious food court from my old world, multiplied tenfold.

Sunlight streamed in through massive arched windows, illuminating polished marble floors and tables crafted from what looked like enchanted wood that shimmered with faint, internal light.

Instead of long, communal tables, there were clusters of smaller, elegantly set arrangements, some with plush velvet seating.

I couldn't believe it that even this place could exist with the one I'm living in right now.

I mean there was this type of feeling that gave off coffee shop vibes...

I could basically hear the pleasant murmur of conversation, punctuated by the clinking of silverware and the enticing aromas wafting from what must have been dozens of different food stalls.

There were even stations serving everything imaginable: steaming bowls of fragrant elven stews, platters piled high with colorful fruits I'd never seen before, delicate pastries that seemed to float on their trays, and even entire sections dedicated to replicating the comfort foods of other kingdoms, including a surprisingly authentic-smelling Earth-style bakery.

Affordable? Maybe for royalty.

But the sheer variety and quality were astounding.

It was like a permanent international food festival, catering to every conceivable palate.

I even spotted what looked suspiciously like a ramen stall, run by a dwarf with an impressive, braided beard.

"It's quite large, isn't it?" Elenore said, a small smile playing on her lips as she observed my reaction.

"But the food is wonderful! Come on, I know a great place that makes the most amazing sunberry tarts."

I could only nod, still trying to think how I was going to afford all of this.

This wasn't just a place to grab a quick bite; it was a culinary paradise.

If the rest of Aethel Academy was this extravagant, my definition of "school" was about to be completely rewritten.

So Elenore led Julian through the bustling cafeteria, navigating the crowded aisles with an easy familiarity.

She stopped at a stall with a vibrant sign crafted from glowing runes: The Sunstone Kitchen.

The aroma of freshly baked tarts and sweet elven spices filled the air around it.

As they joined the short queue, Julian's eyes scanned the other lines, and he spotted a familiar figure a few stalls over.

Ezekiel, his white student council uniform making him stand out amongst the other students, turned and his eyes widened in surprise when he saw Julian.

He raised a hand in a calm wave, a playful smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

"Julian. Fancy meeting you here. Figuring out the culinary landscape already?" Ezekiel called out, his voice carrying easily to Julian.

Julian subtly inclined his head towards Elenore, indicating to Ezekiel that she was the reason for his presence in this particular line.

"Elenore was just showing me the place," Julian replied, keeping his tone neutral.

Elenore, noticing Ezekiel's wave and hearing Julian's response, turned and offered a polite smile and a small wave.

"Hello, Ezekiel," she greeted warmly, recognizing the white uniform.

Ezekiel approached their line with Diana and Leanne trailing behind him.

"Well, look who it is. Julian, making friends already? And the great support Elenore. Mind if we join you? We were just about to grab some sustenance ourselves."

Alright, play it cool, Zeke. This is your chance. Maybe, just maybe, I can charm the Princess into getting some ice cream with me later.

Julian turned to Elenore.

"Elenore, this is Diana, her mother and mine are friends. And this is Leanne, she's Diana's personal bodyguard."

Elenore offered a kind smile to Diana and Leanne.

"It's a pleasure to meet you both."

Diana returned the smile with a polite nod, while Leanne offered a quiet inclination of her head, her gaze assessing Julian.

Right after, they got their sunberry tarts and found a nearby table.

Diana and Elenore fell into an easy conversation, discussing their initial impressions of their classes and a particularly eccentric potions professor.

Julian listened idly, occasionally interjecting with a polite comment when addressed, but mostly observing the unexpected friendship between Elenore and Diana.

In the main story, their interactions had been minimal, but here, they seemed to be getting along really well.

As Julian savored the sweet and slightly tart filling of his tart, he felt a light but deliberate kick to his ankle from under the table.

He glanced down subtly and saw Ezekiel's foot nudging his.

When he looked up, Ezekiel was watching him with a pointed expression, his eyebrows raised and his lips subtly forming a question.

'Are you into Elenore, bro?'

Julian, understanding Ezekiel's silent inquiry, subtly shook his head, a slight frown creasing his brow.

'No, why are you asking?'

He gestured back with a barely perceptible tilt of his head and a slight movement of his lips.

Ezekiel's expression shifted, his eyes widening slightly as he subtly mouthed another question, his face pleading:

'Can't you give me a hand with her?'

Julian raised an eyebrow, a silent question mark etched on his face.

'Dude, I'm not even close with her,'

He gestured back with a small shrug and a barely visible shake of his head.

Ezekiel's face fell dramatically, his lower lip jutting out in a silent pout.

'But you're the special admission student! You have that aura! That… that 'it' factor! His eyebrows wiggled hopefully. Just a tiny little wingman action? A casual mention of how charming and witty my jokes are?'

Julian suppressed a snort, his lips twitching.

'Zeke, you once tried to impress a girl by reciting the entire history of enchanted doorknobs. Your 'it' factor is… stupid.'

He subtly shook his head again, a silent 'no' that brooked no argument.

'Besides, even if I were inclined to play Cupid, which I am decidedly not, you're barking up the wrong tree.'

Ezekiel's face crumpled further.

'What do you mean? Is she… taken? By some ridiculously handsome upperclassman with abs of steel and a voice like a serenading siren?'

He shot a quick, envious glance towards a group of older students laughing nearby.

Julian gave a barely perceptible shrug, his gaze flicking towards Elenore, who was now discussing something with Diana.

'Let's just say her romantic inclinations lean in a… decidedly non-Ezekiel direction. Think less 'charming smartass' and more… well, not you.'

He punctuated his silent message with a tiny, shake of his head.

Ezekiel's shoulders slumped.

'So, there's no hope? Not even a sliver? Not even if I rescue her from a second year student trying to kidnap her?'

Julian almost choked on his sunberry tart.

'Zeke, trust me on this one. You're better off focusing on the ice cream. Alone.'

He gave a final, decisive head shake, a silent 'drop it' signal.

Ezekiel sighed dramatically, his gaze drifting towards Elenore with a look of profound longing.

He then slumped back in his chair, the light in his eyes dimming considerably.

Fine, his expression seemed to say.

'But if she suddenly develops a deep and inexplicable craving for slightly singed smartasses who know a lot about enchanted doorknobs, I'm blaming you for not paving the way.'

DING...DONG...

The ringing of the academy bell sliced through the lunchtime chatter, signaling the start of the next period.

A collective groan rippled through the cafeteria as students began to gather their belongings.

"What class are you heading to next, Julian?" Elenore asked.

"I heard there's an Alchemy class starting," Julian replied finishing his plate off.

"Oh, that sounds… interesting. I'm off to Summoning and Taming Arts. Professor Sinclair has a new batch of miniature birds we're supposed to be bonding with."

A flicker of disappointment crossed Elenore's face, though it vanished as quickly as it appeared.

"Oh really?" Julian raised an eyebrow.

"Now that sounds like fun."

Elenore chuckled softly.

"Definitely is." She turned to Ezekiel, Diana, and Leanne, offering a bright smile.

"It was lovely seeing you all! I hope we can all eat together again soon."

"See you around, Elenore,"

Everyone on the table waved goodbye as they all left for their designated classes.