Chapter 31. Misunderstanding
After our meeting with Castro ended, Reina, Ridipin, and I headed to the Bistecca Restaurant.
Bistecca Restaurant was the most luxurious dining establishment within Iris Academy.
From its vintage interior and elegant, neat waitstaff to the tantalizing aroma of the food and the refined atmosphere—it all gave off an air of grandeur that could be felt more deeply when seen in person.
And just as one would expect from such a high-class place, it was already packed with students and faculty.
Thankfully, we had made a reservation in advance. Otherwise, we might have had to turn back.
We were guided to our reserved table and began scanning the menu.
The menu featured a variety of course meals: the “Mare Course,” centered around seafood and typical of the Empire’s eastern region, and the “Monte Course” from the northern Empire, known for its deep, rich stews.
Among them, Reina couldn’t take her eyes off the “Wyvern Course,” which featured meat from sub-dragon magical beasts and was by far the most expensive dish on the menu.
“Um, Reina… is it really okay to use the wish ticket from Professor Hazen on a meal?”
Reina had used the wish ticket she received from Professor Hazen just to treat us to a meal.
“It’s fine, it’s fine. Honestly, the wish ticket felt a bit burdensome anyway. And if you think about it, the professor was a victim too.”
I had a feeling this would happen ever since she refused the wish ticket. But still, it’s a bit of a waste.
“If you had taken some of the professor’s old equipment instead, it would’ve helped a lot.”
Hazen was renowned for his mastery of all weapons and had a surplus of hero-grade gear. Many of those weapons would’ve been especially useful in the early stages—what a shame.
“Well, I said I’d buy you guys a meal, right? I wanted to get something nice, and you even told me it’s better to accept freely when someone offers.”
“That’s true. If you say it like that, I won’t argue anymore.”
“So, have you two decided what you’re going to eat?”
“U-um, I’ll just have whatever you two are having…”
“Hmm… Everything looks so delicious, I can’t decide.”
Then Reina gave a mischievous smile, like she was up to something.
“In that case, we’ve got no choice. Let’s just order everything on the menu!”
“R-really?!”
“Wow.”
Both Ridipin and I were stunned by the bold decision.
Bistecca Restaurant used magical beasts as ingredients. Since these creatures held magic power, their flesh had a naturally rich and aged flavor. As long as the toxins were removed properly, they were considered the best ingredients available. But capturing the beasts, detoxifying them, and preparing them made this place the most expensive restaurant within Iris Academy.
If we ordered every course here, even all my savings wouldn’t be enough.
Looks like Professor Hazen’s wallet is going to be obliterated today.
Before long, multiple carts loaded with food arrived. The waitstaff set the table swiftly yet with precision.
The beautifully plated dishes were clearly luxurious even at a glance, and their subtle fragrances made my mouth water.
There was no comparison to the food served at the student cafeteria.
Perhaps it was because Reina and Ridipin had been trained in etiquette from a young age, but they both displayed poise during the meal. Even though I had the reputation of a delinquent, I figured I could at least follow the basic manners and tried to mimic them subtly.
That’s when Ridipin commented, seemingly surprised:
“You… You’re surprisingly good with table manners. From what I’d heard, I expected you to eat like a total slob.”
Well, I guess that does sound like something I’d do.
I was about to explain that I was only acting proper because they were here, but Reina responded instead.
“Since he does so many weird things, a lot of rumors about him end up being wrong.”
“I-I see…”
“Ban’s definitely eccentric, but not all delinquent nobles go around causing chaos all the time. Most of them still observe basic etiquette.”
“W-wait. There are other delinquent nobles besides Ban?!”
“Hey. Don’t be so shocked. I’m the Empire’s top delinquent, not the only one.”
“Right, for example…”
Reina scanned the restaurant.
And right on cue, someone nearly as infamous as me, Tyron Drake, walked in with his lackeys.
Reina pointed at them and said,
“See him? That Drake guy’s a delinquent too.”
Isn’t that a bit too blatant?
Just as I thought that, Tyron looked over at us.
Well, so much for enjoying lunch.
Knowing his personality, he’d pick a fight the moment he saw me. I immediately slipped my hand into my coat, ready to draw my wand.
As expected, Tyron and his cronies approached us with fierce expressions.
But instead of starting a fight or even saying a word to me, they simply sat at the table beside ours and ordered food.
Wait, Tyron not picking a fight? Did his personality change?
I was internally shocked, but Reina seemed about to say something else, so I quickly clamped a hand over her mouth.
“Mm! Mmmph!”
While Reina and I wrestled, Tyron spoke to us casually:
“Looks like you were talking about delinquent nobles. I may cause trouble now and then, but I do have manners—unlike Ban Astrea here.”
Wow. He just insulted me to my face?
It annoyed me, but since he hadn’t started a fight, I let it slide.
Still, something felt off. Like a dog that used to bark constantly had suddenly gone silent.
The only variable I could think of was the fact that Tyron participated in the demon subjugation battle when he wasn’t supposed to. Maybe that changed his mindset somehow…?
Then Tyron asked me,
“You said before that you weren’t picking a fight with my subordinate, Kain, but that you ended up fighting to protect a female student, right?”
“Why are you asking me this now? You never believed me anyway.”
Even in the game, when it was revealed that Kain Troger had become a demon, Tyron had stubbornly refused to believe it. But now, he calmly listened and responded:
“You’re right. I wouldn’t have believed it coming from you.”
“…Did you eat something weird today?”
“No. I’m just ashamed that I couldn’t do anything to stop my subordinate from becoming a demon. That’s why I’m asking you—for answers.”
Hold on. Is he… reflecting because his subordinate turned into a demon? So in the game, he didn’t believe it just because he didn’t witness it himself?
What the hell kind of ridiculous pride is that?
“Someone who saved your life once asked you this, right? Whether you were acting after learning the truth. It may be pathetic, but I’ve decided to look into it now—even if it’s late.”
So that snowball that saved Drenor really did keep rolling…
In any case, this was a good opportunity. Tyron was a mid-boss positioned at a major turning point in the main [Spell Breaker] storyline. If I could either get him to owe me a favor or at least build a positive relationship, I might be able to skip the boss fight altogether.
But for now, there wasn’t much I could do.
“Well, do your research. It’s a relief to see that you can think rationally—unlike your nickname, ‘Mad Dog.’”
“Thanks… for finally realizing it.”
He probably would figure things out on his own and come apologize later, so I wasn’t too worried.
The only concern was how much these events would deviate from the original storyline… but I was already prepared for that.
I’d resolved to follow my instincts before I got possessed, and ever since becoming Ban, the routes I used in the game were practically unusable.
As long as I get the outcome I want, the process doesn’t matter.
“So I’m done here. Do you have anything else to say to me?”
“Not really.”
“Then, sorry for interrupting your meal. Enjoy.”
The commanding tone was a little annoying, but I decided to ignore him.
Then Reina and Ridipin whispered to me:
“W-who was that scary guy…?”
“Do you and Drake have some history?”
“Nothing big. One of his underlings picked a fight with me at the student cafeteria a while back, and now he’s apologizing.”
“Huh~? That Drake guy apologizing? That’s rare.”
“Right? I thought so too.”
We resumed our meal, and the rest of the courses were served one by one.
After we finished everything, Ridipin asked me,
“B-Ban, what’s your schedule for today?”
“I’m meeting with Senior Lesta later.”
“Ah…”
“Well then, I guess it’s just going to be me and Ridipin training alone today!”
“B-but… we can still train together in the evening, right?”
“Of course.”
At that, Reina poked Ridipin in the side.
“What’s this, Ridipin? You don’t like being alone with me?”
“N-no! It’s not that…”
“That’s so sad. You like Ban more than me, huh!”
“N-no, no! Th-that’s not true…”
As Reina kept teasing her, Ridipin looked at me with a pleading gaze. It seemed like she was silently asking for help.
“Ease up. You’re gonna make Ridipin cry.”
“I kinda want to see her cry at least once. I bet she’d look super cute.”
“C-cute? Me…?”
Ridipin blushed and got flustered, and only then did Reina look satisfied and stop teasing her.
“Anyway, are you two full now?”
“I feel like I could eat a bit more.”
“I-I’m full.”
“I’m going to order another Wyvern course meal. Want to share it, Ban?”
She’s ordering the most expensive item again.
I did feel a bit sorry for Professor Hazen, but ordering one more course shouldn’t be too bad, right?
“Sure, I’ll have some too.”
Then Reina called the waiter.
“Two more Wyvern courses, please.”
“Wait, weren’t we just going to order one and share it?”
“Why would we share? And one’s not enough anyway.”
To Reina, a big eater, the concept of sharing food apparently doesn’t exist.
I did a quick mental calculation of all the food we’d ordered so far—it probably cost as much as a hero-grade sword.
Imagining Professor Hazen’s shocked face when he sees the bill made me chuckle a little.
After parting ways with Reina and Ridipin at the restaurant, I headed to the eastern part of the academy.
After walking for a while toward the inner wall, I found Lestar, wearing his blindfold, dozing off while leaning against a decorative tree.
“Senior Lestar. I’m here.”
“……”
“If you don’t wake up, I’ll knock you down.”
“……”
You little…
I really used Tracing Fire to shatter the branch he was lying on.
Thud!
The branch, which had been quite high up, broke with a loud crash, scattering into pieces. But unlike the branch, Lestar landed silently on the ground.
“Whoa, you don’t mess around. Haven’t we only just met?”
“Well, I am a delinquent. This kind of thing is just another Tuesday for me.”
To be honest, being nice to Lestar at this point is meaningless.
He’s so emotionally rotten inside that his affinity score jumps up and down however it pleases. At first, I even thought he was an unbondable character.
“So. You asked me to help with training, and instead of using the perfectly fine Trihi Hall, you made me come all the way out here. Why?”
“Oh, that? It’s a long story. But can you even believe what I’m about to tell you?”
“Hmm… We’ve only known each other for a short while, so I’d say no?”
“You were acting like you’d known me for years just a moment ago, and now you’re being picky?”
Acting like I’d known him for years, huh…
If someone else had said it, I would’ve brushed it off as a figure of speech, but coming from Lestar, it felt like he’d seen right through me.
“If you can’t trust me, there’s no point explaining. Just know that the Trihi Hall isn’t just for training. Let’s move.”
“Move? To where?”
“Beyond this wall.”
Lestar gave me a look like, Why are you asking something so obvious?
“You can’t enter without a professor’s permission.”
“That’s only if you use the entrance. We’ll just climb over.”
Climb over this wall…?
I looked up at the inner wall. Up close, it was so tall that I couldn’t see the top.
And he wants to just hop over it like it’s a schoolyard fence?
Wait… don’t tell me…
“Don’t tell me you’ve been hanging out beyond this wall this whole time?”
“Not always, but yeah, usually.”
Seriously… wow.
In Spell Breaker, Lestar was a notoriously hard character to find. Unless it was a main event, you could search the entire academy and never even find a strand of his hair.
And unless there was a training or tournament event, you couldn’t even enter the artificial environment zone, even with exploits.
No wonder nobody could find Lestar.
“But don’t the professors say anything?”
“Not really? Sometimes they say stuff like, ‘Try climbing it if you can.’ By the way, do you know how to use flight magic?”
“I’m a first-year. Flight magic starts at Circle 5, minimum.”
“Really? I never cared about magic.”
“You don’t care about anything, really.”
“True. But you do know how to slow your fall, right?”
“【Fall Delay】?”
“Yeah, that’s the one.”
“That’s wind magic. I can’t use it.”
“Whatever.”
Suddenly, Lestar grabbed me by the collar.
“I’ll throw you over the wall. You figure out the rest.”
“Wait, what?!”
W-wait!
Before I could stop him, he spun me around and chucked me straight over the wall.
“Waaaah!”
This psycho!
Thankfully, I used 【Fall Delay】 just in time and landed safely, but my heart was pounding like crazy.
If that happened again, I’d probably die of a heart attack.
While I was catching my breath, Lestar casually jumped down from the top of the wall.
Thud!
He didn’t even use much aura, but he landed without a scratch from that height. He really lived up to his reputation as a future strongest in the world.
Guess the crappy personality is the tradeoff for that power.
Still, he was useful in many ways. For example—
“Now that we’ve relocated, like you asked, I’ll teach you how to open your aura channels.”
The one and only person in this world who knew how to teach an artificial aura opening method—Lestar.
