"These are really good," Marie said through a mouthful of crumbs. "Where'd you learn to bake like this?"
"My mother taught me," Charlotte replied. "She said a proper lady should know how to manage a household, including the kitchen."
"Your mom sounds strict," Celeste said.
Charlotte shook her head. "She's not strict. A better description would be traditional. She believes in being prepared for anything."
"She always says that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, so if I can't use magic to fight, at least I can feed people really well."
The table went silent for a moment.
Then Marie burst out laughing so hard she nearly choked on her cookie. Lydia pressed her hand over her mouth, her shoulders shaking with suppressed giggles.
Even Celeste let out an uncharacteristic snort before covering it with a more refined laugh.
Charlotte's face gradually turned bright red as she realized what she'd said. "Wait, no! I didn't mean—that's not what I....oh gods, that came out so wrong!"
"So you're planning to seduce men with cookies?" Marie managed between laughs. "Charlotte, that's amazing!"
"I wasn't....it's not like that!" Charlotte said, but even she was starting to laugh.
"I just meant that cooking is a useful skill! Not that I'm trying to...oh no, please stop laughing!"
"No, no, keep going," Celeste said, wiping tears from her eyes. "Tell us more about your master plan to capture hearts through baked goods."
"You're all terrible!" Charlotte said, laughing. "I walked right into that one, didn't I?"
"Completely," Lydia said.
"Though for what it's worth, the cookies really are excellent. If you ever do decide to seduce someone, you've got the right ammunition."
Charlotte buried her face in her hands. "I'm never speaking again. This is mortifying."
Lucas chuckled quietly at the scene.
As the laughter gradually died down and the girls resumed eating their cookies between giggles.
Lucas looked around the table and suddenly became aware that he was the only guy there.
Is this the harem protagonist route? Am I a harem protagonist?
Lucas shook his head firmly
NAAAAH!
He was Lucas Estellan, former trash character and current survivor of transmigration. The fact he was surrounded by some of the most important female characters was just a coincidence.
A very weird, slightly uncomfortable coincidence.
Besides, the actual protagonist of this story was Damion, and Lucas had no intention of stealing his role.
Hours passed as the study session continued. The group worked through the History of Magical Theory chapter, with Lydia quizzing them on important dates and events.
They covered the fundamentals of spell components, the ethics of magic use, and basic magical first aid.
By the time they finally closed their books, Lucas felt like his brain had been stuffed full of information.
It was a good feeling though...productive. He actually had a decent chance of passing the written portion of the exams now.
"I think that's enough for today," Lydia announced, checking the time.
"We covered a lot of ground. Lucas, you should review your notes tonight and tomorrow morning. Repetition helps with retention."
"Will do," Lucas said, gathering his things. "Thanks again, everyone."
"Don't get too confident," Marie warned . "The exams are designed to be tricky. They'll test stuff you don't expect."
"That's encouraging," Lucas said.
The group packed up their materials and said their goodbyes. Charlotte carefully stored her empty cookie container and other things.
"That was fun," Marie said. "We should do this again sometime. Maybe after exams, when we're not all stressed."
"Definitely," Lydia agreed.
They left the library together and Lydia headed toward the dormitories on the east side of campus. "Good luck on your independent study, everyone. Don't stay up too late cramming."
"I'll walk Charlotte back," Marie offered. "Her dorm is on the way to mine."
"Thank you," Charlotte said. She gave Lucas a small wave. "It was nice studying with you, Lucas. Good luck on the exams."
"You too," Lucas replied. "And thanks for the cookies. They really were great."
Charlotte's face flushed again, but she gave a smile before following Marie down the path.
Lucas turned to head toward his own dorm, already mentally planning out his evening.
He'd review his notes, practice some of the sword forms from Combat Class, maybe try to meditate and work on that mana regeneration technique Lydia had mentioned.
"Where are we going?" Celeste asked curiously.
Of course she's still here.
"I'M going to my dorm room," Lucas said. "It's been a long day. I need some rest."
"Oh, come on. Can't we at least do something? Please." She gave him those puppy dog eyes again.
I don't want to agree but who knows what she'll do if I don't. Let me find a middle ground.
"Nah, I'm tired. How about we do something tomorrow instead?" he said.
Celeste's expression changed from disappointment to frustration to consideration before settling on a pout that probably would've been cute if Lucas didn't know she was a dangerous yandere.
"Fine," she said. "I want to go to the festival that's happening in the city tomorrow."
Lucas blinked. "Festival?"
"Yes, the Autumn Harvest Festival. It's a big celebration in Lerastad. There will be food stalls, games, performances..." Celeste's eyes gleamed. "And it would be the perfect opportunity for us to spend quality time together. As friends, of course."
Sure. 'Friends.' That's definitely what you're thinking.
But Lucas couldn't think of a good reason to refuse.
A festival meant crowds, which meant it would be harder for Celeste to do anything too crazy. Plus, it might actually be useful to explore the city more and get a better sense of the local culture and layout.
"Alright," he agreed. "Tomorrow afternoon, after I finish my morning training."
Celeste's face lit up. "Really? Oh, that's wonderful! I promise you won't regret it, Lucas. I'll make sure we have an amazing time together."
I'm definitely going to regret it.
"Sure," Lucas said. "Meet me at the main gate around noon?"
"Perfect! It's a date!" Celeste said cheerfully.
"It's not a—" Lucas started, but Celeste was already walking away.
He watched her go and was left wondering.
What the hell did I just agree to?