The next day at lunchtime, Natalie and I were having a meal.

The food was so fancy that I couldn’t believe it was a school cafeteria.

I guess only a nobleman could eat so casually.

In fact, those who don’t have the money make their own lunch.

This school itself is a place for aristocrats, so it can’t be helped.

The menu was so sumptuous that I wondered what kind of high-class restaurant it was.

It was a price that the Count’s family could afford, but I was still feeling like a commoner, so I was quite confused at first.

Now that I’m used to it, I’m afraid of myself.

If I think this is normal, I’ll have a hard time after the fall of my family.

But I guess this is how people get used to things. 

I wrapped my pasta around my fork and talked to Natalie.

“Julian is Natalie’s brother, right?”

Just as I said this, Natalie stopped moving her hand and wiped her mouth with a napkin.

“Yeah.”

“I heard you’re going to participate in the Big Four Festival.”

“Yes.”

Natalie responded bluntly and resumed eating.

Natalie was in a bit of a bad mood.

” My brother and I don’t really get along …….”

Hey, my mouth.

What are you asking me to make things awkward?

Well, she doesn’t usually talk to me much, so I have to ask her at times like this.

“It’s neither good nor bad. Hey, what’s the matter with you all of a sudden?”

“No, it doesn’t really mean anything, but …I was just curious.”

Yeah, I know.

There are some circumstances you don’t want to talk about.

I’m sorry for asking such an insensitive question.

“I don’t know much about my brother. I barely talk to him at home. …… But he’s a talented guy. He is Father’s favorite. I’ve never been able to …… compete with him in anything.”

Natalie lowered her voice.

“No one can beat my brother. Even you will …….”

She muttered quietly.

■　■　■

That evening, there was a small commotion at the training center after school when there was an explosion.

Or rather, it was because of my magic.

When Chris-sensei heard the explosion, she rushed over.

“Hey, Owen, what’s this all about?”

“Oh, I’m sorry. I was just practicing my magic.”

“That’s all right, but that sounded terrible.”

“It’s okay. There’s no damage at all.”

“No, you’re all burned up.”

My body was charred in many places.

To be precise, there is no damage to anyone but me. 

“No, well, ha-ha. Is there a soundproof training center?”

“There is no such thing.”

“Well, what about somewhere far from the school?”

“Yes, there are, but why?　What’s the use?”

“I’m practicing my magic for the opening ceremony.”

If I say this, they’ll lend it to me …….

“Then you’ll have no choice but to go to …….”

Okay! I made a small gut pose.

“Oh, yes. Chris-sensei. I need some help with the opening ceremony, okay?”

“Help with what?”

“I’d like you to do a little performance using your ice magic, Chris-sensei.”

I put my hands together and said, “Please!”

With Chris-sensei’s help, we can make it even better.

“If you can get me some cookies, that is.”

She likes that store’s cookies too much, doesn’t she?

“Yes, of course.”

I grinned.

Because I had bought a box of cookies.

Hahahaha.

I was laughing my head off.

“By the way, I’m tired of the last store, so you’ll have to go to another one.”

What the hell?

What are you going to do with all the cookies in my house?

“Well, yes. I’ll be happy to …….”

I lowered the tone of my voice from before.