...

As Naza and Janina strolled along the cobblestone path leading to the cafeteria, the midday sun warmly bathed the sprawling academy grounds. Lush gardens flanked the pathways, bursting with vibrant flowers whose petals danced lightly in the breeze, filling the air with a sweet fragrance.

"So, who do you like more? The pirate or the boy?" Janina asked, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Naza nervously chuckled, her tail swaying gently behind her, revealing her anxiety. The daughter of the rulers suddenly wanting to discuss a trashy romance novel about three men in a love triangle was both surprising and stress-inducing, even if the subject was trivial.

Yet, seeing Janina's eager expression, she decided to engage. Apparently, few shared such interests. "I guess neither because I liked the merchant the most."

Janina's ears perked up in surprise. "Yes! That's what I thought, too! I adored his gentleness when Gregor returned from his first sailing trip."

"Exactly!" Naza exclaimed, the words bursting out before she could stop them. She felt slightly embarrassed, covering her mouth with her hand, but when Janina chuckled, she grew braver.

Clearing her throat, Naza adopted a deeper, theatrical voice, her cat-like eyes reflecting the dappled sunlight filtering through the trees. "'Greg, look at you, my boy—hands full of calluses and your fur encrusted with salt... Let me help you get clean... your whole body.'"

They stared at each other momentarily before bursting into loud laughter, drawing amused glances from other students milling about.

From that point, the conversation flowed effortlessly as they delved into the novel's most dramatic scenes, critiquing the overly melodramatic love triangles and shallow conflicts.

"Remember when the pirate tried to confess his love but ended up setting the ship on fire instead?" Janina giggled, shaking her head.

Naza laughed, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "How could I forget? But I loved how the merchant confessed, even though the fireworks drowned out his words at the New Year's celebration."

As they walked, giggling and enjoying the sun warming their fur, Naza noticed other students doing the same—finding friends and sharing laughter. She stole glances at them, sensing the euphoria permeating the school.

"You know," Naza mused, "despite its flaws, the novel does offer an escape. It's nice to dive into a world where adventures end with grand gestures and everything somehow works out."

Janina nodded thoughtfully. "Yeah, it would be great if the real world worked like that too."

They shared another laugh, the sound echoing pleasantly amidst the ambient chatter and the distant chirping of exotic birds perched in the trees.

Their jovial mood was momentarily interrupted when Janina glanced ahead. "Oh, we're here!" She pointed toward an imposing building that stood apart from the rest. "Let's grab something to eat and continue our discussion inside, okay?"

Naza stood before the cafeteria's grand entrance, her eyes widening in awe. The building was breathtaking, mirroring the academy's playful yet exquisite design while exuding its unique charm.

Towering arches crafted from shimmering greenish-yellow stone framed the doorway, emitting a welcoming glow. Intricate carvings adorned the pillars—dragons, phoenixes, and leviathans depicted as jovial chefs and servers, each captured in lifelike detail as they brandished utensils or presented platters of delectable dishes.

Above the entrance, a massive stained-glass window showcased a bountiful orchard overflowing with fantastical fruits: golden apples, silver pears, and luminescent berries that glowed softly even in daylight. The window cast a kaleidoscope of colors onto the steps below, creating a living mosaic that shifted with the sun's movement, spelling out Bunny's House of Food across the pathway.

"This is the cafeteria?" Naza whispered, her voice barely audible over the murmurs of passing students. Her stomach gave a gentle rumble but was as fast forgotten in the face of such splendor.

Janina grinned, her green eyes reflecting the myriad colors from the stained glass. "Impressive, isn't it? Wait till you see the inside!"

Students streamed past them, a mix of excitement and nervousness evident on their faces. Many paused to read a glowing message on a magical board near the entrance:

[If this is your first visit, please allow a servant to assist you!]

Janina took Naza's hand, her grip warm and reassuring. "Come on! I'm starving!" she declared with playful irritation, a hint of pride gleaming in her eyes.

Naza accepted her fate with a smile, letting Janina lead her inside.

As they stepped inside, Naza felt like she'd entered a different world. The ceiling soared above—a vast dome enchanted to resemble the open sky. Soft clouds drifted lazily across an expanse of azure, occasionally parting to reveal a radiant sun whose rays bathed the room in gentle light. The ethereal illusion was so convincing she half-expected a breeze to tousle her fur.

Three expansive floors unfolded before them, each filled with an array of tables carved from rich, natural wood. The furnishings were adorned with playful carvings of woodland creatures and entwined vines, and the chairs were cushioned with plush fabrics in deep greens and browns, echoing the cafeteria's theme.

"They really thought of everything, huh?" Naza whispered, her eyes wide with wonder. The tables varied in size and height to accommodate the academy's diverse populace—from the most petite fairy to the tallest oxkin.

She breathed audibly, taking in the scene. "This place makes every restaurant I've ever seen look like a food stand."

Janina laughed softly. "It does have a way of making everything else seem... quaint." She straightened, pushing her chest out proudly. "You know, I helped paint some of the murals here!"

Naza raised an eyebrow, momentarily stunned. "Really?" she blurted out, unable to hide her surprise.

Janina giggled. "Of course! Do you think Alex did everything alone? Everyone pitched in."

Naza nodded, her [Skills] not detecting any deception; she decided to ask further as she was genuinely interested, "And how do the paintings move? How did you do that?"

Janina frowned thoughtfully, glancing up at the clouds on the ceiling. "It has something to do with a calculator Alex invented. Looking closely, you will see that the ceiling is made of small rectangles. All of them are enchanted to change colors over time, making it appear as if everything is moving. Once he figured it out, he taught anyone with decent mana skills how to do the enchantment," she shrugged. "Sadly, I still can't enchant," there was relief in her voice.

Ignoring Janina's behavior, Naza tried to wrap her mind around the concept—rectangles that changed colors, enchanted by magic to create a moving image. It was complex, almost incomprehensible. "I have no idea what you mean," she admitted with a sheepish smile.

Janina chuckled at her confusion and gestured toward a magical board. "Come on, let's order."

As they approached an unoccupied board, Naza noticed groups of students gathered around similar boards. There was no traditional serving counter, just the distant outline of a kitchen at the far end, marked by the occasional clatter of pots and pans but no enticing aromas.

"Why is everyone gathered around these boards?" Naza wondered aloud.

"That's how we order our food," Janina explained. "It's a bit unconventional, but Alex insisted it was the most efficient way."

A servant stepped forward to assist, but Janina waved them off confidently. "We've got this, thanks!"

Naza glanced at her, a mix of curiosity and unease in her eyes, her stomach rumbling. "But where's the food?"

Janina smirked, tapping the side of her nose. "Patience. It's all part of the experience. Alex told me all about it when he was planning the place."

Standing before the board, Janina spoke her name clearly, "Janina."

The board shimmered, its surface transitioning from deep black to bright white. Naza watched in fascination as text began to appear, but her attention shifted when she heard Janina let out an exasperated sigh.

[Parasite: Janina M. Leonandra]

[Hello, my dear little parasite. Are you hungry for some blood?]

[Continue] [I am a parasite] [Close]

"Is everything okay?" Naza asked, noticing the subtle twitch in Janina's eye.

Janina forced a tight smile. "Just my brother's idea of a joke."

Naza stifled a giggle. "Mr. Alexander seems to have a... unique sense of humor."

"You have no idea," Janina muttered, her tone a mix of annoyance and fondness. She quickly changed, adopting a teacher-like stance. "Maybe you can understand how this works," a smirk graced her face, making it seem more like an attempt to change the topic than a good-natured explanation.

"These boards are enchanted blackboards. When you say your name, they will access something like a library that has your information, which will be displayed here. You interact with it by swiping the choices—like so."

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She demonstrated by wiping the [Continue] box with her finger. The board responded, refreshing with new options.

Naza nodded slowly. "That's... magical," she said in awe. Conversing with an object felt like something out of a fairy tale.

Janina rolled her eyes playfully. "It's overly complicated, and Alex was told that multiple times, but he still insisted." She glanced around at the clusters of students struggling to navigate the ordering process. Servants flitted about, attempting to assist but often looking as perplexed as the students themselves.

"He didn't anticipate it being this chaotic," Janina remarked, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Serves him right for not listening."

Naza observed the scene, noting the mix of confusion and determination on her peers' faces. "Everyone seems a bit overwhelmed."

"They'll get the hang of it quickly," Janina said with a shrug. "But let's get back to order. Here, you can select your dietary preferences."

The board displayed a list:

Race: Canine-kin / Wolf-kin

[Vegetarian (No meat or fish)]

[Vegan (No animal products)]

[Pescetarian (No meat, but fish is okay)]

[No nuts (Walnuts, etc.)]

[No alcohol]

...

Naza scanned the extensive list, her eyes widening. "There are so many options—some I've never even heard of... who doesn't eat meat but fish?"

Janina nodded, ignoring her remark, "With so many different races and cultures, it's easier to let everyone exclude what they can't or won't eat. The kitchen handles the rest."

"So what do we actually get?" Naza asked, still processing the array of choices.

Janina grinned. "Two potions and a surprise."

"Potions?" Naza echoed, intrigued.

"You'll see," Janina replied with a wink.

After finalizing her selections, Janina proceeded to the next prompt. However, her expression soured as more of her brother's teasing messages appeared.

[Is someone else eating with you?]

[Do you have any friends now? I doubt it.]

[One More] [Finished]

Janina clenched her jaw. "He just can't help himself," she muttered, trying to hold back her irritation.

She selected [One More], only for another message to pop up.

[Are you sure? If the person is with you against their will, please scream for help.]

[One More] [Finished]

With an exasperated growl, Janina stomped her foot. "Alex!"

Several nearby students glanced over, but Janina paid them no mind. She jabbed at the [One More] option and gestured for Naza to take her place. "Your turn."

Naza stepped forward, hesitant but eager to navigate this new experience. As she began inputting her preferences, she glanced at Janina, who stood with crossed arms, her foot tapping in mild annoyance. 'Well, all siblings seem alike,' a musing thought.

Growing up in the orphanage, she had seen all kinds of sibling dynamics—protective, nurturing, gentle, and sometimes even abusive. The way Alexander seemed to tease his sister struck her as a bit sad. 'He likes to bully her,' she thought, feeling her opinion of the boy who had helped her shift slightly.

"Do you have a good relationship with Mr. Alexander?" Naza cautiously asked while navigating her selections on the magical board. Her attempt at small talk carried a subtle undertone of concern.

Janina was silent for a moment, her gaze distant. "Yeah, he can be an asshole sometimes," she admitted, her voice measured. "But if I need him, he's there instantly, ready to help and find a solution." She sighed softly, a hint of warmth creeping into her tone. "Sometimes I just wish he'd understand that I want to be hugged and be told everything will be fine. No need for overcomplicated plans."

Naza nodded thoughtfully. "So—"

"But he's always focused on fixing things," Janina continued, cutting her off. "He's got too much empathy for his own good, which isn't always a blessing. There were times he broke down from all the pressure."

"Isn't that a bit... heartbreaking?" Naza asked, her brow furrowing. Her idealized image of Alexander as an untouchable genius was starting to crumble—Janina's tone carried a hint of desperation, which she knew too well.

Janina offered a sad smile, her way of speaking much more casual, "He has a hard life, you know? If he had less empathy, he wouldn't feel the constant need to act like there's a dagger at his throat." She paused, her eyes sharpening as she looked directly at Naza. "His ambitions ignited when he saw the orphans and how you all lived. Even though he seems calm, he's pushing himself harder, wanting to create a Wolfsteeth where his future subjects can live happily."

Janina's gaze intensified, a mix of frustration and protectiveness. "No one forced him to open the school so soon. No one would have blamed him if it took five more years, but here we are." Naza felt a chill run down her spine under Janina's piercing stare. "I know it's not your fault, but I can't help but blame all of you for his sleepless nights and stress-induced nightmares."

An eerie silence settled between them. Naza felt like two giant gleaming green eyes were watching her, pupils in slits, scrutinizing every move—a silent warning, 'Terrifying.' She stopped, unable to continue her order as sweat ran down her back.

There was no killing intent or bloodthirst—only a threat—like a vigilant predator. Janina watched her, and the aura she emitted felt not strong but absolute. "If this school fails and Alex breaks down, I'll make sure everyone who contributed to that will suffer," Janina said quietly, her words laced with steely resolve.

Naza swallowed hard, beginning to grasp the fierce loyalty within the Guard Households. She realized they don't hold back, questioning whether she had ever felt such intense devotion for anyone at the orphanage.

Desperate to ease the tension, Naza ventured cautiously, "But you also help him, right?" She avoided Janina's gaze, the weight of it too much to bear.

The heavy atmosphere began to lift as Janina's expression softened slightly. She nodded, a hint of a frown remaining. "Yeah, if he asked me to, I'd do everything I can... if he asked."

Listening to her, Naza suddenly understood why Alexander had spoken about making lifelong friends. 'I want to talk to her,' she thought, feeling an unexpected pull to continue the conversation. Something urged her to keep reaching out, to bridge the gap between them.

Looking into Janina's gleaming green eyes, worry and helplessness were apparent. She could not support her brother even though she wished to, which made Naza curious as she wanted to understand this feeling of such fierce loyalty.

"He loves you and wants to protect you," Naza said earnestly, facing Janina. She flinched slightly under Janina's stoic gaze but pressed on. "Be there for him, and he'll appreciate it, even if he says you don't need to."

Janina regarded her quietly, unreadable, 'Fascinating...' Her mind could not empathize but understand, a sad sensation that made her heart clench, '...maybe.' A glimmer of hope sparked inside her, making her want to act irrationally, something she never did.

Naza took a deep breath, pushing past her anxiety. "I wish I had a sibling like that," she confessed, a sad smile tugging at her lips. "It feels good to be protected and helped, doesn't it?"

Janina clicked her tongue, glancing away. "I guess."

"Maybe you don't realize it, but I like to imagine Mr. Alexander as an older brother or even a father figure," Naza admitted, placing a hand over her heart. "It's strange, but it brings me comfort. I'm happy he has a sister who looks after him, even if you're always bickering. It makes me feel better knowing he's not alone. Thank you."

'Why did I say this?' Naza was confused and unable to understand why she said something so embarrassing, but it was her genuine belief. Knowing that someone was there for Alexander—a person she admired deeply—gave her relief.

After hearing how he was no different from her, capable of breaking down, she felt a conflicting sensation—a selfish desire for him to continue pushing forward, to keep the school and the Helping Paw running. She couldn't deny her own hopes for a better life.

Alexander was like a beacon to her, a symbol of hope. The thought of him collapsing under the weight of his ambitions frightened her, forcing her to confront her own motivations.

'Can I help him somehow?' Before she could explore that thought further, the magical board flashed, displaying new text.

[Second floor, table 230]

[Have a nice meal!]

[PS: Don't forget to feed the bird]

The charged atmosphere dissipated. Naza tilted her head in confusion at the last line, but Janina was already moving away, a subtle smile on her lips.

"Follow me!" she called over her shoulder.