Volume 1 Chapter 5 Mean Villainess, Eating Yakisoba Bread
In the end, even though Leve grumbled and complained, playing board games with Rolus and the 3 of us was really fun.
The entertainment room had everything from 2-player games like chess and Othello to a game similar to the Game of Life, as well as card games like Uno and regular playing cards.
It seemed like it would take years to try everything, so we promised to play here regularly.
"There were some interesting games, and there were some kids who could teach me how to be mean, so this is a promising start."
Today, as I shoved a sandwich into Rolus' mouth, I was feeling really good.
"...mgh."
"After all, what's important is having that superior attitude. And definitely not having a cute half-smile; instead, a smirk is what I need."
Oh, but maybe a loud laugh has more impact than a smirk, I thought while building my ideal Mean Villainess in my head.
I've never played an otome game, but being the rival of the protagonist means being an obstacle, not the final boss.
Since the ultimate goal of an otome game is to find love, the character in the final boss position would have to be one of the good guys, including Leve.
It's about being an annoyance rather than a stopping force, and it probably requires a bit of a petty vibe.
I'm sure that's it.
"But I've never laughed loudly, so I need to practice that from now on..."
"I don't think a lady should laugh that way."
"Really? But I think it's important for the show."
Well, it's true that I wasn't very good at being loud.
"Right, Rolus... no, Servant. There will be a lunch break starting today, right? I'm planning to eat lunch in the cafeteria, so is it okay to meet there?"
"...I will wait in the Attendant's lounge."
"What are you saying? If you don't come, who's going to serve? Or what, do you prefer to get kidnapped?"
"...I'll wait in the cafeteria."
"That's fine," I smile. The lunchbox I brought with me ── well, it's actually Rolus's ── is packed with a lunch that's too much for just one person. Of course, it's for sharing with Rolus. After all, if I don't, Rolus won't have lunch prepared.
"And also, Servant, I'm giving this to you, so buy some yakisoba bread."
"Understood."
The classic request for yakisoba bread.
I feel like that's a strange term in this fantasy world, where magic and swords are everywhere.
But it actually exists.
According to my mother, it's a favorite item of a prince who attends this academy.
I was skeptical about the idea of yakisoba bread in this world, but it's listed clearly on the cafeteria menu.
Yakisoba bread, can you believe it? Honestly, I still can't wrap my head around it.
But if what my mother said isn't just nonsense, then the original setting of this world is from a 'game made in Japan.' So, the creators are Japanese, and the players are also Japanese.
Even if people here have deep, distinct facial features that are quite different from Japanese traits, or if they have flashy colored hair or eyes, and despite the existence of magic and noble families, if you look closely, there are hints of familiar Japanese elements scattered here and there.
For example, there are 12 months in a year, 7 days in a week, 24 hours in a day, and the seasons are clearly divided into 4.
I can't decide if I should say it's understandable or if the world-building is weak.
"Right, Rolus. I heard Leve's tutor is coming today, so after school, let's go to the library together."
"It is as you say, Lady."
"Oh!"
I blurted it out, absentmindedly.
I part from Rolus and step into the classroom.
My first thought is to greet Leve and provoke that lady who made nasty comments to me yesterday, feeling all pumped up about it.
But something feels off.
Despite my presence being absent, there aren't any girls crowding around Leve.
And the girl who made those mean comments avoids my gaze and looks down, refusing to meet my eyes.
I intended to study with you (the girl) again today, but what on earth happened to you! I wanted to confront you about it, but right in front of me, Ms. Parsley and Ms. Percella showed up.
"You have to discipline those who are rude, right?"
"Yes, indeed."
The Parsley-Percella duo said this with inappropriate smirks.
They were claiming it was to ensure Lady Elena could enjoy her school life peacefully, but to be honest, my heart is already uneasy.
No, both of them definitely threatened that girl, and I was worried about my precious teaching materials! Well, that's not the only thing, though.
The headmaster's idea of "treating everyone equally" is surprisingly difficult for those in the middle class.
For those below, it's one thing, but those above don't have to worry, so it's precarious for those stuck in the middle position.
In short, the Parsley-Percella duo and that girl from yesterday occupy a lovely middle ground, leading to tensions between them.
It's not what I want, but I can't blame them since their actions are likely to protect their families.
However, I do feel a bit sorry for them, and since they showed me a prime example of being mean, I think I'll offer some support if the opportunity arises.
"I won't ask the details... but she seems quite down..."
I muttered quietly, and Ms. Parsley picked up on it and quietly responded.
"That's not our fault."
Then Ms. Percella continued,.
"That's because Sir Leve said, 'It's not Elena monopolizing me, it's me monopolizing Elena'."
...And just like that.
The cause was unexpectedly Leve.
Of course, I don't think he is monopolizing anything, but I don't feel like I'm being monopolized either.
In the first place, the one I'm monopolizing is Rolus alone.
When I glanced at Leve, he seemed to have overheard our conversation and awkwardly looked away.
* * *
Finally, during lunch break, I was about to head to the cafeteria, where I was supposed to meet Rolus.
Feeling upbeat, I stepped out of the classroom only to be caught by Leve.
He was probably planning to explain his earlier remark.
"Can I have lunch with you?"
"Rolus will be there too, but if that's okay..."
"Of course. So, um..."
"I don't mean to monopolize anyone, and I'm not being monopolized either. The only one I'm monopolizing is Rolus, you know?"
As I joked and laughed, Leve joined in, though there was a hint of a wry smile on his face.
We met up with Rolus in front of the cafeteria and took a seat at the very back.
"Elena's lunch box is pretty big."
"Well, yeah."
I smiled at Leve's puzzled face and quickly snatched the lunch box from Rolus.
Now, it was time to sort it out.
I had to divide it into what I would eat and what Rolus would eat.
This task was mine to handle.
"Oh, you're dividing it?"
"Yep. I'm a bit of a selfish Lady, so I want to eat a little bit of everything. But the chef says it's hard to make just a little bit of each dish, so Rolus will finish up whatever's left."
As I carefully split the yakisoba bread that Rolus had bought, I called out, "Hey, Rolus," and he looked at me with wide eyes.
Did he really think I was going to eat everything in this lunch box?
"...If I may say, Lady, I am your Attendant..."
"What? Do you have a problem with that? Or do you, as my Attendant, plan to waste food?"
"...No."
"Then let's eat."
Having overpowered Rolus, we began our lunch.
It was a peaceful time with me, Leve, and Rolus, just the 3 of us relaxing.
Because of that, we didn't notice someone glaring at Rolus.
"By the way, Elena, what's that?"
"This? It's yakisoba bread."
"Is it good?"
"Hmm... well, it's ordinary. What about you, Rolus?"
"Neither good nor bad..."
I probably wouldn't get it again.
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