039 ※ Feasting with Foes: How to Eat Your Weight in Comfort Food and Still Have Room for Betrayal

"I didn't eat before coming here, so I'm absolutely starving now," I say, sinking into the seat she indicated, my eyes immediately drawn to the abundance of food spread out before me. It's an impressive sight, all laid out with care and gleaming in the soft, warm light that fills the room. Each dish seems more inviting than the last, and I can feel my mouth water just looking at it all. "By the gods, I've missed this. It's been way too long since I've had a proper meal, and this... this is perfect."

Without any more hesitation, I pick up a piece of the soft, golden lemon cake. It's light and fluffy, the citrus tang melting into sweetness as it practically dissolves in my mouth. It's exactly the kind of comfort food I've been craving. I don't waste time savoring it too much, though, because next up is a hearty piece of chicken pie. The crust is so perfectly flaky it practically crumbles at the touch, and the savory filling is a comforting, rich blend of flavors that make me want to eat more, but I resist, knowing there's so much more to try.

Moving on, I grab two cinnamon rolls, their swirls glistening with icing that oozes over the edges in a way that makes my stomach growl even louder. With each bite, I get the perfect balance of sweet, cinnamon-spiced dough that warms my insides, and I find myself wishing there were more on my plate. But I keep going, my hunger too strong to slow down. I scoop some fruit salad into my bowl, the bright mix of fresh, juicy fruits practically begging me to indulge. It's drenched in condensed milk and topped with a little sour cream, adding a creamy richness that complements the fruit perfectly. I find myself eating far more than I probably should, but it tastes too good to stop.

After that, I reach for two omelets, generously filled with tangy goat cheese and crispy bacon. The bacon's crunch adds the perfect contrast to the smooth, melty cheese inside, and I can't help but savor each bite. But then, I spot the meat pancake. It's thick, tender, and packed with flavor, a perfect mix of savory and satisfying. I finish it off before my eyes fall on the stack of waffles dripping with honey. Three of them, each one golden and crisp, their sweetness from the honey calling my name. I take a bite, and the indulgence feels almost sinful, but I can't stop myself.

Just when I think I've reached the limit, I see a slice of chocolate pie sitting there, tempting me with its rich, velvety sheen. I grab a fork and cut a generous bite, savoring the smooth, rich chocolate that melts on my tongue. It's the perfect end to the meal, the deep cocoa flavor lingering pleasantly on my palate.

To wash it all down, I take a long sip of peach iced tea. It's sweet with just the right hint of tartness, and it's the perfect way to quench my thirst after indulging in so many flavors. Then, I reach for two refreshing glasses of orange juice, their citrus tang cutting through the sweetness of everything else. Finally, I sip a thick, creamy apple smoothie with banana and strawberry, the tangy fruit perfectly blending with the smooth texture, and it feels like the perfect finish to my feast.

When I finally sit back in my chair, my stomach is full to the point of discomfort, but in the best way possible. I feel like I could barely move, but the satisfaction is overwhelming. I look around the table, only to find everyone staring at me with wide eyes and amused expressions. It's as if they can't believe what they just saw, and I can't help but shrug, trying to play it cool despite my full belly. "What?"

Ryusei breaks the silence with a teasing grin, his voice light and mocking. "You weren't joking when you said that you were starving, little one."

I shoot him a playful glare, but Naomi laughs, clearly impressed. "I'm just surprised you ate more than I did. And I thought I had a good appetite."

Winter, ever the supportive one, chimes in with a soft smile. "And I'm actually glad you ate so much. It's good to see you enjoying yourself. Keep it up."

The comment is met with a round of laughter, the warmth of the room starting to sink in. It's almost too much to take in, but for the first time in a long time, I feel at ease. There's no tension, no pressure, just a group of people enjoying each other's company. I can't help but smile at the easy camaraderie, even if I'm still feeling a little self-conscious about eating so much.

"I agree with my mom," Kai adds, looking at me with that characteristic smirk of his. But there's something different in his eyes this time, a softness I didn't expect. "You've got to stay strong, eat as much as you want. The kitchen will always be stocked, so feel free to dig in whenever you need."

I raise an eyebrow at him, my lips quirking up in a half-smile as I try to suppress the urge to laugh. "Don't worry, I will. I'm not about to turn down any food anytime soon."

The table falls into a brief, comfortable silence, everyone still laughing lightly at the absurdity of how much I've eaten. But the mood shifts when Ryusei speaks again, his tone more serious this time. "We were planning to start your training after breakfast, but honestly, I think it might be better to head to the library first. Give yourself some time to digest, and then when you're ready, we'll start your training."

I nod quickly, agreeing with the idea. The thought of jumping straight into training right after all that food makes my stomach churn. "Absolutely, yeah. Otherwise, I'd probably end up feeling sick. Better to play it safe."

"Good," Winter says, her voice resolute as always. "So, Sam will go with you to the library." Her tone is firm, and the decision feels final as she speaks, almost like it's already been planned. "When the time comes, I'll come back to pick you up, then you'll change, and we'll begin training with Ryusei."

At those words, a knot forms in my stomach. I can feel my pulse quicken at the mention of Samantha. I really don't like the idea of her being the one to go with me. She's never been subtle about her dislike for me, and though she's good at pretending in front of everyone else, I can see through the act. I've been on edge around her ever since we first met, and I'm not stupid enough to let my guard down. I have to be careful with her. Trusting her could be a mistake, and I'm not about to make it.

Still, it seems like I don't have much choice in the matter. "It's settled then," I say, my voice steady but with a subtle edge. I try to keep things light, but the tension is palpable, and I know everyone can feel it.