The Lunch

Based on Kathleen's reaction when Sophie had visited her yesterday and her behavior today, Sophie suspected that this was the case.

Sophie turned to Kathleen and asked, "Miss Kathleen, Why are you smiling?"

Kathleen replied, "Oh, it's nothing. And please, you can drop the 'Miss' when you address me. We're friends now." She removed her palm from her face.

"Friends?" Sophie asked, her eyebrows raised in surprise.

Kathleen responded with a question, as if it was completely natural to become friends with someone she just started talking to the day before. "Yeah, aren't we friends?"

"Sure, we can be friends." Sophie answered, feeling somewhat relieved that she had made a friend. 'It's not like she knows my secrets or anything.'

Sophie accepted Kathleen's unconventional friendship offer, unaware that Kathleen was someone who could see right through her.

Despite being from the sol family, Sophie Sol was not considered a legitimate member of the Sol family due to being the patriarch's illegitimate daughter.

However, despite her status, her father treated her with affection and kindness. Sophie had her own ambitions and didn't care much for the position of patriarch.

When Kathleen came across the part in the original plot where Max befriends Sophie and gains her father's support in the capital city, she found it too coincidental.

She suspected that the author had simply used Sophie as a means for Max to gain support in the capital, rather than it being a genuine friendship.

After a small story arc, Sophie's character was never brought up again, as if the author had forgotten about her. Kathleen couldn't help but think. 'Well, at least he didn't make her another useless harem member for the main character.'

Kathleen wasn't trying to befriend Sophie just to benefit like the protagonist. In fact, neither Anna nor Kathleen had any friends in real life or in the novel.

Sophie had helped the original owner during the academy entrance test and even though it wasn't a big deal, Kathleen thought it was enough to warrant a friendship. Plus, Sophie seemed like a loyal and cheerful girl based on what Kathleen had observed from the novel.

They chatted for a while before the afternoon bell rang, signaling the continuation of their classes.

And then.

Gurr~ Gurrr~

Sophie noticed a low rumbling noise and assumed it was a small animal brought into the classroom. However, upon investigating, she was surprised to find out that the noises were actually emanating from Kathleen's stomach.

"Hehe, my stomach is growling because I skipped the breakfast." Kathleen admitted with an embarrassed chuckle as she looked at Sophie.

"Pffft~ cough, let's head to the canteen now that the morning classes are over." Sophie suggested, trying to stifle her laughter.

"It's normal to feel hungry if you skip a meal, no need to laugh." Kathleen said, urging Sophie to come along to the cafeteria to satisfy her rumbling stomach.

"Alright, let's go." Sophie agreed, getting up from her seat. They headed out of the classroom, but before leaving, Kathleen glanced back at Max. She had noticed him staring at her during class, and she knew exactly why he was doing it.

The male and female lead were about to have their first encounter in the canteen, and Kathleen was ready for it. They entered the canteen, where regular food was provided for free to students, but most mages opted for mana-rich nutritious meals.

They could even indulge in high-level mana beasts' meat if they had enough contribution points.

The academy had no restrictions on students leaving its premises, and it also had a system of missions and points. Nearby cities and various powers could post missions for students to complete, and upon completion, the students would receive contribution points on their designated identity cards.

As they approached the food counter, Kathleen activated the magical interface by touching a red crystal. A holographic display materialized, presenting a variety of food options with their names for the day.

As Kathleen looked at the various food items on the holographic screen, her eyes brightened with excitement.

Despite having some basic cooking skills, she often found herself too exhausted after a long day's work to cook, leaving her to either eat out or settle for a simple cup of noodles. Trying different types of food was one of the goals she had set for herself in this new life.

Kathleen began to choose her meal, picking out Raging Wolf Meat, Sky Hawk Meat, and Wyvern meat from the holographic screen. Sophie was stunned by the assortment of exotic meats Kathleen had selected.

Sophie's mind raced with thoughts as she watched Kathleen order her food. 'The rumors must be true.' She thought to herself. 'that the Black Dragon Clan really does have a true black dragon bloodline. Look at how much she's ordering! Does she eat like this every day? And all of it is so expensive!' With a gulp, she couldn't help but feel a bit intimidated by Kathleen's appetite.

Kathleen took out her identity card and her heart sank as she realized that she didn't have sufficient points to purchase a single meal. This meant that the previous owner of her body hadn't been on any missions for quite a while.

However, Sophie stretched out her hand and put it near the scanning magic counter, with a beeep sound, the magic scanner scanned Sophie's identity card and deducted the points needed from her card.

"Sophie you-

"Kathleen, no need to thank me for paying for your meal. Even though you suddenly wanted to befriend me, it's refreshing to see a regular person like you among the many arrogant students from different Powers who only talk to others for their own gain."

"I don't know what kind of person you are, but my gut feeling tells me we can be good friends. Let's not waste any more time and grab a table."

Sophie said, paying for her own meal and striding towards the rows of tables, leaving a shocked Kathleen behind.