[16.4] A Family Emergency

After making sure we left, the fairy turned to the Headmaster. "Master… That human child is not normal… My attack wouldn't hurt a human that badly. Plus, she could even see me when I didn't want her to. Normal humans aren't capable of that."

He raised an eyebrow, "Are you trying to say she's not human? You think she's a demon?"

She shook her head, "She's definitely human."

"Then?"

"Master… Promise you won't get mad?"

He frowned, "Just tell me."

"That human is terrifying. Not even an ancient demon could make me feel this way… I don't think Master should keep her around. There is too much chaos inside her. She's dangerous."

He threw her a harsh look, "I said I would take care of her. I'm not backing out now."

She sighed, "I understand Master… Just please be careful. That human feels more like a bomb than a little girl."

The Headmaster poked her cheek, "Don't cause trouble. I expect you to look after her."

She sighed as she flew behind him, "I will do as Master asks… But I won't like it."

The Headmaster nodded, "Let's go prepare dinner."

As they arrived in the kitchen, they could see layers of dust covering everything.

The Headmaster's expression turned stiff.

Belle glanced at him, "Master… You have no servants to prepare food for you…"

"I know."

"You also don't know how to cook anything."

"...I know."

"So what do you plan on doing?"

He cleared his throat and tossed a paper into the air. It disappeared immediately. "I have a plan."

Within the next few moments, a magical circle appeared on the ground and a frantic Chief Gonza came out holding a box with assorted food ingredients.

"What's the emergency!?" Upon seeing the Headmaster's cold expression, he froze. He forced a smile, "Wait... What kind of emergency requires me to bring ingredients for a meal?"

The Headmaster cleared his throat, "Reika wants a homemade meal."

"And how is that an emergency?!"

"I can't cook."

Chief Gonza groaned, "And I have to repeat… How. Is. This. An. Emergency."

The Headmaster stared at him and spoke unemotionally, "You can cook. I can't. So please cook a steak dinner."

"Why can't you hire a servant to cook for you!?"

"I don't like strangers."

"Well I'm busy!!"

The Headmaster stared at him with his usual coldness, "Who was it that sent her to that orphanage?"

Chief Gonza made a guilty expression before giving in with a sigh. "Fine. I will help. But this is for little Reika. Not you."

"Excellent."

Before the Headmaster could leave, Chief Gonza pulled him back. "I said I would help, not do everything. You stay here and cut the vegetables."

The Headmaster followed along with Gonza's instructions, cutting unevenly. The fairy attempted to help him, but her small body was no match for the huge knife.

Together, the three people worked hard to prepare a decent meal.

...

I ran off into the dining room and noticed its deplorable state. Ever since I arrived, I only ate at the Academy or the Headmaster and I would go out to eat at a restaurant. We never actually cooked a meal nor ate at home.

I clicked my tongue and pulled out my wand. With a single wave, everything tidied up. The table was set with ease.

Cyrus sighed and shook his head.

It seems he has given up on lecturing me about my magic use.

Zephyr sat at the table, "Where's the food?"

I sat at the table and realized I was too short to sit at it comfortably, "..."

Curse this tiny body!!!

Caldwell picked me up and put down a stack of books on the chair, "Here you go, Little Miss."

I sat on it with a frown, "How humiliating."

Caldwell prepared the seat next to me for Cyrus, "Young Master."

Cyrus cast him a suspicious glance before sitting down. Caldwell stood behind him, beaming with joy.

I glanced at him, "Aren't you going to sit down, Caldwell?"

He shook his head, "No, no. I must make sure my young master is tended to first."

Cyrus frowned, "I've told you before that I'd rather you eat with me than stand behind me."

Caldwell shook his head and straightened his back, "I am your perfect servant."

Zephyr snickered, "That's not a servant, that's a slave."

Caldwell glared at him threateningly, but Zephyr only smirked. I looked at Cyrus's face and noticed it was a bit tense.

Is he pouting?

A carefree smile crossed my face as I looked over at Caldwell, "I think you should sit across from Cyrus. Trust me, he looks far cuter when you can see him eat."

Caldwell hesitated, "He does?"

Cyrus looked at me with a harsh expression, but I ignored it. I smirked, "Imagine it, Caldwell: Little Cyrus taking such a large bite that his cheeks puff out like an adorable chipmunk."

Caldwell closed his eyes as the corners of his lips turned up, "...That does sound nice…"

I continued convincingly, "His eyes will water as he takes his first bite because it's so delicious that it makes him cry… You will miss all of this if you stand behind him."

Finally, Caldwell was won over. He nodded quickly, "Okay, okay! That doesn't sound bad at all! I will join you then."

Caldwell sat across from him at the table with expectant eyes. Cyrus clicked his tongue, "Who said I will look like that while I eat!?"

Although his tone was harsh, I could tell he was secretly happy. Finally, the door opened and Chief Gonza and the Headmaster walked out, followed by floating plates. The floating plates landed on the table delicately, revealing delicious-smelling food. Zephyr started to drool as he looked at the stacks of steak.

Caldwell seemed to drool as he stared at Chief Gonza. He muttered under his breath, "Forget the chair, I'd rather sit on something else..."

I burst out into laughter and covered my mouth.

Chief Gonza's expression darkened.

Cyrus looked at both Caldwell and me, "Eh? What does that mean? Can't you only sit on chairs?"

Zephyr licked his lips, "Forget that! I want that food! It looks AMAZING!"

I looked at Chief Gonza, "Did he make you prepare this?"

Chief Gonza chuckled awkwardly, "He didn't force me to. I just wanted to cook you something tasty~"

I nodded arrogantly, "As you should. After all, you were the one who nearly got me killed."

He hung his head, "Ah…"

The Headmaster cleared his throat, "I helped too. I prepared the vegetables."

I looked at the vegetables and felt my lips twitch at the poor attempt. Although they were misshapen, you could tell he worked hard. I smiled softly as I stared at the two men who looked so proud of their work.

Caldwell licked his lips as he stared at Chief Gonza, "I'd rather eat something far tastier."

Chief Gonza's expression darkened, "..."

The Headmaster spoke in a monotone voice, "He's single."

Chief Gonza stared at him as if he had received the ultimate betrayal, "Aldrich!!"

A mischievous grin crossed Caldwell's face, "Oho~ He is?"

The Headmaster nodded, "Yes, but I wouldn't recommend him. He has never dated anyone nor has he-"

"ALDRICH!" Chief Gonza's cheeks turned red, "There are children around!!!"