The White Mansion, 1st floor, Classroom.

    After our lengthy discussion about putting my duties as the King candidate and Highest Executive of Imperial Knights Academy to a holdoff and focus on my role as a Special Student— there''s still some time till lunch break.

    Unfortunately, the Cafeteria at the Central Section is still closed, so I had to return to the White Mansion on the buggy.

    I took a nice shower in my room. And I was surprised to see Kuroyuki reading a book at her usual spot when I entered the classroom afterwards.

    I didn''t want to interrupt her, so I sat next to her and read a book too.

    Compared to Kuroyuki, who''s literally holding one, I read e-books (electronic books) instead.

    It''s a research journal written by my father— a history about the First Star-Revolution Generation of Darkness Element, also the founder of the Star-Revolution Generation.

    To be honest, this is the 14th time I''ve read this book. But still— the contents never ceased to amaze me.

    The founder of the Star-Revolution Generation is the only person that could use the Darkness Element.

    But before he became the founder of this newfound power, he was just an outstanding human.

    He was born a prince from a country.

    During his teens, he left everything behind for some reason and wandered throughout the world as an adventurer.

    However, his achievements are not what that was supposed to call the work of a genius…

    Destroying corrupted countries.

    Brings fortune to those in need.

    Saving countless lives from disaster.

    Even facing overwhelming odds both in political and military matters, he remains indestructible.

    It wasn''t exaggerating to say that his achievements were more than enough to make him rise to create the strongest empire ever in history.

    But— the surprising thing is, he disappeared 23 years ago without a trace along with the other eight First Star-Revolution Generation. His name and feats were all wholly erased.

    Even his ex-comrades and those who were indebted to him could not find his whereabouts.

    …I wondered why did dad research about him and how did he find this erased history?

    Even my dad was gone too… with mom.

    "…Lucifer."

    Just when I was getting sentimental as I recalled the disappearance of my parents…

    Kuroyuki, who was sitting next to me reading her book… called my name as she clamps her book shut.

    Raising my head, I faced her.

    "What is it…?" I asked.

    This is surprising. I never thought she''s the type to strike a conversation first.

    Without any signs or warnings, she gently placed her right hand on my cheek— ow, ow cold…!

    "…Close your eyes."

    ...She told me, with her whisper.

    "…I know your voice is seductive and all— can you please put down your fist first?"

    She hid the presence of her fist so perfectly well that I didn''t sense it. I would''ve fallen for her trick if it''s isn''t for my ''Foresight''.

    "...You do know the ''Force of Will''." She murmured with her eyes sparkling.

    This is scary. Is she a battle junkie...?

    "I won''t be accepting another match," I told her. "And please don''t force me to accept with the ''Forced Duel'' please...?"

    "...Ngh." She pouted.

    ...That was cute and effective. But I ain''t biting it.

    "Say, how did you know...? About my secret ?ssignment."

    I was referring to the first ?ssignment I had as a Special Student. It is to expose those who were not fit in S Class. I listed the four idiots at Kuroyuki''s team to be removed, while listed Sherry as ''potential to grow''.

    "...?"

    For some reason, Kuroyuki tilted her head and blinked twice, looking dumbfounded.

    Is it me, or she''s really... cute today...?

    "... It''s a secret...? You have been reading it on the buggy..."

    I thought Kuroyuki is avoiding me— but she''s still observing at the front...?

    "You know, you do know that ?ssignment was only for me, right? Why are you peeking at it?"

    "...You don''t like it...?" Again, she blinked.

    "No... it''s just that— you are just too observant. It''s not a bad thing, though..."

    "...N." She nodded.

    ...What is she nodding for?

    Kuroyuki then stood up, tied her hair in a ponytail, and went to the kitchen section, wearing her apron.

    ...It''s almost time for lunch, huh.

    Her movements were so swift and with ease that I''d start to worry about her, even though I swear not to.

    "Have you always prepared your meals alone like this for six months...?" I inadvertently asked.

    "...N. I catch too much attention."

    Telling me that, Kuroyuki then clapped once.

    She gave a serious thought to choose her utensils. Then, she took a size-adjustable spatula from the drawer, a clay pot with a lid, a pot, a frying pan, and a saucepan from the cupboard.

    After clapping twice to close the cupboards and drawers, she places the clay pot and pot on the stove. The clay pot is preheated with the charcoal fire function, while the pot is filled with water and heated.

    She shoved her hand into the ingredient box and pulled out her ingredients.

    Plucking off several pieces of garlic, she took the cleaver from the knife holder.

    Then— splat.

    She removes the skin and chops it to crumbles— there are some skinned ones she left aside.

    As for ginger, it goes with slices after washed.

    ".................."

    For some reason, as soon as she finishes this step, she raised her head and stared at me.

    By the way, I''ve been sitting on the dining chair in front of her, watching her—

    FWIP.

    —and managed to dodge a kitchen knife that nearly grazed my cheek.

    "THAT WAS DANGEROUS!!! HOW CAN YOU THROW IT DIRECTLY TO ME WITHOUT ANY HESITATION!?" I ?r??n?d.

    "...How long are you going to stare...?" She glared at me with her cold eyes.

    "If you need my help, just ask nicely!" I told her, while pulling the kitchen knife off from the wall.

    By the way, this is an excellent product. The handle is good, and its sharpness... amazing.

    When I check the brand— it''s the same as Kronos''s logo.

    He even makes kitchen knife...?

    "What''s your dish?" I asked her, while getting my own apron.

    "Soy sauce chicken and minced pork long bean...?"

    Why is this a question? It seems she''s worried about my choice of food.

    Well... practically, I eat anything because I had starved before.

    "Okay, let''s go with that then," I replied.