Here is the next chapter of this story which shows how Rean spends his first day at Thors. Like always I hope that I'm able to entertain people with my writing.
Some info:
Spoken words are between " "
Thoughts are between ( )
After following Instructor Sara to their classroom and getting their designated seats, though Alisa wasn't happy with hers at all since one of her neighbours was Rean, given the grumblings that he could hear from here and the fact that their instructor looked so amused at the two of them, he doesn't think that they are going to change seats anytime soon. (I really should apologise to her as soon as possible, the atmosphere here is already stretched thin enough given Machias and Jusis animosity with each other. The others shouldn't have to suffer just because of me.)
These thoughts were soon thrown back as he concentrated on the explanation regarding their workload in regard for this new class, (I expected that it wouldn't be easy, but this is beyond what I had imagined. The physical training isn't bad, given what I usually do for training but the academic site of it? Are they trying to get the entire curriculum of two years done in just one? Besides that, we have the usual exams, alongside the other classes but we have also special exams just for our class and they don't count towards the general results, but they must be passed nonetheless?!)
Looking around Rean could see how the rest of the class took the news, Emma, Machias, Alisa and Jusis didn't look sacred of the academic demands, Elliot, Gaius and Laura looked worried and Fie was napping? Taking a closer look, she really was napping which didn't go unnoticed by their instructor given that she threw the chalk at her which in turn caused her to wake up and glare right back at Sara, who returned it until Fie started paying attention to what she was saying. Afterwards they were given their timetables for the classes, Rean noticed that they had classes for the entire week, even on Sundays which wasn't that surprising given that this was a military academy, but they were given a free day in each month. Before he could think further of it, he saw Emma raising her hand.
"Instructor Valestein, what does this free day each month mean?"
"It means exactly that, a free day. You guys won't have any classes on that day and are given free rein how you want to spend it. Be it by spending time in clubs, studying or just lazing around all day, the choice is yours. You can even go the capital for the day, if you want. But I think that is enough of boring explanations, I will now show you around the schoolgrounds, so that you guys know where everything is. Follow me please."
They were given a tour around the academy where the cafeteria, pool, training rooms and field, the library and the engineering building were and then Instructor Sara led them outside the academy to their dormitory which was placed on the eastern side of the town, close to the town entrance. After opening the doors, she led her students inside, "Welcome to Class VII own dormitory, where you boys and girls will be living together. Here are some ground rules, at nine in the evening at the latest you must be here and the earliest you can leave is six in the morning. On your left is the kitchen which everyone can use but you use it, you clean it too. Here we are responsible for keeping this place clean besides your own rooms those are your responsibility alone, each one of you will be given a task to clean the building once a week. The living quarters for the boys are on the first floor while the girls are on the second floor."
Stooping for a moment to look at the girls or specially at Alisa, who looked ready to complain she continued, "Before someone starts to complain let me remind you that this is a military academy while you aren't obligated to go to the military, you will still be treated as cadets here. That means getting used to how things are usually run in the army which include living together with people of the opposite gender, among other things. The only curtesy we give you is that you are separated by floors and that I too live on the second floor, so don't get all upset about this besides another rule is that you have to sleep in your own room for the night. There will be severe punishment if these rules aren't respected." Done with explaining, she showed everyone which rooms belonged to whom and left them alone for the rest of the day.
After unpacking everything that he had send from home ahead of his arrival, Rean looked around his room, "So, this will be my room for the next two years, at least it is big enough to practice my sword techniques. Given the academy physical training each day, I should start training my technique in the morning during the day the academy workouts with perhaps some light training afterwards should suffice for training my body and some studying in the evening. The only problem will be where I can get some practice with real opponents since I doubt there are enough monsters around town for it, maybe I should ask the instructor?"
Done with planning his future training program Rean focused his attention on his most urgent problem namely, how to get Alisa to forgive him. "Maybe I should wait till tomorrow to speak with her given that she is still pretty mad at me besides even I know that trying to go to the girl's floor today will end in me getting killed, if not worse. Maybe I should try to speak to her outside the dorm or at school?" So focused on it was he, that he didn't hear the first knocking on his door only after hearing someone call his name, did he notice that there were people outside his room.
Opening the door, he found Elliot and Gaius outside, "Hey you two, done with unpacking?" Stepping aside he let them enter his room. Glancing around the two couldn't help but notice that there wasn't much of a personal touch in Rean's room for now besides a photo, a few books and some fishing hooks and an old looking fishing rod, "I'm done with it, Elliot too, so we thought the three of us could go eat lunch together but we can wait if you aren't done with unpacking your stuff yet or we can help you if you want."
"Thanks, Gaius but I am also done, the only thing missing is some everyday stuff that I want to buy in town, so how about after lunch we all go together if you guys have the time of course?" Glancing around again, Elliot couldn't help but remark, "Are you sure that you are done? Like Gaius said, we can wait."
Realising what confused them, Rean chuckled, "I didn't bring much personal stuff with me since I didn't know what was waiting for me at Thors, so besides clothes and some other stuff, I didn't bring much. Besides I thought that if I was missing some things, I could buy them here. So, any ideas were to go for lunch? We could go try the school's cafeteria or perhaps we should try the inn in town?" After discussing they decided on the cafeteria leaving the inn for a later date. Buying the daily special, they sat down and enjoyed their meal. Though Gaius and Elliot could see that, something was bothering their new friend and they had inkling what was bothering him, so they tried to help him.
"So, Rean, I don't want to sound meddlesome but are you perhaps thinking about Alisa?" Surprised that Elliot had seen through him, he could only sigh, "Was it that obvious? Well yeah, I am not sure how to apologise to her for what happened, she won't even talk with me besides I am not sure if she is going to ever forgive me."
"What happened was certainly embarrassing for a girl but I don't think that she would go that far to never forgive you, besides aren't the two of you friends? I remember seeing the two of you together when we meet at the church this morning and given the way you praised her archer skills must mean that you know her pretty well, no?" Waving his hands at Gaius's question, Rean tried to explain his relationship with Alisa,
"I wouldn't call us friends exactly, more like acquaintances. We just met before coming to Thors some time ago and I don't know her that well to be honest, for example I don't know her last name nor why she is trying to hide it. The only reason why I knew about her archery skills was that I saw her using her bow in a fight where she was able to accurately hit a man's hand from at least 20 arge away."
Now it was their turn to be surprised not having expected that, Elliot having finished his dessert couldn't help but ask," Oh…, well, then what is your plan?"
"I don't have much of a plan, I think I will wait until tomorrow to see if she calmed down a bit, so that I can apologies properly and ask her for forgiveness beyond that I have nothing unless you guys have some ideas." Shaking their heads at him was answer enough which caused him to sigh again. Done with lunch they went into town for some shopping while getting to know each better. Afterwards they each went their separate way, after finishing putting away his purchases, Rean went down to the kitchen to see what it's like, "Doesn't seem that different from the one at home and while I am not a good cook, it doesn't mean that I should always eat takeout beside someday I will have to cook for myself, so I should at least get some practice in."
Done with that he returned to his room to change his clothes for something more comfortable and getting his tachi and went outside of town. "Let's see, I should start with some jogging and see where this road takes me, this way I will get a sense for the town surroundings and what kind of monster there are. Since this not Ymir and the mountains, I rather doubt that there are a lot of them around or that they are difficult to beat."
Two hours later, Rean had gotten his wish concerning his training and combat practice, "Thought so, there aren't really any worthy monsters around most of them couldn't even take three hits, the monster in the old schoolhouse were a lot better for practice. Wait, maybe I should ask the instructor if I could use the monsters there for combat training. I will ask her tomorrow, for now I should go back. The sun is starting to set, I already have had enough trouble for today, no need to make the instructor angry with me too." The way back was spent running which allowed him to arrive back in Trista in less than an hour. After taking a shower, he went down to the kitchen to make a simple dish for himself, fried fish with rice, nobody was in the kitchen, so he had the entire table for himself that is until Alisa entered the kitchen.
Both stood still as they looked at each other before Rean could speak a single word, the glare from her had him pinned down, feeling as just one wrong move or word could unleash a disaster upon him, he made himself remain still. This continued for some time until a growling noise was heard from Alisa's stomach, putting her arms protectively over her stomach, she blushed while maintaining her glare though the meaning of it had changed.
Suppressing a chuckle, Rean moved his plate to her, "It isn't much but if you want you can eat it, I still have enough ingredients left to make another one for me." Indecision, hesitation and something else could be seen on her face, though the deciding factor was another growl, approaching the table she took the plate and timidly started eating after mumbling what sounded like a thank you while Rean started preparing another dish for himself.
Besides the sound of frying and the movements of Alisa's fork, nobody spoke a word, (Maybe now would be a good time to apologise to her but I should wait till she has finished eating. If I make her angry again, I am sure that she will probably leave without finishing eating first and she must be really hungry if she was willing to eat what I offered her, despite what happened this morning. Could it be that she hasn't eaten anything until now?)
Unknown to Rean, that was exactly the case, Alisa had spent the entire day in her room without leaving it out of embarrassment due to what had happened this morning after finishing unpacking, she spent her time felling angry, embarrassed and for a short time guilty until she realised what time it was and that she hasn't eaten until now. Thinking to go grab something to eat in the cafeteria she went down the stairs only to hear someone in the kitchen. Thinking that it must be one of her new classmates, she had wanted to take just a quick peek inside instead she found out that the person in there was the same one that she had spent the entire day thinking about.
Seeing that she had finished eating, Rean brought a cup of tea over that he brewed while cooking to her, another mumble later she stared drinking it. Putting his dinner on table, Rean started eating while still feeling unsure inside, if he should try to apologise to her now or wait until tomorrow. After finishing her tea, Alisa didn't leave immediately but remained sitting while playing with a lock of her hair and stealing glances at Rean which didn't go unnoticed. Gathering his courage, he cleared his throat and looked at her, "Alisa, about what happened this morning, I…." Before he could finish his sentence, they heard someone opening the front door and entering the building, looking like a deer caught in headlights Alisa remained still for five seconds before she bolted out of the kitchen and walked quickly up the stairs, a moment later the culprit appeared looking confused at the kitchen entrance, holding some six-packs of beer and smelling of it too.
"What got into her? Oh my, would you look at this? Did I perhaps interrupt some romantic candlelight dinner?" The fact that he had let slip away this chance caused Rean to feel depressed already though he still had the strength to glare at his teacher. "Instructor Valestein, you couldn't be more wrong, this isn't neither romantic nor a candlelight dinner, so I would really appreciate it if you didn't misunderstand this, Ma'am!" For the first time, he saw his instructor turning serious, "First it's Instructor Sara not Valestein, I prefer it that way, second I'm way too young to be called Ma'am, the next time you call me that there will consequences, really dire consequences." Walking to the fridge she started putting the beers inside, "Third, the school doesn't forbid relationships between students, as long their grades don't suffer completely, fourth remember the rules you must sleep in separate rooms, so try to control those teenage hormones, ok?" That last part was said with a smirk that really shouldn't be on an instructor's face given the innuendo that it implied.
"Instructor Sara, again there was nothing romantic going on here, I just offered her dinner nothing more, nothing less."
"Sure, sure, nothing happened here, I got it." You could see that she didn't believe it with the way she was smirking, rolling his eyes he just continued eating his dinner while Sara looked around, stopping at the cooker, "So Rean, you can cook?"
"Well, I'm an average cook at best, why?"
"Oh, it is nothing, just asking." Rean didn't know why but he suddenly got a bad feeling as he saw the calculating light in her eyes, ignoring that for now and the fact that she had opened a can of beer and was drinking it in front of her student, he stood up to clean the plates and the kitchen, "Instructor Sara, could I ask you if it is possible for me to go inside the old schoolhouse again?" Surprised at his question, she stopped drinking, "Any particular reason, why you want to go back there?"
"I think the monsters in there would make for good practice for live combat." Narrowing her eyes at him, she put down her beer and crossed her arms, "Maybe I wasn't clear enough today, but you did see what kind of training is waiting for you students every day, right? I will be already happy if you can finish it and now you want to add live combat afterwards on top of that. I don't know if I should call you arrogant or naive." This caused Rean to feel slightly embarrassed, as he hadn't thought that she would take it that way. "I'm neither Instructor, I'm just used to hard training back home I did the same. Training hard in the morning and afterwards I would look for monsters to train my techniques, so this wouldn't be that different."
This caused Sara to raise an eyebrow at him as she hadn't expected that still she wasn't going to let him do this, not without testing his skills, to see if he was telling the truth and that he wouldn't be in any danger, "Even if you are used to this, the training that we have here isn't easy besides we will have some practice fights too, so there isn't any need for you to go look for fights. But if are serious about it, you will have to prove to me that you are capable enough, to do it. For the next month or so, I'll keep an eye on you, evaluating your stamina, skills etc, to see if you are strong enough to go alone in the old schoolhouse, after training in class. If I see that you aren't ready, then no dice but if you are, I will talk with the principal to see what I can do to get you permission until then you should focus on training and studying. Do we have a deal, Mister Schwarzer?"
Glad that he would have a chance, he thanked her and bowed his head to her as he left the kitchen to go back to his room. Lifting her beer again as soon he was gone, she drank it in one go, (Well, would you look at that? I was thinking to spend a week or so to evaluate this class to see who I could use as a gofer, I mean as a helper for the student council, seems like I already have a good one in the running. Now let's see if he is as good as he claims to be besides now that I think about it given his background, he would be perfect as a role model for the rest of them. Wow, maybe this will be a lot easier than I thought it would be. Let's drink to that.) Opening another beer Sara was left to her fantasies of easy work as she started to drink it.
The next day after waking up at dawn, Rean started practicing the basics forms of his style until six a.m. where he went for some jogging outside Trista after greeting Gaius who too was already awake, afterwards he took a shower and went to his first official class. "Alright, everyone made it on time, this is good start. Once more, I'm Sara Valestein your homeroom teacher and combat instructor. First order of the day is to select a class president and class vice president, to make matters easy why don't we choose the first and second scorers of the entrance exams, Emma and Machias? Does anybody have any objections?"
No one raised any objections though Jusis seemed like he wanted to do it but let it go in the end with a snort, "Excellent, here is a list of your duties as class presidents if you have questions, you can come find me in the teacher's office after classes and if I am not there you can ask another teacher. So, with that out of the ways does anyone have questions concerning the curriculum?" Before anyone could raise their hands, their instructor was already halfway to the door, "Good no questions, see you guys after lunch for our first combat lesson. A piece of advice you shouldn't eat too much given that you are likely to lose it given the exercises I have planned for you all. Ciao."
"Aidios, help us all. I can't believe that she is our instructor, can't she take her job seriously?!" An angry Machias exclaimed as soon he regained his wits after their teacher had escaped which gathered several nods form his classmates. Adapting a soothing tone Emma tried to excuse her, "Well, she isn't only our instructor, maybe she was needed somewhere else urgently besides this class is just for half hour just to give us, our books and timetable for the rest of the year."
Which only resulted in Jusis adding, "Well, it is good to see that our new class president has a good amount of patience, she will probably need if she has to deal with our short-tempered vice president." As expected Machias, didn't take that too well and started another verbal fight with Jusis which he returned tit for tat, much to the annoyance of the rest of the classes though Emma tried her best to calm them down. The rest of the morning was spent in a similar fashion with either Jusis or Machias setting each other off and someone trying to calm them down, to be fair the fact that the tension between Alisa and Rean was still there didn't help the already tense mood in the class.
So, Class VII arrived at their last lesson for the day already completely exhausted which their instructor couldn't help but notice, "What happened guys? You already look like hell, and we didn't even start yet." Seeing that no one was going to speak even Emma and Machias were that tired, Rean answered, "We had Instructor Lysander history lesson before coming here and let's just say that we weren't expecting that he was so good at, how to put this delicately…."
Before he could find the polite words to describe their history teacher, Fie offered her own opinion with an annoyed voice, "He wouldn't shut up, he went on and on about a new theory on how the War of Lions affected the economy during that time, I couldn't even take a nap thanks to his loud and annoying voice." Rean just shrugged his shoulders at Fie's description while impolite was actually pretty accurate, minus the trying to take a nap which caused Sara to just start laughing.
"Oh yeah, Instructor Thomas is like that if he gets going it will be several hours later before he shuts up. I recommend that you all avoid him like the plague outside of classes because on the outside you don't have the bell to save you. Anyway, time to start our lesson. You all took a fitness test at the entrance exam, so I know that at the very least you won't die from this. First test, for the next ten minutes I want you all to run around this field as many times as you can with your weapons drawn. I want everyone to run at least five laps in that time, if you can't I will give the ones who failed some extra training until they can and that goes for every test, I will give you today. This is just the bare minimum of what is asked of you, so get ready."
The following tests were just as harsh, they tested strength, speed, balance, agility, most of the students were dead tried, the only exception were Rean, Laura and Fie who were just slightly tired, they were also the only ones who passed every test, in contrast Emma and Elliot didn't even pass one which was expected given that they had no prior training in martial arts or any other form of training before coming to the academy, so they were given Instructor Sara's mandatory training for the next month, the rest had just one or two tests were they failed.
Rean and Gaius gathered around a seemingly dying Elliot, "Aidios, …...everything hurts…... even in …. places that I …. didn't know existed." Sharing a look, they helped him up while Rean tried to console him, "Don't worry Elliot, every beginning is difficult if keep up with training, you should be able to do this easily." The look he gave him expressed his doubts or doubted his sanity, he wasn't sure which one while Gaius joined in. "Rean is right, after some weeks of training you will be able to do this, so don't worry. It's just a pity if I had known that it would be this hard, I would have brought some herbs from home that are good for muscle pain, you could use some right now, my friend."
"Now that you said it, I have some eastern tea leaves that are good for muscle pain, I could brew you some if you want. The same goes for you too, Emma." Looking at a pale Emma who was being supported by Alisa and Laura, he gave her the same offer, "Thank you very much Rean while I have some herbs against injuries, none of them are any good against this kind of pain. I should have known that this would happen."
"What about everybody else, I have enough for you all." Jusis, Machias and Fie didn't want any and just left the field while Laura too declined, "That is very kind of you Rean, but I'm used to this level of training, so I am fine for now." Nodding at her as acknowledgement, he turned to look at Alisa who seemed to be ignoring him, seeing that now wouldn't be a good time to try to apologise, he quickly helped Elliot with returning to the dorm while the rest followed.
Though Gaius and Laura left, after making sure that their classmates were cared for since they had apparently already made plans for the rest of the day which left Rean, Alisa, Elliot and Emma alone in the kitchen. Though given the tension between a certain pair made for an awkward atmosphere while Rean made them tea. Making a bit more in case it was needed, he served them the finished product, "Careful you two, it's hot and the taste isn't what people in the Empire are used to, but it should soothe your muscles. Drink one cup for now another before going to bed and another tomorrow morning. I will put some in a container to keep it warm."
Thanking him the two drank their teas, he wasn't surprised by their reactions, "Wow Rean, this is really sweet, are you sure that this is tea?" Smiling at his friend, Rean explained, "Yes Elliot, that is how it tastes normally, don't worry. This tea isn't some kind of medicine, and it won't show its effect for now but tomorrow morning you will be in lesser pain as opposed to if you don't drink it." Hearing that it would lessen the pain he was feeling now, Elliot started drinking the tea with renewed vigour while Emma did the same though she couldn't resist asking, "Rean can you tell me, what kind of tea this is? My grandmother loves drinking tea and has a big collection of tea leaves, but I don't recognise this particular type."
"It's called green tea, it comes from the eastern part of the continent, they are several tea leaves to make it but this one is made from Gyokuro leaves which are supposedly the best ones though I wouldn't say that out loud if you are ever in the East, there are some heated discussions which are the best tea leaves over there. I have an…acquaintance who travels regularly there, so he brings always some for my family and me." The rest of the conversation was spent on the different types of tea however it didn't last long since both Emma and Elliot were still in pain, Rean helped Elliot to his room while Alisa did the same for Emma but not before Rean gave them a container with green tea so that they could drink it in the evening.
After leaving Elliot room, Rean thought about Alisa, (She did try to hide it, but I could see that those testes had taken their toll on her as well and she still isn't willing to talk to me. I can sense that she is still upstairs, but it is not like I can help her if she doesn't want it, still… Oh well, let me be meddling for this and if it backfires, then it's another thing that I have to apologise for.) Making his way to the kitchen he brewed another pot of tea, picked up a cup and put them on a tray with some sweets he brought the other day and a note that he quickly wrote, he went upstairs and left them before Alisa's room. He left as quickly as possible after he knocked on her door not even waiting to see if she opened the door or not and went out for his training.
Slowly opening the door to see who it was, Alisa was surprised that there wasn't anyone at the door, fully opening the door to see what was going on before she could step outside of her room, she smelled something coming from the floor which caused her to look down, to find a tray on the floor. Bending down she saw that it had a full cup, some sweets, a container full of tea and a note? Looking around she saw no one, so she picked it up and went into her room. She had her suspicions who put the tray there which wasn't surprising given that it smelled like the green tea she had seen just moments before, so she picked up the note to read while grumbling about someone being a busybody again, "Sorry, if I am being a busybody but here is some green tea and some sweets for helping with your muscle pain and again sorry for meddling."
After reading the note, Alisa could only sigh, "What are you sorry for? I should be the one apologising to you, not the other way around. I know that you were just trying to help me, I was the one who overreacted and now you are trying to apologise and once again being nice to me, even when I clearly don't deserve it. Alright Alisa, that is enough mopping around, the next time you meet Rean, you will apologise to him. Maybe just not in front of the rest of the class or just not in front of anyone at all. This is already embarrassing enough as it is, I don't need another audience to witness this, what had happened yesterday was more than enough. No, I can't think like that, I must stop being so stubborn and just apologise. Maybe I can invite him somewhere else, where there isn't anyone around, maybe in the park surrounded by the Lino flowers. Wait, why does that sound like I'm going to confess to him or something?!"
Calming herself she took out her books to review while enjoying the tea and sweets and at the same time trying to plan where, how and when she would apologise though what she thought would be simple was made more complicated than necessary, thanks to her pride and stubbornness, in the end she didn't manage to review anything at all.
The following days, Rean spent running around helping Instructor Sara and the townspeople with several errands, he had the suspicions that in Sara's case she was just dumping her work on him but since she said that she wanted to see if he could take care of it together with his schoolwork, his personal training and studying time on top of it. Regarding helping the townspeople, he just saw one day the young daughter of the General store owner trying to put some heavy boxes away, so he naturally offered her to help out (after having convinced her that she didn't have to pay him for it) and from there he became acquainted with the rest of the shop owners of Trista as someone that they could count for helping them out with some small stuff.
Concerning his instructor, he could only bury his suspicions since this was apparently related with getting authorisation for his training in the old schoolhouse, he did spend some time with Elliot and Gaius and tried to do the same with rest of his classmates though most of them were too busy for it or weren't even interested. Meanwhile his situation with Alisa worsened as more time passed since he had been so busy with helping out, he hadn't found time to apologise and it didn't help that every time he approached her, she either ignored him or left right away.
What he didn't understand was the glares he was getting from her as he was helping around town, he did notice that it mostly happened when he was either talking or working with the ladies from the flower shop and clothes store. Since he didn't have a clue for why, he put it away as something that he would ask when he finally managed to talk with her, in this manner the first week at his new school passed until on Monday morning where his instructor gave him her most unreasonable request until now.
"Alright Class, well done on surviving your first week from the looks of it, you all kept up nicely," Looking at her students, Sara could see that while some were somewhat exhausted, the rest seemed relatively fit, "But don't think that you all can relax now because form here on, it will only get harder so keep on doing your best." Some groans could be heard while she could understand that for some the physical training was harder than the academic one and vice versa she knew that she couldn't take it easy on them because she had to make sure that they all were prepared for their field studies that would soon begin.
Now if they would all just get along, well that would make her life that much easier. At first it had been amusing seeing Machias and Jusis sparring verbally with each another, now it was getting annoying and the situation between Rean and Alisa was also getting old too. After getting Fie to tell her what had happened in the schoolhouse between these two, she had laughed for a long time but seeing that nothing changed even after one week made her feel a little concerned if she was being honest. So, it was time for her to intervene and make sure that her students got along though Rean may have to suffer since he was going to be the central figure in her master plan.
"I know that some of you either don't care or don't want to interact with each other but as your Instructor I still have to remind you that this school is a military academy which means that we won't expect you all to become friends," At this point, Sara sharped her glare and adopted a stern voice while releasing some of her aura, "But we demand of you all that at the very least you can work together despite not liking one another. Cause in real life you will certainly have to work together with people that you don't like or can't stand, so take this as an opportunity to learn to work together." Seeing this side of their teacher for the first time caused some small shock among the students while unconsciously giving her their undivided attention.
Nodding inwardly on seeing this, she continued with her speech. "For that you all will spend this evening together eating dinner and discussing how you all can and should work together I don't care if you want to or if you have already made plans, this is a direct order! I want a report afterwards how it went, what you talked about, what you can do to work better together, generally how to improve your teamwork while we are at it I will make this a formal assessment, that means it will be graded, so don't even think about being lazy on this or I will make sure that those who do, will regret it for a very long time." You could hear a pin drop, given the silence that followed after she was done speaking, looking at each of her student in the eyes, she turned around at wrote what she was expecting form their reports, at the board.
As if she had timed it, the bell chimed signalising the end of the class just as she finished writing. Making her way out of the classroom, she stopped for a moment, "Oh, I nearly forgot you all have to cook your own food tonight, no takeout or eating in the cafeteria, take it as a requirement for this and since Rean is apparently the only one capable of cooking and on using the kitchen, I will leave making dinner to you and if you need any help you can ask your classmates, this will be a good way to learn how to work together. I expect your reports first thing tomorrow morning." Done she left the classroom before anyone could ask any questions.
After a while, everyone recovered from the shock just for some to protest loudly (Machias and Jusis however stopped quickly as it looked like that they were agreeing on something) while the others just resigned themselves to their fate. Feeling a headache coming Rean couldn't help but groan, given the task their instructor had thrown at him, looking up he saw the rest of his class looking at him. Sighing, he took a deep breath, "I guess we all don't have a choice in this just to be fair let me warn you guys, I'm average cook at best which I already told her. I can make basic food but nothing fancy, so sorry if it will taste a bit bland."
Shaking her head Laura, "You don't have to apologise Rean, I am sure none of us would have thought that our instructor would spring this on us so suddenly." Smiling at his friend, Elliot patted him on his shoulder as a show of support, "Laura is right, it isn't your fault, we will just have to make do with this situation." Giving a small smile as thanks for their support, he looked at the rest of his classmates, "She did say, that I have to cook but if any of you can cook, I would be more than happy to just help you out with any prep work you need."
Seeing the blank looks he was getting, Rean concluded that it wasn't likely that any of them could cook. Sending him an apologetic look Gaius explained himself, "I can cook but I'm not used to this weird cooking machines in the Empire yet, the ones back home were far more simpler, besides I'm not sure if you guys would like the dishes from my homeland and I don't even know where I could buy some of the spices that are needed but if it just peeling or preparing, I think I can at least help with that."
"As the class president, I should be helping out with this, but I am sorry to say that I have never cooked before, so if there is something I can do to help just say the word." Bowing her head Emma as an apology that she couldn't help him out with this task, she at the very least promised to help him out with any work that he could give to her, and the rest nodded their support to him, even Alisa.
"It's alright guys there isn't a need to feel bad about this. The only reason I use the kitchen is to get some practice in, for later in life since I can't always eat out and it is far cheaper if I am the one cooking. Now that I think about maybe the reason she had this idea in the first place, was because she saw me preparing my meals, so maybe I should be the one apologising for getting us in this situation." Now it was Machias turn to step forward, "Nonsense Rean, you were just trying to practice your cooking, if anything I am impressed with your mind set, because you are absolutely right as soon to be adults, we should certainly be capable of preparing our own meals, unlike some pampered nobles."
Giving Jusis a glance, to make sure that everyone else understood who he was talking about which unfortunately wasn't lost on the young Albarea who in turn countered, "I hope that you realise, that you are including yourself in that statement, since you as the son of the governor can't cook too as well." Sensing that they would soon start bickering with each other again, Rean tried to steer the conversation back to their task, "Anyway, we should probably decide what will be on the menu tonight, if we want to eat early enough to do our reports later. So how about everybody say what they want to eat, and we will go from there to see what we can cook."
While the diversion had certainly stopped any bickering, it just raised another problem since their suggestions were completely different from each other which in turn caused everybody to say that they didn't mind eating something else. This went on for some time, until Fie fed up with this discussion just said, "How about we just throw everything in a big pot and cooked it all together, since it seems that we won't come to a decision?" This caused everybody to stop talking and look at her with a stunned look, "What? We have been discussing this for long enough, just pick a dish or throw everything together. These are the only options available."
Thanks to Fie suggestion, Rean remembered the perfect dish for this, "That is actually a good idea Fie." Now it was his turn in getting the stunned looks before anyone could interject, he went on, "We can make an eastern dish called Hotpot which should allow us to cook different ingredients, so that everyone can eat what they want, and it fits what the instructor wants us to do." He went on explaining how the dish was made with using a burner, a big pot with a divider and several plates for the food and that it was meal which helped people bond together while eating it. Since the dish was decided, they made a list of what they should buy but would see first if the cooking club had the necessary utensils. Looking at the time, he stood up, "Since we got this cleared, I'm going to the cooking club now and swing by the stores to pick up everything, we should be able to begin eating around six pm."
"Wait, this task was given to all of us, so I don't see why you have to do everything by yourselves, especially since there are eight other people beside you that can help out with tasks like that." Remarked Jusis, as he saw that Rean was going to do all the preparation work by himself. Seeing that they rest were going to agree (in Machias case he seemed hesitant to agree), he responded, "Correct me if I am wrong but isn't today the day were the clubs begin accepting new members and maybe I am wrong again but from what I saw this week, you all already have at least one club in mind that you want to enter while I am still undecided if I want to enter one or not."
"That doesn't mean, that you should have to do all this alone, if we spilt the tasks this can go faster, and we still can make it in time for the clubs." Gaius remarked, while Elliot gave a nod in support.
"Thanks, but have you seen what time it is? We already spent a lot of time here, so if you all want to be on time, you should hurry. Besides this will take only an hour or so and I can do some errand for myself while shopping for the ingredients and when you are done come to the dorm, so that we can begin setting things up." Reluctantly agreeing with him everyone left while thanking him, gathering his stuff he turned around to leave too, only to find Alisa at the door looking at him, not expecting this he froze unsure what to do.
No one said a word for a while both teenagers unsure what to say, till Rean opened his mouth and said the first thing that came to mind, "Don't worry, I won't buy too much at once, like a certain someone did." No sooner had the word left his mouth, he groaned mentally at what had said and given the way her eyebrow rose, he was sure that he had once again put his foot in his mouth. "Sorry, I really should learn to think before speaking, still you should go Alisa or you will be too late for the lacrosse club, if you don't go now. I will be fine with this, really." Giving her a weak smile, she just sighing, took one last look at him and left while muttering "Idiot.", which he still managed to hear, "I really am one." Closing his eyes, he really regretted that he hadn't used this opportunity to apologise to her, not knowing she too had heard him while regretting the same thing.
After getting the cooking utensils and shopping for the ingredients where he met a certain instructor, Rean returned to the dormitory to get everything ready, he got two burners, two pots, one for the guys and one for the girls and some tongs since he doubted his classmates could chopsticks. Done with setting the table, he began cutting and prepping both the ingredients and broth. Slowly his classmates began appearing and started helping him out, the last one to arrive was Alisa, who told them that the meeting for the lacrosse club had run longer than intended but since it wasn't six pm yet, she was still on time.
After the finished preparing everything, Rean explained how they should use the pot to cook their chosen ingredients, what they should take note of not to do, what they should pay attention to, etc. The atmosphere during the meal that followed could only be described as normal which wasn't bad given the tension that had always been present during their first week together, of course Jusis and Machias jointly ignored each other, while Rean and Alisa didn't speak with one another but all in all it wasn't bad. Everyone talked about their combat styles, suggestions who could be paired with who to complement their styles, what they knew of the combat links, arts they were proficient in using and so on.
At the end, they didn't gain much but it was a start with which the foundation for Class VII was established, seeing that everyone was done eating Alisa stood up and started gathering the dirty plates while explaining that since she arrived last and didn't do much for the preparations, the least she could do was washing the dishes. The others didn't mind and asked if she wanted help which she refused while glaring at Rean as if to dare him to say that he wanted to help her or something similar, raising his hand in surrender he could only let her do as she wished.
Satisfied she began getting ready for washing the plates and the rest only to be interrupted by Rean, "How about we do ours reports here together, in case that anyone needs help?" Seeing that everyone agreed with him, they went to get their bags and started on their homework. Sometime later Sara arrived at the dorm to find her class working together, "Oh, would you look at that? It warms my heart to see you all like this." With a cheeky grin, she went to the fridge to get her beers for the evening while ignoring the snorts and eyes rolling from her students. Grinning Rean left his seat, holding a paper in his hand and went towards Sara, "Instructor Sara, here is the bill for the ingredients." Surprised at that she turned around, "Bill? What bill? What makes you think, I would pay for this?"
"I met Instructor Beatrix while shopping and explained our 'task' to her. She then said that as our instructor the least you could do was paying for this since this was your idea and it wasn't in our curriculum."
(The Colonel? Well, if she was the one to suggest it, then I have little choice in this. Doesn't matter, how expensive can this be anyways.) Were her thoughts on this, shrugging her shoulders she took the bill without looking at it and picked up her beers, "Fine, I don't mind paying for this, but I want your reports on this, to be your best ones yet in that case." Waving her hand, she left the kitchen and went upstairs at this Rean grinned even more, as he went back to his seat but instead of continuing with his report, he just looked up. Clearly waiting for something to happen, noticing the odd looks he was getting. He just smiled at them and pointed up as if on cue they all heard a scream with much anguish and suffering in it.
"WHAT IN GEHENNA?! HOW CAN SOME SIMPLE INGREDIENTS BE SO DAMN EXPENSIVE?! I COULD HAVE BOUGTH THE MOST EXPENSIVE WINE WITH THIS MUCH MONEY!"
Satisfied Rean went back to writing his report while explaining what was going on to his stunned classmates, "The total for the ingredients was an even 10000 mira, I normally don't buy the most expensive stuff, but I thought since this is for us all and given Instructor Beatrix order that Instructor Sara is paying, why not? Besides I don't mind helping people out but that doesn't mean that they can try to take advantage of me." It didn't take long for the rest of them to laugh at this, even Jusis couldn't help but join and after this they finished their reports and went their separate ways, though Alisa had to glare Rean out of the kitchen as it seemed that he was going to try to stay behind to help her. Their reports, the next day, were accepted by an incredibly grumpy Sara Valestein, that glared at Rean as if he was her mortal enemy throughout the entire class.
With this Reans new life at Thors has begun, next chapter will be the first free day. Thank you for having read this chapter, I hope I was able to entertain some readers and like always critique is always welcomed and appreciated.