As an Ordinary person (Why do I keep attracting Psychopaths?)

The academy cafeteria was supposed to be a place of rest, where weary students could gather to fill their stomachs and regain their energy after long, exhausting classes.

Unfortunately, it seemed Evigheden Academy had a slightly different interpretation of "feeding students."

The only thing they provided was a piece of stale, rock-hard bread. Not even butter. Not even soup. Just bread so tough that Yuna was beginning to suspect the school was secretly training them to chew through stone in case they ever got trapped in a landslide.

Thus, the students had no choice but to take matters into their own hands—by hunting.

The moment the rule was announced, the cafeteria transformed into a lively recruitment ground. Students huddled together, forming teams based on skills, experience, and, in some cases, sheer desperation. Those with combat abilities were in high demand, while the weaker ones scrambled to secure a spot before they were left to fend for themselves against the beasts of the Back Expanse Forest.

Yuna, however, had no intention of joining a hunting party.

Fighting? No, thank you. She preferred her limbs intact and ungnawed.

She strolled into the cafeteria alongside Celeste, who was cheerfully munching on the sad excuse for bread, seemingly unaffected by its jaw-breaking texture.

As Yuna somehow expected, this cheerful girl as if it was the most natural thing in the world follow her everywhere as if they were long term friends. Still, Yuna didn't mind much, this can be considered her first ever friend in a fantasy world.

Before, those around her were too young and Yuna can't bring in herself to consider them as friend but children she can't take seriously of. Although the current age of her friend still didn't sit right with her, in this vast boarding like academy, she need at least one friend to do future assignment or project together with.

Beggars can't be choosers…aiii….

Yuna had just begun mentally preparing for a long afternoon of avoiding responsibility when a familiar figure approached.

Austin.

And judging by his mildly exasperated yet resigned expression, she could already guess what he was about to ask.

"Yuna," he began, "Do you want to come hunting with us?"

Yuna gave him a flat stare, expression devoid of any enthusiasm. "I appreciate the offer, but no."

No hesitation. No consideration. A firm, decisive rejection.

Austin chuckled, already expecting this answer. "You're really not even going to try, huh?"

"I am trying," she insisted. "Trying to preserve my well-being and avoid unnecessary physical exertion."

Celeste, ever the instigator, snickered beside her. "Translation: Yuna's lazy."

Yuna ignored her, instead leaning in slightly toward Austin and lowering her voice. "But… you are still planning to bring some meat back, right? I prefer mutated beast meat, I need to experiment something"

Austin ran a hand down his face, laughing again. "I knew it."

Yuna beamed. "You know me so well."

Before Austin could respond, another voice cut in.

"Unbelievable."

Huh??

Yuna turned just in time to see Cailum, one of Crown Prince Alaric Kaelar's ever-loyal followers, approaching with a face that practically radiated disapproval.

"You're seriously asking for the best portion of the hunt when you're not even participating?" he scoffed, arms crossed as he looked her up and down like she was some kind of parasite. "What exactly have you contributed to deserve that?"

From his tone, it seems Austin form a team with the Crown Prince party. The Crown Prince sure is quick in his act of befriending the Main Character.

Yuna exhaled slowly through her nose at Cailum sarcastic mouth directed at her.

Seriously, do they even know each other?

Here she was, just trying to secure a quality meal through ethical and completely reasonable means (mooching off Austin), and yet this extra was acting as if she were demanding an entire roasted dragon on a silver platter.

His behavior is so like a cannon fodder and Yuna like to try making this cannon fodder angry once. You know, face slapping them like in the novel— not to mention, she does not have the best temper either.

She turned to Celeste with a look of exaggerated shock. "Celeste. Can you believe this?"

Celeste, fully enjoying the show, dramatically gasped. "The audacity."

Looking at her cheaply gained friend who goes along with her without a second thought, Yuna inwardly nod in approval of this newly gained first friend.

Yuna placed a hand over her chest. "All I did was ask my dear, kind Austin, who willingly agreed to hunt anyway, if he could bring me a small, tiny portion of his earnings. And now, suddenly, I'm a villain?" She shook her head. "This is oppression."

Cailum's jaw clenched. "That's not the—"

"I mean," Yuna continued, undeterred, "it's not like I'm asking for a share from your hunt. I don't recall ever requesting your hard-earned, sweat-drenched, noble sacrifice of a meal, Sir. No, no. I'm only speaking to Austin. So why, exactly, are you here?"

Cailum bristled, his annoyance sharpening into something almost volatile. It was clear he wasn't used to being dismissed so easily. But before he could snap back, Austin—perhaps realizing where this was heading—interjected with a casual shrug.

"I don't mind," He said simply.

Cailum turned to him, aghast. "Are you serious?"

Austin just state. "Whatever Yuna demand from me"

Yuna, fully satisfied with how this turned out, gave Austin a thumbs-up. "My care for you have not been in vain."

Cailum looked as though he wanted to throw something. Perhaps the rock-hard bread, if only it wouldn't immediately ricochet back and take out one of his own teammates instead.

But before he could argue further, another presence subtly shifted beside him.

Alaric Kaelar, the Crown Prince himself, had been watching the exchange with the same slight smile but cold, unreadable expression he always carried. Though he hadn't intervened, it was clear that his mere presence alone was enough to remind Cailum not to let his temper get the better of him.

Cailum, still seething, clenched his fists but ultimately held himself back. He shot Yuna one last glare before turning away, muttering under his breath.

Yuna, on the other hand, was already done with this conversation. Her goal had been achieved, and she had no interest in further pointless drama.

"Alright, well, that was fun," she said cheerfully, dusting off her hands. "Austin, stay safe out there. Don't get eaten. And, more importantly—" she patted his arm, lowering her voice dramatically "—don't come back empty-handed."

Austin pinched the bridge of her nose at her playful antics. "Yeah, yeah."

Shaking her head to get Austin hand off her nose, Yuna turned on her heel and walked off, Celeste giggling beside her.

"Well, that was the most entertaining thing I've seen all day," Celeste said. "I think you actually made him mad enough to spontaneously combust."

Yuna waved a lazy hand. "If only. Then we wouldn't have had to listen to him."

Also, Yuna confirmed that this girl, Celeste, loves drama and noise.

And with that, she strolled off to enjoy the rest of her free time—content in the knowledge that she had successfully secured herself a real meal without lifting a single finger.

Mission accomplished.