Chapter 65: Dinner and Discord
All four of them headed to a nearby restaurant just outside the Academy’s ornate perimeter gates—a quaint but upscale place Leon casually recommended, clearly accustomed to its presence. The smell of sizzling butter and herbs wafted through the air as they approached, the soft hum of conversation already spilling from within. Despite its modest exterior, the place was bustling, filled with students taking advantage of the unexpected midday break brought on by the reassessments.
Inside, sunlight poured through wide-pane windows framed by ivy-draped curtains, casting golden warmth onto the hardwood floors. The group was ushered to a large four-person table tucked neatly into the far corner of the restaurant—the only remaining space, as every other seat had already been claimed by laughing classmates and gossiping upper-years.
As if by unspoken rule, Marcus and Victoria ended up seated next to each other, while Leon and Maria took the other side of the table. The arrangement seemed natural—familiar, even—but to Leon, it was something else entirely. His jaw twitched ever so slightly, the corner of his mouth tightening. Though he didn’t say a word, the way his fingers tapped silently against the table’s edge betrayed a flicker of irritation he couldn’t quite smother.
The seating had definitely struck a nerve.
"Looks fancy... but I don’t really have money with me," Marcus muttered with a sheepish chuckle, his eyes scanning the menu printed directly onto the tabletop. "Left my briefcase back in the classroom."
Victoria barely glanced up, already perusing the dishes herself. "Don’t worry about it," she said lightly, lips curving into a soft smile. "I’ll treat you."
That single line caused Leon to freeze mid-motion, the menu before him momentarily forgotten. His eyes flicked toward Victoria, and for the briefest of moments, his calm demeanor cracked. He cleared his throat sharply, collecting himself.
"No need for that," he said with crisp assertiveness, cutting in smoothly. "I’ll pay for everything. Just pick whatever you want."
Marcus leaned forward with a grin that could only be described as devilish. His eyes gleamed with amusement as he clasped his hands together in mock reverence.