Chapter 8

Grumble. Rika's stomach growled.

Okay, I need to get it right this time, so we can all take a break for lunch. Rika glanced at the pile of cracked and broken orbs discarded on the side.

Dryden gripped her shoulders from behind and leaned in close. "Don't focus on those. Focus on how the orb looks when it's glowing perfectly with that rose symbol in the middle that no one knew about before."

"Wait, what?" Rika looked back up at him. "That wasn't normal?"

"Not that I know of. Unique to you, I think. If anything, it's a sign you belong here."

I most definitely don't, since this a video game... the most realistic one ever, but I did teleport into it. This is just a video game, right? These people aren't real... but they sure feel it.

Rika shook her head and took a deep breath.

"We'll get it right this time." He gripped her shoulders tighter. "And feed the growling bunny."

"Bunny?" Rika froze, frowning. Not once has anyone associated me with a bunny before. I'm certain I've been called a bear and a wolf in the past, but not a bunny.

"Yes, a bunny. It seems like the perfect animal for you. Cute, timid, curious. Causes trouble without knowing it." Dryden chuckled.

"Ahem," Wolfe clears his throat.

Ferran pulled out another orb.

Did he say timid? I mean... not that I know of, but maybe from their view... Rika frowned.

Ferran held up the orb and smiled at her. "You'll get it this time, Miss Rika."

Okay, focus on the normal glowing orb. As if that's normal. Rika took a deep breath to refocus and touched the orb.

It glowed, showed the rose symbol, and stayed glowing without blinding anyone.

"It worked?"

They all waited for a moment, but this time, it didn't crack.

"Yes, Miss Rika, it worked. Congratulations. Step two of your magic control is completed."

"That makes it sound like there's a part three today." Rika sighed. I'm already tired, though. And why hasn't the system had a pop up yet if I succeeded?

Knock, knock. The door opened, and Celeste bowed to them. "A refreshing lunch has been set up in the garden for all of you to take a break."

"In the garden? Is that a good idea?" Wolfe asked.

"It is a luncheon with His Highness, under his orders."

Wolfe nodded. "Let's go." Wolfe led the group with Celeste at the end behind Rika.

"I hope things are going well, Saint Rika," Celeste said, noticing her sluggish movement.

"Slow progress, but progress nonetheless," Rika whispered back.

"Hello, all." Alric stood from his spot at the head of the garden table, with winding vines creating walls and trees hanging overhead for shade as he greeted them. "I hope all is well." He looked to Wolfe first, who nodded at him, and took a seat next to him across from where Celeste was seating Rika.

"She's made considerable progress already, Your Highness," Farren said as he sat down beside Wolfe.

"Our little bunny here has learned to master a magic ball and the light orb, and it's only lunchtime." Dryden playfully nudged her and sat down beside her.

Bunny again? Is this going to be a normal thing?

Alric tilted his head as he turned his attention to Rika. "And you, Rika, how do you feel about all of this? If you're too worn out, we can stop for the day."

"Tired, but I'm okay." I'm used to pushing way more than this. Probably not a good thing.

"Stop calling our saint a bunny," Celeste whispered, pinching Dryden's arm as she went to pour him a glass of juice.

Dryden chuckled. "But it's such a cute nickname. It matches her too well not to continue it." Dryden leant his elbow on the table, head in hand as he gazed at Rika, smiling.

"Manners." Celeste pushed his elbow.

"Oof. Yeah, yeah."

Alric chuckled, shaking his head. "Rika, we didn't ask before, but is there anything you don't eat? Our food will be out shortly, but we can find something to suit your palate if need be."

Grumble.

Geez, it won't shut up. And they definitely heard it. "I'll eat most food; I'm not picky. I generally eat whatever's on hand, since I don't have much time for cooking." Not that I'm all that good at cooking, anyway.

Alric nodded. "In that case, I think you'll be delighted with our meal and a small dessert to match. And here comes our appetizer. A pear gazpacho with edible rose petals, paired with ginger tea."

Always with the roses here. Good thing I like roses, but I didn't know they could be edible.

Without hesitation, and hoping no one minded her manners, Rika dug in. Oh, it's sweet and savoury. Interesting. She could feel Wolfe's eyes on her as she ate, but she was too hungry to care, and gobbled down the entire bowl.

"I suppose it was to your liking?" Alaric chuckled.

"Never had anything like it before." I guess one perk will be trying all this new food.

"Next up, we have orange-glazed chicken, mashed potatoes, and some caramelized vegetables."

Rika started eating right away. They sure like sweet things. Not that I'm complaining. Good brain food.

"You might want to slow down a bit," Wolfe said, as she finished her main course before anyone else.

"Sorry; I'm just so hungry right now, but that did hit the spot." She leaned back and rubbed her belly. I don't usually eat that much, though.

"I hope you still have space for dessert." Alric held back a smile, glad Rika seemed to be enjoying her food.

"Always." It's like I have a second stomach just for it. Definitely can't say that out loud.

"A chocolate tart with strawberry cream." Alric swayed his hand, and they placed the dessert on the table.

Her eyes practically sparkled at the sight of it. Strawberry and chocolate, both weaknesses of mine. She took her first scoop. "Mmm..." The rich, creamy sweetness had her melting in her seat. Can I just live off all the desserts you guys have? "This is amazing."

Dryden glanced at her and chuckled. "Rika, our little bunny."

"Hmm?" She turned to him. What'd I do this time?

"You've got cream on your face." He reached over, wiped the corner of her mouth with his thumb, and licked it. "You're right; this is good."

Rika froze for a moment, a slight pink tinting her cheeks. Geez, I was enjoying my food so much I ignored all the high-class people around me. At least he didn't lick it off my face.

"What disgraceful behaviour," Wolfe sighed, shaking his head. "Do you two not realize you are in the presence of His Highness?"

"It's alright, Wolfe. I'm quite enjoying how much she seems to be enjoying our food. I think it raises the atmosphere. It's not like there are a bunch of other nobles watching her every move here."

"That we know of, and eventually, she should learn some table manners. But I guess even knowing doesn't mean they'll follow them." He glared at Dryden.

"Why ruin a nice meal with stuffy manners?" Dryden shrugged.

"Ahem, they are right," Ferran said. "It's better to enjoy your food when you can, and I'd like to think this small group is a safe space away from court politics that she's not used to. And everything in our meal today is meant to be revitalizing, to help her continue her training this afternoon. The ginger—"

"If we're all done with our meal, should we return?" Wolfe asked, interrupting Ferran before he could ramble for the next hour.

"Shouldn't we let the food settle first?" Rika asked, rubbing her belly again.

"Would you quit doing that? It's unsightly."

"Actually, it's been proven to help with digestion," Ferran said, earning a glare from Wolfe.

"Please, it's a cute habit for the bunny," Dryden said, brushing her hair back over her ear.

"Sticking with the bunny thing?" Rika asked.

"Wasn't even trying to; it just happened. Does it bother you?"

"Not really."

"Good." Dryden smiled.

"It bothers me." Celeste nudged him. "What if you slip up and call her that with others around?"

"Those who know me will shrug it off?"

Celeste frowned. "Using your famous personality to get away with whatever you want?"

"If it works, why not?"

"People won't take you seriously."

"I'm the duke; they have to."

The nearby door to the palace opened, and a servant rushed out to hand Alric a letter. "Your Highness." He knelt down.

"Thank you." Alric opened the seal on the letter and read it, stone-faced as the others watched him. He sighed and stood. "As much as I have enjoyed our lunch, I have business to attend to immediately."

Wolfe watched him carefully and stood. "Do you need my help?"

Alric glanced at Rika. "No. You keep guarding our saint. Danger lies nearby, and she needs to be kept safe, especially while learning about her powers. I think it'd be best if we all head back inside. I'll be off first. Excuse me." Alric nodded to the others and left.

That didn't sound good. Is something happening already? I'm not ready yet.

"Let's go," Wolfe said, staring down at her, since she hadn't moved yet.

"You can be a bit nicer," Celeste hissed.

"Let's go, please," he said through gritted teeth.

Rika nodded and stood, ready to follow them back in.