"What food do you like?"

"I don't have any particular preference. I suppose I could say I prefer the dishes Bella makes."

"Hmm... Then, do you have a favorite clothing brand?"

"Not really. I only wear the clothes Bella dresses me in."

"...?"

Thus began the Luca Traverse interview, after much back-and-forth.But after only two questions, Bogus fell silent.

"Then... okay. Besides strength, what do you find attractive in a woman?"

"Hmm..."

"You don't need to think so deeply! Like a woman with pretty hair, pretty fingers, pretty eyes, or someone who's good at dancing or singing!"

As Luca paused to ponder, Bogus seemed to become a bit more interested and urged him on.To that, Luca answered calmly.

"A woman with a large chest."

"... Can I say 'a nurturing woman' instead?"

"Hmm. I don't think that's quite right."

Bogus squeezed his eyes shut.

"... How about a woman who's good at self-care?"

"That's not bad."

"O-okay..."

As he typed the responses into his magic terminal, Bogus thought to himself.

'Is he joking, by any chance?'

Given Luca's usual behavior, the answers were unimaginable--honestly, he suspected that Luca was lying.

But judging by that indifferent face, it was hard to grasp his real intentions.

'This is rather amusing.'

Luca, for his part, felt quite exhilarated.

It wasn't strange to be excited—this was his very first interview in life.

'I don't know how far I can go, but if I say anything over the line, they'll edit it as needed.'

Also, since Bogus had said that information about Luca was extremely important, he figured that if Luca said anything strange, Bogus would rephrase it appropriately.

"Um... Luca Traverse. I have to ask, you're not joking, are you?"

"Do you think it's a joke to say I like women with large chests?"

"Well, that's not it... Actually, is it? I mean..."

"I'm answering sincerely, enduring a bit of embarrassment because I don't want people to think you sell false information."

"So you are embarrassed."

Realizing that Luca wasn't joking, Bogus scratched his head.

"But if I sell exactly what you just said, people could be disappointed. This isn't the best option."

"Are you telling me to lie, then?"

"I'm saying it's better to rephrase it. Like I said, 'a woman who's good at self-care,' for example."

Bogus started editing what he'd typed into the magic terminal.

"By 'Bella', you mean your maid, right?"

"I think 'exclusive maid' sounds better."

"Anyway, saying you prefer the dishes she makes means you don't have any favorite menu but like home-cooked meals, is that right?"

"Well... what Bella makes is nice, though."

"And instead of only wearing the clothes your exclusive maid dresses you in, can I just say you wear whatever fits the occasion, regardless of brand?"

It didn't seem he intended to include Luca's direct answers. Luca, too, didn't care much, just shrugging his shoulders.

"So, what's the next question?"

"The next one is... What did you do while living in your fief?"

"Training."

"Besides training...?"

"I don't remember. At most, I remember Bella making my meals and treating me when I got hurt during training."

"At this rate, isn't your ideal type just Bella, your exclusive maid?"

Bogus spoke, half in disbelief.

Luca was about to answer, but his inner self, Luca Traverse, responded first.

"I was never really interested in women to begin with, so I don't mind if Bella's the only one by my side."

Rustle!

At that moment, a very faint noise came from somewhere.

Luca glanced at the source of the sound but there was nothing there.

"Wow, is this love that transcends status or something?"

Bogus, now somewhat excited, wondered if his inner Luca Traverse would answer again, but when nothing happened, Luca let out a stealthy chuckle.

'Why did you speak out of turn this time, Luca Traverse?'

The guy who usually only piped up in fights had suddenly appeared in a field where he didn't fit, making things feel awkward.

Luca turned his head slightly.

"I've never been in love, so I wouldn't know. It's just comfortable having Bella by my side."

"Hmm... You'd rather pass on that question? Got it."

"Let's move to the next one."

From there, the questions and answers proceeded at a moderate pace.

"You're not the type to attend parties, but you joined the regular party of the Granf family this time. Why?"

"I was invited by a senior I know. I'd rather not reveal names."

"And your relationship with Pasmo Ti-e?"

"We spoke briefly once before. We didn't have partners, so when she suggested it, we danced a song together, that's all."

"Oh~ So, nothing special between you two?"

"For now, that's what I'd say."

"Oh...!"

Luca continued the interview in high spirits, feeling a bit like a celebrity.

After several more questions, Bogus, looking satisfied, set down his magic terminal.

"Alright. I think this is a pretty good haul."

"I found it quite fun, too. Doing this once in a while isn't so bad."

"I figured you were a stuffy guy who only cared about swordsmanship, but you're more lively than I thought."

Bogus spoke with curiosity, and Luca himself found it a bit odd.

'In my previous life, I was bullied, and in this life, I was a self-imposed loner, but words come surprisingly easily.'

When reading novels, he'd imagined what to say in different situations, but in reality, 'Lee Myunghyun', with no confidence in himself, couldn't do it.

Now, as 'Luca Traverse', he still had no intention or will to socialize, but he acted without hesitation.

The synergy of those two people probably brought good results.

"So~ the information you wanted was about Tesna Jimus and Pasmo Ti-e, right? Are you sure there's nothing between you and her?"

"I said, 'for now', didn't I?"

"Ah, right, that's what you said."

Bogus grinned slyly and handed over a magic terminal containing information about the two, prepared in advance by another club member.

"Here. Everything we could gather about them is included. We can't get overly private info, of course, but what's there should be quite helpful."

"Not bad."

"If there's anything else you want, just say the word. We're partners now, so feel free to ask for any information any time."

Apparently pleased with the interview, Bogus spoke enthusiastically.

"... Information, huh."

Luca paused in thought, then something came to mind.

"I'd like some basic information about the current first-year S-class students. I don't need family background—just a rundown of their relationships, whether they're in any factions, that sort of thing."

"If that's all, it won't take long. Requests for info on each grade's S-class students are always common."

Bogus immediately began digging through a pile of magic power terminals.Watching him, Luca continued to think, then spoke up again.

"And one more thing, this one doesn't really matter if you can't get it."

When Luca asked, Bogus tilted his head slightly.

"...? I'll try looking into it. But why are you asking?"

"Just because."

Luca answered casually.

"It's weighing on my mind."

* * *

Back in the dorm, Luca glanced over at Bella, who was preparing a meal.

"Hm hm hmm~"

She looked happier than usual.Luca pouted his lips.

"Looks like something good happened, Bella."

"Huh? Oh, it's nothing at all~"

Bella joked.Luca scratched his neck and headed to the living room sofa to read the magic terminal he received from Bogus.

A few minutes later, Bella brought over the food.

"Young master! You haven't eaten yet, have you? It's an omelet made from fresh eggs and toasted bread!"

Looking at the unusually cheerful Bella, Luca spoke brusquely.

"I told you I was going out to eat, so how did you know I hadn't eaten yet?"

"Eh?"

Bella flinched, caught off guard, and avoided his gaze.

Luca pouted at her, then sighed and picked up his fork.

"You usually trail me without getting caught, but get shaken up over something trivial."

"Ahem. What are you saying, young master~?"

"Tsk."

Luca clicked his tongue and picked up his fork, then frowned slightly in puzzlement.

"Bella, where's your food?"

"Huh? Oh, I'm... I'll pass for today..."

Bella trailed off, making a slightly odd face.

"Why?"

"Well... how should I put this... It just feels odd to eat with you today, I guess..."

Luca tilted his head and looked at Bella's face.

Though she looked away, it was obvious her cheeks were flushed.

"Just bring yours and eat with me. Eating alone is a little weird."

"Young master, really... When did you become such a flirt...?"

"That's enough nonsense."

Watching Bella scurry to the kitchen, unable to hide her embarrassment, Luca smacked his lips.

'Luca Traverse. What kind of life did you live, really?'

There was a woman who liked him this much just from a word he said, a woman who almost became his lover after requesting an escort because she liked his face, and a whole mountain of women challenging him to duels because they wanted to date him.

'Should I be jealous, or just happy that I'm Luca now?'

It was a rather convoluted feeling.

'Judging by these thoughts, I guess I'm still not fully used to Luca Traverse' life.'

Even though he was enjoying this new life as Luca Traverse, he couldn't help but feel like he was still controlling a character in a game.

The memories had intertwined, but he'd still lived as "Lee Myunghyun" for decades.

'Anyway, this is my life now, so I'd better get used to it.'

Just as Luca was making this resolve, Bella brought over her own food as well.

"..."

"Is something wrong, young master?"

Luca stared at Bella, who tilted her head in confusion.

"No, it's nothing."

Luca made a bland remark and took a bite of his omelet.

'Tasty.'

No matter how he thought about it, Luca Traverse' favorite food seemed to be anything Bella made for him.

* * *

The day for on-site training finally arrived.

Having rested all Sunday, Ottbo looked in excellent condition.

"Luca! Did you rest well yesterday?"

"Yeah."

"The weather is amazing today!"

"Is it?"

"I hope it'll be like this at the training site too!"

Seeing how excited he was, Milia approached, grumbling.

"Did he eat something weird today? Why is he so happy?"

"Haha! It's one of the few days where I get to shine!"

"Ah, is that so?"

Milia seemed somehow annoyed by his excited demeanor, and Luca couldn't understand why she was in a bad mood.

"For travel to the training area, we'll be taking an automatic carriage. S-class students, gather here!"

The S-class dormitory supervisor led them.

"Automatic carriages will be boarded in groups of four. Please form your teams."

"Group of four! Sounds great!"

Ottbo looked at Milia with obvious excitement.

But Milia's face was frigid.

"Sorry, but we already have a group."

"What?"

"Good luck, then."

Milia and Isella left together, and Luca looked puzzled.

"Ottbo. Did you offend that one somehow?"

"N-no, not at all! I was just in the dorm all day Sunday!"

"Hmm... A woman's heart is really impossible to understand."

Luca shook his head, then scanned the area. He quickly spotted someone and strode over.

"Hey."

"Eh, yes?"

A girl with a rabbit-like appearance, small frame, glasses, and braided hair—Moula Prington.

Luca walked up and grabbed her wrist.

"We'll be groupmates anyway, so let's ride together."

"E-eh? Eh?"

She was flustered but didn't resist being pulled along.

After bringing Moula over, Luca looked at Ottbo.

"I've found one, so you get another."

"Huh? Wait... what?"

"If you don't hurry, you might end up riding with a teacher."

At Luca's words, Ottbo frantically looked around.

Most students had already paired up.

Moula glanced at him, then timidly muttered,

"Um... uh..."

"Archiond, ride with me~"

"No! Archiond's riding with me."

Suddenly, a commotion erupted somewhere.

At the center of the fuss was a boy, smiling sheepishly.

"Ah, haha, this is a bit awkward."

"Archiond, pick—me or her?"

"Why are you putting Archiond on the spot? He's riding with me anyway!"

"What? How do you know that?"

"Aha, um... Oh!"

At that moment, Archiond and Luca made eye contact.

Archiond glanced over at Luca, Ottbo, who was frankly panicking, and Moula, who was watching the situation, then walked over.

"Luca Traverse. Seems you're short a person—want to ride together?"

"Hmm?"

Luca scanned him up and down, then looked over his shoulder at the students clamoring behind.

He saw Archiond wink with one eye and smirked.

"Let's do that."

He ended up meeting Archiond Robette sooner than expected.

-------------= Clacky's Corner -------------=Bella probably eavesdropped during the interview...【ദ്ദി(⩌ᴗ⩌)】

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