Boo gasped dramatically. "No no!! Boo only checks quality for babies!! Very professional taste-tester!!" He puffed his cheeks proudly, making the class giggle harder.
Felix raised his hand lazily. "Tasting is for telling if the food is expensive or not." He leaned back in his chair like a noble. "Cheap snacks have no honor."
"Felix," Alina groaned softly, rubbing her forehead.
Rocky raised his hand shyly. "…Tasting is for… finding out which pebble is… crunchy."
Everyone turned to stare at him.
"ROCKY!!!" Kelpie gasped, clutching his face. "You really eat rocks?!"
Rocky shrugged innocently. "…Sometimes."
The whole class burst into laughter again, and Alina could only cover her smile, shaking her head. "No, Rocky. Pebbles are not food."
Finally, Lucien raised his hand, his voice calm. "…Tasting is also for knowing what's safe and what's not. If something tastes wrong, you don't eat it."
Alina's heart warmed. "That's right, sweetheart. Very smart."
