To escape the lingering temptation of Fansal, Roderika led the group down a quiet alleyway and into a modest but bustling establishment known as Dragon Nest.
"This is… Dragon Nest?" Zack muttered, blinking at the sign above the door.
He had secretly hoped Roderika might take them somewhere a bit more upscale, maybe a fancy restaurant with candlelit tables and silver cutlery. Instead, they'd found themselves in what looked like a popular eatery for the working class.
Dragon Nest was a no-frills, fast-paced public restaurant known for its hearty portions and affordable prices. The air was thick with the mouthwatering aroma of sizzling meat, grilled spices, and sweat from hard-working men who frequented the place after long shifts.
"Don't judge a book by its cover," Roderika said with a smirk, flipping her long crimson hair over her shoulder. "The food here is solid, and the portions are generous. Plus, student council members get half off. What's not to love?"
"I… see," Zack replied, though his voice carried the faintest trace of disappointment.
The interior was lively and packed. Broad-shouldered laborers filled the tables, their laughter booming as mugs clanked and platters were devoured with gusto.
The only available space was a four-person table near the back. Without hesitation, Roderika slid into the seat beside Silva, leaving Zack and Ico to sit across from them.
It was an unusual sight—the Scarlet Empress and the Ice Blue Princess, two of the most stunning girls in the entire academy, seated casually with him. Zack couldn't help but feel like a side character in someone else's romantic drama. If Rayleigh or Matt were to walk in right now, he'd be a dead man.
Silva sat with her arms crossed and her head turned sharply to the side, making it clear she had no interest in joining the conversation. Her icy demeanor hadn't thawed since yesterday's dragon incident. Zack wanted to say something comforting, something that would reach her—but he could barely focus.
Because next to him, Ico was still recovering.
"Fyunn…"
She let out a sleepy whimper, her head drooping slightly. Her face was flushed, her lips parted just a little as she panted softly—still clearly affected by the lingering aftereffects of inhaling Fansal.
Zack leaned in and gently raised a cup of cold water to her lips.
"Here. Drink this," he whispered.
Ico accepted the sip with a small moan, her delicate fingers brushing against his. The coolness of the water helped, but her skin remained warm, her thighs subtly pressed together beneath the table as if trying to dispel the heat within her.
Roderika ordered enough food for three with casual confidence, then turned to them with an amused smile.
"To be honest, Zack… you never cease to amaze me."
"…Sorry," he muttered, scratching the back of his head in embarrassment.
"No need to apologize. If anything, I'm rather enjoying the spectacle."
"Enjoying…?"
Zack felt his heart sink a little. Her words were teasing, but her gaze was curious, sharp—like she was watching something entertaining unfold.
"Anyway," she continued, "you should seriously keep your distance from places like L'essaroys. That kind of temptation is just too much for Ico right now. Fansal may be the best blend they have, but it's still far too early for her."
"I'll… keep that in mind," Zack answered with a heavy sigh, glancing at the dragon girl who was now leaning against his shoulder, half-asleep.
No one spoke after that for a moment. The awkward silence stemmed from one source: Silva. She hadn't said a single word since sitting down, and her presence alone was enough to stiffen the mood around the table.
"…That aside," Zack said cautiously, "it's rare to see you and the Princess together like this, Roderika."
"Oh? I was the one who invited her," she replied with a wink.
Zack raised a brow. It was unexpected. After the mess with the young dragon yesterday, Roderika had firmly declared, "Leave the Princess to me." But today's outing didn't feel like a simple follow-up to that promise. And for someone as proud as Silva to accept the invitation without resistance…
Even if Roderika was the student council president, Silva was still royalty. She could've easily declined.
"I had a little help," Roderika admitted, pulling out a small, ornate ticket from her jacket pocket. "Remember this? The one-day date voucher from the Dragon Riding Festival."
"…Ah. Right." The memory clicked into place.
Zack had completely forgotten. As part of the Dragon Riding Festival's prizes, the winner received the right to spend an entire day with Roderika—an honor in itself. And that winner had been Silva. For someone as stubborn and principled as her, the words 'duty of the victor' must've struck deep.
"She's been overthinking everything since yesterday," Roderika added with a sigh. "I thought a change of scenery might help… but she's been like this all morning."
Despite the frustration in her tone, she still smiled with a warmth that seemed genuine.
"Sorry to keep you waiting," a voice chimed suddenly.
The waitress arrived with their meals—steaming platters of sizzling meat, thick stew, roasted vegetables, and crusty bread. She placed the food down with practiced ease and a soft smile, but Zack barely noticed.
Because across from him, Ico had shifted in her seat, her legs sliding open slightly as she stretched with a yawn, her dress riding up just enough to reveal smooth, pale thighs glistening faintly with sweat.
He swallowed hard. She caught his gaze—and smirked knowingly.
"Mm… I'm hungry now," she purred, her voice low and breathy.