Chapter 723 Expected Guests

Ever since his loss against Ezra in the Fourth Trial Hell Maze...

Zack had already realized what he needed to do to become better.

He wanted to stop being one of those side characters who stood behind people destined for greatness.

He wanted to step out of the position of an average, growing Young Alchemist he had placed himself in.

But reaching that point had proven to be a crushing reality.

Ever since he began his life at the Royal Academy, he had been reminded time and again of just how average he truly was.

He had lost to Starke Drakes during the first practical test Professor Kent Preacher held for their class.

He hadn’t even been satisfied with the gems he gathered during the test.

The amount he obtained was only enough to secure a place in the top fifty.

For someone who had set his eyes on a Flower like Vera, that wasn’t enough.

He had to prove himself.

He needed to show that he could perform well within the Academy and become someone worthy of standing beside her.

The General Test had been another wake-up call.

For someone who prided himself on his intelligence, finding out that he wasn’t even close to the top twenty had been difficult to accept.

Then came the Combat Festival.

He had finally thought that he would get the chance to make a name for himself.

A chance to show everyone what he was capable of.

But...

Nothing.

No one even knew his name.

Zack could only continue watching the person who had defeated him in the Fourth Trial of the Trial of Steel grow before his eyes.

Ezra wasn’t just improving in strength.

His reputation was growing as well, and so was his relationship with the person Zack adored and loved the most.

It was difficult to watch.

He had spent so much time trying to get closer to Vera, yet Ezra seemed to have gained a place beside her without even trying to pursue her in the same way.

Zack didn’t want to remain where he was.

He didn’t want to keep watching others move ahead while he stood among those who were merely following their footsteps.

He wanted something more.

’That is why I’m offering you the chance to help get rid of Ezra Ashenlocke.’

Zack blinked.

The voice brought him out of his thoughts of the conversation he had with the upperclassman who had approached him a while ago as the second semester resumed.

The offer had come unexpectedly, but the words had been clear.

The person wanted him to join hands in getting rid of Ezra.

At that moment, Zack had found himself unable to give an answer.

He had spent so much time wishing he could surpass Ezra, wishing he could take back the place he felt he had lost.

Now, someone was offering him a way to remove the very person who stood between him and what he wanted.

It was an opportunity.

At least, that was how part of him saw it.

But another part couldn’t ignore what the offer actually meant.

Getting rid of Ezra wasn’t the same as defeating him in a test or proving himself better during a competition.

It was something else entirely.

Zack’s eyes had briefly shifted towards the upperclassman.

He hadn’t accepted.

He hadn’t rejected the offer either.

He still couldn’t decide what to make of it.

The thought of Ezra disappearing from Vera’s life brought a feeling he didn’t want to examine too closely.

Yet, even if Ezra were no longer there, would that really make Zack the person Vera wanted beside her?

He didn’t have an answer.

And that was what troubled him.

Before he could dwell further on the memory of the conversation, another voice came from beside him, snapping him from his loss in his thoughts.

"Master."

His Butler spoke calmly.

He pointed towards the tables and chairs they had been arranging, drawing Zack’s attention back to their work.

"We are finally done."

The Butler said with a satisfied expression.

Zack blinked again, putting the earlier thoughts aside for the moment.

"I will go tell Lady Vera."

He replied.

He adjusted his composure and straightened his glasses before turning his attention towards Ezra.

The latter was cleaning his hands with a white napkin after finishing the work he had been doing.

Zack’s gaze lingered for a brief moment before he looked away.

The offer was still in his mind.

He hadn’t made a decision, and he wasn’t going to let his thoughts show while everyone was gathered around him.

Especially when a person like Vera was around.

He then walked towards Vera to inform her that the tables, chairs, and other items for lunch were ready.

Once Vera received the information, she signaled to Lyra and Nina to begin arranging the grilled meat on the table.

She also gathered the remaining pieces she had been grilling, making sure that the food was ready to be served.

The two girls moved towards the table, carrying the prepared meat.

Lyra seemed particularly eager to get started, while Nina was more focused on making sure that the food was arranged properly.

They had already spent enough time around the grill, and neither wanted to wait much longer before eating.

Diane, meanwhile, had finally finished slicing the meat.

She placed the knife down and leaned lazily against Hermione’s arms.

"I want to sleep."

She said tiredly.

Hermione supported her as she led her towards the table, where Diane could finally rest.

"But I cannot sleep yet. The meat won’t eat itself."

Diane added.

Her light-blue eyes moved towards the grilled meat being arranged on the table.

She stared at it for a moment before shifting her gaze towards Ezra, who was already seated and quietly watching Vera work.

Then she looked towards Lucy.

Lucy was assisting Becky with rubbing the mixed spices over the meat, making sure the seasoning covered the surface properly before the next batch was prepared.

Diane watched them for a little while.

"Ahhh."

She sighed lightly as she sat down.

She rested her head on the table, placing her arms beneath it.

Her eyes closed almost immediately.

Hermione looked at her helplessly.

But she already knew her lady wasn’t actually sleeping.

At least, not yet.

Diane was simply tired from all the work and wanted a moment to rest before the food was ready.

However, she wasn’t willing to miss the meal after spending so much time helping prepare it.

"Mr. Ezra Ashenlocke, your goods have already been prepared in Lady Vera Ashenlocke’s garage."

Hermione said calmly.

Ezra turned his attention towards her.

"Thank you."

He replied calmly.

His gaze remained on Hermione for a moment before returning to Vera, who was still working at the grill.

The materials were ready.

At least that part of his visit had been settled.

Vera continued tending to the food.

For someone who had maids and butlers at her beck and call back at the Ashenlocke Estate, she certainly didn’t lack people who could prepare meals for her.

She even had personal chefs, all of whom were top-tier.

Yet she knew how to grill.

She handled the work herself, turning the meat with the tongs and checking each piece before setting it aside.

She didn’t seem particularly bothered by the heat coming from the outdoor grilling stove.

It was simply something she wanted to do.

"Vera, I didn’t know you were throwing a party."

A familiar voice came from the entrance of the compound.

Selena Galehart walked in with her maid behind her, holding an umbrella over her head.

She looked towards the gathering before turning her attention to Vera.

"You didn’t even invite me."

She said lightly.

Vera didn’t turn around.

"Why are you even here?"

She asked plainly.

Her hands continued working at the grill as she spoke.

"Both of you."

She added.

Willow Derlis was also present.

She had arrived with her maid, who lowered her head in greeting to Vera and the others around the premises. Selena’s maid did the same.

"I heard Ezra Ashenlocke was here, and I thought of using the opportunity to tell him something. Not that he’s here."

Willow said calmly.

Her Crimson eyes briefly moved towards Ezra.

Selena had already noticed him as well.

The reason for their arrival wasn’t entirely difficult to understand.

"It’s a good thing you came late, then. You won’t be taking my free meals."

Vera said straightforwardly.

"I didn’t come for your food, Vera."

Willow replied sharply.

"I do want to eat."

Selena said honestly.

She didn’t bother pretending otherwise.

The smell coming from the grill was difficult to ignore.

The meat had been cooking for some time, and the mixed spices gave off a rich aroma that reached the entrance.

It was enough to make her reconsider her earlier intention of simply stopping by for a conversation.

Of course, her reason for coming had originally been because one of her close fan-girls had messaged her that Ezra was around.

She had simply found another reason to stay.

"That’s a good girl."

Vera said calmly.

She turned one of the pieces of meat with her tongs.

"As for you, it’s either you eat or you walk."

She said plainly.

Willow stared at Vera, who was partially blocked from view by the outdoor grilling stove.

Isn’t she the one who said she wouldn’t allow me to eat her food?

For a brief moment, she didn’t respond.

Then...

"Fine."

She replied, immediately walking towards the table.

Vera didn’t bother looking back at her.

As the two ladies made their way towards the seating area, the servants around the premises greeted them.

Lyra and Nina also exchanged greetings with the two Flowers.

Selena and Willow returned their greetings before looking towards the table.

It was already arranged.

The chairs, plates, cutlery, cups, and other items had been set out.

There was enough space for the people who were already present, along with four additional guests.

Willow’s eyes moved across the arrangement.

She then glanced towards Vera.

This girl.

She thought to herself.

It was clear that Vera hadn’t simply prepared the gathering for the people who were already at the residence.

The extra places had been arranged beforehand.

Willow didn’t comment on it.

She simply continued towards the table with Selena.

"Good afternoon, Lady Willow and Lady Selena."

Ezra greeted them both.

The two turned towards him.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Ezra Ashenlocke."

Selena replied.

Willow also returned his greeting before they took their seats.

By then, the remaining grilled meat was ready.

Vera finished the last batch and placed it on the table, where the others had already arranged the food.

The plates were ready, and the fruit drinks were brought out as well.

The gathering gradually settled down.

Everyone took their seats around the table.

The drinks were opened, and the grilled meat was served.

Some of the maids who had helped with the preparation also joined the group.

Vera adjusted her chair calmly before looking around at everyone.

"I’ve always wanted to hold a grill party in the Academy at least once, so this is a good chance to get it done. Let’s enjoy ourselves."

She said casually, without making a long speech out of it.

"Yes!"

Nina, Lyra, Lucy, and some of the maids responded excitedly at the same time.

The group began eating.

Lyra was among the first to take an enthusiastic bite of the grilled meat.

She had already tasted it several times before Ezra arrived at Vera’s residence, but that hadn’t made it any less enjoyable.

The spicy sweetness of the meat, combined with the cold fruit drink, made the meal taste even better.

She chewed happily, her eyes lighting up.

Nina and Lucy were no different.

The three girls’ eyes sparkled with pleasure as they enjoyed the grilled meat.

For all the time they had spent preparing it, the meal was certainly worth the wait.