Chapter 139: I want to be popular (1)

Traditionally, the private Anatolia Academy offers students an exceptionally wide variety of elective courses.

This “variety” is by no means just a marketing slogan or an empty statement. There are many. Really, a lot.

Even with new courses being added or removed each year, about 40 to 50 courses are consistently maintained.

And this is in a school with barely 300 students in total.

That doesn’t mean the courses lack professionalism, either.

The best experts, acknowledged by everyone, are invited and offered the highest industry salaries.

Yet, those top-tier professionals end up teaching only around five or six beginners on average—an undeniable extravagance.

The reason for implementing what might seem like an absurdly wasteful policy is that the school’s founder, Esther, wanted to create an institution unlike any other in the world.

Regardless of status, anyone capable of proving their ability could be admitted, and they could receive whatever education they desired.

She even prioritized this belief to the extent of removing theology from the list of mandatory courses—an almost unthinkable decision for someone religious like herself.

Her reasoning?

She didn’t want her school to be treated like a missionary school.

Esther’s principles were faithfully carried on by her friend Mana, leading to the birth of the first-ever truly comprehensive school, where students could learn all sorts of unique subjects and skills.

From pure academics like alchemy, military studies, theology, archaeology, and law, to physical skills like spear fighting, marksmanship, horseback riding, and swimming, and even hobbies such as fishing, art, and music—unless it was an incredibly niche topic, you could learn almost anything at Anatolia, as long as you had the time and passion for it.

And among those various elective courses, one that has surprisingly remained popular for a long time is “Cooking.”

The reason is simple: cooking is one of the few elective courses where the results physically remain—delicious food, as long as you follow the instructions properly.

There’s no greater sense of achievement and satisfaction than watching your own creation melt in your mouth, so the cooking course became especially popular among Anatolia’s students—particularly among female students.

Even noble students, who would never have to touch a drop of water in their entire lives, eagerly registered for the class and attended diligently every day.

That alone speaks volumes about its popularity.

And today, on May 15, another new member joined Anatolia’s basic cooking class.

“Alright, everyone, attention!”

Erkes, the instructor for Anatolia’s cooking class, clapped her hands before the lesson began to draw the students’ focus.

“This is a sudden announcement, but for today’s lesson, we have a special guest joining us. A rather famous figure—I’m sure you’ve all at least heard the name in passing.

Miss Sion? Could you come in?”

“Yes, sir.”

At the sound of her name, Sion, who had been waiting near the front door, stepped forward gracefully and turned to face the students.

The unexpected appearance of such a notable figure left everyone in shock, as she slowly opened her mouth to speak.

“Hello. My name is Sion of Ashtaria, from the Ratatosk class.

Due to certain circumstances, I will be attending this cooking class just for today. I apologize for the sudden intrusion, and I appreciate your understanding.”

After her polite introduction, she bowed her head.

A brief moment of hesitation followed, then a reserved round of applause spread through the room.

Erkes then offered a brief explanation.

“As you all know, yesterday, May 14, was the famous ‘Sweet Day’—the day when Anatolia students exchange sweets to express their feelings.

Unfortunately, Miss Sion was unaware of this tradition and thus had no way to reciprocate the gifts she received.

Regretting this, she came to me this morning with a request—to let her participate in today’s cooking class, just for the day.”

Having said that, Erkes looked at Sion with a proud expression, as if she, too, had been captivated by her kind and sincere heart.

“Normally, auditing a class that wasn’t registered before the semester starts is not allowed.

However, I’ve decided to make an exception this time. I already received permission from the principal, so there’s no issue.

Of course, since it’s just a one-time participation, this won’t count for credits—so no need to worry about that.

She’ll simply be making the final dish and taking it with her.

That shouldn’t be a problem for anyone, right?”

“””Yes~!”””

The students responded in unison.

For them, as long as no one was taking away their grades, there was no downside. It just meant one more classmate for the day.

In fact, this was a valuable opportunity to witness the cooking skills of a hero firsthand—a clear advantage.

Especially for Isabella, who was already taking the cooking class.

For her, this wasn’t just an advantage—it was practically a divine blessing that had fallen from the sky.

“Wh-Whaaat?! Big sis?! What are you doing here?!”

“Oh? So even the princess is in this class. It’s nice to see you.

As for why I’m here, it’s simple—I want to return the kindness I received yesterday.

I plan to give what I make today to everyone, including you, Princess.”

“Oh my goodness…!”

Isabella’s face lit up with pure joy, as if she might ascend to heaven if she wasn’t held down.

Huge hearts practically popped out of her eyes.

“Now, let’s form teams. Who wants to partner with Miss Sion—”

“M-Me! I’ll do it!! Pick me!!!”

“A-Ah, alright…”

Seeing Isabella, who was practically burning with enthusiasm, Erkes was momentarily taken aback.

After clearing her throat, she glanced around the room before continuing.

“Then, Princess Isabella… and Miss Mila and Miss Lavender? Could you help by sitting next to Sion?”

“Yeees~”

“Leave it to us!”

The two girls, one with short hair and the other with long hair, answered cheerfully.

They smiled brightly and sat side by side across from Isabella and Sion at a four-person table.

Sion bowed her head to both of them and politely showed respect.

“Nice to meet you. I am Sion from Ashtaria. I hope to rely on you for today, so please guide me well.”

“We’re the ones who should be asking for your help! Actually, we’ve met before, though, hehe.”

“Eh? Have we met before?”

“Huh? No, no~ Don’t mind it. You probably wouldn’t remember♪”

Mila and Lavender exchanged small smiles with each other.

In fact, these two had very little direct contact with the Hero.

Considering how smart Sion is, it’s safe to say they hadn’t had any meaningful conversation.

However, despite that, they both remembered Sion very well.

The reason was that they had witnessed Sion personally taming the fierce and difficult unicorn Jian-Bun in the past.

It was such a shocking event that it had left a lasting impression on them.

Since that incident, Mila and Lavender had become devoted fans of Sion.

Contrary to popular belief, not only men or lesbians like beautiful women.

Just like boys might admire strong knights or adventurers, girls can also admire elegant and beautiful women.

For them, Sion represented the ideal woman, a girl shaped as if to embody the image they desired — an eternal shining idol.

However, unlike the active Isabella, they were too shy to approach Sion directly.

Instead, they became her enthusiastic promoters in places where Sion wasn’t around, spreading her coolness far and wide—without anyone asking them to do so.

Thanks to their efforts, they were now passionate members of a secret fan club for the Hero, led by Isabella.

Their activities mainly involved promoting Sion’s heroic deeds, stopping rumors, identifying and exposing the spreaders, and removing various nuisances.

Of course, Sion had no idea about any of this.

“Okay, let’s begin today’s practice! How about we make cookies?”

“Yes. Or you can pick whatever you like, Princess. Anyway, I’ll give them to you as the first priority once we’re done.”

“Ugh…”

Isabella let out a strange sound and melted. Mila and Lavender looked at her fondly, with motherly eyes.

On the other hand, there was someone in the room who couldn’t feel at ease with the situation.

-‘What’s going on, Sion?’

Exia whispered in an anxious voice, hanging behind him.

-“Why are you suddenly insisting on learning how to cook? Can you even cook?”

‘Shh. If you don’t realize it, be quiet. Just stay still, and it’ll work out, even if it’s just half.’

-‘….???’

Exia’s suspicion deepened.

She remembered that Sion was certainly not bad at cooking.

In fact, she was quite good.

It was Sien who had made her shaved ice in the Alphard Mountains, and he often took on the role of cook during their parties.

After Sien pretended to be dead and left the group in the Eisenburg Mountains, the biggest issue the group faced was who would cook, not even the battle.

No one except Sien could cook with ingredients from the Demon Realm.

So why a cooking lesson now?

She should be at a level where she’s teaching the instructor, not the other way around, right?

‘Suspicious…’

Exia frowned deeply and glared at Sion, though her appearance was still in the form of a sword, so it was all internal.

Ignoring her suspicion, Sion continued to play the role of a clumsy beginner.

“What should we do first? Should I add butter here?”

“Yes. Then, measure out this much sugar and egg wash, and pour it into the bowl.”

“Got it.”

Sion nodded and put the butter into the glass bowl.

Then, while gently stirring with her right hand, she picked up a measuring cup of sugar with her left.

But instead of pouring it into the bowl, she changed the contents with a smile.

‘Teleport Item.’

With a grin, Sion swapped what was in the cup.

At that moment, the soft and sweet sugar was replaced with a different powder that filled the cup.

This powder resembled sugar but had only a salty taste instead of sweetness.

In short, it was salt!

-“!?”

Exia, realizing the problem too late, tried to stop her, but it was too late.

Having finished the spell, Sion quickly tilted the cup to avoid anyone noticing.

Thud!

The unexpected “demon’s powder” was dropped straight into the cookie dough.