Yeah where do grades 8-9 eat? No idea... 

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[Translator/Editor: otwentyfirst]

[Host: justreads.net]

[Dec. 23rd, 2018]

Feng Wu and Xi got in line to pick out their food and to pay for it. There were three types of meals: “A,” “B,” and “C.” Because they included meat, vegetables, soup and a fruit, “A” type meals were the most delicious. They were also the most expensive at two silver coins each. Considering the value and quality, it was a great deal, especially for those students from well-off families. For the commoner though, two silver coins was still too expensive.

“B” type meals cost one silver coin and was comparable to “A” type meals when it came to quant.i.ty. Though the meats were of lower quality, the amount of variety more than made up for it.

By far the most popular meal type among the students were “C” type meals though. They were the first choice for students from ordinary families. Although it couldn’t compare to “A” or “B,” it won by virtue of being the cheapest.

Taking into consideration some of their students came from common poor backgrounds, the school gave all students a stipend of two gold coins every month, ensuring they would always have enough for food. That amount was enough for a month of “C” meals.

Although the menu for the first and second floor changed daily, meals came in predetermined sets. The third floor was different; it was set up in a buffet style.

Students didn’t have to eat at the dining hall if they didn’t want to either. They could buy ingredients and cook something in the dorms instead. This was an important option since the dining hall only offered lunch and dinner, breakfast had to be found somewhere else. Conveniently, many vendors were located just outside the school gates, so it was no trouble to grab something to eat before cla.s.s.

It was the first time the girls from 302 would eat together so everyone ordered an “A” meal. Of the four girls, Feng Wu was the only one not a n.o.ble. She was originally a member of the aristocracy, but because of her unwed mother status she was disowned, which made her presence in the family genealogy records an uncertainty.

After everyone picked up their plates, the girls found a table. There weren’t many other freshmen in the dining hall since most of the students eating there were returning students. This made those students not in uniform stand out in the crowd. Few paid them any attention though.

“Hey did you hear, the freshmen are responsible for covering their own living expenses. The school’s only going to give a stipend big enough to cover meals, two gold coins I think. For the rest we’ll have to find a job in the city, working at a shop or something. The bosses there are going to score us. We have to keep working the second year if we score too low. I don’t get why the Holy Academy would do such a thing. We came to learn, not earn.”

Annika felt bad just thinking about it.

“I heard it’s a tradition. Every incoming freshman has to do it. But the thing is, you don’t have to work for the whole year, you just have to make enough to cover your living expenses for a year. If you make it all in a month, you can do whatever you want afterwards as long as your grades are good.”

Xi wasn’t concerned about it. As a swordmaster she planned on making money by picking up a.s.signments at the Swordmaster a.s.sociation, unlike magicians who were weak physically and would have a hard time earning money.

Jasmine was also unconcerned. “It’s just a year’s living expense. I can get that easily.”

Don’t blame the three girls for thinking this. They were all from rich aristocratic families and their family’s darling. Pocket money came easily to them. They wouldn’t even have to ask before an elder would take the initiative to give them spending money. Growing up this way, they had no idea the kind of effort involved in earning money.

Feng Wu was never one to talk and eat at the same time. While the girls were chatting, she was busy stuffing her mouth with food, her movements were fast and efficient, catching the attention of the other girls.

Xi wasn’t put off by it. As a swordmaster she had always been a straightforward even-tempered person. Annika had already seen Feng Wu eating the chicken leg earlier, so of course she wasn’t bothered by Feng Wu’s eating. The only one to take offense was Jasmine. She scornfully looked at Feng Wu’s table manners. Commoners are so uncivilized. They don’t know how to behave at all. As Jasmine thought about how hard it would be to live with Feng Wu, an idea crossed her mind. She shelved it for now since the timing wasn’t right.

“Feng Wu, you eat fast,” Xi said. She was amazed watching how speedily Feng Wu cleared her plate. How does she have room in that small stomach?

“I’m hungry.” Feng Wu licked her lips as she looked at Xi, a somewhat foolish expression on her face.

Annika was about to say something when someone plopped a tray on their table then proceeded to sit down, completely annoying Jasmine.

Who is this person? There are so many other empty spots and he choses to sit here?! She was very unhappy but stayed silent in order to maintain her image. The magician profession was a n.o.ble one, so she needed to behave accordingly. She couldn’t let a herself be riled up by a rude person.

“Xiao Wu, you’re too slow. I’ve been looking all over for you.” Jier didn’t bother with the other girls at the table; they had nothing to do with him. Feng Wu was the one he came for.

Feng Wu blinked her pair of large dark eyes happily at him when she saw the good mood he was in. Her gesture made him smile.

Originally the girls were seated two to a side: Annika and Jasmine on one and Xi and Feng Wu on the other. Jier naturally sat down next to Feng Wu.

“I didn’t see you.” Feng Wu’s eyes flashed with grievance like a cute bunny.

Jier ruffled the top of her head with one hand. She reminded him of the pet his older cousin raised.

After tapping her head twice more he said, “Here, food I got from the third floor. You can have half. Your stomach is so enormous, how can just a single meal satisfy you?” He proceeded to divide the food up, giving her the larger share. Even though it hurt his pride as a man, he had to admit Feng Wu could out eat him any day of the week.

“You can go to the third floor? Are you senior?” Annika couldn’t help but ask. She originally thought he was Feng Wu’s friend and a freshman like them. She hadn’t expected him to be able to go to the third floor. Only those in the top ten of their respective grades were allowed up there. Those in the freshmen cla.s.s didn’t have an average yet so they couldn’t be graded, thus they weren’t allowed up.