Lazy Salvation Saint Ashen and the Temptress of Salads

As they walked down the hallway, Braun was quick to slip away, seamlessly blending into a group of trainees his age.

He had been spending more ti with them lately. Ashen and Seraphine didn't see anything wrong with it. People naturally gravitated toward their peers, and no matter how close they were, everyone needed their personal space.

"So, Wiki-Ashen, how does it feel to be the class's go-to history expert?"

Ashen cast a glance at Seraphine, who was playfully looking at him. 'Well, I've got a pri example of soone who's perfectly fine with only two people to talk to.'

Rolling his eyes, he tried to look annoyed but failed to hide his amusent. "Oh, please. I'm not an expert. I just recited what we studied."

Seraphine laughed, giving his arm a light punch. "Yeah, right. You were like a walking, talking history book back there."

She slipped her arm through his, her warmth pressing against his side, and added, "Well, you did a great job up there. I'm impressed."

eting her gaze, Ashen's golden eyes softened. "Thanks. I guess I learned my lesson: don't doze off in class."

As they entered the cafeteria, the aroma of food filled the air. Seraphine stretched and declared, "Right, enough history for now. Let's get so food."

Ashen's stomach grumbled in agreent. "Sounds good. I'm starving after that ordeal."

Seraphine teased, "Yes, Professor," giving him a mock bow, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

He shook his head, but the smile tugging at his lips betrayed his amusent. They made their way to the food line, and Seraphine picked up a tray. "What are you having?"

Ashen eyed the options. "I think I'll have pasta. You?"

Seraphine wrinkled her nose. "Pasta again? I think I'll go for a salad."

Ashen smirked. "Oh, are we watching our figure, Ms. Hourglass?"

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A faint blush dusted Seraphine's cheeks. "Hey, I have to maintain this figure sohow."

Ashen chuckled. "I don't think you have to worry about that, not with the coach around."

"Ugh, don't remind …" She shuddered, recalling their hellish training drills.

They found a seat near the window, where the sunlight stread in, making Seraphine's blonde hair glow like gold.

Ashen stared for a mont too long, montarily captivated by the picturesque sight before shaking himself out of it.

'So much for harping on about self-control, yet here I am gawking like a hormonal teenager…'

Seraphine didn't miss his lingering gaze. Smirking, she leaned in slightly. "What's up?"

Ashen cursed under his breath. Where was her airheadedness when he needed it?

"...Hey, it's not my fault you keep flaunting that pretty face of yours everywhere you go."

Throwing the bla at her was the best he could do.

Seraphine wasn't letting him off that easily. "Just admit you were spellbound by . Haha. C'mon, Ash, don't be shy."

"Hey! I'm really not at fault here. Plus, everyone here is on the verge of exploding. I could be considered a saint in comparison."

Seraphine's teasing expression turned thoughtful. "Hmm, that's true. But why don't they address this issue? It's pretty obvious, to be honest."

Ashen barely had to think before answering. "It's probably so kind of tolerance test."

Elaborating, he added, "The battlefield is bound to be way more stressful than this. If soone can't handle this environnt, they have no business being in a place where a single mistake could cost not just their life, but that of their comrades."

Seraphine exhaled. "Ah… that actually makes a lot of sense." Her mood dimd as the weight of their future lood over her.

Sensing the shift, Ashen spoke in a quieter tone. "Don't worry. We'll figure sothing out. Worst case scenario, I'll do my best to keep you safe. You're Alice's best friend, after all."

Seraphine's heart ward at the sentint… until she registered his last remark. Her cheeks puffed in indignation. "...You'll only protect because I'm Alice's friend?"

Ashen instantly knew he had ssed up. With his most serious expression, he corrected himself. "No, of course not. That's only one of the many reasons."

"Oh yeah? And what are the other reasons?"

Ashen placed a hand over his chest, feigning solemnity. "Well, your relentless teasing, obviously. Who else would annoy if I lost you?"

Seraphine gasped. "Ah! Ash, you bully! I knew it! Stop toying with !" She looked ready to lunge at him if not for the table between them.

Ashen laughed. "Haha, okay, okay. Jokes aside, you can count on if anything happens."

Seraphine huffed but smiled. "Hmph. Sa to you."

The table settled into a comfortable silence, the only sounds being the rhythmic clatter of utensils as they ate.

Monts like this were why Ashen appreciated Seraphine's company, no matter how playful she got. He cherished the occasional peace and quiet, especially in an environnt where everything felt rushed and stressful.

Unfortunately, their peaceful al was about to be disrupted.

"Hey there!"

Ashen grimaced before he even looked up. He already knew who it was.