St. Freya Academy was perhaps better described as St. Freya City. It was a true academy city with the school as its core, surrounded by a wealth of facilities providing for the students' daily lives and entertainment. Further out lay the administrative districts, the hangars for the Hyperion, the various buildings of the Science Department, and numerous supply warehouses.
Logically, a place with such entertainment facilities should have had a bar, but St. Freya Academy lacked one. Instead, there was only a single beverage shop that sold alcohol alongside various fruit juices and sodas.
This was precisely why Murata Himeko usually found herself wanting a drink after finishing a mission; the atmosphere of a simple drink stall wasn't quite right for it. However, with someone to accompany her, things felt a little better.
When Himeko led Hua Yi to the stall, which was operated like a roadside stand, there was already a customer there. He was a middle-aged man wearing a white shirt and black trousers, his chin dusted with a light layer of stubble.
In the world of Honkai, men were rare and often drew a great deal of attention. Seeing Hua Yi look at the man with curiosity, Himeko offered an introduction.
"He's a teacher at St. Freya Academy, surname Yang. He teaches history. Since we've run into him, we might as well say hello. If you aren't very good at history, you might be able to find a back door to a passing grade, hmm?"
"Professor Murata, please do not tarnish my image in front of a new student. I do not accept 'back door' deals; a grade is exactly what a student earns."
Mr. Yang countered Himeko's remark with a sigh of helplessness before turning to Hua Yi with a smile and extending his hand.
"Welcome to St. Freya Academy. The Principal already shared your news. Survivors of the Third Honkai Eruption, correct? I didn't expect such a handsome young man. I will be sure to look after you."
At that moment, Himeko leaned in and whispered into Hua Yi's ear.
"Don't worry, Principal Theresa only released the information that needed to be public."
This meant that Raiden Mei being the Third Herrscher was not public knowledge.
Hua Yi gave a nearly imperceptible nod and shook the man's hand.
"Hello, Mr. Yang."
After the brief greeting, Hua Yi's gaze shifted to Yang's other hand. As a customer of a drink shop, he was obviously there to drink, yet what he held was neither alcohol nor juice, nor even coffee.
"Is that... tea made with goji berries and red dates?"
Sensing Hua Yi's confusion, Mr. Yang nodded and took a slow sip, looking as though he were savoring the flavor.
"Indeed. It is quite healthy. While the taste may not be as bold as other drinks, many beverages are harmful to one's health. Only wellness teas like this truly benefit the body."
Himeko glanced at Mr. Yang, who seemed intent on promoting his wellness tea to Hua Yi. Remembering that Hua Yi was supposedly still recovering from heavy injuries, she said with concern, "Hua Yi, why don't you have some wellness tea like Mr. Yang? Your current condition isn't suited for alcohol."
"It's fine. I feel like I've mostly recovered."
Hua Yi naturally intended to accompany Himeko. If he could fight a Pseudo-Herrscher in Nagazora, a drink was hardly out of the question.
Mr. Yang didn't mind the rejection and continued sipping his tea leisurely.
"Ah, to be young. Those truly are the best years."
Hua Yi did not ignore the man's world-weary mutterings.
"It sounds like you have quite a few stories, Mr. Yang."
"Haha, they're just old memories. We can chat about them if there is a chance in the future. As fellow men, we might find we have a lot in common. Anyway, I should get going. If I keep chatting with you, Hua Yi, I'm afraid I'll start being resented."
Himeko's love for a good drink was no secret at St. Freya. Realizing Hua Yi was her chosen drinking companion, Mr. Yang had no intention of lingering. He finished the last of his tea and departed.
Hua Yi watched him disappear from sight. Himeko, seeing this, wasn't surprised.
"Curious, aren't you? He is a man like you, after all, and a mysterious one at that. Even I only know his surname is Yang. He rarely socializes outside of work, living a very disciplined, routine life. I just don't know why he always looks so frail."
"I see..."
"Before you arrived, he was the only male teacher here. Now, you're the only male student. Well? Are you excited?"
"Excited? Are you suggesting Mr. Yang was popular and I'll receive the same treatment?"
"Popular... well, that might be an exaggeration. He is a bit of a weary middle-aged man, after all. He can't compare to a handsome boy like you.
Though, he might have been popular in his youth. Considering the gender ratio in this world, maybe he wasn't exactly 'honest' when he was younger, which is why his health is so poor now?"
Himeko's words were starting to take a mischievous turn. Hua Yi didn't follow her lead in speculating about the teacher's past. Instead, he said seriously, "Please rest assured, Himeko. I will continue to exercise my body, just in case of future needs."
"Exercise for future needs? What kind of needs are we talking about... Tsk, are you flirting with me, Hua Yi?"
"Not at all. By the way, we've been talking for a while. Shouldn't we order something?"
"Changing the subject? Fine."
Himeko pursed her lips and looked toward the server who had been pretending to hear nothing.
"Two glasses of iced strawberry sparkling wine, and some snacks like takoyaki. Thank you."
"Please wait a moment."
The server began preparing the order, and Hua Yi raised an eyebrow at Himeko's choice.
"Iced strawberry sparkling wine?"
"I usually drink beer, but you're still injured. A bit of fruit wine should be fine."
Without a doubt, this was Himeko showing her care for him.
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