True God In Another World (Tensura x Tbate)

Chapter 71 - The Semi-Final Pt.2

Rimuru POV

The cafeteria was packed today - the festivals always brought this kind of energy. Every table was full of students talking about the morning matches, and the usual lunch noise mixed with excited chatter about the afternoon lineup.

"Am I late?" I squeezed into our usual spot by the window, next to Ciel. The sunlight streaming in made her silver hair shine a bit.

"No, perfect timing actually." Ciel handed me a familiar blue-wrapped lunch box. "Your mom's special delivery."

"Mom's here?" I perked up, already smiling at the familiar wrapping she always used.

"Julia brought it," Ciel explained, leaning slightly against my shoulder. "There's a note too - she'll be here for Sylvia's match."

I looked around at my friends, who were already digging into their portions. Anna was practically inhaling her food, while Lina ate with her usual quiet enthusiasm. "Guys, the food isn't going anywhere."

"Try telling that to your mom's cooking!" Anna said between bites. "She even made blueberry pie!"

"And it's amazing," Loid added, already on his second piece. He looked way better after morning's healing - though watching him eat, you'd never guess he'd been in the infirmary at all.

The lunch boxes Mom packed were arranged perfectly as always - grilled fish, flower-shaped vegetables, and her famous curry that had Anna's eyes sparkling.

"Oh man, curry!" She bounced in her seat. "Trade you some for that egg roll?"

"Deal," I laughed, already pushing my box toward her. This was just how lunch went with us - everyone sharing everything.

Lina was quietly savoring her portion of pie, but her happy expression said everything. She'd always been shy about asking for seconds, so Mom started packing extra just for her.

"So, the next match, between Sylvia and Lucas, huh? Who do you think will win?" Loid asked.

"Sylvia." We all answered.

"Without hesitation, huh..." Loid muttered.

"Well, Sylvia was expected to win the tournament from the start. You could say the winner was predetermined." I replied.

"Exactly, there's no one who can win against Sylvia." Ciel said.

"I pity that kid—not really. He has no chance of winning. All he can do is pray that Sylvia doesn't humiliate him in front of the crowd and the council." Anna said with a smile.

Through the window, we could see more people gathering around the arena. The afternoon matches always drew bigger crowds, especially when Sylvia was fighting.

"Oh, looks like they're selling those festival snacks again," Anna noticed, peering outside. "We should get some after the match."

"After Sylvia wins, you mean," Loid corrected himself, making us all laugh.

"Oh. It's Lily and Arthur." Lina said.

"Hmm? Where?" Anna said as she looked for them, until her eyes fell on them. "Oi, Lily, Arthur! Here!"

Lily bounced over to our table, her usual cheerful self, while Arthur followed at his own pace.

"Perfect timing!" Lily beamed. "We were just looking for you guys."

"Want some?" I offered, pushing the lunch box their way. "Mom made extra as usual."

"Your mom's cooking? Count me in!" Lily didn't hesitate to grab a rice ball.