A vast room stretched out, filled from floor to ceiling with towering bookshelves. It was grander than any national library Judai had ever imagined, lined with countless volumes and dotted with reading tables.
In the quiet expanse, Judai and Endymion sat immersed in books. Endymion was thoroughly enjoying himself, while Judai struggled to maintain focus after hours of study.
"Sensei, can't you be the one to read all of this?" Judai asked wearily.
"As my student, you must strive to know more than I do. So keep reading," Endymion replied without looking up.
Judai sighed and forced his eyes back to the text. A few minutes later, an elderly butler approached their table.
"Judai-sama, it is time for dinner," the butler announced gently.
Judai looked up with a relieved smile toward his master.
"Go on, ungrateful pupil," Endymion said, waving him off.
"Alright, sensei," Judai said, standing. He turned to the butler. "Lead the way."
As they walked, Judai made a request. "From now on, please just call me Judai. And could you let the other staff know as well?"
"I wish we could, Judai-sama, but Grayfia-sama would not permit it," the butler replied with an apologetic smile.
Judai sighed in resignation.
They soon arrived at the dining hall. Only a few guests had gathered so far, Akeno, Kiba, and Koneko sat on one side, with two seats empty at the head of the table, while Venelana and Milicas were seated opposite.
Before Judai could choose a seat, Venelana gestured toward the empty spot beside Akeno, with another vacant chair to his right where Rias would sit.
"Did you learn anything new from the library?" Venelana asked warmly.
"A little, but not much," Judai admitted; most of the information had already begun to slip from his mind.
"That's good, always improving your knowledge," Venelana said approvingly. "So, what are your plans after this?"
"I don't really have any," Judai replied.
"You have no plans?" Venelana asked, surprised.
"Nope," Judai said simply.
Akeno and Kiba exchanged amused smiles at his answer.
Just then, Zeoticus and Rias entered the dining room. Zeoticus took his place at the head of the table, while Rias sat in the empty seat beside Judai.
Once everyone was seated, the maids, including Grayfia and butlers entered, gracefully serving the meal.
"Shall we eat?" Zeoticus announced.
Each person was served a steak. Judai eyed his plate, picked up the knife and fork, and began trying to cut the steak while holding it in place. But he quickly found the process frustrating.
Venelana watched, initially pleased to see him using proper etiquette until her satisfaction quickly drained away.
"Akeno, can you wash my hands?" Judai whispered to her.
Akeno obliged, using a touch of magic to conjure water and clean his hands. Venelana and Zeoticus both noticed the exchange.
Once his hands were clean, Judai simply picked up the steak with his fingers and began to eat. If cutlery was going to be a hassle, he saw no point in using it food was food, after all.
Rias elbowed him gently. "Why are you using your hands?"
"It's annoying. If I use too much strength, the plate might break," Judai whispered back. "Besides, who doesn't eat a burger with their hands? This is basically a steak burger to me."
Zeoticus chuckled at their exchange, while Venelana thought to herself, 'He is definitely going to need etiquette lessons.'
"Judai," Zeoticus called.
"Yo," Judai replied casually, momentarily forgetting whom he was addressing.
But Zeoticus seemed amused rather than offended. "What is your goal in life?"
"To live enjoyably," Judai answered between bites.
"Really? Not to become the strongest, or anything of that sort?" Zeoticus pressed.
"Nah, too much work. I train hard enough as it is, I don't need another pursuit," Judai said.
"Most Longinus users tend to be quite ambitious. This is the first time I've encountered one who isn't," Zeoticus remarked.
"Well, I'm the unrecorded Longinus," Judai said with a shrug.
"True enough," Zeoticus conceded with a light laugh.
As the meal continued, Judai ate a considerable amount, his appetite fueled by the exhaustion and hunger from training. For once, he didn't hold back.
Zeoticus watched with an approving smile, while Rias felt a twinge of embarrassment. Unbeknownst to her, Venelana was already mentally scheduling additional etiquette lessons for Judai, though she didn't yet realize he wouldn't care in the slightest.
Having been born into poverty, Judai had little patience for formalities. If something felt like a hassle, he'd simply avoid it, whether it was dining with guests, dancing, or acting a certain way in front of others.
After dinner, Judai let out a tired yawn.
"Where are you going?" Akeno asked.
"Back to the library. My sensei is waiting," Judai replied. "What about you guys?"
"I'm heading to meet my teacher as well," Kiba said.
Judai nodded.
"I'm going to take a shower," Akeno said, then added with a seductive smile, "If you'd like, you can join me."
Rias was stunned. This went beyond Akeno's usual teasing, it felt bolder, more deliberate.
"Well…" Judai actually seemed to consider it for a second. "I can't. My sensei would punish me."
"Too bad," Akeno said with a light, knowing laugh. "Ufufu~"
Rias stared at Judai's face, a flash of irritation in her eyes. 'You're my fiancé, why are you thinking about another woman when I'm right here?'
Without another word, she turned and walked away.
'Huh, that's new,' Judai thought, recognizing the hint of jealousy.
"Ara~ looks like someone's jealous," Akeno said playfully. "Bye, Judai, Yuuto-kun." She then headed off after Rias.
Koneko gave a slight bow to Judai and Kiba before following them.
"See you later, then," Judai said, offering Kiba a fist bump.
Kiba smiled and returned it. "You too."
With that, Judai made his way back to the library. When he arrived, he found Endymion had made significant progress through several stacks of books in his absence.
Endymion looked up as his student approached and pushed a small pile of books toward him. "Read these. They may help you explore different applications of life energy."
"Understood, Sensei," Judai said, sitting down.
The study session went on for several more hours until Judai eventually fell asleep at the table, his head resting on an open book.