The evening after the latest mission felt lighter than usual.
Will finished his shift in the Grand Cafeteria as the last students trickled out, the hall growing quiet under the soft glow of floating lanterns. He wiped down the final counter, the Simple Apron heavy with the day's accumulated stains. The Mother's Worn Pot sat faithfully on its shelf, its silver-gray glow steady and warm. The Inherited Kitchen Knife rested in its sheath, still slightly warm from use.
He was tired, but there was a quiet satisfaction in his chest. The team had started to treat him differently — not as a joke, but as someone useful. Even Marcus had given him a short nod of approval before leaving.
As he was about to head back to his small dormitory room, a voice called out from the entrance.
"Harlan."
It was Lena, the short-haired second-year mage from the team. Theo stood beside her, looking a bit awkward but friendly. Behind them, Einsfel was walking over with a small smile.
"We're grabbing a late dinner in the side hall," Lena said. "Nothing fancy. Just some leftover bread and whatever you can throw together quickly. Want to join us?"
Will hesitated for half a second, then nodded. "Sure. I can make something simple."
The four of them moved to a smaller side hall attached to the cafeteria — a quieter space with long wooden tables and softer lighting. Will quickly prepared a simple but hearty meal: warm porridge enhanced with Focus Herb Salad for mental clarity, a few slices of toasted bread with herb butter, and a light batch of Spicy Power Soup for those who wanted extra energy. He worked with quiet focus, the Inherited Kitchen Knife flashing as he chopped, the Mother's Worn Pot simmering gently on the small stove.
As he served the food, the group settled around the table.
Lena took her first bite and her eyes widened slightly. "This is actually really good. The herbs… they make my head feel clearer. I feel like I could study for hours without getting tired."
Theo nodded, chewing thoughtfully. "Yeah. I feel more focused already. You really do put something special in these, don't you?"
Einsfel smiled softly as she ate her portion, the familiar taste visibly easing the faint tension in her shoulders. Her blue eyes met Will's across the table with quiet warmth.
"It's perfect," she said gently. "As always."
The conversation flowed easily. They talked about the day's mission, the strange behavior of the Shadow Lurkers, and the instructors' growing interest in Will's unconventional support style. Lena teased Theo about his aim with lightning spells, and Theo shot back about Lena's wind blades missing their targets more than once.
For the first time, Will felt like he was truly part of the team — not just an oddity they tolerated, but someone whose presence mattered.
Einsfel watched him quietly, her expression soft with pride.
After the meal, as they were cleaning up, Lena leaned over to Will.
"You know," she said with a grin, "the team's starting to call you 'support specialist' behind your back. Not bad for a cook."
Will chuckled. "I'll take it."
As the others left, Einsfel lingered behind. Once they were alone, she stepped closer and took his hand.
"You're doing well," she whispered. "They're starting to see what I've always known."
She leaned in and kissed him — slow and tender, full of quiet affection. Her fingers brushed against his chest, lingering for a moment before she pulled back with a small, shy smile.
"Tonight," she said softly, "my room. I want to celebrate this small victory properly. Just the two of us."
Will's heart quickened. He nodded.
"I'll be there."
As Einsfel slipped away, Will stood alone in the side hall for a moment, looking at the Mother's Worn Pot on the counter. The silver-gray light along its rim seemed to glow a little brighter, as if reflecting the growing bond between him and the small team — and especially between him and Einsfel.
He smiled to himself.
Small victories were adding up.
And the Cooking Demon King was slowly finding his place.