After that, somehow, Edelweiss stayed and continued to chat with everyone about various topics.
The conversations varied, sometimes with Edelweiss asking questions and the others answering, and other times with the others asking questions and Edelweiss answering, greatly satisfying everyone's curiosity.
Of course, it was normal for the students of Hagun Academy to be curious about Edelweiss. After all, she was both a mysterious person and the creator of the delicious desserts at their table, giving them plenty to be curious about.
Naturally, they wanted to learn more about her. However, it was unusual for Edelweiss to be curious about the students of Hagun Academy.
After all, Edelweiss was the world's number one swordswoman and could even hold her own against a non-full-powered Rozen. Without Rozen, Edelweiss might be the strongest Blazer in the world, so her interest in a group of students seemed unfounded.
However, if scrutinized carefully, there were individuals present who could indeed pique Edelweiss's curiosity.
For example, Stella Vermillion, who possessed the world's greatest magical power, had such potential and talent that it wouldn't be surprising if she caught Edelweiss's attention.
Conversely, Kurogane Ikki, with his extremely low magical power, exuded a faint sword aura that Edelweiss could not fail to notice, making it possible for her to be interested in him.
However, Rozen knew that this alone wasn't enough for Edelweiss to become so talkative with people she had just met.
The rare reason Edelweiss stayed and chatted so enthusiastically with a group of students likely had more to do with Rozen himself.
At the very least, Rozen noticed that while Edelweiss was conversing with others, her focus was subtly locked onto him, indicating she was keeping a close eye on him.
(Is she beginning to suspect me?)
Rozen, outwardly maintaining the facade of a silent and reserved student, sighed inwardly.
It couldn't be helped. His earlier behavior was enough to raise suspicions in anyone sharp-minded.
(I really messed up. It was just an unexpected encounter, but why did I react so nervously?)
Rozen cursed himself inwardly.
But it wasn't entirely his fault.
If the opponent were an enemy, Rozen could remain perfectly calm and even seize the initiative, never revealing any flaws.
However, Edelweiss was not an enemy. Rozen even felt somewhat guilty towards her. Knowing her so well, seeing her appear here and calling herself by a nickname she disliked, with his companions almost ignorantly stepping on a landmine, Rozen naturally couldn't stay calm.
As a result, Edelweiss began to suspect Rozen.
If it were someone else, Edelweiss might only be puzzled by their reaction. But Rozen's reaction at those precise moments, targeting unknown aspects of Edelweiss, naturally led to her suspicion.
And just as Rozen knew Edelweiss well, Edelweiss also knew Rozen very well.
Even though Rozen had always used his magic to conceal his true appearance and even his aura, making Edelweiss unable to recognize him, that didn't mean she didn't understand him.
Therefore, Rozen was certain.
If this continued, he would eventually be exposed.
This couldn't go on.
He needed to stay calm and composed, responding to any situation as it came.
No problem, this was his area of expertise.
Although Rozen's current power had vastly improved, allowing him to easily overpower most enemies, he had always relied on his wits to win in the past.
In terms of cunning, Rozen might not surpass others.
But in terms of strategy, Rozen wouldn't lose to anyone.
So, Rozen began to calm himself down, reminding himself to stay composed.
Unfortunately, in the end, Rozen still failed.
Because...
"That student over there."
Edelweiss, who was chatting happily with everyone, suddenly spoke up.
The person she addressed was Rozen.
Somehow, Edelweiss was now looking at Rozen.
Then, she asked a question.
"Have we met somewhere before?"
Edelweiss looked intently into Rozen's eyes as she asked this question.
The question made everyone present pause slightly.
In contrast, Rozen, as if he had prepared for this, faced Edelweiss's gaze without panic and showed a perfect smile as he replied.
"I think you must be mistaken," Rozen responded as if reverting to the ideal image of his younger self from the previous world. "If I had met someone as beautiful as you, I wouldn't forget. But I don't have any such memory. What a pity."
Rozen's demeanor instantly became noble and elegant, like a courteous aristocrat, making the students of Hagun Academy widen their eyes in surprise.
Especially Ikki, Stella, and Shizuku, who almost couldn't believe their eyes.
However, Edelweiss didn't seem to mind at all.
"Is that so?" Edelweiss apologized as if she expected this answer. "Then I'm sorry. I must have been mistaken."
Edelweiss said this.
However...
"You look very much like someone I know."
Edelweiss said softly.
This topic aroused everyone's interest.
"Edel-san knows someone who looks like him?"
Stella asked curiously.
"Yes," Edelweiss nodded and said, "he is a important... a very important person to me."
As soon as she said this, everyone's gaze immediately focused on Edelweiss.
Only Rozen's eyes flickered slightly as he fell silent.
In this situation, everyone present began to question Edelweiss.
"So Edel-san has someone that important?" Stella asked curiously, "Could he be
Edel-san's lover?"
The answer to this question was:
"We are not lovers," Edelweiss shook her head, denying it, but then said, "However, in some respects, our bond might be deeper than what people understand as love."
These words naturally aroused everyone's curiosity.
"What kind of person is he?"
Stella couldn't hold back and kept asking questions.
Clearly, after some conversation, everyone had developed quite a liking and sense of closeness towards Edelweiss. Given her extremely beautiful appearance, mysterious background, and excellent culinary skills, everyone was curious about the important person she mentioned.
For a first meeting, delving into such a topic might seem somewhat inappropriate.
But Edelweiss did not conceal anything. Instead, she looked nostalgic and somewhat sorrowful as she continued to gaze at the silent Rozen and began to speak.
"If we trace it back, it's been ten years since I first met him."
With that, Edelweiss started to recount the story.