~ Sunday Morning, 9:00 AM ~
Day Off
Miss Iris (embarrassed): Professor, you arrived early. I thought I was the one running late. She smiled timidly, letting out a soft laugh.
Dav (lying to avoid looking late):
I must have mixed up the numbers and ended up an hour early. But you, Miss Iris, are the only one on time.
Which supermarket are we going to? Or would you prefer to stop somewhere else first?
Iris (thoughtful but already sure of her answer):
I think we should go to the supermarket first and stock up for the whole week, so we don’t forget anything. If we have time afterward, I’d like to get some ice cream or maybe have lunch out, if you're up for it.
Dav: That sounds like a good plan.
[Iris knocks on Dav’s door.]
~ The door opens ~
Dav: (Looking at her) What are you doing here at 11 PM? I thought you were already in bed.
(Curious) Do you need something?
Iris (very tense but determined):
Tomorrow… would you be free to help me with the grocery shopping at 9 AM?
Dav (in a low, reassuring voice):
No problem at all! Just tell me where to meet, and I’ll be there.
Iris (smiling more naturally, though still slightly nervous):
I can meet you at the academy entrance. The truck will be waiting for us, but we’ll need to decide who’s driving.
Dav: Don’t worry, I’ll drive. You can rest a bit while we travel.
Iris (a little embarrassed but relieved):
Alright… Then, see you tomorrow at the entrance. Good night, Professor!
Dav (with a tired yet calm smile):
Good night, Miss Iris.
Dav: It’ll take at least an hour to get to the supermarket since the academy is quite far from the city.
This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
You should rest a bit—I’ll wake you up when we arrive.
Iris (wide-eyed and visibly embarrassed):
I’m not tired, don’t worry!
Dav: Alright. I’ll put on some music to help us relax.
Narrator: Miss Iris peacefully fell asleep as Dav reclined her seat to make her more comfortable.
Dav (thinking to himself):
She probably stayed up late checking her list…
Narrator: In fact, Iris had only slept three hours, having checked the list multiple times to make sure it was perfect. Then, she spent another two hours choosing the right outfit—not too fancy, but still appropriate. She had also planned where to have lunch, where to get ice cream, and, if time allowed, even considered going to the movies after putting away the groceries at the academy.
Dav (pure sarcasm):
The weather’s nice today… so relaxing…
(gripping the steering wheel tightly):
If it weren’t for this damn, disgusting traffic!
(muttering under his breath, trying to contain his frustration):
I just hope she can keep sleeping without waking up.
Narrator: Dav’s expression was a mix of frustration and resignation. The veins on his face were tense, his mouth covered by his hand to stop himself from yelling and waking Miss Iris.
Dav (exhausted):
Finally… Now I can get to the supermarket without any more issues, in less than 30 minutes.
(thinking to himself):
Looking at her like this, Iris doesn’t seem that strong…
(continuing his thought while watching her sleep peacefully)
And yet, thinking about how she does all this alone every week, loading all those groceries into the truck… Miss Iris is impressive.
Dav (happy and relaxed):
We’re finally here!
Miss, you can wake up now. We’ve arrived.
Iris (waking up with energy after a good rest):
Oh… Did I sleep for more than an hour?
(suspicious):
Did you stop somewhere on purpose to let me sleep longer?!
Dav (looking away):
Not exactly… But let’s just say yes, thanks to the traffic. So, you got an extra 30 minutes of sleep.
Iris (relieved):
I see!
(moment of panic):
Let’s grab the bags and carts! We have a lot to buy before the supermarket closes!
(pushing forward):
We need to be quick and hope everything is in stock…!
Dav (joining in her panic):
Let’s hurry!!
Iris: Professor, I’ll give you half the list so we can finish faster.
If you can’t find something, call me, and I’ll suggest an alternative.
(with a determined smile)
Let’s go!
Dav (reading the list like a nearsighted person):
- White rice
- Brown rice
- Pasta – 200 packs
- Large tomatoes – 30 bags
- Tomato sauce – 50 bottles
- Basil – 7 large packs
- Parsley – 7 large packs
- Onions – 20 bags
- Potatoes – 20 bags
- Celery – 20 bags
- Carrots – 20 bags
- Small cream containers – 120
- Flour – 20 packs of 20kg each
- Salt – 50 packs
Dav (perplexed, weighing the list in his hands):
Is this… everything?
(thoughtful):
How does this amount even feed 10,000 students for an entire week?
(to himself):
I’ll ask her about it later.
Narrator: Thanks to his Divine Step at God level, Dav completed his list effortlessly, filling all his carts in a perfect, orderly line.
Meanwhile, Iris was almost done ordering large quantities of fish, meat, beverages, and deli products, filling out form after form at an incredible speed to finish before the supermarket closed.
The only one doing manual labor, of course, was Dav.
Iris (reaching him, slightly out of breath):
Professor, I’m here!
(energetic) Let’s go to the checkout and pay for everything!
Dav (observing her, curious): You didn’t pick up anything?
Iris (bored but satisfied):
I handled the large bulk orders, which will be delivered directly to the academy tomorrow. I filled out a mountain of documents and signed hundreds of forms at an insane speed to finish on time.
(hyperactive, glancing at the time): We need to hurry! It’s already 11:10!
(grabbing Dav by the wrist):
They’ll close soon, so let’s move. They’ll open a special register for us since we’re from the academy.
Narrator: After scanning everything, Dav packed the groceries at lightning speed, loading the truck with precise, calculated movements.
Cashier: Can I see your academy card? As usual, we’ll send the invoice directly there.
Iris (with a professional smile, handing over the card):
Here you go!
END OF CHAPTER – 25