I think I could get used to this, she thought.
And with that warm thought settling in her chest, she walked over to the table to join the two women, ready to face whatever that new day—in that new world—might bring.
"Hello, girls," Mara said as she walked up to the table and took one of the two empty chairs. "How are you doing?" she asked, genuine curiosity in her voice.
After all, they hadn't returned to the room the night before.
"Hehehe~ Not as good as you, sweetheart. That's for sure," Mordred replied in her usual tone, halfway between playful teasing and seductive provocation.
"Mmmmm, I have no idea what you're talking about," Mara answered, playing along and feigning complete ignorance about what was, to anyone with eyes, obvious: she had spent the night with Alice.
"I think you know exactly what I mean, baby~" Mordred insisted, even more direct this time, clearly fishing for a reaction—for confirmation of what they both already knew.
"Do you two want to stop?" Cecilia interrupted without lifting her gaze from the book she held in her hands. Her voice was flat, but firm. The title, written in an elaborate font, immediately caught Mara's attention: Advanced Fundamentals of Skills.
"Hahaha, alright, alright, we'll stop," Mara conceded, turning toward Cecilia, who still hadn't lowered the book. "What are you reading?" she pressed.
"What? Are you blind?" Cecilia replied sharply. Mara already knew that the brusqueness was just a front to hide her shyness.
"A little, hahaha… But seriously, what are the Skills?"
Even though she could guess from the hundreds of RPGs she'd played in her past life, it never hurt to get firsthand information—from people who actually lived in this world.
Cecilia lowered the book and stared at her, eyes slightly widened in surprise.
"How is it possible that you don't know what Skills are?" the witch asked, genuinely flustered.
"Relax, Cecilia," Mordred interjected, surprisingly calm and clear-headed. "It's normal. They were only given a name a few decades ago. Even I wouldn't know what they are if I hadn't been born with one."
"Even so… they're becoming more and more common. It's hard for me to believe you've never even heard of them," Cecilia argued, still somewhat unsettled.
"Hehe… sorry for being so ignorant," Mara said, scratching the back of her neck with an awkward smile.
"Don't worry, Mara. I'll explain it quickly and simply," Mordred offered with a wide grin. "Though if you prefer, Cecilia can give you the long explanation."
Cecilia looked at her expectantly, a spark of hope shining in her serious eyes.
"Eeeeh, I think I'll stick with the short version, haha," Mara replied. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Cecilia instantly pout.
"Hmmp! Your loss!" the witch protested in a tiny tantrum that was more cute and amusing than annoying.
The scene felt oddly heartwarming. Their dynamic was peculiar, as if they perfectly complemented each other: Mordred's uninhibited, fiery nature and Cecilia's shy seriousness.
It was fun to watch.
"Don't be mad, love~ You know I adore listening to your detailed explanations, but I think it's better for Mara if I start with the basics," Mordred said, flashing her partner a conciliatory smile.
"Hmmp!" was Cecilia's only response, as she went back to pretending to be offended.
"Well, Mara, the short version is this: everyone, when they're born, has a chance of having a Skill. Each Skill is unique and random. It can be something simple, like seeing in the dark or breathing underwater…" Mordred paused dramatically, puffing out her chest a little.
"Or something as awesome as mine."
Her tone practically dripped with pride.
"Even though there's still a lot we don't know, there's one constant rule: each person can only have one. Just one," she said, emphasizing the last part.
"I see…" Mara murmured, processing the information.
Driven by genuine curiosity, she asked, "So what's your Skill?"
Mordred, as if she'd been waiting her entire life for that question, jumped to her feet and struck a theatrical pose, arms extended.
Then something began to spread over her skin. A silvery, liquid substance—like living mercury—expanded from her hands, covering her arms all the way up to her shoulders, solidifying with a metallic sheen.
"I can imbue objects—and even my own body—with this substance. It's as hard as steel, and I control it," she announced with absolute satisfaction.
"Wow…" was all Mara managed to say, genuinely impressed.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah, very cool," Cecilia commented in a monotone voice without looking up from her book.
"But in my opinion, it's still a Skill with… very little elegance." She paused deliberately. "We both know mine is better."
The provocative tone was unmistakable.
"Haaaah? What's so great about your little threads? Obviously my Skill is better in every way!" Mordred shot back instantly, taking the bait.
"Sure, sure, whatever you say," Cecilia replied, clearly confrontational.
Oh no. The conversation was heading into dangerous waters.
Mara opened her mouth to intervene, ready to change the subject and calm things down before a pointless argument broke out.
But at that very moment, a familiar, warm, serene voice echoed from the door behind the counter.
"Breakfast is ready~"
Alice appeared carrying two steaming plates, one in each hand, a gentle smile on her bandaged face. All three of them turned their heads toward her at the same time.
"Ara… did I come at a bad moment?"