Before long, the children in the orphanage woke up, went through their usual morning routines, and obediently gathered in the dining hall for breakfast.
Thanks to Elena's surprising treats over the years, the kids showed a remarkable enthusiasm for this breakfast that clearly surpassed their usual fare.
After experiencing feasts capable of satisfying fifty grown men, many things just didn't seem as impressive anymore.
Benedictus briefly explained that this breakfast was sponsored generously by Professor Dumbledore. Instantly, the children's curiosity shifted entirely to the food.
"Cough, cough."
Elena stood up, leaned on the table, cleared her throat, surveyed everyone, and softly guided the children to thank Dumbledore.
"Before we start eating, let's all thank Professor Dumbledore sitting next to me. Thanks to his generosity, we have this sumptuous breakfast today."
Facing a group of children under ten, Dumbledore was about to speak when a silver-haired girl's voice chimed in.
"Not just for today."
At this moment, Dumbledore's silver beard quivered slightly. His smile froze as he looked puzzledly at Elena beside him.
"Really?"
"Wow, that's amazing, Elena! Hooray for Elena!"
"Will we get this every day from now on?"
Before Dumbledore could respond, the children erupted like a pot boiling over.
"Oh? Well..."
Dumbledore, unprepared for this, showed a rare sign of confusion, trying hard to sort out the logic.
"Professor Dumbledore, if you feel uncomfortable, I can continue preparing breakfast for everyone. But then..."
Elena tugged Dumbledore's sleeve, subtly displaying her hand to him, and softly spoke.
"...Just this once? Afterwards, focus on school."
Dumbledore neither refused nor agreed outright. Instead, he raised an eyebrow, gazing into Elena's eyes, and asked softly.
For Hogwarts, supplying breakfast to a tiny orphanage of fewer than ten wasn't much of an issue, considering their proximity in the Scottish Highlands.
If this could entirely quell other demands from this restless girl, Dumbledore deemed it quite worthwhile.
"Just this once."
Seeing Dumbledore's slight concession, Elena vigorously nodded, her big eyes fluttering as she shook Dumbledore's sleeve in a sweet, coaxing tone.
"If it includes lunch and dinner, I promise to behave in school from now on, no more requests. Pretty please~"
Almost forgetting her responsibility to the orphanage's meals once she started attending Hogwarts, Elena realized it was now back on Benedictus's shoulders.
If the orphanage could continue benefiting from Hogwarts' food like today, it would ease Benedictus's burden significantly.
At least Benedictus wouldn't have to resort to underground fighting or riskier activities to gather funds after Elena started Hogwarts.
This was her final patch for the orphanage.
"..."
Dumbledore remained silent, his blue eyes silently examining the half-blooded mischievous girl, seemingly trying to decipher her true intentions.
"If needed, I can cover the cost of the orphanage's meals for Hogwarts from now on."
After a brief stare-down, Elena ultimately conceded, looking down, and made a small compromise.
A faint smile appeared on Dumbledore's lips as he glanced around, filled with hope and joy, nodding slightly, responding in a clear tone.
"That's settled then. From today onward, we'll provide all three meals for everyone."
"Okay, deal. Let's not discuss this further."
With Dumbledore's confirmation, the silver-haired girl quickly confirmed, swiftly ending the conversation.
Then Elena's expression turned serious, clapping her hands loudly, addressing the children gathered around.
"Alright, that's enough thanks. Everyone, back to your seats and enjoy your meal."
"Oh—"
The sound of chairs scraping the floor and the clinking of utensils filled the dining hall. Most children obediently returned to their seats and began eating, following Elena's instructions.
However, contrary to her usual compliance, Bran, usually the most obedient to Elena's words, stood still, looking somewhat uneasy at Elena, who had already started eating. Summoning courage, she asked hesitantly,
"Elena, are you leaving us? Are you not going to make us omelets anymore? Then I won't eat this..."
Unlike most children enticed by the lavish breakfast, Bran, after hearing the elderly person's sudden words, felt as though Elena might be leaving.
As Bran spoke, the entire hall fell silent. All the children stopped their actions, looking at Elena.
"I..."
"Don't worry, Elena is just going to a boarding school nearby. She'll be back to visit during holidays."
In Dumbledore's hesitant look, Benedictus sitting beside him reached out, gently patting Elena's head, smiling to explain to the other children.
"Is it because you opened that letter?"
The orphanage's top curious one, Bran, continued asking.
"Huh? What letter?"
Confused, Elena tilted her head, casually picking up a piece of toast slathered in butter, and asked vaguely.
"Didn't you say that before you opened that envelope, we'd get to drink the Scottish Round-Faced Fat Chicken Soup every day?"
Pfft! Cough, cough, cough...
Hearing Bran's question, Elena suddenly burst into a fit of coughing, glancing slightly embarrassedly at Dumbledore beside her.
With a blush on her face, the silver-haired girl looked around and grabbed a buttered toast, stuffing it into Bran's mouth.
"Alright! Eat quietly! No more talking!"
"Haha, Bran, you're so silly."
The slightly older child beside him smugly patted Bran's shoulder, looking disdainfully, correcting him.
"Elena said before that those fat chickens fly over from a chicken farm called Hogwarts. What does that have to do with a letter?"
Elena became even more embarrassed, tapping the head of the older child with a spoon and gesturing for silence.
"You're the smart one, quiet and eat! Speak again, and today's homework doubles."
She had just negotiated a long-term meal deal from Dumbledore. It didn't seem appropriate to discuss this now.
Scottish Round-Faced Fat Chickens? They'd keep coming if she didn't open a letter? A chicken farm at Hogwarts?
Dumbledore turned to look at the visibly embarrassed silver-haired girl, a hint of amusement apparent—apparently, this half-blooded mischief-maker had researched enough to devour the school's owls.
*Cough, cough, cough.* "Professor Dumbledore, I'm done. I'll go change. Shall we leave now?"
Swallowing the food in her mouth in one go, Elena put down her cutlery, smiled awkwardly yet politely, and quickly slipped away from the dining table.