A few sun-ticks pass by on the dirt road. Only blurs of tall Harthrow trees - which gave the capital city its name - keeping me company.

Abrupt, the forest opens up. A lake of shimmering sunshine welcoming me with open arms. The water meeting the sky seems so clear and blue, it looks almost unworldly.

We're on top of a large hill, glimpses of the capital city saunter by between the greenery. At last, we finally clear the forest. A wide landscape of sand-colored buildings with roofs a myriad of colors dance below.

The soft clop clop on the dirt road changing to a staccato clack clack, echoing when horse and wheel turn onto brick pavement.

Excitement pulses through me again as the winding path allows me sight of a dignified castle. It stands on top of another hill across, it's surprising to me how its colors are much more understated than the roofs in Harthrow. The grays and marines overlook with regality, flags of the kingdom fluttering in the wind.

Through the outer gates of stubborn steel, I see the liveliness thrumming through the city's veins. Bustling happiness and impatience singing through the air. All manners of species course through every fork and turn that my eyes breathlessly wander to.

Heart beating loudly in my chest, my hands begin to shake from excitement. Before I know it, we're through another set of gates and sandstone wall. Bronze and canary yellow crack through the sky, the University's colors dominating above. Below, the lush greens and sheer range of hues saturating the garden shock me.

So many flowers and plants…!

I'm unable to take it all in before we stop at the entrance. Already, I see some of my fellow schoolmates filing in, staff carrying in luggage and… Pieces of furniture???

Huh? Do students really need to be bringing in their own furniture into the dorms? The University obviously supplies those types of things already.

I quickly push away those troublesome thoughts and begin bringing in two suitcases myself. The driver implores me, telling me that he’ll ask an employee to carry all my stuff.

“Oh, thank you! But I'm already holding this, so I'll just bring this in myself.” I beam at him widely and ignore his agape mouth.

“H-Hey! You there!” My driver shouts at a young footman in a black morning coat and white gloves. “Please help the young miss carry in her belongings!”

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He turns towards my chauffeur before looking around him. “Yes, you! Come now, hurry up before this little girl ends up carrying all these heavy things in herself!” My driver hurriedly beckons him over and hands him the rest of my things.

Hmnn, so there are butlers here too. Well, mostly only nobles study here so it makes sense. I beam at him and my driver, “Thank you very much!”

Without looking back, I quickly skip up the steps. Oh, looks like he's struggling underneath all my luggage. Haha, maybe I packed a bit too much. He's waddling up like a distressed wind-up toy.

Peering into the open entrance, there's two receptionists providing information and directing the new students to their rooms. I rush up to introduce myself with my full name and flawlessly curtsy. My eyes sparkle, impatient to see my new living quarters.

One of the pretty ladies giggle, “Welcome to Harthrow University of Interdisciplinary Studies, Lady Aeriea Newlyn!” She flips through some pages, “Ah, here we go. You're in the west wing of the all-girls dorm, room 510. Go straight through this hallway and on your left will be a staircase. Go up five floors and you'll find your room.” She sees my hands are full, so she tucks my room key into a pocket in my dress.

I thank her and practically fly down the hallway. Ohhh! Even the stairs are impressive, they wind up with red carpet and oak railing. I make my way to the fifth floor in no time.

Peering over, the butler is still tottering up with a disgruntled expression on his face. Ah… I'm so sorry, but I swear all my things are necessities.

I place my suitcases down. Sucking in a deep breath, I slowly and ceremoniously insert the key before turning it. Click. It unlocks with a satisfying sound.

"!"

Oh my! The room is so cute!

Although quite a bit smaller than my own estate's bedroom, it looks just as luxurious. A door opposite the bed is sandwiched between two wide-pane windows, leading onto a veranda. I rush out and see the mid-day sun hits this area perfectly.

“I'll have to grow some of my own flowers out here!”

“This bed-frame is beautifully detailed as well! There are rococo designs carved into the sides!”

From the corner of my eye, it looks like the footman made it in one piece. He places my things down with a sigh and looks at me with flat eyes.

“Oh, good work!” I make sure to acknowledge his help since he looks pretty beat.

“Hah… What in Thrice did you bring in these dainty looking suitcases?”

“Only the most necessary things I assure you.”

On cue, one happens to unlock and out falls mounds of books.

“...”

Hmn? His dark brown eyes somehow seem to have gotten darker.

“Wow, this bookcase is inlaid with ornamental metal! Though it is a bit small I must say.”

“What are you talking about! It's huge!!! Don't tell me all these suitcases are just filled with books!?”

Eh? Why's a butler going through my things? Did he not receive proper training?

“Heeeeyyy, please handle my poor books with better care will you?” I'm getting a little nervous they might be damaged at the rate they're all flopping out. Though I suppose the ground is carpeted, so it should be fine…

“No way… D-Did you not bring any clothing…?”

“Ah, I was planning on just buying those types of things in the city.”

“...”

His eyes somehow look like they've turned pitch black? My head tilts questioningly.

“What sort of girl is this…?”

Hey, I can hear you muttering to yourself. That hurts you know.