CHAPTER 19

BIRDS OF A FEATHER

Aristole continues calling out names, each student answering with a “Here!” or “Present!” Somehow, I’m able to choke my feelings down and do the same when he reads my name.

After a bit more time passes, I’m able to recover. Soon, the clockwork in my brain begins to turn once again - the names of affluent families sinking in. Though one name in particular stands out.

“Vaniriel!”

Ah, isn’t that the Fairfolk girl I met yesterday evening?

Silence answers back, so Aristole repeats the name, “Vani-”

A headlong gust of wind rushes through, so powerful it somehow unbolts the windows. The breeze brings in midsummer leaves and a girl with it. Everyone looks at her in shock, the person’s species or class meaningless in the face of such absurdity.

Isn’t this the seventh floor…?

Even the implacable Aristole looks at her in bewilderment, however he is the first one to recover. “What do you think you're doing!” The statement is more exclamation than question.

“My name was called, so I have come.”

Bated whispers immediately buzz through the classroom. Some students have a look of amazement, others having one of displeasure at the unconventional entrance.

Vaniriel… What a funny person. I feel a tug of interest pulling me towards her and can’t help but laugh under my breath.

I notice Aristole’s eyes go vacant as he sighs a reprimand, “Although there is no such rule explicitly stated, please do use the door when entering the premises. Also, as a student, you have a responsibility to come here before class begins.”

Vaniriel shows a complicated expression, her mouth becoming a straight line. She glances at me before saying, “Understood.”

…Why did she look my way? I can’t help but feel a premonition that my peaceful school life is getting further and further away.

Walking to the back of the classroom, she sits at the farthest and highest seat. I notice some students around her shuffle uncomfortably.

After attendance is taken, the lecture begins. We start off with some introductory material on the surrounding lands of Harthrow, both its culture and history.

“Harthrow is the capital of the kingdom of Gardein. The University and Gardein’s monarchs have recognized that the land surrounding us belongs to two Fairfolk familia. The first being the Irvines - Water Nymphs overseeing the lakes running through this province. The second are the Hearthrows, the royal familia who rules the distant kingdom of Sunria."

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"The province of Harthrow was endowed by the previous Sunrian monarchs - King Hearthrow The First - to the sixth King Frejyr, in 985 pre-constellation. This acted as a gift of entreaty during the last throes of The War of Centuria; a bridge between the two species if you will, to begin negotiations of peace. The war officially ended in 990 pre-constellation.”

“These three parties having since mutually agreed to honor a territorial acknowledgement. It states all law-abiding citizens of Gardein and Sunria - regardless of species, class, or birthplace - possess the right to live, barter, and move within the lands in peace"

"Of course, there are many sovereign and judicial nuances bounded in this declaration. However, you will not need to know the specifics in this class. Instead, you will learn it from Professor Tuille in the upcoming Law and Concords class. Back to the point at hand, the current year is 25 post-constellation, with the seventh King Frejyr reigning over the Humans of Gardein; we and the Sunrian Fairfolk have lived in peace ever since.”

“The Irvines have been given the honorary title of Viscount and Viscountess of Gardein, mirroring their original title within their native kingdom of Sunria. Does anyone have any idea as to why they were gifted this title of Gardien nobility?”

I know the answer, but Aristole has a dark smile on. It probably looks harmless enough to everyone else, but I know it's directed at me. Communicating that I should allow someone else to answer… But why…!?

Margot’s hand goes up.

“Yes, Miss Linette.”

“Holding the same position and affluence in both courts, they are able to effectively act as diplomats between the kingdoms.”

“This is correct, however there is also another reason. Can you tell me the other?”

“…I am not certain.” Even though she doesn't know, Margot still manages to sit down in a dignified manner.

Simple politics. The Irvines have so much more to lose if problems between the two kingdoms are unresolved. Standing and affluence is diminished during times of political, economical, and social conflict.

Aristole practically says the same thing that I thought over in my head, word for word… So uh, why am I not allowed to answer…?

“In place, the royal family and-”

Creeeeaaaaaaak, an entrance located in the back opens painfully slowly.

You can tell whoever tried to come in, tried to do so silently. However, the design of the lecture hall must have been built with acoustics and sound kept in mind. Careful planning having gone into the architecture to allow students at the back to hear the professor all the way in the front, and vice versa.

Therefore, instead of the slow opening of the door being quiet... Loud, lumbering sounds permeate throughout the lecture hall.

“Uh, sorry for being late… I'm not used to the time change yet.”

What an absolutely spectacular failure, I'm quite sure the whole class is undoubtedly thinking this with deadpan stares.

Ah.

It's the butler with umber-brown hair that helped me move in.

E-Eh, wait.

Does this mean he's actually a student here!? O-oh no, what I did must have come across as extremely rude…!

“...What in Twice. He's newly turned Kin, isn't he?”

“How disgraceful. I cannot believe the prestigious Carnelliums would take him in.”

“Late on the first day… He's bringing shame to all the noble familias.”

Such utterances meanders through the cliques consisting of Kindred aristocracy. He just laughs while sitting in a free seat at the back, managing to ignore all the critical glares from his fellow Kin.

Oh, he sat right beside Vaniriel. Somehow, I manage to control my amusement and force my smile down.

Aristole gives a reprimand, but I can see he's not quite into it.

Fuu, don't worry, I'd react the same way. You have my sincere condolences, Aristole. After all, all these weirdos are in your homeroom~