Room 609.

It was of course located on the top floor of the building. The second to last room. It seemed there was only 20 sixth years compared to us 28 third years.

“You know, I expected a party to ... go harder or what,” I commented the lack of any noticeable partying. “You sure that letter wasn’t a prank?”

“Please don’t say that. My anxiety was already in overdrive before considering the prospect of public humiliation through bullying.”

I looked at Raynard.

“You should consider therapy,” I responded, as if that wasn’t the most hypocritical thing I could’ve said. I turned back to the door and inched closer to it, in hopes of hearing anything.

“Ahh, most likely they used some sound absorbing spell on that door,” Raynard figured.

“So, should we just enter?” I asked him. when all of a sudden the door opened and I dove face first into some guys stomach. As if that wasn’t already embarrassing enough, I let out some weird sound and held onto his waistband.

“Well, you’re getting comfortable!” he remarked.

“Syd!” I exclaimed when I noticed who it was, and stumbled backwards.

“You know, sound absorbing spells don’t necessary go both ways.” He chuckled to himself, as he said that.

“I’ll ... keep that in mind,” I replied, unsure how to save face.

“Now come on in, before the teachers notice the noise,” he said, as he motioned for us to enter. We quickly walked through the door, which Syd closed behind us.

Indeed it was rather loud in here. The room was maybe a bit bigger than mine and Raynard’s and additionally came with a balcony. There weren’t any beds in the room. I figured the occupants must have moved them away, to make place for the guests. There were a handful of couches and chairs strewn about. I spotted one student pushing his hand into the wall to conjure up an additional seat for themselves.

Music was playing somewhere and I realized that was the first time I witnessed some of this otherworld’s culture! I honestly was surprised at the sound of it. I never really thought about what music would be like here, but I most likely expected something like classical music. Strings and horns and all that. Just full-on cliche medieval music. The music they played, however, had an unexpectedly electronic vibe to it.

Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

Now, I don’t know much about music, but my theory would be that they used magic (of course) to create vibrations, which we perceived as sound. That said, the floor seemed to shake subtly to the beat.

“Is that your room?” I asked Syd.

“Indeed! My roomie and I decided to host this year‘s party in here,” he confirmed. “I’m sort of the doorman.”

“Despite whatever happened today?” Raynard questioned.

“Might have been a misfire,” Syd shot him down. “Wouldn’t be the first time, you know. Besides, these parties have always only been in a gray area of our school rules.”

Raynard just replied with a subtle grunt I’m sure Syd didn’t notice.

“Now, do you want something to drink?” Syd asked.

“Drink?” I questioned, unsure if I was being offered alcohol just now.

“We got all kinds of stuff ready for you, just help yourselves over there,” he said pointing at a table decked with all sorts of bottles, bowls and cups. “I’ll have to return to my job now!”

I chuckled. “You’re an awfully dutiful fella, aren’t you?” I teased him.

“Well, yeah. It feels good to responsible for stuff, you know. If I can do my part to help others and keep people safe, then that’s great!” he replied.

I wished I could have inquired more about what he wanted to do after school, considering its his last year, but I didn’t really know what kind of career options this world had to offer. Besides police officer, teacher and uh ... ninja assassin spy.

I looked around the room to check if Aster was perchance spying on me. But then I remembered he’d be invisible anyway and also not an attention whore like a certain book.

...

Hm, it felt weird not to have someone reply to my thoughts for once.

I had left the Grimoire in our room, just to be safe.

“Anyway, enjoy the par-tay!” Syd said and left us standing in the room, dutifully returning to his duty.

“Wow, your first day and you already chatted up some upperclassman?” Raynard commented. I wasn’t sure if I wasn’t mistaken, but he sounded a bit ... salty. Might be my imagination though.

“Wouldn’t call it that. He was responsible for giving out uniforms and he led all the first years back to their rooms after that announcement. He’s good at small talk, I guess.”

“Well, that’s one person you know at this party already. I mean,” he turned towards the larger crowd of students, then continued, “I also know a lot of people, but I doubt it goes the other way around.” He ended that assessment with a self-deprecating chuckle.

I didn’t know how to properly respond to this. As his friend, I think I was supposed to say something nice. But I didn’t know how to say something nice and the truth at the same time.

“Hey, at least you can count yourself lucky to call the fricking princess your friend! That sure makes up for your lack of other friends, and I regret I said that.” See, that’s what I meant. Facepalm. Humans! Sorry. Non-humans! So difficult to interact with.

Thankfully Raynard took it lightly and gave me a sweet chuckle. Then his face reflected a sudden realization: “Wait, I’m friends with the princess? That’s so cool!”

“That’s what I’m saying! Speaking of which, I could have asked Syd if she came to the party ...” I looked towards where he left, but he was already gone. “Well, guess we’ll need to find her ourselves.”

“We could always ask someone else,” Raynard proposed, immediately scrunching his nose thereafter.

“Nah,” we both agreed.

“Let’s get something to drink first, and then observe this gathering from afar ...” I offered instead.