Dawn arrived. I yawned and walked like a drunken man to the cafeteria. Ugh, I couldn’t get enough sleep…
Again, I'm awed by the large dining hall with many mystic embers floating high above. I just wish this was Hogwarts but nothing else other than self-service here.
At any rate, I found someone unusual waving her hand at me.
"Good morning, Alia. Where is everyone?" I asked.
"Good morning. Well, there is some commotion in the male dormitory so Anise went off to see it." Alia answered.
Eh? Did she not realize she's a girl? Is this Academy even allowing opposite sexes to enter different dormitories? I fear for my security and chastity now but that is just like Anise to be curious about interesting things reek of violence.
"What about Lily?"
"Hm... I think she went along with her new friends. Though I did hear she's getting along unexpectedly well in her class."
Ooh... that's very reassuring to know. I'm worried a girl not even fifteen years old who's not a noble be surrounded by nobles. Wonders may work but if something were to happen then I would snap the bullies’ necks.
I picked my order and then settled down across Alia. "How's you study, Alia?"
"Nothing special. The lessons are intriguing but sometimes I have to endure not to hit someone."
"Yeah... I know that feeling well."
"Well, I, Anise and Lily are commoners after all. It's something that happened daily as long as one is within Human Territory."
Right... aristocratic society, nobles, commoners, kings and knights etc. Since the vicinity is way too empty, some maids stayed close by to serve us too but...
"Err... excuse me but if it's alright with you, would you like to eat with us?" I requested out of concern and uncomfortableness.
"What? Oh, no that can't be allowed, Milady! We can't be so insolent to sit down when you are eating..."
No no. Food tastes better when eating together and I think something's wrong with these girls. They looked like they were older than me too. Why should I disrespect the elderly by eating in front of them?
"Leave it be, Charlotte. They have a family to worry about and their masters will not react well if they do misconduct."
"But... They deserve rewards for their hard works and--"
"You mustn't."
Alia's words silenced me. Wh-what's with this pressure...? Is this even Alia who liked to sit back and watch from behind...?
I stared at the Aqua Mage but she scoffed as if she ate something incredibly bitter.
"I'm sorry. I know your feeling but sometimes, there's just no helping it with something."
"...does that mean I have to treat these girls as servants rather than women because 'it can't be helped'?"
"No... but the walls have ears and eyes. If you care about them, then you should think of a way for both sides to be happy."
.......I turned over to the maids and they smiled bitterly at me. I even noticed several of them secretly moving their hands to touch black chokers on their necks.
That chokers… what is that…? Could it be…
"…Making both sides happy... that's difficult..." I turned back to Alia and cast my gaze downward.
"Yes it is, but it's not impossible. Besides... Charlotte is a noble right? It won't do well for those who prided their duties as servants to not serve you properly."
Urgh... I feel like I am being lectured again. I didn't think Alia would teach me a lesson and it made me curious.
"Alia... you're really knowledgeable. How can you think like that?" I asked.
"Oh, it's nothing much. Just general knowledge." She answered.
Seriously? But if commoners knew the reality of being commoners usually riots would have happened. Though Raumia did underwent a revolution with the coronation of a Queen... yet I saw not one place with history of rebellions and everyone lived like how people would in medieval age.
Come to think of it, there's this republic country somewhere to the north and a self-sufficient city ruled by large groups called as Merchant Guilds to the southwest from here.
Unlike Adventurers scattered in various places and having many branch offices, Merchant Guilds stayed in a place and made a network among themselves for the sake of information as well as interests before sending out their members.
"...Eh, why am I remembering continental history lessons now of all time?"
I shook my head to refresh my mind. Then I started eating my breakfast but Alia suddenly asked.
"Are you okay, Charlotte? You don't look really well."
"I'm alright. Thank you for worrying but I'm okay."
"Is that so?" Alia replied. "You and Leonhardt seemed more like people who prefer to keep quiet about your personal troubles."
Geh!? How did she... No, wait! Alia is simply prejudicing and it's not like I'm upset about it... I'm surprised at how sharp her comment could be! It's really close to the truth!!
"While I am not the best person there is to ask for advice, but feel free to talk about your trouble, Charlotte. I'd love to help as long as it's for my friends."
"Huh, okay... But Alia."
Yes? She asked and raised her head up at the same time.
"...it's rare to see you not cracking a joke."
"Well, Anise isn't here so I don't think I should."
"Ah... standup comedy doesn't feel right with the straight man alone huh... you two are really close."
I smiled slightly and it was replied with similar smile from the Aqua Mage.
"I wonder. It's because she's the only one I have left."
...Eh? Did Alia just say something serious? But before I could inquire her further--
"Deryaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhh!!!"
*CRASH!* Someone broke through the double door and I saw him, who was Leon sneering like a demon king with the clouds of smokes accompanying his entrance.
"Ha! You think you can defeat me like that, you piece of shit!!"
"Shut... up! Die and stop trying to get on my way, you red mutt!!"
Huh? This voice—it can't be! Fei was getting up and clenching his fists together across Leon! He's pissed off!!?
"Hmph! Charlotte is a woman too good for a scum like you!! Get off your comfy reins and get the hell out of her sight already, asshole!!"
Leon roared as he smiled in a domineering manner yet I could see nothing but a demon king snorting at the hero's arrival here!
Wait a moment... I remember he wanted to kill the Great Demon King... but he said he must kill his father.
Aren't they two different persons? A sudden possibility came to me as my lips slipped out words in small voice.
"Huh? Does that mean... Leon is Aschlazul's illegitimate child?"
Unfortunately, my comment was blown away with the wind as Fei howled and slammed to Leon. Then the two went out of the cafeteria by smashing and breaking through the walls.
"—DAMN BRATS!! STOP TRYING TO MAKE A MESS HEEEEERRREEEEE!!"
Hiiiii?! The old lady of the cafeteria went mad! This won't end well!!
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"Ugh... I never thought humans can twist in that sort of way." I groaned while walking in the open corridor with a breeze teasing my skirts, I tried not to think how short and breezy this piece of clothes could be but it became harder unless I put my hands down.
I mean... Don't girls feel insecure to have their underwear be exposed like this? One wrong step and it will be public execution... I don't want to experience something like that for certain.
It'd be hell and I'm still a guy no matter how much I have matured as a girl. And... right. I think I shouldn't remember about the cafeteria's lady who defeated the Demon Prince and Black Hero with a set of iron claws.
"Scary..." I said while hugging my shoulders. "Humans are scary..."
"Hoh. I guess they can be sometimes."
"Uwhaaa!?"
I jumped and turned as quickly as I could because of the sudden voice. W-Who was it!?
"Good day, Lady Charlotte."
"S-senior...? Please don't scare me like that..."
There was the upperclassman whose smile radiated sunlight, with his chuckle followed by flowing strands of his tidy dull grey hair. He then strode next to me.
"My apology, but Milady seems to be in deep thought. It was hard not to call out without rising my voice."
Milady...? That again... I really wanted to deny his way of labeling me as some high born but I guess I am one...
"Uuh... was I really that focused in thinking?"
Senior nodded and I was struck with a damage to my mind for being too busy in my world. Heck, I rarely never ignored the surroundings to this extent...
Just how worried am I? I really have to calm myself down and refresh my mind... Ah, now that I think about it.
"Senior, what are you doing here? Isn't the classroom for Guard Rank at the second floor?"
"Unfortunately, the teachers are busy attending meetings for the upcoming monthly Trial."
Monthly...? I tilted my head and senior added further explanation.
"Every month for all Knight Course students, there will be some sort of Trial to test out everything they have learned so far in their studies. Surely you have heard of it right, Milady?"
"Well, yes... but why monthly?"
If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
"It's simple," Senior said. "Elimination of the bad seeds from intermingling in with the exceptional seeds."
...Geh. That's some unpleasant way to say it. I slowed my pace once a rather strong and low breeze tried to humiliate me. After gripping the hems of my skirts slightly stronger, I sighed in relief when the breeze calmed down.
"This Academy is quite competitive..."
"I cannot disagree but Leimburg Academy is strict for it is not political playground nor is it a place to find marriage partners. Not even Aeinsland which boasted the strongest military power is allowed to interfere with the Academy's education system."
"Haa... I've really come to an amazing place huh...?"
A den of elite. A palace for the competent. A paradise for geniuses and prodigies with clear goals. Compared to them... I think I'm nothing more than a fool......
Ugh. Even Alia and Anise said they wanted to study here for the sake of attaining the pinnacle of strength and wisdom. It really made me want to hang my head dejectedly.
"...Milady, did you come from another kingdom?"
Hm? I glanced at senior whose eyes sparkled for a moment. Hee... so he does have some interest somewhere. I didn't dislike his direct attempt in asking me but I was troubled since I am a foreign noble.
But well... I think it is fine to tell Senior. He's a good guy anyway.
"Yes, I am. I came from Aeinsland. Is there something wrong with it?"
The upperclassman put a hand under his chin as he cast down his gaze to the floor. It didn't take long for him to reply but I became curious once he said.
"No, it's just... I think coincidence does happen."
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"Well, Raumia also have a nobility household with the name of 'Augmund' but it's been so long ever since they lost their last heiress and hiding from public's eyes. I thought Milady hailed from that ancient household..."
Last... heiress...? Mother's words suddenly resounded in my head and I halted my steps almost immediately.
"...Is something wrong, Milady?"
"No... Uh, it's nothing! I mean... coincidences really do happen right?"
"Ah, yeah. That is for sure..."
"Y-yes, it really is...! Then, let's go—"
I tried to restore my composure only to trip and falling to the front. Yelping, I almost forgot I could have just rolled but the ground was already too close for me to perform any evasive maneuver!
Closing my eyes, I prepared myself for some painful headbutt—
*THUD!* Such sound echoed in the open corridor with stone floor.
...Huh? What? It didn't feel as painful as I thought it would be... and... wait, is this the sound of my heartbeat? Somehow, I think the floor is quite warm...
I slowly opened my eyes and what greeted me was a close up of a boy who groaned in pain. Then my heart instantaneously skipping as my cheeks reddened upon gazing at the reflection within the cyan colored pupils.
"Wh-ah-huh!?"
"Urgh... a-are you okay, Mila...dy...?"
The two of us froze up, and the moment senior got up, the distance between our faces were close enough a lean would cause a—
"........."
"........."
Moments passed by, then...
"U-uwaaaaa?! I'm sorry—gah!!"
Senior's calm demeanor crumbled and with flushed cheeks, he tried to let go of me and backed away only to hit the back of his head against the wall.
"S-senior!? Are you okay!?" I rushed to the boy who was on his knees and hugging his head. Whoa, that's some huge bump.
"Ah... Ugh... y-yeah... I'm... okay. Maybe."
"'Maybe'...? You're clearly hurt right there... Let's go to the infirmary."
"No, that won't be necessary...." Senior got up wobbly. His figure swayed like a boxer a step away from being KO-ed. "I'm used to getting hurt..."
...what? Is he crazy? Is Senior an M? I almost yelled out in surprise but I wasn't thinking anything else other than apologizing.
"Uh... I'm sorry..."
"Huh? N, no… it is my fault for being too brash... more importantly, were you hurt?"
"Please don't just neglect yourself as if it doesn't matter. Senior is the one who's hurt right...?"
"Haha, this much is nothing," the boy smiled. "Besides, I wanted no harm done to you so I'm more than happy to be your shield, Milady."
.....wanted no harm done to me...? Glad being a shield...? My thinking process stopped and Ikki-sensei's words rang in my head.
"What is it that you truly want to do?"
...no. It can't be, but... But... If it's this person... maybe he has the answer to my problem. That's right... let's try to ask for nothing ventured nothing is gained.
I helped Senior to stand up, then I looked at him.
"Senior... may I ask a strange question to you?"
"Hm....?"
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-Fei's POV-
The end of the month arrived earlier than I expected.
Simply because of how the new term started, even the student council became swamped with works and troubles though the real thing that irritated me were how many nobles have yet to reform their personalities.
Those cheeky brats nursed with gold... do they think their authority and fame will help them here? To be honest, I had enough of dealing with troublemakers and anything related to them.
Some bullying also started but Herbert and Chloe cracked the whole case open in a week, and I think I've met people familiar to me yet again. However, the real trouble is the Trial.
"Seriously, why does everyone have to gather in the same place? It's like seeing a sea of ants." I commented in the school field.
In front of me were hundreds students lined up depending on their Ranks and they all distanced themselves in the manner of having isolated society. The nobles socialized with nobles and peasants gathered around peasants.
...the scene doesn't look good at all even though Luna already abolished the royal court and putting up meritocratic council as substitute.
"How hopeless, this kingdom is."
"Please don't just condemn everyone like that, Felix..."
I turned my head and there was Renleina who was accompanied with Chloe.
"If it's not like that then what else? Or are you saying they are sinless?"
"Even if they are not sinless, a few of them are more respectable than the rest."
"That's right, Master... not all of them are bad though most of them are annoying."
...I glared at the servant whose figure was no different to Luna’s, but she simply smiled like a fool.
"You're no different than them."
"Oh my, suspecting me will not do you any good, Master."
"...enough with that 'master' thing. Just what do you two want now?"
"Well—"
"Lady Renleina missed Master's warmth, of course. She is sad Master appearing less frequently in the student council lately."
Keh. So it's the usual again. I snorted and turned back to the crowds when my right arm was suddenly yanked by Renleina.
"Hey! As a member of the student council, we have the obligation to make a better environment for the student body and we have to be their role model!"
"Be quiet and stop touching me. It's annoying."
I freed myself from the bothersome two and observed the students. From the looks of it, they were all anxious for they will experience live combat soon.
Come to think of it, the preparation seemed to be different as a new magic was invented in order to teleport the students into the Dungeon all at once before separating them all. Such convenient spell but it's far better than having the entire Ranks jumbled together at the same floor.
As my eye scanned around the field, I finally caught a glimpse of golden among the crowds. There....
A girl who talked with her friends, smiling and laughing while retaining elegance and awareness of the surrounding. Only amateurs would be fooled thinking she could be surprised when her aura radiated thin threads as an extra eye combined with her refined, flawless movement.
Then the girl who was chuckling stopped once she looked in this direction. Suddenly turning her head around, she became silent until she gazed back at me.
Was it just my imagination? I saw her lips moving and I could never be able to interpret her words other than...
"—See you again."
In the next moment, the bell signifying the entrance of the teachers and the beginning of the Trial rang. Then I saw the Instructor standing in front of the Initiates and he shouted from the top of his lungs.
"Well then, my pupils!! Prepare yourself for you all will now fight to survive in the Dungeon! Go down to the fifth floor and defeat a Kerberos and its minion in the span of a week at the longest!!"
There was a united roar. The students resolved well but courage alone won't be enough to deal with Kerberos, which is a Magic Beast that lived for a couple hundred of years. How troublesome but that’s just the fate for those under the guidance of Instructor. While the mages and their apprentices started the spell to teleport the students, I simply watched the girl I served shrouded by bright light—
*snap* A foreign sound followed after a black spark emerged in the middle of the shining light.