episode_0016

As the minor commotion settled down, the professor finally stood in front of the podium,

then slowly opened his mouth after scanning us once.

“I am Mosan, in charge of managing the first-year students. Nice to meet you.”

He didn’t reveal his surname in his brief introduction.

So, perhaps he was a commoner.

No, that wasn’t it.

It simply meant that he wouldn’t be concerned with the high or low status as an educator.

Anyway,

“…You look quite intimidating.”

In response to the meaningless remark, Shasha nodded and innocently agreed.

The professor’s first impression was like that.

A nonchalant posture, sharp eyes that seemed tired, dark circles under his eyes, and messy hair.

If delicate children were to see him, they might shed tears unintentionally at his appearance.

Judging by his looks, he might be in his late thirties to early forties.

While Shasha and I were discussing the professor’s appearance,

the professor continued speaking with a weary expression.

“You are now part of the academy, and you will grow through a minimum of six years of training from now on.”

The academy is a six-year program.

After that, you could choose to do four more years, but not many did.

It was a given.

How many would give up a comfortable life as nobles for learning?

Only a few commoners driven by the desire to climb higher would choose that path.

I wonder which side Shasha falls on.

I should ask later because I’m curious.

“Regardless of social status, please remember that you are all equal students from this moment on.”

Just a formality.

Even if the world is a class-based society, shouting equality in the academy won’t change anything.

The professor seemed to consider it unimportant, as if it were just a theoretical discussion.

“Today, I will take your questions instead of conducting a regular class. Formal classes will begin tomorrow.”

Even in real schools, classes aren’t held on the first day.

The academy couldn’t break that rule, so when Mosan mentioned taking questions, some students raised their hands.

Mostly mundane discussions about academy rules.

With over 230 first-year students, there were many questioners, and I leaned back in my chair, expecting the tedious talks to continue.

“…Hey, want to go to the merchant district later and grab something to eat? I saw a place selling grilled chicken last time, and it looked delicious.”

“That place isn’t great; I can make something much tastier if you just buy the ingredients, I’ll cook it in the dorm for you.”

“Is it really that bad?”

“Yeah, it’s expensive and not tasty.”

Over the past month, we had learned various things about each other.

Shasha was exceptionally good at cooking.

She said reading books was her hobby, and among them was a cookbook published by a royal chef.

According to the book, cooking was mostly about assembling ingredients in the right order, except for a few dishes requiring advanced skills.

She had made pasta last time following the instructions, and it was incredibly delicious.

“…Then let’s go together to buy ingredients today.”

“Yeah!”

Shasha readily accepted my proposal, and the thought of eating delicious food tonight made my legs swing uncontrollably.

“Oh, Lady Seina. Shasha is incredibly good at cooking, you know?”

“Yes, yes?”

Maybe my words were too sudden; Seina looked greatly surprised, then smiled faintly and whispered softly.

“Incredibly, it’s delicious, right?”

“…Y-yes….”

Seina seemed quite awkward.

It seemed she didn’t catch on to what I was trying to say.

Insensitive, perhaps.

Unable to help it, I thought as I moved a little closer to Seina and firmly grabbed her hand.

“Would you like to eat together?”

“S-Suddenly?”

“Food tastes better when shared.”

“B-But…”

Understanding Seina’s action of covering her face and bowing deeply, I nodded in agreement.

Suddenly, I felt all eyes on us.

As I turned my head in the direction of the most intense gaze, the professor halted, not answering the questions that were coming our way.

I noticed someone staring directly at me.

“Ah…”

“…While I allowed questions, please refrain from personal chatter during class; save it for break time.”

What would be the right course of action for me here?

After a brief moment of contemplation, the answer was clear without needing much thought.

I stood up from my seat, bowed deeply, and loudly apologized.

“…I’m sorry for being disruptive!”

My voice echoed through the classroom, followed by about four seconds of silence.

“…I was considering assigning demerits, but since you apologized promptly, I’ll let it slide this time.”

Truly fortunate.

Demerits at the academy had a more severe and insidious impact than one might think.

When completing tasks for the academy and receiving compensation, they deduct a percentage equivalent to the demerits.

For instance, if I should receive 100 leafs for a task but have 10 demerits, I would only get 90 leafs.

This was a powerful authority the professors could wield, and it was the reason why both nobles and commoners alike feared demerits.

“…Thank you! Professor! I love you, Professor!”

As I playfully responded with a heart above my head, Professor Mosan gestured for me to sit down.

“…Please take your seat.”

“Yes!”

I promptly sat down.

Though the gazes surrounding me felt uncomfortable, having cleared the demerit made the stares bearable.

I knew well how terrifying demerits could be.

Shivering slightly, I watched as Professor Mosan resumed answering the questions directed at him.

In hindsight, I realized I had been quite rude.

Chatting with my neighbor during class—such childish behavior.

Chastising myself for my foolishness, I tried to listen attentively to Professor Mosan’s words.

However, Professor Mosan’s lecture was so dreadfully dull…

…I’m getting sleepy.

As my eyelids grew heavier, amidst the struggle to stay awake, Deron, Shasha, and Seina, who had been watching me, chuckled.

I’ll get back at them later.

“…Now that the questions are over, I’ll choose the next participant.”

Lost in thoughts of ways to tease those who laughed at me, I suddenly realized that all questions had been answered.

Professor Mosan scanned the entire class before speaking slowly.

“All the questions you asked were related to academy rules, and I answered them sincerely.”

The reason for his words was obvious.

“If you’ve listened carefully, you should be able to answer without difficulty.”

He then began singling out a few students.

Four out of five answered correctly, while one stuttered and received a demerit.

“Lastly, the person who disrupted class and claimed to love me.”

Oh, that’s me.

The atmosphere hinted at this turn of events.

Rising from my seat with a smirk, I caught Professor Mosan frowning.

“…It may seem odd to ask now, but why are you wearing pajamas?”

“…Because changing clothes is bothersome and these are comfortable…?”

Are pajamas really that strange?

Honestly, they’re not much different from a dress, but everyone here seems to have keen eyes.

“…The school rules state that students have the freedom in their attire, but it seems like it’s too much freedom.”

Someone who was nitpicking about the rules saying that about what the rules allow doesn’t bode well for me.

Although they let it slide when I caused a commotion earlier.

It felt like I had left a bad impression.

Without any room for excuses, solely blaming myself, I tightly sealed my lips,

Professor Mosan let out a sigh and threw a question at me just like he did with the others before.

“…There are a total of five places in the academy where entry is prohibited without prior permission. Let’s hear them all.”

“Um, well… The principal’s office and… the storage room….”

What else was there?

Knowing that punishment was imminent, I shut my eyes tightly and then heard a soft voice from beside me.

“The security office.”

“…The security office.”

Picking up on Deron’s answer, this time Shasha spoke up.

“The sewage system….”

“The sewage system…!”

And one last thing.

I gazed earnestly at Seina, and although she blushed at my gaze, she mustered up the courage to speak.

“The, the reflection room….”

“…I’m in the reflection room!”

“…While that is the correct answer, isn’t asking for help so shamelessly a bit too much?”

Professor Mosan looked at us incredulously, and I chuckled innocently, scratching my cheek.

Even if you couldn’t hear the voice, it seemed like our actions gave us away.

“…Even though I might not know the rules well, there’s one thing I’m sure of!”

“What is it…?”

“I love Professor!”

Hoping desperately that he wouldn’t give us detention, Professor Mosan looked disgusted.

…There’s no need to hate us that much, right?

Right, guys?

Deron, Shasha, and Seina subtly avoided my gaze.

This is kind of hurtful….

I pursed my lips.