Luxury Dorm and Morning Swordplay
Terastial Academy's dormitories were provided equally to all students, but not everyone could live in the finest facilities. The dorms varied in quality and amenities, divided into four distinct halls accordingly. The top-tier Terra Hall. The high-end Superior Hall. The mid-tier Central Hall. And the basic Baren Hall, home to the majority of students. That's how they were categorized.
Among them, Baren Hall was free as long as tuition was paid, making it the most popular choice. Even Baren offered spacious, clean rooms and excellent living facilities—nothing to complain about. The shared bathrooms and showers were "shared" in name only; they were partitioned off along the corridors for individual use, so daily life was comfortable enough.
Anything above that required extra fees, essentially functioning as premium dorms for those dissatisfied with Baren. Starting with mid-tier Central Hall, rooms were twice as large, each with private bathrooms and showers. From Superior Hall onward, it was designed for high nobles to avoid discomfort—lavish, expansive rooms akin to their home estates, complete with maids to handle all chores. High nobles could live without a hitch.
To reside in Superior Hall cost a staggering thirty gold coins per year. For a common family of four, one or two gold coins sufficed for a full year, so thirty was an astronomical sum. Thus, unless from a truly elite house, freshmen rarely moved in right away. The fees were simply prohibitive.
Yet one freshman had boldly taken up residence in Superior Hall from the start. It might surprise some, but considering her background, it was hardly shocking. She was the pampered jewel of the Northern Lord, Duke Levatein, ruler of the Magic Kingdom's vast northern territories.
"Hmnya... Hm......"
Clarice Levatein—third in the entrance exam rankings and top of the swordsmanship department—was lost in sweet dreams, oblivious to her dawn appointment. Her cheek sank into a pillow so plush it seemed to swallow fingers whole. Contrary to her usual aloof demeanor, she mumbled adorably in her sleep.
The blanket, which should have covered her, lay flung aside—a remnant of her maid Angela's futile battle to wake her. But Angela couldn't rouse this sleepy northern princess. Clarice had already defied countless maids' morning calls at the ducal estate to claim her precious sleep; an academy maid stood no chance.
So Angela never imagined it.
"She's in here?"
"Yes, Lady Clarice is sleeping in this room."
"Mind if I go in?"
"Since the lady broke the appointed time first, roast her or not—do as you please, Seong Hyunjin."
That another man would enter Clarice's room and yell right in her ear.
"Clarice Levatein, get up!!"
"Hweh...?!"
No matter how much of a heavy sleeper Clarice was, she couldn't ignore a shout that close. She jolted up, head snapping high. Eyes still hazy, she registered someone else in the room and shook off some drowsiness. Spotting the man before her, her eyes widened in shock.
"......Seong Hyunjin?"
"I said be out by five, and you're still sleeping? What gives?"
Clarice noticed Serena Eldark behind him. Seeing Angela too, she realized she'd succumbed to sleep again. Her face flushed crimson.
"I... s-sorry."
She straightened up on the bed at once, bowed her head without excuses, and apologized.
"...At least you're not making excuses. Good."
"Will you forgive me?"
"Get up and get ready quick. I'll tour the dorm with her in the meantime."
"You'll tour my room while I prepare?"
"?"
Seong Hyunjin and Serena stared at her like it was obvious why not, but Clarice spoke casually.
"Very well. It takes time to prepare, so feel free to look around at leisure."
"No, I meant we could see other rooms too..."
"Then I'll go prepare."
Clarice hopped out of bed and headed to the bathroom. Angela followed, adding,
"If you're scouting for Superior Hall residency, just tell the head maid. As the lady said, feel free to inspect this room. The layouts are all similar anyway."
Angela trailed Clarice into the bathroom. Serena watched, incredulous.
"...Superior Hall maids have it rough."
"Yeah."
"Anyway, if we're touring, let's go now. She said ask the head maid..."
"But like Angela said, can't we just check here?"
"......Pardon?"
Serena gaped at him. Flustered, she pressed,
"Y-You're saying you'll tour a girl's room you barely know?"
"Yeah."
Serena couldn't hide her dismay, but Seong Hyunjin shrugged it off.
"What's the big deal? You've been in my room. She said it's fine—problem?"
"Th-that was... different circumstances!"
"Same difference."
Truth be told, Seong Hyunjin had planned to check other rooms. But seeking out the head maid seemed like a hassle. More importantly, this was the first room of a peer girl he'd seen in this world.
This world's girls' rooms—what are they like? Perfect chance to find out.
Karins' room he visited often—usually getting chewed out—but a same-age girl's? First time in this life. He didn't want to budge.
Not because he fancied Clarice. Just the novelty of a "first peer girl's room."
"Let's check it out here."
A man brutally honest with his curiosities. Serena muttered at the sight,
"Should've just moved into Superior Hall then..."
"What're you on about?"
"...Nothing."
Serena looked away and scanned the room.
"Weren't you gonna tour? Go ahead."
"Oh, right."
# While Seong Hyunjin and Serena toured Clarice's room, she finished preparing. There was a near-miss when she emerged post-bath as usual, but Angela swiftly shut the door to avert disaster.
"Too bad..."
"...What's so regrettable?"
"...Nothing."
Dodging Serena's sharp glare, Seong Hyunjin told Clarice,
"Nice room tour."
"Glad it helped. Will you move to Superior Hall?"
"Haven't decided. Looks comfy, but pricey."
"I see."
Clarice grabbed her sword and said,
"Sorry again for the delay. Shall we head to the training grounds?"
"Sure."
Dawn had passed; it was full morning now. Serena, recalling Seong Hyunjin's earlier words, asked,
"It's morning—people will be around. Sure it's okay for sword review?"
"Oh, that... Realized I'm reviewing your sword, not showing mine."
"...Right?"
"So no issue, haha."
"Then why bother waking her...?"
He's no slouch in eccentricity, Serena thought with a sigh. But she didn't hate it. That side even felt kinda cute now...
"...!!?"
Shocked at her own thought, she shook her head vigorously. Seong Hyunjin tilted his head at her antics, but Clarice eyed Serena with subtle curiosity.
At the training grounds, Clarice turned to Serena right away.
"Serena Eldark."
"Yes?"
"I asked to teach Seong Hyunjin swordsmanship only. Never requested you. No need to waste time—feel free to go."
Her words flustered not just Serena, but Seong Hyunjin too. Purely meaning no need to impose on Serena for her sake, it sounded like telling Serena to buzz off. A textbook eviction.
Serena forced a dry laugh.
"...What're you saying? I'm staying."
"Are you pursuing the swordsman's path too?"
"No? I can swing one roughly, but not seriously."
Serena thumbed Seong Hyunjin.
"Came along 'cause we've got plans after. He dragged me."
"What plans, if I may ask?"
"Uh?... Touring Superior Hall."
"Didn't we just do that?"
Serena fell silent, stumped. But she rallied,
"...We did, but there's more. Award ceremony too."
"Ah. But only the winner, Seong Hyunjin, needs to attend, right?"
"W-well, yeah, but... we agreed to go together. He's oddly lacking common sense—might not know ceremony protocol. Gotta guide him."
Seong Hyunjin shot her a "you think I don't know?" look, but she ignored it. Clarice pondered, then,
"Then I'll accompany him instead. Go rest."
"Pardon?"
"Can't I handle it?"
Serena was speechless. If guidance was needed, Clarice sufficed. Her excuse crumbled; her face soured.
Seong Hyunjin finally cut in,
"Why not let her stay? She's not bothering anyone—why shoo her?"
"Because..."
Clarice said flatly,
"It's embarrassing."
"?"
"?"
Question marks floated over both their heads. Serena creakily turned to Seong Hyunjin.
"Seong Hyunjin...?"
Chilled, he demanded of Clarice,
"...I genuinely have no clue. Explain?"
"Having others watch sword lessons is embarrassing. Makes me look like a kid who can't even swing properly yet."
"......Could you phrase it so no one misunderstands?"
"Misunderstands what?"
"Never mind..."
Seong Hyunjin sighed lightly.
"Serena practices alone anyway—ignore her. Tell me what to fix, show your sword. Done."
"...If that's your wish, understood."
Clarice nodded. He turned to Serena,
"Cool?"
"...Fine."
"Then Clarice—show me now."
"Yes."
As Seong Hyunjin arrived at the grounds with the two girls, eyes from students already training locked on. Soon, guys' jealousy and jeers rained down.
"What's that..."
"Parading flowers on both arms."
"Hope he drops dead."
Ignoring the stares and taunts, Seong Hyunjin headed for the private training rooms.
"We'll do it in here. Serena, train next door."
"Got it."
"Alright."
As the three moved to their tasks—
"Student Clarice Levatein."
"...?"
A deep voice halted Clarice at the door. Seong Hyunjin turned too. A stern-faced instructor with middle-aged wrinkles.
Clarice bowed at once.
"Instructor."
It was Willis Graham, head swordsmanship instructor.