Chapter 35
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 20
Chapter Title: First Lesson
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Thanks to sleeping in a top-class bed, perhaps.
When I slowly opened my eyes after they had drifted shut, the world outside the window was already brightly lit.
"Mm..."
I raised my sluggish body, stretched, and looked around.
The bed across from mine was already empty, its owner gone.
The blankets were neatly folded with perfect corners, and the desk was spotless, without a speck of dust.
It was the epitome of her tidy personality.
'She already left? So diligent.'
Back at the Dreadnote estate, I'd had to wake earlier than anyone to train without drawing attention.
I'd thought I was pretty good at early rising, but I never imagined someone would beat me to it.
"..."
'Scary one. No, girl.'
Yesterday's bandage incident crept back into my memory, but I shook my head.
Forget it for now. There's no rush.
For starters, I'll put off the fact that Kaien is a girl.
It's the first day of class. First impressions matter.
I'll think about it once academy life settles in.
"...Yawn."
Yawning, I got out of bed and stood in front of the closed wardrobe.
Creeak.
'Knew it. It was here.'
Inside hung the academy uniform, perfectly ironed, as if placed there just moments ago.
A flashy jacket with gold buttons and the academy crest on the left chest.
I had no idea when or how it got there, but in The Glory, the uniform was described as being in the wardrobe on the first day of class.
Game convenience, I guess.
Of course, I still have no clue how it ended up here now.
'Never thought the day would come when I'd wear this.'
It felt surreal to don the outfit I'd seen hundreds of times in the game.
I stood before the mirror, adjusting my appearance.
"...Not bad."
I'd always disliked my looks, so I'd been a bit worried.
But the reflection looked decent enough.
Clothes make the man, huh? After a final check...
"Alright. Let's go."
I left a note on the desk and exited the room.
'Going to class, so behave. No dinner if you cause trouble.'
[My lord. Will Imir even read the note? I doubt it.]
"That's why I stuck it on the front door. If she doesn't see that..."
Then she'll really go hungry.
Of course, whether Imir, sleeping in her room, would see it and behave was another matter...
But better than nothing.
+ + +
The morning air was refreshing. As soon as I stepped out of the dorm, the crisp, clear air filled my lungs, clearing my mind.
It was still early for classes, so the streets were quieter than expected.
A few diligent students passed by, mostly rubbing sleepy eyes and shuffling along.
'Feels great.'
Humming softly, I headed toward the main building.
As I recalled, the S Class classroom was in the center of the main building.
Step. Step.
How long had I walked?
As I left the dorm entrance and entered the path to the main building...
"Oh? It really is him."
"...Brother."
I looked up at the familiar voices.
Across the street, on a bench, sat two figures. I blinked.
Celine, silver hair swaying as she cautiously waved, and next to her, Elysia with a soft smile.
The breeze tousled their hair, like a painting come to life.
I was momentarily captivated.
But why were they here?
If it were a chance encounter while walking, fine. But on the way to school.
Sitting on a bench.
They looked like they were waiting for someone.
'No way... waiting for me?'
Confirming they stood, holding their skirts against the wind...
"Celine. Lady Elysia. Were you waiting for me?"
I asked just in case. Elysia beamed.
"Yes! Celine said you might go ahead, so we waited here."
"W-Wait! Elysia, stop!"
Celine's face flushed like a ripe apple at the revelation.
Flustered, she tugged Elysia's arm.
Already that close?
Celine had only shown her sharp side at the estate, so I'd forgotten.
But she was bright at the academy, I remembered.
And with Elysia's personality, friendship was inevitable.
"Oh dear. Did I say something wrong?"
"I-It's fine. Brother, we just ran into each other...!"
She knew it sounded lame, hanging her head in embarrassment, mumbling.
It was so cute, I couldn't help but chuckle.
'Cute is cute, but it's a problem.'
I'd rushed to avoid them, but if they waited on purpose...
Nothing to do about it today. Can't spit on smiling faces.
"...Thanks for waiting. Let's go together."
We followed the signs up the stairs to the S Class at the end of the third-floor hall.
[My lord. There are a few inside. I sense presences.]
"...Hoo."
I paused at the firmly shut door, took a deep breath, and gripped the handle.
Opening this door starts everything.
The first day the original story truly begins.
What losers are waiting?
How will Iris react?
Thoughts raced, but I shook them off and pulled the door open.
Slide.
As the door opened, classroom air rushed out. I scanned inside slowly.
"..."
Despite the early hour, a few students had arrived and taken seats.
As I entered, all eyes turned to me.
Kaien by the window, reading.
A barbarian with glasses and an overwhelming build.
And...
Iris, in the middle, staring piercingly.
"Oh, I thought we were first. Everyone's so diligent."
'All eyes on me.'
I ignored the stares—especially Iris's persistent one—and headed for a seat.
Fortunately, the back was free.
"..."
'Ignore. Ignore.'
I walked naturally to the very back.
[My lord. Isn't that too far back? You won't see a thing.]
Not that bad. Don't overreact.
Tundra wasn't entirely wrong, though.
The room was spacious for the class size.
And my seat was far from the podium.
Not ideal for following lessons.
Why choose it then?
Simple reason.
'I already know the classes anyway.'
After hundreds of playthroughs, how could I not know the curriculum or story flow?
Better to stay low-key in the back than front and center.
And... I hoped the two beside me would keep distance.
With their diligence, they wouldn't follow to such a poor spot.
Scrape.
"...Brother. You want to sit here?"
I looked up at the sound.
They sat naturally beside me. I blinked quietly.
...Why here?
"...Why are you sitting here?"
"Huh?"
Elysia blinked round-eyed.
"Because you sat here, Young Master."
"...Leaving good front seats empty?"
"Oh? Isn't it better for friends to sit together? And Celine agrees."
"..."
Celine avoided my gaze, nodding faintly.
What about my opinion?
"...Still, it's inconvenient for class."
"I-It's fine. If the professor's voice is soft, I can amplify it with magic."
Celine hurried, as if fearing I'd move.
Makes sense. S Class elites could handle it easily.
"...Fine. Got it."
If they insist that much...
Sandwiched between them awkwardly, I dazedly listened.
Other classmates trickled in.
The class wasn't full anyway, so once the last arrived, all S Class sat.
Clack. Clack.
Soon, heels echoed down the hall, approaching.
Scrape.
The front door opened amid their quiet chatter. A figure entered.
"Good morning, everyone."
A kind voice, opposite Professor Ingrid's aura. The professor smiled, stepping in.
Blond hair, warm brown eyes.
Neat white blouse and navy pants. He stood at the podium, scanning students slowly.
As if committing each future disciple to memory.
"I'm Aria, one of your S Class homeroom professors. I handle Introduction to Magic Studies."
As expected.
'Professor Aria, right on schedule.'
Unlike cold Ingrid, he was popular for his warm personality.
Though his true nature was darker than anyone's.
'If they knew what hid behind that smile, they'd freak.'
Our eyes met; I smirked inwardly at the nauseating vibe beyond his pupils.
He'd reveal it soon enough. But not yet.
'Best to play dumb for now.'
Chin on hand, I gazed indifferently.
"You are the finest talents, gathered here through fierce competition."
Aria encouraged softly.
"But don't get complacent. Talent is like uncut gems—it dulls without polish. Eldain Academy exists to craft you into the finest jewels."
His emphatic cry sounded convincing.
Some eyes sparkled; already charmed by his eloquence.
"Especially S Class—you're the academy's face. We have high expectations. Please live up to them."
He finished, making eye contact with each, smiling faintly.
'Bastard. Acting all nice.'
Clap!
"Since it's the first day, no grand lessons—just a simple orientation."
Clack. Clack.
"S Class has two dedicated professors: me and Professor Zig Kail."
Aria pointed to the board, continuing.
"As mentioned, I'll cover magic courses, Professor Zig Kail swordsmanship and physical training. Other subjects are elective."
Electives made eyes gleam—even mine at first.
'Game needed flexible classes for stat building. Obvious.'
"Mandatory subjects must be completed. See the guidebook on your desk for details."
Aria erased the board, facing them again.
"Class ends here for today. Explore campus and adjust. Proper lessons start tomorrow."
Short and sweet orientation.
Aria smiled, tidying the podium.
"Oh, one more thing."
Before leaving, he raised a finger.
"Tomorrow's a sparring session to gauge skills. Good chance to prove yourselves—prepare."
Sparring.
'Here it comes.'
I sighed inwardly. Expected.
One of The Glory's early highlights.
Iris dominates, earning recognition.
I aimed to avoid it, but forced event—hard to dodge.
"That's all. Questions?"
Iris, silent till now, raised her hand.
"Professor, can we choose sparring partners?"
Why ask that? Creepy.
"Good question. Unfortunately, it's random draw. Luck is part of skill, right?"
'Please not Iris.'
I prayed desperately.
Her glances were terrifying now.
"Dismissed if no more questions."
As the professor left, I stood, packing quickly.