Freshman Johan 3: Encounter with the Blue-Haired Tsundere
The western side of the campus housed the undergraduate buildings.
The structures were predominantly purple in color scheme. Their sharply pointed ceilings evoked Gothic architecture, but with a more refined design. It was an environment perfectly suited for haughty mages to immerse themselves in study.
The ornate exteriors were a feast for the eyes. According to the novel's description, the outer designs shifted subtly with the seasons. Magical devices were embedded throughout the buildings.
Among them, the most eye-catching was the Practice Hall at the center, used for magic training. This was where various troubles erupted in the original story, often serving as the stage for duels between protagonist Johan and his rivals.
A short descent from the Practice Hall led to the Student Council Hall—the only building in the purple-dominated undergraduate campus painted in striking blue. Its vibrant exterior made it the first thing that caught the eye during tours.
So that's the Student Council Hall.
The academy's student council wielded immense power, incomparable to any real-world counterpart. Access was strictly limited to an elite few.
As a gathering place for the nobility of the three realms, only students from prestigious noble families, royalty, or disciples of renowned knights and mages—true golden spoons—could join the council at the academy's power center.
The council's authority stemmed from the fact that its members' parents were untouchable powerhouses.
I stepped inside the Student Council Hall. Normally, a commoner like me—a mere human, no less—wouldn't dare enter. If spotted by council members, I'd be in for a beating.
But today was the academy's most important day: the entrance ceremony. Most council members were at Miracle Hall preparing.
Except for the one person guarding this place.
I'd come for my first meeting with her. Time to plant the flag.
The student council corridors exuded elegance matching their exterior. Beautiful paintings and sculptures appeared every five steps.
They weren't just randomly placed expensive items; a designer with impeccable taste had curated them to fit the atmosphere.
Naturally, no one was around. Only the light echo of my footsteps filled the air.
"Meow~!"
As I walked, a cute cat's meow echoed from the upper landing. Moments later, a black cat leaped down from there.
Nice!
I'd found it easier than expected. This was the one I was looking for: Nero.
True to its feline grace, Nero landed softly, arched its back rigidly, and strutted off in an elegant catwalk. I dashed after it and scooped it into my arms.
Nero clawed to escape, but I held firm.
"Nero! Where on earth did you run off to!?"
A voice like transparent jewels and icy frost resonated softly. I hadn't expected to meet her this soon—lucky break. I turned toward the sound.
A beauty with ocean-blue hair cascading to her waist stared at me with sapphire eyes.
She was shorter than me, but tall for a woman—around 170cm, probably. Johan stood about 186cm.
Her name: Scarlett Red.
The first heroine Johan flags in the academy. Her name didn't quite match her looks, but there you have it.
Scarlett's role: student council secretary.
She was currently on duty in the Student Council Hall.
"Who are you? No uniform, so you're a freshman, I take it. What business does a freshman have here?"
Her tone held no warmth. Rightly so—I was an unidentified intruder.
She hadn't chased me off immediately only because I might be some golden-spoon noble freshman. Not out of kindness.
I stroked the cat in my arms and approached Scarlett slowly. Fortunately, she didn't back away.
Her gaze fixed on the cat. Nero was her beloved pet.
"Sorry. I'm looking for Miracle Hall where the entrance ceremony is. I ended up here by accident, and this cat jumped down from above, so I caught it."
I spoke politely. My voice came out even more melodic than I'd imagined.
"Good thing. That's my cat, Nero. Come here, sweetie!"
As if understanding, Nero leaped from my arms into Scarlett's, nestling happily against her ample bosom. Lucky furball.
"Miracle Hall is just over there. Surely our student council staff guided you?"
"Ah, I was a bit late due to personal reasons. I just arrived by carriage."
Scarlett scanned me up and down. My clothes were clean but shabby. Handsome face aside, they screamed commoner. I knew nothing of noble or royal etiquette.
"Are you that human?"
"Word travels fast, huh."
"A human enrolling after 200 years? Impossible to ignore."
Having pieced together my identity, Scarlett furrowed her brows. She'd started wary; now a hint of hostility showed. Just like in the original novel.
"This is the Student Council Hall. Not a place for humans to wander. First time, so I'll let it slide... but be careful next time."
She forced a stern tone. Not out of discrimination, but worry I'd cause trouble by forgetting my place.
The novel portrayed Scarlett as kind at heart, just clumsy in expression.
"Not all council members are as merciful as me. And you're already late to the ceremony. Now I see why the academy avoided humans for so long."
To her icy remark, I grinned and replied.
"The student council, huh. Sounds cool. Can I join too?"
"......"
A faint blush tinged Scarlett's frosty face. Reacting to my smile? Faces really are a man's cheat code.
"What did you take my words for? Humans have rarely enrolled, but none have ever joined the council."
She cleared her throat and continued.
"So I could be the first."
"......Think what you want. You don't know the academy yet, so you're so carefree. Give it a few days; you'll change your tune. Now, shouldn't you head to the ceremony?"
"Ah, right. I'll go then. Thanks! Senpai!"
"I'm not your senpai."
I turned and left the Student Council Hall. Just as in the original.
Our first meeting was frosty, but I'd made my face known. That's what mattered.
Oh, one more thing. I turned back to Scarlett-senpai.
"Oh, and senpai."
"I said I'm not."
"Cute cat. Suits you perfectly."
"......Just hurry to the ceremony."
Scarlett-senpai hugged Nero tighter in response. The cat wriggled, tail flicking in protest.
Her voice was cold, but as I left, I felt her steady gaze on my back.
Not a bad start.
The seed was planted. I headed to Miracle Hall.
Miracle Hall's exterior was so distinctive it burned into memory at first glance: a small dome cradled by a massive pair of wings. One wondered what construction magic enabled it.
The multipurpose hall hosted major academy events. Naturally, it was the venue for the entrance ceremony, rivaled only by graduation.
Inside, a vast space unfolded—an amphitheater-style hall seating thousands. From the back rows, the front was invisible.
Hologram-like projections in the air relayed the front stage. Magical speakers dotted the hall. For all its medieval fantasy vibe, this place felt straight out of sci-fi.
Crowds of students had already gathered. A dull vice-principal's speech droned on, like a commencement address. Freshmen squirmed to fight boredom—a sight worth watching.
Their ennui shattered with my entrance. Heads turned as the door creaked open. Straight out of the original.
The vice-principal on stage, mid-unheard felicitation, looked up at me.
He was a bald, crabby old man named Picalius. Straight-up villainous looker.
Close to a true antagonist in appearance, but not quite a full villain—just a constant thorn in Johan's side. His speech had a slight effeminate lilt, like a gay dude in drag.
"The ceremony started over 20 minutes ago. Who arrives now?"
"Sorry. I'm a bit late."
I quipped lightly, scanning for an empty seat.