Chapter 6
Chapter 6
A Turbulent Entrance Ceremony
How could they place another person inside a noble’s personal space?
The students’ shock at the dormitory rules was obvious.
The Dunaise Academy did not admit students every year. Only when enough qualified candidates gathered would an entrance ceremony be held—usually once every three years.
Moreover, the academy was one of the empire’s most important facilities. Even graduates were bound by an oath of silence regarding its location.
It wasn’t a magically enforced oath, but one that allowed the intelligence department to trace any leaks. The reason was simple: the academy contained secrets that had to remain hidden—particularly information about the “Five Prisoners of the Empire.”
In truth, things like dorm life or complaints about professors wouldn’t matter if leaked…
But because of the oath, graduates rarely spoke of anything at all.
So the students now felt completely blindsided.
“Your attendants will remain outside the academy, in the nearby village of Black Cow,” said Professor Deneuve.
“They will handle your correspondence and errands. However, only one attendant may enter the academy grounds.”
“What?!”
“You mean we have to live without our servants?”
“Yes. Only one person may act as a liaison—and even then, they cannot enter the dormitories.”
“That’s absurd!”
“This is outrageous!”
Many nobles had never even put on their own socks. Some aristocratic outfits couldn’t even be worn without assistance.
“You should have told us beforehand!”
“Impossible,” Deneuve replied calmly.
“This is a critical imperial facility. We cannot disclose internal information in advance.”
“Now, we will assign dormitories based on your region of origin.”
Dorm assignments:
Idnia thought:
So I’m assigned to the same dorm as Marie… though the eastern group seems the smallest.
The Betelgeuse region had suffered greatly from the Demon King’s descent, so many noble families had fled. Naturally, fewer students came from there.
Afterward, Deneuve added:
“You will select a first-year dorm leader by tonight.”
“A dorm leader? What do they do?”
“They manage students and handle responsibilities. It comes with rewards—but also risks. Both merit points and demerits.”
Then Baroness Willem stepped forward.
“Hohoho! Let me explain the merit and demerit system!”
A glowing magical display appeared.
“First, two merit points go to the top student: Isolde Polzen.”
“Thank you.”
“Excellent results—as expected of noble blood.”
Idnia wondered:
Polzen isn’t that prestigious a family… what does she mean by ‘noble blood’?
“Second place: Crown Prince Rudolf.”
“Please call me Rudolf. We are all equal students here.”
Students murmured—handsome, talented, and now top-ranked.
Beside Idnia, Marie whispered in awe:
“So amazing…”
Idnia frowned internally.
That sounds like something a background character would say…
“Now, the lowest-ranked student…”
Idnia braced herself.
That must be me—I didn’t even take the exam.
But instead:
“Marie of Astraea! You are last place.”
“Eh?!”
Marie’s face turned bright red.
Idnia was confused.
Why isn’t it me?
“Also, Idnia—you received bonus points for hunting monsters and criminals.”
“Ah… I see.”
Some students began mocking Marie.
“How dumb do you have to be to rank below someone who didn’t even test?”
“Careful—she’s a saint candidate.”
“Does she even know magic?”
“I-I’m sorry…” Marie stammered.
Baroness Willem, however, glared at Idnia.
“A noble hunting criminals like a common mercenary? Have some dignity!”
Vice-Principal Deneuve intervened:
“Enough. Continue.”
Marie received a demerit point.
The board now showed:
Willem concluded:
“Five merits = rewards. Five demerits = punishment.
At year’s end, the student with the most merit points will be recorded in academy history.”
“Can merits cancel demerits?”
“Yes—but most students prefer rewards like leave passes.”
Finally—
“Move to your dormitories. Gatekeeper Gibs!”
“Understood!”
With a swing of his lantern, portals opened beneath the cathedral arches.
At last—
The true world of Dunaise Academy was about to begin.