"Welcome to Leon Academy!"
"My name is Professor Rose Hemmings and I am one of the many professors at this academy. But for now, if you would follow me, I will lead you to the auditorium where other students are currently waiting. You do not need to bring your belongings with you, they will be transported to your dorms." The freckled woman said.
As soon as she finished speaking, two men on a silver carriage, which looked eerily like a luggage transporter appeared behind her.
"Now students, off we go!"
As Ella walked, she was awestruck at the scenery in front of her. Huge trees stood on either side of her, with vast flowers and greenery. It reminded Ella of home. As she walked further, she could see the tops of buildings, shimmering in the sunlight. After what seemed like a decent walk on the brick road, she saw a large fountain, swirling sparkling water and an arched entrance. The sign on top plated in gold, 'Leon Academy'.
Going through the arched entranced, she was surprised to see that the setup of the academy reminded her of her college on Earth. [It feels like its own city. Gosh, it's so grandeur]. Following Professor Hemmings, they entered a tall building and through large doors before taking a seat in the hall.
The hall was a magnificent auditorium with several levels, with marble pillars and chandeliers. At the front of the stage, were other students already seated.
"New students, please make your way to the front section of the auditorium and be seated."
Taking an empty seat in the centre column near the walk-way [aka the best seat], Ella spotted the main characters. At the very front was Crown Prince himself, with Cedric and Merula by his side. Knight-in-training, Damien was placed on the right column.
[Gosh even from a couple of metres out, Merula is so pretty~. But I guess Damien becomes friends with Blaiz and Cedric at the academy. It should be easy to avoid these boys though].
Whilst waiting for orientation to start Ella gazed around the room, admiring the detail and intricacy. Whilst zoning out, a student had taken a seat right beside her.
[Ugh...I chose this row because it's empty].
Taking a look at the student beside her, she was met with a familiar face..and grin.
"Boo~," Wulff said, almost purring.
Internally, Ella groaned. [Just act casual].
"Hello to you too, Wulff." She said sarcastically.
"Did you miss me?" He asked.
[Jesus, why did he dial up the flirting today. Shit, do I play it cool or do I go along with it? Right, I'm gonna flirt back]. She rolled her eyes.
"Actually, yes I did. I was quite lonely without you, but me and my mother had a good time exploring the city." Ella said blinking her eyes rapidly, imitating the sparkly anime girls.
"Oh really? Mmm...I was lonely without your presence. But seeing you here has made up for it." Wulff edged closer to her seat, voice deeper than usual.
She shook her head, ignoring Wulff's antics. [This boy plays too much. Too bad I'm mentally twenty-one].
"So how were the past two days for you? Did you explore the city also?" Ella asked, trying to get away from Wulff.
"I caught up with a few people..."
"Oh. Were they friends or family?" Ella asked, interested to know the mysterious background of this character.
"I wouldn't call them that. Just some strangers. Got rid of them in the end though," Wulff smiled.
"I completely understand. Sometimes you have absolutely annoying people that you have to meet but in reality, you just want to escape. I feel sorry for you." Ella remembered to the times where she would often have to deal with meddling relatives during family gatherings. Asking invasive and deeply personal questions, she sighed at just the thought of it.
Ella cautiously reached for his shoulders before giving him a few pats. Wulff saw her hand and chuckled.
"Don't worry, I got rid of them in the end." Although Wulff was smiling, Ella felt that his smile didn't quite reach his eyes.
"Well darling, what did you and your mother do in the city?"
[Did he just call me darling? Forget it. This kid is just some flirt. No point trying to correct him, he seems stubborn as hell].
For the next couple of minutes, Ella excitedly talked about the delicious pastries and cakes she had with her mother, the art galleries she visited and the vast boutiques and antique shops as Wulff intently listened. Whilst getting in a heated discussion (a rant) with Wulff about why vanilla is a flavour and not plain she was interrupted by a voice.
"Attention new students! Orientation will begin in one minute."
Facing the stage, she saw that the seats were quite filled up and there were much more students than she previously thought. In total, she suspected there were at least forty to fifty students.
"Good morning! As you already know, my name is Caspian Fester the Dean of Leon Academy. I'd like to give a warm welcome to you all. Leon Academy will be your home for the next two years and the students around you will become your new family."
The Dean was wearing much more formal attire, a navy and gold robe with his red hair tied behind his ears.
"From the very gates of the entrance, this academy covers fifty hectares including forestry, buildings and training grounds. Due to the nature of the size, it is easy to get lost especially for new students such as yourself, so we recommend having a friend with you at all times until you get used to the area. Additionally, while Leon Academy has a protection barrier for any potential intruders, it does not mean that wild animals cannot enter so having a friend is very handy."
"Orientation will last for two days, today and tomorrow. Each will begin at 9 am with a meeting here at the auditorium. Official classes will begin on Monday. You may have noticed that the Academy is strangely quiet. This is as the seniors are still on their break and will start classes on the same day as yourselves. This will assist you in getting used to the Academy."
"I'll now hand it over to Aeris Fester to get started."
"Thank you, brother. To remind you all, I am Aeris Fester the Facility President. For today, we will hand you all folder of important documents. This includes a copy of the timetable for Orientation, a map of the Academy, calendar dates, academy policy and protocols, and medical information if it affects you."
His twin sister, Aeris also looked professional than ever, with matching suit jacket and tight slacks, something akin to a swordsman uniform.
"For this morning we will separate you into two groups: male and female to sort out your dormitory rooms and your health status. To ensure you reach your potential at the Academy, we will conduct a simple, non-intrusive health check. Afterwards, you will be sorted into your dormitory rooms. Every one of you will share your dormitory with another person for the period of the two years. This will all take place in the dormitory building, marked in red on your map. All of you will stay in the same building, men on the left and women on the right.
"We will then have lunch in the Academy dining hall at 1 pm. The next orientation program will begin at 2:30 pm sharp in the Grand Hall."
"Now students, off you go!" The Dean said, merrily.
"Oh sh*t, here we go again." Ella sighed, getting up from her seat. [God I feel old. My bones we crackling].
"You're so young, yet you act as if you're an old lady." Wulff chuckled.
"Ugh, shut it. I may look young but that doesn't mean I feel young okay?" Ella complained.
[This kid! Doesn't know I'm actually 21 years old. If he knew how I slaved at my old job for minimum wage grrr...].
"If you say so. Would you like to use my arm, madam?" Wulff jokingly said, pulling his arm towards her.
"Get lost." Ella shoved his arm and rolled her eyes as the two of them followed the rest of the students to the dorms.
*
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Male students, please walk to Professor Arther Lisle on your left. Female students to Pressor Rose Hemmings on your right."
"I'll wait for you outside the dormitory building at say a quarter to 1?" Wulff asked.
"Oh sure. Then we can walk together to get food! Ahhh~ I'm so hungry thinking about it now." Ella imagined the extraordinary buffet they would receive.
"This academy is so rich, there's gotta be some lit food! I want everything! Ice-cream, steak, lobster and so much more~", Ella drooled and her eyes went all sparkly just like the anime girls.
Wulff laughed seeing her excited face, giving her a meaningful look that she couldn't quite decipher (mainly because she was still drooling).
"Sound like a plan. I'll see you soon." Wulff ruffled Ella's head.
She quickly snapped out of her food dream. [Ugh, this guy. Hope my face isn't red].
Waving goodbye, Ella turned to walk to the group of girls, unaware of the deep stare that was observing them.