The morning sun bathed Starfall Academy in a warm glow, casting dappled shadows through the ancient oaks that lined the cobblestone paths. Luna strolled leisurely across the grounds, her silver hair shimmering like liquid moonlight. Dressed in the academy's uniform—a crisp white blouse and a navy skirt—she looked every bit the exemplary student, save for the mischievous sparkle in her eyes.
(Who would have thought that babysitting a human could be this entertaining?)
As she wandered, she couldn't help but overhear snippets of conversations passing among clusters of students.
"Did you hear? Alfred Nightshade single-handedly defeated a pack of dire wolves!"
"I heard he stared them down, and they just ran off!"
"And that girl Luna is always with him. She must be just as dangerous."
Luna suppressed a giggle behind her hand. (Oh, these rumors keep getting better and better.)
She made her way toward the central courtyard, where a group of girls were gathered around a marble fountain adorned with celestial carvings. They glanced her way, their chatter halting as she approached.
"Mind if I join you?" Luna asked with a radiant smile.
The girls exchanged wary looks before one of them nodded hesitantly. "Sure... go ahead."
"Thanks," Luna replied, seating herself gracefully on the edge of the fountain. "I'm Luna. I just transferred here."
One girl with chestnut curls and bright blue eyes introduced herself. "I'm Isabella. These are Elowen and Brielle."
"Pleasure to meet you all," Luna said, her eyes twinkling.
Elowen, a petite girl with freckles, leaned in. "You're... uh... friends with Alfred, aren't you?"
Luna tilted her head thoughtfully. "Friends? I suppose you could say that."
(If you count secretly guiding him through an accidental isekai and reveling in his misunderstandings as friendship.)
Brielle, a tall girl with an air of confidence, crossed her arms. "You should be careful around him."
"Oh? And why is that?" Luna asked innocently.
(Here we go again.)
Isabella lowered her voice. "They say he's the last of the Nightshade family. That he's dangerous."
Luna feigned surprise. "Dangerous? Alfred?"
(If only they knew he's as harmless as a kitten lost in a labyrinth.)
Elowen nodded earnestly. "Yes! Just yesterday, someone saw him practicing dark magic behind the east tower."
Luna laughed lightly. "Dark magic? Alfred struggles to find his way to the dining hall."
(And that's with me subtly guiding him.)
Brielle frowned. "Still, it's suspicious. And you're always with him. Doesn't that concern you?"
Luna gave a serene smile. "Not at all. I find him... intriguing."
(And utterly oblivious to the chaos he leaves in his wake.)
Isabella's eyes widened. "So, it's true then? You two are plotting something?"
Luna leaned back, her gaze drifting to the clouds. "People often fear what they don't understand."
(And I thrive on that fear—it's simply delightful.)
Elowen hesitated before asking, "Are you... like him?"
Luna met her eyes. "In some ways, perhaps."
(If by that you mean an otherworldly being enjoying a leisurely escapade, then yes.)
The girls exchanged uneasy glances.
Brielle stood abruptly. "Well, we should get going. Lots to do."
Isabella and Elowen quickly followed suit. "It was... interesting meeting you, Luna."
"Likewise," Luna said with a slight wave as they hurried away.
(Charming girls. So quick to jump to conclusions.)
As she continued her walk, more whispers trailed after her.
"She's always so calm."
"Maybe she's the one controlling Alfred."
"Do you think they're planning something big?"
Luna hid her amusement behind a demure smile. (The rumor mill here spins faster than a fairy's wings.)
She made her way to the dormitories, admiring the ivy-covered stone buildings that exuded a timeless elegance. Climbing the staircase to the second floor, she stopped in front of room 7C. Unlocking the door, she stepped into her new living space.
(Perfect. Close enough to keep an eye on Alfred in 7B, and no roommate to disturb my peace.)
She began unpacking her belongings—a few books on magical flora, a set of delicate quills, and a small potted moonflower that glowed faintly.
A soft knock interrupted her thoughts. Opening the door, she found a girl with fiery red hair and emerald eyes standing nervously in the hallway.
"Hi, I'm Celine," the girl said with a tentative smile. "I live across the hall in 7A."
"Hello, Celine. I'm Luna. Please, come in."
Celine stepped inside, glancing around. "I just wanted to welcome you. Not many of us on this floor right now."
Luna nodded. "It's quite peaceful, isn't it?"
Celine shifted uncomfortably. "Yes... though, I heard you're friends with Alfred."
Luna arched an elegant eyebrow. "Is that a problem?"
(Here we go again.)
Celine bit her lip. "Well, some people are saying it's... risky to be associated with him."
"Risky?" Luna echoed, amusement dancing in her eyes.
"Yes," Celine whispered. "They say he's dangerous. And that you might be... you know... involved."
Luna stepped closer, her gaze intense yet friendly. "Tell me, Celine, do you believe everything you hear?"
Celine flushed. "No, but... it's hard not to when everyone keeps talking about it."
Luna smiled gently. "I assure you, Alfred is nothing to fear. He's just... misunderstood."
(And adorably clueless.)
Celine seemed to relax a bit. "You really think so?"
"I know so," Luna affirmed. "Perhaps you should try talking to him yourself."
Celine laughed nervously. "I wouldn't even know what to say."
"Start with hello," Luna suggested with a wink.
(Who knows, maybe it'll add another layer to this delightful tapestry of confusion.)
Celine smiled. "Maybe I will. Thanks, Luna."
"Anytime. And feel free to visit whenever you'd like."
As Celine left, Luna returned to her unpacking, humming softly to herself.
(It's almost too easy to sway their perceptions.)
Later that afternoon, Luna decided to explore the academy's library—a vast labyrinth of shelves filled with ancient tomes and scrolls. As she perused the aisles, she overheard a group of girls whispering nearby.
"She's the one, isn't she?"
"Yes, Luna. They say she can cast spells without incantations."
"And that she's the real power behind Alfred."
Luna selected a book on celestial phenomena, pretending not to notice them.
(It's fascinating how quickly rumors evolve. I wonder what's next—will they think I'm plotting to overthrow the king?)
One of the girls gathered the courage to approach her. "Excuse me, Luna?"
Luna turned gracefully. "Yes?"
The girl hesitated. "We were just wondering... are you holding a study session later? We've heard you're quite knowledgeable."
Luna considered for a moment. "I hadn't planned on it, but perhaps I could."
(Why not? This could be entertaining.)
"Really? That would be amazing!" the girl exclaimed, her friends nodding eagerly behind her.
"Meet me in the east garden after classes," Luna offered.
"We'll be there!" they chorused before scurrying off.
(So easily swayed. Humans truly are delightful.)
As evening approached, Luna made her way to the east garden, where a small group of students had already gathered. She spent the next hour discussing astronomy and magical theory, weaving in anecdotes that left them captivated.
"You're incredible, Luna," one of the students gushed. "No wonder Alfred trusts you."
Luna smiled mysteriously. "Knowledge is meant to be shared."
(And mischief is meant to be savored.)
After the impromptu session, she headed back toward the dorms, the path illuminated by lanterns casting a warm glow. Suddenly, a voice called out from behind.
"Luna-san, may I have a word with you?"
She turned to see Professor Evelyn Thorne, the academy's head of magical studies, approaching with a serious expression.
(Interesting. What could the esteemed Professor want with me?)
"Of course, Professor," Luna replied smoothly.
"Please, follow me to my office."
(How intriguing.)
They walked in silence to the faculty wing, entering a room lined with books and artifacts. The professor gestured to a chair, and Luna sat gracefully.
"I wanted to discuss your relationship with Alfred," Professor Thorne began.
Luna's eyes flickered with interest. "What about it?"
"There are concerns among the staff regarding the influence you may have on him," she said carefully.
"Influence?" Luna echoed, feigning innocence.
(If only they knew how much influence I truly wield.)
Professor Thorne leaned forward, her emerald eyes searching Luna's face. "Alfred is... a unique student. Given the rumors about his lineage and the incidents he's been involved in, we need to ensure that he's guided appropriately."
"And you think I'm a negative influence?" Luna asked, her tone even.
"Not necessarily," Professor Thorne replied. "But your rapid integration into the academy and close association with him have raised questions."
Luna met her gaze steadily. "Professor, Alfred is simply a friend who could use some support. Surely the academy encourages camaraderie among students?"
(It's adorable how they're trying to solve a puzzle without all the pieces.)
Professor Thorne sighed softly. "Yes, we do. But if there's any information you can provide about his background, it would be beneficial."
She smiled gently. "I'm afraid that's not my place to say. Perhaps you should speak to Alfred directly."
(Though I doubt he'd have any answers for you.)
The professor studied her for a moment before nodding. "Very well. I appreciate your time, Luna-san. Please be mindful of the company you keep."
"I always am," Luna replied with a serene smile.
As she exited the office, she couldn't help but chuckle softly.
(They're so desperate to unravel the mystery, yet they only tangle themselves further.)
Returning to her room, Luna stood by the window, gazing out at the moonlit academy grounds.
(Alfred unknowingly stirs the pot, and I get to watch the ripples spread. This assignment is far more entertaining than I ever anticipated.)
A soft knock at her door drew her attention.
"Come in," she called.
The door opened to reveal Alfred, his dark hair tousled and eyes filled with uncertainty.
"Alfred," she said warmly. "What brings you here?"
He shifted awkwardly. "I just... wanted to thank you."
"For what?" Luna asked, genuinely curious.
"For being a friend," he replied. "It's been... overwhelming here, and you make it easier."
Luna's expression softened. "You're very welcome."
(Perhaps there's more to this human than meets the eye.)
He offered a tentative smile. "Good night, Luna."
"Good night, Alfred," she replied.
As he left, Luna settled onto her bed, her thoughts swirling.
(Maybe this world isn't so bad after all. And who knows? Perhaps even a mischievous fairy can find companionship here.)
With a contented sigh, she closed her eyes, ready to embrace whatever new misunderstandings awaited her with the dawn.