"Urgh, I want to sleep," I rolled my body on the bed with dark circles around my eyes. I covered my eyes as sunlight shone through my windows. "Can I not wake up? Urgh," groaning, I laid on my back. Then, the alarm I placed beside the radio rang loudly, decreasing my mood even more. "Hah, let's just get this over with," I got up to my feet and smacked the alarm on its head. Grabbing my uniform, I immediately went to the bathroom for a shower. After that, I went downstairs with my packed bag and my sword, finding only Sebastian, the old butler, and Gilbert at the dining table.
"Where's Wortel?" I asked. "He left earlier," Gilbert replied after munching on a crescent-shaped bread. "Hm? Breakfast looks light," I commented."Due to the activities you boys will do after, I was ordered to make the breakfast light but full of nutrients," Sebastian explained. "Thanks for always, Sir Sebastian," I said as I sat beside Gilbert. "So, what happened with Wortel? Usually, he would gulp down food like there was no tomorrow," I asked."He's excited," Gilbert wiped his mouth with a handkerchief, "He's really looking forward to this field trip."
"You mean field study?"
"Yes, field study. They're the same anyway. You seemed quite excited yourself," Gilbert said.
"I am?"
"You couldn't sleep, right? That bag under your eyes tells a lot," Gilbert said with a smile.
"Haha… I guess you could say that," I scratched my cheek while the tip of my eyes twitched.
"I don't blame you. Even I am pretty excited after listening to the radio last night. Can't you believe it? The Sword Maiden herself is going to visit us. I hope this field study involves her somehow. Isn't it exciting, Vaan?" Gilbert said, his face red with excitement.
"Y-yes, it is," I forced myself to smile as I ate the food Sir Sebastian prepared for us. Gilbert left first, having finished his food with a bit of haste. "Hah, right," I mumbled while buttering my bread.
===
After breakfast, Gilbert and I departed to the academy with our luggage on our backs. On our way to the academy, I saw many young men and women lined up in front of the academy's main black gate. Gloria was before them, standing leisurely while chewing a piece of gum. "Oh, it's the kid and the other kid," Gloria nonchalantly greeted. "Good morning, Miss Gloria," I greeted back. Gilbert nodded, following my remark. "Looks like you've got your hand full, huh?" I said. Gloria scratched the back of her head, "You're telling me. I hope these morons disperse soon. I'm hungry."
"Haha, is that so?"
"Why are you lingering here for? Hurry up and go in," Gloria said irritably.
"Yes, yes. Good luck, Miss Gloria."
"Tch," Gloria pursed her lips.
As we walked in, I saw my classmates gathering around the front hallway with Principal Gerard and the other staff standing on a podium.
"Wait, are we late?" Gilbert turned his head left and right.
"It looks that way," I said.
Principal Gerard looked at us two with amusement in his eyes, "No, no. You are not late. It's just the others are eager to begin," he said while stroking his beard.
When my eyes darted to my classmates, I found them glaring as if telling us to hurry up.
"Hah, you guys are that eager, huh?" Gilbert let out a sigh.
"Grr," I could hear my classmates growling with impatience in response to Gilbert's remark.
"Okay, okay, geez. You guys are too excited, isn't that right, Vaan?" Gilbert shook his head.
"I think we should hurry and line up. Those guys looked ready to pounce and eat us alive," I pointed at my classmates. Gilbert looked around and found Eliza glaring at him with deathly eyes. Shivers ran down Gilbert's spine as he scattered about to join the group.
"Haha," I followed Gilbert to line up with my classmates. "Ahem, it seemed to me that you are all here," Principal Gerard cleared his throat. "Although it is earlier than planned, the rest of the staff and I appreciate the eagerness and passion you showed us," Principal Gerard spoke. "As you know, today is Charles Military Academy's maiden voyage to the outside world in the form of a field study. However, this would not be an ordinary field study. For that reason, we have invited a special guest to be your guide alongside Teacher Stephanie."
After that, Principal Gerard gestured with his hand, and a familiar person entered my vision.
"Oh, my lord. She's here," Wortel said with a sparkle in his eyes.
"Whoa," the girls had their mouths agape except for Rie, who yawned softly. Even Dorothy could not contain her excitement from showing on her face.
"Residence of class…. Uh, what class are they?" the young woman with raven black hair and dark eyes turned to Principal Gerard. "Class 1-A, Charles Military Academy's Pioneer," Principal Gerard replied calmly. "Ahem, right. Residence of class 1-A, nice to meet you," the young woman said with her hands on her waist. "My name is Renata Arundel, and today I will be accompanying you guys on your field study trip," Renata continued. After that, Renata stepped forward, with Principal Gerard stepping forward. "Thank you, Miss Renata. How is it? Are you excited yet?" he asked with a teasing tone.
Seeing the students with sparkly eyes, Principal Gerard felt slightly proud and a little smug. The corner of Principal Gerard's lips curled up as he explained about the field study trip. However, I could not focus as a swiveling feeling in my chest became heavier when I looked at the young woman behind Principal Gerard. Complicated emotions tried surfacing on my face, which, thankfully, I managed to restrain. The young woman noticed my staring and let out a gentle smile. I smiled back at her, but the thumping inside my chest became faster and harder. I felt suffocated yet happy at the same time, seeing the young woman was well and healthy.
"Any question?" Principal Gerard finished his speech with an inquiry. Seeing the students were quiet, Principal Gerard nodded, "Good. May the blessing of the Holy Mother protect you."
"May the blessing of the Holy Mother protect you." the students chimed in simultaneously.