Several days after the announcement, Fenris and Sophia received formal letters of invitation, officially enrolling them into Lodonea Academy. Donning their new uniforms, they joined a group of fellow students entering the castle-like structure at nighttime. With each step, Fenris felt a sense of fulfillment and purpose as everything fell into place, marking the beginning of his journey towards his aspirations.
Male students wear a blazer-style uniform, characterized by a deep red color and a tailored fit. It features a white long-sleeved jacket with a red stripe running down the center, both on the front and back. The jacket has a black lapel at a standard length, reaching the waist. The pants were black and also have a red stripe running down the center of both legs.
For females, it consisted of a single-breasted design with prominent brass buttons adorning the front. The blazer is paired with a simple white collared shirt, tucked neatly into a red pleated skirt. The rest of the uniform remained consistent with the male attire.
"Hmm, it's a bit snug," Fenris remarked, feeling somewhat uncomfortable in his uniform, which happened to be one size smaller than his actual body size. He mentally noted to himself that he would need to address this issue and get a properly fitting uniform later on.
Fenris and Sophia stepped into the expansive dining area, greeted by the sight of a large, spacious room bustling with hundreds of students around their age. The tables stretched across the room, adorned with a wide array of dishes from both foreign and native cuisines. From olives and pasta to deviled eggs and more, the selection was diverse and enticing.
Driven by hunger, Fenris wasted no time in finding a plate and hurriedly filling it with delectable food. Meanwhile, Sophia stood captivated, her eyes widening at the sheer abundance of food and the sheer scale of the dining area. It dwarfed even the impressive size of the Tonelico dining room, for comparison.
"There's so much food! I can't wait to get a bi— wait, Fenris, you're already eating?!" Sophia exclaimed, surprised by Fenris's sudden voracious appetite. Fenris glanced at her sideways, fork in hand, and gestured with it, indicating for her to join him quickly before the food ran out.
Taking his suggestion to heart, Sophia hurriedly made her way to the tables, scanning the variety of options available. Meanwhile, Fenris, having hastily devoured his plate, found himself alone for a moment. Seizing the opportunity, he decided to engage in some socializing, eager to connect with his fellow students.
A female student approached Fenris with a starstruck expression, exclaiming, "Wow, so you're the Tonelico boy who scored 3rd!" Their eyes met, and Fenris responded with a modest smile and a nod.
"Yeah, that's me," he replied. "There were many talented students in the exam. I'm just grateful to be here."
The girl's excitement was palpable as she continued, "You must be really smart. I hope I can learn a lot from you!"
Fenris's smile widened. "I'm still learning myself, but I'll be more than happy to help if you ever need it."
As conversations flowed, Fenris found himself surrounded by a group of students eager to hear about his experiences and seek his advice. In that moment, he realized that despite his initial disappointment, he had a unique opportunity to make a positive impact and forge meaningful connections at Lodonea Academy.
In the distance, Fenris caught sight of a tall, blonde male making his way onto the stage and eventually reaching the podium. It didn't take long for him to recognize the figure as Tristan, piquing his curiosity. Sophia, joining Fenris with a plate brimming with food, also noticed Tristan on the podium. Unlike Fenris, she vocalized her thoughts.
"Hey, did you know that Tristan was giving a speech today?" she inquired curiously, directing her question to Fenris. He shook his head in response.
"I'm Tristan von Marwitz, your new student representative. Let me extend a warm welcome to all of you as fellow newcomers to this prestigious academy. While we each have our own reasons for being here, I came with a single purpose - to become stronger. I seek the strength of a daring adventurer, to face down monsters and protect my friends. We all have different ways of pursuing strength, but our goals are the same: to grow and become formidable. In this pursuit, we are comrades in arms, standing together. Let's give it our all as a team!"
Tristan's authoritative voice resonated throughout the dining area, captivating a multitude of students who responded with resounding applause, acknowledging the power of his speech. From his vantage point on the sidelines, Fenris clenched his jaw, a tinge of jealousy flickering within him as he observed his group swayed by Tristan's compelling words. However, he wisely chose to keep his emotions in check, understanding the importance of maintaining decorum during the ceremony.
As Tristan's speech carried on, he announced with enthusiasm, "And now, it is my great pleasure to introduce a special guest joining us today, none other than Saintess Aisha Tziporah, hailing from the revered city of Mechon!" With a grand gesture, Tristan raised his arm and gracefully stepped aside, making way for the esteemed guest's entrance.
A petite woman with striking pink hair, adorned in exquisite blue robes, gracefully stepped onto the stage, accompanied by a retinue of priests dressed in white. Her mere presence commanded a regal air, capturing the full attention of every student in the room. Even Fenris himself was taken aback by this unexpected turn of events. As he scanned the crowd, he couldn't help but notice the unmistakable expressions of awe and admiration on the faces of his peers. It was clear that their reverence was due to her status as a holy figure.
"Hello everyone! I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Lodonea Academy for inviting me here tonight. It is truly an honor to stand before all of you. I wish to extend my warmest wishes to each and every one of you for a remarkable year ahead, filled with countless opportunities and joyous moments." Aisha's voice carried a touch of regal elegance, accompanied by a hint of endearing charm. The room erupted in applause, acknowledging her presence. With a graceful curtsy, Aisha stepped aside, her watchful gaze encompassing the entire room. Fenris couldn't help but squint as he noticed her observing the crowd.
Aisha's gaze abruptly fixated on Fenris, causing his eyes to widen in surprise. Seeking solace, he tapped Sophia's shoulder, instinctively falling back on her for comfort.
"Hey, Sophia, do you see what I see? She's watching me," Fenris whispered to Sophia, his voice filled with unease.
Sophia's concern for Fenris grew as she nodded in acknowledgment. "Yes, I see it too. Aisha is looking directly at you, but what could you have possibly done wrong?" she questioned, her voice tinged with confusion.
"I have no idea, but I can't shake off the feeling that it's some sort of mistake," Fenris replied, his tone filled with uncertainty.
Sophia trusted Fenris's instincts, yet worry continued to linger in her thoughts. Meanwhile, on the stage, Aisha turned to face one of the priests, her gaze unwavering as she pointed her index finger towards Fenris.
"I believe that young boy over there is the one I'm looking for," she stated calmly. "I shall make regular visits to this school to keep a close eye on him. In the meantime, ensure that he doesn't cause any trouble," she instructed with a touch of authority.
The priest dutifully nodded in response, stepping off the stage to assume a discreet position, ready to stand guard. Aisha's unwavering gaze returned to Fenris, who had by now taken notice of her presence, giving her further reason to continue observing him closely.
Meanwhile, Tristan confidently stepped back onto the stage, effectively silencing the side chatter. With authority and conviction, he resumed his address. "I have the pleasure of introducing another distinguished individual who wishes to grace us with their presence tonight. In light of our former headmaster's resignation, it is my honor to present to you our new headmaster - a figure known as Hoshikawa!" Tristan gracefully raised his arm and elegantly stepped aside, clearing the way for the anticipated entrance of the new headmaster.
A woman with flowing black hair, reminiscent of Fenris, gracefully stepped onto the stage. Clad in a sleek black suit that starkly contrasted with the pristine white and red uniforms of the students, she instantly sparked a wave of curiosity among the onlookers. Their hushed whispers ceased as she began to address them.
"Hem, Hem. Attention, everyone. I sense your curiosity about my identity, and I am more than willing to shed light on it," Hoshikawa declared with unwavering conviction. What captivated the students most was her youthful appearance, barely in her twenties at best. "The previous headmaster and I share a deep connection, which led him to choose me as his successor. Recognizing his advancing age, he deemed me qualified for this position. For those of you who are new, I apologize if you never had the chance to know him. He was a remarkable individual and a dear friend of mine. If time permits, I would love to share stories about our bond."
"By the way, have you noticed the exotic dishes adorning the tables? I have incorporated them into Lodonea's culinary offerings, so you will find these delectable treats on the lunch menu," she smoothly shifted the topic, redirecting the students' attention to the tantalizing food before them. The realization that she was the mastermind behind the culinary delights brought smiles to their faces.
So this is why we have mouthwatering dishes like pasta and olives? This woman is truly amazing! Fenris thought to himself, his worries about Aisha fading into the background as his mind became consumed by thoughts of food. A bright smile graced his face, and his admiration for Hoshikawa grew steadily.
"And there are more changes to come during my tenure as headmaster, which I will not disclose at this moment. In the meantime, enjoy the feasts! Have a delightful evening, and I wish you all a fantastic year! Good night, everyone," Hoshikawa concluded her speech, gracefully bowing before the audience, who erupted in applause. In just one speech, their perception of her had swiftly transformed. With a snap of her fingers, several maids and butlers emerged into the dining room, replenishing the food. She then made her exit, allowing the festivities to continue uninterrupted.
That name....it reminds me of when Rifa told me about Asura's history, how its first king was someone from another world originally named Yamazaki before changing his name to Garm. Perhaps she's an otherworlder too? Fenris placed a hand on his chin as questions arose about Hoshikawa and her identity. It was evident that despite her youth, she possessed a depth of experience that surpassed her apparent age. Her name alone hinted at the possibility of her being from a different world, but jumping to conclusions without evidence would be unwise. Fenris knew he would need to gather more information himself. However, at the moment, his top priority was refocusing his attention on Aisha, who continued to watch him intently.