Hearing the clapping sounds, I knew it was time to go. As I lifted my head to look upfront, I met a pair of mesmerizing light blue eyes…
Again, I found myself stunned by his gaze.
That kid will make me crazy!
As my brain was already beginning to spin, I found myself astonished again by the smile he flashed me afterwards.
- The hell!?
Fortunately for me, everyone was still immersed in their clapping motions, not noticing the strange deeds of the boy. If not, they would have thrown daggers at me to dare draw the "attention" of the adored man.
Not knowing what to do, I shifted my sights, preferring to observe the beautiful scenery outside the open doors.
Since I knew him, I always found myself acting out of character. Shifting between shock and awkwardness, I oftentimes acted like a silly girl.
Not that it would inconvenience me, as it was the image I wanted to convey to the world. (not really)
Still, an act was an act, and reality was reality!
- How am I supposed to deal with that? It's not like I had any lessons on dealing with teenage monsters!
One would question why I viewed the seemingly innocent boy so badly, going as far as calling him a monster. To which I would respond that, apart from his known cruel personality and eccentric tendencies, I had no reason to dislike him.
He was only a borderline psychopath with deep killing cravings that he resolved by having multiple partners. After all, it's not like I was in a R18-rated BL novel reverse harem!!?
- I would have given him the benefit of the doubt if I knew his story—if it was a legitimate one—but I don't!
In fact, the only pieces of information I knew about him was that he had a freaky personality and that he was THE main character.
Seriously, approaching him knowing the bare minimum was like navigating in a dark labyrinth with a lightbulb but no map. Where was I supposed to go??
Well, at least I had made my choice. I would just live my life in the academy as I see fit.
-Surely if I don't go out of my way, soon he will forget about my existence! Yea, that's right, that's the best decision!
.....
" Hello!" I said this to the dark-skinned boy who I found next to me again. "So, how do things work out here?"
"Hey! You are new?" He inquired with his hoarse but vibrant voice.
-Wow, I surely did not expect this one!
"Yea."
"Hmmm…well, there's that: if you want to pass a good time here, better not involve yourself with the academy's aces. Also, try to make yourself liked by Bernard, or you will live a hell of a time!"
"And who are those famous Academy's Aces? And Bernard?"
"The Aces are the four boys there…see them?" He nodded towards Mainu, Daniel, and the two other handsome boys. "They are the eye candy of approximately everyone here, and moreover, they have a terrifying nonformal fan club!"
"As for Bernard, he is the senior's principal teacher. He works practically for all factions. He is the only one to do so, by the way. He is a genius among geniuses." Said the young man proudly. He seemed to really respect and appreciate the instructor.
"If he is so great, then why stand on tiptoes with him?"
"No, no, that's exactly why you must not let your guard down.
Because he is himself a genius, he expects a lot more from his students. And since he is every faction's teacher, you will be sure to run into him!"
"Okay, got that! What about you then?" I asked him to know more about the funny man, and by the same way making a friend.
"Oh, sorry, I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Aaron. Don't have a surname. And ya?"
"My name is Gorgia . You can call me Gege!"
"From the mage faction, I imagine?"
"Yep! And you a knight ? You do look the part!"
" Right?! It's the muscles, ain't it? I spent great years tending those babies!" The man practically hurled, proudly exhibiting himself.
"Hahahahaa! You are right! It's the muscles." I replied, dying of laughter.
It has been quite a long time since someone from this world made me laugh so much.
Usually, the only time people—apart from Ricardo and Aria—made me laugh was when they made a joke of themselves.
"So you are a senior, right? You look to be younger, though."
"It's because I am. I'm fourteen… and this is also my first year in any academy whatsoever."
" Really!? You surely have a lot of things to catch on to then! Don't worry, with my help, you'll soon get the move!"
"I'm counting on you, then, Aaron!"
While we continued to discuss, the referees finished their demonstration of the different factions's duties.
After the speech from earlier, we had been separated into two groups: one (the alchemists and scholars) going into the bureaucratic building and the other (Mages, Knights, and Tammers) moving out to the open practice ground.
Now we were waiting for the end of the session. To be honest, this afternoon looked more like a social meeting than a formal session. Everyone was quite at ease, joining their friends to talk about their vacations or something.
Shortly after, it was finally the end. I waved Aaron goodbye before heading back to my dormitory room. As for Aaron, he said that he had to go somewhere first.
As soon as I hit home, I took a shower and brushed my teeth.
Normally I should have eaten first, but the lack of energy made me too lazy to go. I chose to eat the next day.
Just like usual, I picked a random book to read before sleeping. By doing so, it was easier for me to fight my occasional insomnia.
.
.
.
.
.
.
The next day, I was back on my feet, fresh and anew.
I prepared myself before tying my hair in a tight bun. I then checked if I had any wrinkles on my pale blue dress or if I had forgotten anything before heading out.
In the corridors, I could already see some early birds, just like me. They were neat and presentable, just like the etiquette expected of them.
As I entered the cafeteria, the first thing my eyes landed on was a pretty polar white-haired boy sitting quietly by the window. Even though he was in a secluded area, he was still eye-catching.
- Great, my day begins so well... I internally ironazed, rolling my eyes.
For breakfast, I chose some exotic fruits and juice. Nothing too much.
Slowly nibbling on my food while savoring it, I did not notice at first the arrival of my new friend, Aaron. It was only when he greeted me that I came out of my trance.
" Oh! Yea, hello! How are you?"
"Fine, and ya?"
"Perfect!"
"Those must be really fine for you to look so immersed in them!" he joked.
"Well, they surely are sweet! Want some?"
"No, I am fine. Have to regulate my food. I have a diet to keep! "
I did not notice it at first, but I seemed to be really comfortable with Aaron. Without knowing when, it seems that I have taken an informal speech to talk with him.
That's a way of addressing people I've never taken since my past life, when I was still a carefree middle-class student. Even with my brother, we still talked in a somewhat formal way.
Again, I found similarities between Aaron and Lily in their ability to make anyone feel at ease. Maybe that's why I appreciated him so much.
"So what do you begin with?" I asked him, finishing my plate.
"I don't have anything this morning. And ya?"
"I still don't know yet. I have to meet the principal this morning to get my schedules and uniforms."
"It's true that you don't have one. How about I lead you to his office?"
"Yes, that would help me a lot! Thanks !"
As we walked to one of the principal buildings, we discussed more personal matters. I found out that Aaron was an orphan who aimed to become a knight of the Red Star Circle—the knight that fought the monsters at the border of the country, in the lost lands.
He thought that this profession was an honorable one that deserved the credit given to it. Moreover, he had a girlfriend named Gesys who worked as a waitress in a famous restaurant in the capital city. They had been together since they were kids, growing up together. Now, at seventeen years old, he was only waiting to get his diploma before marrying her. Fortunately, he had only two years left as his senior course was nearing completion.
As for me, I told him about my twin, Ricardo, and my hobbies. I did not share too much about my family, as it wouldn't be a wise idea.
I talked about what he already knew: my age and my faction. My aspirations and my beliefs.
- Thinking about marriage, my coming of age will be hosted in a not-so-distant future... barely two years left.
Arriving at the principal's office door, he greeted me goodbye before leaving. Then , knocking, I asked to enter.
"Yes, come here!" A cheerful but stable voice responded.
"Good morning, Principal. My name is Gorgia Premeson, a new student here at the Royal Academy. As ensued, I came to pick up my faction schedules and uniforms."
" Right! Gorgia Premeson! I heard a lot about you, young girl … You are promised to big things indeed." The advanced age man uttered, full of confidence. On his wrinkled face, one could guess the adventures he had lived younger. And his long, semi-white beard gave him the impression of kindness and benevolence.
- He looks like Santa Claus…
"I am touched by your good grace, mister."
" Yes yes…"he replied, dismissing my words of fake modesty. "Here is your schedule. You will begin your courses with the other students of the mage faction tomorrow morning. As for your uniforms and the academy's rules and policies, you will get those from your guide."
"My guide?"
"Yes, your guide."
"As a new student, the members of the student's council have decided to confer you a guide in the first part of the semester to help you acclimate yourself here."
"Your guide has been chosen by your schedules and faction's match. Moreover, they chose a student close to your age range to make you more comfortable."
"Can I know his name?"
"I will let him introduce himself to you when he arrives. Shall not take him too long now." Replied the principal with a small smile. And as soon as he said so, like magic (which is totally possible, by the way), we heard knockings.
"Come in!"
Turning my head toward the new arrival, I staggered. I was dumbfounded by the odds of fate.
- Seriously, again!???
"Good morning, Principal, miss."