I walked back to my room after finishing an awkward meal with Keith in silence. Sitting down in the study room, I delved into my students' manual.
The school's hierarchy was straightforward. There was the school administrative board, comprising five members including the principal. Realizing they were likely the same five from the exam made me feel uneasy. If they truly constituted the school's administrative board, then my earlier comments seemed misplaced.
The principal held a distinct rank, overseeing the entire school and making crucial decisions. Meanwhile, the administrative board managed external affairs, while the principal controlled internal school matters.
Then there were the professors—students who stayed behind to conduct research and contribute to the school. This prestigious position was awarded every five years. While some professors also served as advisors, most remained anonymous, focusing solely on their scholarly pursuits.
Next in line was the student council, composed of promising students who excelled in three main areas: academic performance, public relations, and decision-making skills. The top student in these areas became the head of the council, acting as a liaison between the administration and the student body. Other council members were selected based on these criteria, totaling six regular members plus the head.
Teachers, despite their roles, held no definitive power, which varied depending on their position and influence within the school. Similarly, special-grade students enjoyed privileges but lacked authoritative power.
"Interesting," I murmured to myself, flipping through the rules.
The guidelines were mostly as expected—dos and don'ts that aligned with my simple goal of studying without distraction.
My attention snagged on a section titled "Mandatory Requirements for Fresh Students":
'All new students must undergo a comprehensive check-up, including health assessments, height, weight, and more.
There will be a mandatory ranking assessment at the start of each school year to evaluate magical status and ranking.
Attendance at the orientation seminar and class distribution is compulsory.
A socialization night for new students on the second night after resumption is mandatory, with strict adherence to specified rules.'
I scanned the details carefully, feeling apprehensive about the upcoming socialization event. I preferred to avoid unnecessary interactions until graduation, especially considering the rumors that students might already dislike me.
Tyler's entrance interrupted my thoughts. As he sat beside me, I sighed, voicing my nervousness.
"Tyler, I'm feeling anxious again," I confessed, hoping to find a way out of the impending event.
"I don't want to get involved with anyone," I stated firmly, standing up. "I've been studying all week. It's best to take a break now; tomorrow, I'll be ready to fully embrace school life."
"Should we just rest?" I asked as we headed towards the room.
...
A knock on my door roused me from my thoughts. I opened it to find Sienna, her purple eyes peering at me from behind glasses. She was clad in trousers and a blazer adorned with the Galliel symbol.
"Faina, I've got some interesting news about you," she announced abruptly. Remembering Elise's advice on respecting personal space, I wondered if Sienna was aware of this etiquette.
"Um, okay," I stammered, caught off guard by her directness. She seemed momentarily surprised before regaining composure.
"You really have a pet wolf," she exclaimed, eyeing Tyler who stood beside me.
"Yes, this is Tyler," I confirmed, patting his head affectionately.
"Hi, Tyler. I'm Sienna," she greeted him warmly, her amusement evident.
"Let's go," she said, gesturing for us to follow.
"Okay," I replied, falling into step behind her.
"You can bring Tyler along," she added, which relieved me—going alone would have been daunting.
"Let's go, Ty," I whispered to him as we walked.
We traversed to another building on the opposite side of the school, leaving me exhausted upon arrival.
"We'll get your uniform and other school supplies here. Uniforms are mandatory only in classrooms; elsewhere, it's optional. You'll receive three different uniforms in your size, and you can choose between trousers or skirts," Sienna explained as we entered.
Inside, we were greeted by a kindly old lady.
"You're here! Ah, this must be the new student," she exclaimed, eyeing me up and down. "Let's get your measurements for the uniform right away," she said efficiently, leaving no room for protest as she took my measurements swiftly. "Skirt or trousers?" she asked as we exited.
"Both," Sienna answered for me, but the lady sharply rebuked her.
"I wasn't talking to you," she snapped, cutting fabric decisively.
"It's okay, I'd like both," I interjected, surprised at her intuition.
"Let's wait in the lobby; she's known for her speed," Sienna whispered to me, and I nodded. "There are rumors she has extra hands because she never lets anyone stay while she sews. She finishes in less than ten minutes per uniform—she must use magic."
We waited outside briefly before being summoned back inside. I patted Tyler, grateful for his assistance in carrying bags that would have otherwise overwhelmed me.
"Your uniforms are ready; it didn't take long," the lady said cheerfully, whisking me behind a curtain and handing me the clothes. I understood her unspoken directive and swiftly changed.
The first outfit was a peach-colored skirt with a white shirt and a matching blazer with chequered patterns. Stepping out, I awaited her approval, which she gave with a smile before pushing me back to try the next—a black version of the same style. The last outfit was a black skirt with an azure blazer. For the black sets, I opted for trousers. The skirts reached just below my knees, so she provided socks—white for the peach uniform and black for the others.
"It looks great," she beamed, her demeanor friendly outside of her sewing room.
"Thank you," I replied sincerely, and she waved us off.
"Next stop, the shoemaker," Sienna announced, as Tyler dutifully carried the bags.
We entered another room, where an elderly man meticulously cleaned shoes. He acknowledged our presence briefly before returning to his task.
"Sit down," he ordered, and we complied. After arranging the shoes, he examined my legs critically before retrieving five boxes.
Sitting opposite me, he tested each shoe on my right foot until finding the perfect fit.
"You've got small feet, kid," he remarked casually. I blushed, feeling self-conscious.
"Thank you," I murmured, accepting the boxes with gratitude.
Back in the dorm, we deposited our purchases in my room.
"We've missed lunch, but meet me in the dining hall by seven; everyone will be there," Sienna instructed before departing. I wasn't eager to meet more people.
"Oh, and I was told to give you this," she added, handing me a sheet of paper from her pocket. I scanned it—it was the two-week schedule the principal had mentioned. At least I'd have something to focus on.
After arranging my clothes and shoes, I took a quick bath before heading downstairs. Despite the darkness outside, the halls were brightly lit.
Approaching the dining hall, I felt my heart race. I had to face this.
Entering, I hesitated near the door as curious eyes turned toward me.
The hall was vast, filled with various tables. Everyone sat together at a long, communal table. I briefly considered hiding in a corner with my head down but gathered my courage.
How should I introduce myself? What should I do?