For a moment, they simply stared at each other. There was a sense of unspoken curiosity. Then, with a faint nod, she turned away and left…
Brody nudged Hayden, snapping him out of his thoughts. "What are you staring at? Don't tell me you've got a crush on Lady Valenford already."
The twin brothers had actually noticed the small interaction just now.
Henry chuckled. "Give him a break, Brody. She's probably the most interesting thing to happen to this academy in years."
Hayden shook his head as these twin brothers were just messing with him.
Soon, the three of them separated as Hayden still needed to attend the new student orientation.
***
Hayden was now inside the Administration Hall of the Dawnspire Academy. The hall wasn't huge but he could tell that the owner of this Academy was definitely rich…
Since his father mentioned that it was built by retired Knights, he didn't expect much to it… However, it seemed that he had underestimated the wealth and capabilities of retired Knights.
In any case, a handful of new students around his age were scattered around the room, some looking excited while the others were nervous or annoyed.
Needless to say, with the mind of a trained soldier, he was quite calm and was just observing or analyzing the whole place with the help of his Ocularis Lens.
As he approached the registration desk, he overheard a group of children complaining loudly.
"Where are the servants? I can't carry all this by myself!" one boy whined, gesturing to a pile of luggage at his feet.
That luggage was just the new uniform and various materials that were given to new students. Hayden will receive those things as well after this.
Another girl chimed in. "This is ridiculous! My father is a baron, and I'm not used to being treated like a commoner!"
Hayden suppressed a sigh.
It seemed some of his fellow students hadn't quite grasped the concept of independence.
Well, it wasn't surprising given their current age.
Thankfully, a group of older students—likely assistants or upperclassmen—stepped in to help, directing the newcomers and answering their questions.
After all, one servant was still allowed to assist these kids. However, they just needed to attend their own orientation as they weren't allowed to most areas within the Academy.
Of course, he learned about this from his brothers.
***
When it was Hayden's turn at the registration desk, a stern-looking official with a clipboard greeted him. "Name?"
"Hayden Gray," he replied.
The official scanned his list, then nodded with a smile. "Ah, yes. The youngest Gray. Your brothers are already here, I see. Welcome to Dawnspire."
Hayden nodded politely. It seemed that his brothers were quite known. "Thank you."
The official handed him a stack of items: sets of neatly folded uniforms, an identification card, and a small booklet titled "Rules and Regulations of the Dawnspire Academy."
"Your uniform must be worn at all times during classes and official events. Your identification card grants you access to the training grounds, library, and dining hall. Lose it, and you'll have to pay a fee to replace it."
Hayden flipped through the booklet, noting the detailed rules. "Understood."
The official nodded and added… "A word of advice, young Gray. The academy values discipline and self-reliance. You're allowed one servant, but they're restricted to certain areas. Once you reach the Squire stage, they'll have to leave entirely. Use this time to learn how to stand on your own."
Hayden nodded again. "I will. Thank you."
***
After completing the registration process, Hayden was escorted to one of the dormitory buildings by an upperclassman.
The building was quite modest but it seemed to be a well-maintained structure, housing twenty new students and their servants.
Each room was shared by two students, with a small adjoining space for their servants.
Hayden's servant, Troy, the coachman who had accompanied them on the journey, was already waiting in the room. Troy was already used to this task since he was previously Henry's servant in this Academy.
"Welcome, young master," Troy said as he saw Hayden.
"I've unpacked your things and arranged them as you like. The academy's rules are strict, but we'll manage."
Hayden smiled. "Thank you, Troy. I appreciate your help."
Troy smiled. "It's my job, isn't it? Though I must say, this place is completely different from the manor. No fancy meals or soft beds here."
Hayden shrugged. "I didn't come here for comfort. I came to learn."
Troy nodded approvingly. "That's the spirit. Just remember, young master, you're not alone. If you need anything, I'm here."
Hayden glanced around the room, taking in the simple furnishings: two beds, a desk, and a small wardrobe. It wasn't much, but it was enough.
"I'll keep that in mind. For now, let's focus on settling in."
As Hayden unpacked, he flipped through the Rules and Regulations booklet.
The academy's rules were strict but fair.
Students were expected to attend all classes and training sessions, maintain their uniforms and equipment, and adhere to a curfew.
Servants were allowed in the dormitories and certain designated areas but were barred from the training grounds, classrooms, and other areas.
One rule caught Hayden's eye: "Students are encouraged to resolve disputes through formal duels, supervised by academy staff. Unauthorized fighting will result in disciplinary action."
Troy noticed Hayden's expression and asked. "Something troubling you, young master?"
Hayden shook his head. "Not really. Just thinking about how different this place is from home. It's going to be a challenge, but I'm ready for it."
Troy smiled as he could already tell that Hayden was a lot more mature compared to when he served Henry.
"That's the attitude. I have no doubt you'll do well here."
After working as a servant in this Academy for several years, he knew plenty of things that Hayden didn't know, like the number of students quitting a few weeks or months of staying here.