The atmosphere shifted the moment I stepped into the classroom.
The room was spacious, and the ceilings soared high above. The decorations weren't overly gaudy, but their quality was evident at a glance.
"...Whoa. Talk about a school for the elite."
The desks were designed for individuals, but there was plenty of room beside each one for an attendant to stand.
"It is over here, Luka-sama."
Yuka guided me to my seat, checking the roster she had been provided beforehand.
My spot was toward the back, right by the window.
—Is this perfect or what?
I wouldn't stand out. I wouldn't be in the front. This was the absolute best setup.
The moment I sat down, I heard hushed whispers from the students around me.
"That boy... he's from the House of Noctear..."
"A Ducal House, isn't it?"
"Incredible... You can just sense his nobility..."
I see, I see. I wasn't quite sure what they were seeing, but I’d personally recommend a trip to the optometrist. If you’re sensing 'nobility' from me, you clearly need glasses.
Not that I intended to say any of that out loud, of course.
Yuka stood slightly behind me and to the side. This distance had already started to feel natural for us.
Wait, she's not going to be standing there during the actual lessons, right?
"...Excuse me."
A voice called out from the neighboring desk. I looked over to find a boy of about the same age peering at me. His hair was a somewhat bright brown, and his expression was soft, lacking the overbearing aura typical of high-ranking nobles.
"Um, are you from House Noctear?"
"I am."
When I answered immediately, his eyes lit up.
"I knew it! My name is Allen Milford."
He was high-energy. Between his proximity and his vibe, this was... a 'sunny' noble.
"I'm Luka Noctear. Nice to meet you."
"Nice to meet you too!"
He thrust his hand out vigorously. A handshake, huh? I didn't have many opportunities for those in my previous life.
"Looking forward to it," I said, taking his hand.
"Yes!"
Allen beamed. It was a great smile. I’ll go ahead and rank it second in this year's 'Smiles I Want to Protect' rankings. First place was Yuka, obviously. No contest there.
"You brought an attendant with you, too."
"Yeah, that's right."
At my words, Yuka gave a polite, shallow bow.
"I am called Yuka."
"Nice to meet you!"
Allen nodded with an impressed air, then lowered his voice conspiratorially. "Hey, have you heard?"
"Heard what?"
"About the people everyone's talking about."
...Don't tell me you're part of the rumor mill too.
"You mean Selena-sama and Lene-san, right?"
"I knew you'd know!"
Of course I knew. I'd heard enough to last a lifetime in the hallways earlier.
"Apparently Selena-sama is in this same class."
"Heh."
"Lene-san is in the Sword Arts Department, so she's in a different building."
Is this kid an information broker?
"So, is it true that everyone from House Noctear has incredible magical power?"
"If you judge by lineage, perhaps."
"Eh?"
I shrugged my shoulders. "Personally, I'm just ordinary."
"Are you being humble~?"
—No, I'm really not.
In fact, that kind of comment actually stings a little, so please stop. However, I didn't feel like explaining my circumstances, so I just laughed it off.
Right then, the front of the classroom suddenly fell silent.
"...She's here," someone whispered.
Standing in the doorway was a girl with silver hair. Her posture was perfect, her gaze fixed straight ahead. She possessed a presence that naturally dominated the surrounding space.
"Whoa, she's gorgeous..."
"That's Selena-sama..."
The first subject of the rumors. It looked like we really were in the same class.
I rested my chin on my hand.
—Well then.
Maybe I'll just take a nap. I get my fill of looking at beautiful girls with Elicia and Yuka anyway.
Just as the thought crossed my mind, the classroom door closed with a sharp, heavy thud.
"—Silence."
The voice was low and carried exceptionally well. Conversations died out instantly, and the air grew taut.
Standing at the lectern was a man with black hair and glasses. He looked to be in his late thirties. There was nothing flashy about him, but his stance was efficient and controlled. He felt more like a soldier than a magic instructor.
"I am the homeroom teacher in charge of this class. My name is Raven Crawford."
He didn't bother writing on the board. He looked like the type of man who felt an introduction was more than enough.
...He looks strict. Actually, he's definitely the strict type.
"This is the Royal Academy. And specifically—"
The teacher looked over the entire room once.
"The Elementary School Division, Magic Department. As you know, the academy is divided into three sections."
He held up his fingers one by one.
"Elementary."
"Middle School."
"High School. After graduation, your paths will lead to the Royal Court, research institutions, the military, or the management of your own estates. Your futures are varied, but—"
The gaze behind his glasses sharpened.
"Without talent, none of those paths will be easy."
The mood in the room grew heavy.
"The majority of this class are nobles. However, there are also commoners enrolled here who were scouted for their talent."
He glanced briefly toward a few specific students. They straightened their backs under his gaze.
"Do not rely on your status. Do not be conceited about your talent. That is the fundamental policy of this academy."
I see. Just as I thought, he's a hard-ass. Yep, I definitely lost the homeroom teacher lottery.
"Now then."
The teacher cleared his throat once before continuing.
"I will explain the details of our lessons, the examination system, and practical evaluations at a later date."
That was a relief. Even if he told me now, I’d probably be half-asleep for most of it.
"Today is for orientation only. ...However, before that."
The teacher turned his eyes toward the back of the room.
"Attendants."
Yuka's shoulders moved slightly at the call.
"There will be a dedicated briefing for attendants following this. Follow the guides and exit the room immediately."
A small stir of whispers went through the room.
"Attendants do not enter the classroom during lessons. That is the rule of this academy."
I glanced back. Yuka wore her usual composed expression and gave a small nod.
"I'll see you later."
"Yes. You as well, Luka-sama."
Her voice was just a fraction softer than usual.
The attendants filed out of the room one by one. Once the door closed, the classroom suddenly became a space for 'students only.'
...What was this feeling? Suddenly, I felt a bit lonely.
I'd been with Yuka the whole time lately. To think someone would have the nerve to tear me and my dear Yuka apart... I’ve memorized this guy's name. I won't forget this.
"Then, let us begin again," the teacher said, clapping his hands. "From today, you are students of the Royal Academy. First, start by getting used to this environment."
He stepped down from the lectern.
"Next, we will have brief self-introductions. State your name and your house. That is all."
...It was here. Self-introduction hell.
Stating my name was easy enough, but I wasn't looking forward to the attention a Ducal House would attract. I desperately fought the urge to slump over onto my desk. Not having Yuka here was a blow, but I'd just have to make do with Allen next to me.
I immediately began trying to find a mathematical formula where Allen equaled Yuka.
"We will start from the front row on the left."
With Raven-sensei's command, my escape route vanished.
The first to stand was a boy with red hair.
"I am Lloyd Valgrim. From a Viscount family. That is all."
Short. And he sat down incredibly fast.
...Is this the pattern? If everyone keeps it that brief, this might actually be a win.
A few more followed—stating their status as Count or Margrave, giving their names, and sitting back down. Their 'standard noble etiquette' was remarkably efficient.
Look at all these mass-produced types. I’ll definitely be copying them.
And then—
The sound of a chair being pulled back quietly echoed through the room. The girl with silver hair stood up, and the atmosphere in the classroom shifted visibly.
"I am Selena Alphyria."
Her voice was clear and poised.
"Second daughter of a Ducal House. My attributes are Water and Light. ...That is all."
That was it. And yet...
"...Wow."
"She really is on another level..."
Sighs of admiration leaked out from all corners of the room. Dual attributes and a Ducal House to boot. It was no wonder she was the talk of the school. Selena didn't spare a glance for her surroundings and quietly resumed her seat, her gaze fixed forward.
...Yeah, she’s definitely the 'unapproachable' type.
"Next."
The line kept moving until, finally, it was Allen's turn.
"Yes!"
He stood up with enough energy to power a small village.
"I'm Allen Milford! From a Count's house! My specialty is Wind magic, and I want to make lots of friends here at the academy!"
...So bright. He was so cheery he was actually an outlier in this room. However, the heavy atmosphere did soften a little. Well done, kid. I might actually have to praise you for that.
"Looking forward to meeting you all!" he finished with a grin.
A few students chuckled. Truly, 'sunny' people are a force for good.
And then...
"Next."
That was me. It had finally come.
I stood up slowly. Hmph. Allow me to show these small-fry. Even if I was a commoner in my past life, I’ve spent seven years in a Ducal House. I’d show them the communication skills my mother had beaten into me!
"I am Luka Noctear."
The room buzzed instantly.
"Ah."
"Noctear..."
"From the Ducal House...?"
Yeah, I figured they’d react like that.
"My magical attribute is Fire. ...Nice to meet you."
I sat down immediately. Perfect. I didn't say a single unnecessary word.
From beside me, Allen whispered, "That was fast."
"I just dislike long speeches."
After that, the rest of the class finished up—from commoners attending on recommendations to noble children whose voices shook with nerves. Finally, the last person sat down.
"...Very well. That is everyone," Raven-sensei said with a nod. "That concludes today's session. After this, you will be given a tour of the grounds."
He paused for a moment.
"Once you regroup with your attendants, you are dismissed to return home."
...I was saved. I’m pretty sure I managed to play the part of a generic high-ranking noble son perfectly.
I leaned back deeply into my chair. I was exhausted, but since I had to wait for Yuka anyway, maybe I’d go on a little adventure around the campus?
Just as the thought occurred to me...
"Luka-sama, I have come to fetch you."
"Whoa, you're early."
"Yes. The carriage is waiting, so let us depart."
"Thanks."
And so, my first day at the academy ended without any major incidents. I’d mostly only talked to Yuka, but honestly, interacting with a 'sunny' person like Allen was probably enough social stimulation to last me a while.
Still, the thought of actually learning magic here from now on was exciting.
...Well, regardless of the limits of my talent, I intended to enjoy myself. Maybe one day I’d even get to know those legendary prodigies everyone was talking about.