“Magic is a natural phenomenon reproduced through the use of magical power...”
The person standing at the podium was draped in a robe, looking every bit the stereotypical magician.
I thought he looked familiar; it turned out to be Harrier-sensei, the tutor I’d met before.
“This section covers the application of basic principles. Mastering this will prove useful when invoking various types of magic.”
As the teacher spoke, the other students scribbled furiously in their notebooks. I watched them from the back of the room, resting my chin on my hand.
Everyone was certainly working hard. Look at them; they were like robots. I refused to become the kind of person ruled by academic drudgery. Besides, having Yuka around was more than enough.
What? You think I’m relying on her too much? I’m simply creating opportunities to facilitate better communication between us.
...Though, what would I do if she actually thought I was a nuisance?
To be fair, I had spoiled her rotten at first. I stayed by her side from the moment she woke up until she went to sleep. For some reason, Yuka became entirely independent by the third day, and before I knew it, our roles had reversed.
Strange, isn't it? As long as Yuka didn’t mind, it was fine, but if she was pushing herself too hard, I could become a perfect superhuman in a heartbeat.
While I was lost in thought, the ringing of a bell announced the end of the lesson.
“...Ah, very well. That concludes today's class. I shall see you all again tomorrow.”
Harrier-sensei packed his things and left the room. It had been a fairly interesting lecture, even if I hadn't understood more than half of it.
Surveying the classroom, I saw that most of the students looked utterly exhausted. The only one who still seemed energetic was... that rumored Selena-san?
No, rather than energetic, her composure simply hadn't wavered from the very start. I felt like our eyes met for a fleeting second, but she immediately looked away as if she had lost interest.
Well, whatever. It seemed Lady Selena and I were the only ones who had found the class easy. I suppose that was the view from the top.
“Haa... I’m exhausted, and it’s only the first day, Luka-sama.”
“Ah, yeah. Good job.”
I’d just been sitting there listening, and my notebook was a complete blank.
“...As expected of you.”
“Eh? What is?”
“While everyone else was so desperate during the lecture, you seemed so composed, Luka-sama.”
“Ah, ehehe. Of course I was...”
I’d have to ask Yuka for help when I got home. Actually, was Yuka even taking the same classes? If so, there wasn't much point in having separate rooms, unless the attendants had a special curriculum of their own.
Setting that aside, it was time for the main event. The students began streaming out of the classroom.
“Luka-sama, I’m sorry to have kept you waiting.”
“No, it’s fine. Shall we go?”
Yuka had arrived at the perfect time. Now, onward to the Dining Hall!
But before that...
“Allen, the Academy doesn’t emphasize differences in social standing. As friends, you don’t need to use formal speech with me.”
“Eh? Are you serious?!”
“Yeah. Anyway, I’m heading to the Dining Hall. See ya.”
“Yes, sir! I mean—right!”
This was how friends were supposed to be. Noble hierarchies were far too stiff for my liking.
“Hm? Is something wrong, Yuka?”
“No, it’s nothing.”
I felt like her expression had softened slightly. Yuka must have been looking forward to lunch as much as I was.
The moment we stepped into the Dining Hall, the aroma of freshly baked bread and savory soup tickled my nose.
“...That smells mouth-watering.”
My true feelings slipped out. In the wide central hall, students were claiming seats wherever they liked. However, when I gave my name to the attendant at the entrance—
“Luka-sama of the House of Duke Noctear, I presume? This way, please.”
There was a sudden lull in the room. Then, the atmosphere shifted. I felt gazes piercing me and heard hushed whispers. “A-Ah, that’s him...” came the reactions.
So this was the power of a Ducal House.
I was guided toward the back of the hall. The partitions were low, but the atmosphere was clearly different.
“Is it here?”
“Yes.”
The tablecloth was of high quality, and the tableware was rimmed with silver. Warm soup and bread were already waiting at the table.
“...This is incredible.”
It was my honest impression. Yuka naturally moved to stand beside me, but then, almost reflexively, she started to take a step back.
In that moment, she seemed to realize something. This was the Academy. There was no need to stand behind her master here. Furthermore, as things stood now... it was only natural for her to sit beside me.
After a brief hesitation, Yuka quietly took the seat next to mine.
“...Yuka?”
“Yes?”
“No, it’s nothing.”
I didn't say anything more, but I felt a small wave of relief. Having her next to me was definitely better. Come to think of it, was this the first time Yuka had chosen to sit beside me on her own?
I decided to take a reassuring first sip of the soup.
“Mm, delicious.”
“I’m glad to hear that.”
I tore off a piece of bread and took another bite. Not bad at all. At this point, wasn't I basically winning at Academy life?
Just as that thought crossed my mind, I noticed something.
“...Ah.”
At a table a short distance away in the Noble Section, I saw a familiar head of silver hair. Even in the standard uniform, her presence naturally drew the eye. She sat with perfect posture, possessing a refined air that stood out despite her reserved nature.
“...Elicia?”
When I whispered her name, she seemed to notice me. Our eyes met for a moment. Then, she gave a soft, gentle smile.
“It has been a long time, Luka-sama.”
Her voice was quiet, but it reached me clearly.
“It has been a while.”
“I didn't expect to see you at the Academy.”
“Me neither.”
Elicia had her own attendant behind her. Further away, I could see my second older brother, Fazil, sitting with his fiancée. I see. Was I being excluded from the family table?
“And this is...?”
“I am Yuka.”
Before I could introduce her, Yuka gave a polite bow.
“It is an honor to meet you, Lady Elicia.”
“Oh my...” Elicia blinked in surprise before her smile widened. “I have heard the rumors. They say that Luka-sama treasures you very dearly.”
“...Yes.”
Yuka’s reply was brief, but her tone was much softer than it had been before.
“How is Academy life treating you?”
“It’s fun so far, though I’m a bit sleepy.”
“Fufu,” Elicia giggled. “You haven't changed a bit.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment.”
“It was intended as one.”
Her response was immediate. We exchanged a few more peaceful words in the quiet of the Noble Section. I finished my soup and thought to myself that the Academy was truly the best. Good food and good company—this was exactly how things should be.
I was about to reach for the next dish when I heard footsteps approaching. I looked up to see who it was.
“An honor to meet you, Luka-sama of the House of Duke Noctear.”
Standing there was a man with flowing, light blue hair and remarkably handsome features.
...Who was this guy?
“And it has been quite a while, Lady Elicia.”
He turned his gaze toward Elicia and gave another elegant bow. Elicia kept her smile fixed in place.
Ah... was this one of those situations where I should probably excuse myself?