Despite the minor commotion, the entrance ceremony concluded without further incident, and we were instructed to move to our assigned classrooms.
The Royal Academy operated on a three-year system, with the campus divided into separate buildings for each of the five departments. Of the four classes—ranging from A to D—Rest and the sisters had been placed in Class A.
Assignments were based strictly on merit. Class A was reserved for those who had achieved the highest scores on the entrance exam. However, these positions weren't guaranteed until graduation; students were reshuffled after every end-of-term exam based on their performance. To stay in Class A, one had to maintain a constant level of excellence.
(Class A or Class D—the career paths available after graduation are worlds apart. I have to work hard so I don’t bring any shame upon the Marquis Rosemary House.)
I was already set to marry into the family. If I were to ever drop down to Class D, it would be a stain on the Marquis's reputation.
(I suppose my path after graduation will lead to becoming a Court Mage. It’s a bit irritating to enter the same profession as my biological father, but the Rosemarys are a prestigious house of mages. For the sake of my standing as a son-in-law, reaching the rank of Court Mage is probably a necessity.)
"Ah, the classroom is this way."
Primula lightly tugged on my sleeve, guiding me to the second floor of the Magic Department building. This was the home of First-year Class A.
"It looks like we can sit anywhere. Let's head toward the front," Viola suggested, pointing to a row of vacant desks.
Just as we had during the ceremony, the three of us took our seats side-by-side.
"Phew... Still, I wonder what that was all about during the ceremony?" Viola mused.
"Someone definitely fired a spell," Primula added in a low voice. "They were targeting Lady Celestine..."
The incident was naturally the primary topic of conversation. Celestine Crocus, the top student of the Magic Department, had been attacked while giving her representative greeting on stage. Even if the spell was non-lethal, it was a grave matter.
Since guests were present and the ceremony couldn't be interrupted, the faculty hadn't pursued the culprit then and there, but an attack on the daughter of a Duke was bound to cause an uproar.
"Um... Rest-sama? Was it you who blocked that mud magic?" Primula whispered, leaning in close so no one else could overhear.
"Ah... so you did notice?"
"I knew it," Viola chimed in with a knowing look. "I don't think anyone besides the two of us realized it, though."
It seemed I couldn't hide much from them.
"No one else could have reacted with a defensive spell that quickly," Viola said firmly.
"It’s only natural for you, Rest-sama," Primula added. "Neither my sister nor I could even react in time."
"You're overestimating me. Even if I hadn't stepped in, the Academy Director would have blocked it."
While I had been the one to intercept the mud bullet, the Director had activated his own barrier to protect Celestine at the exact same moment. My intervention hadn't actually been necessary.
"The fact that you can keep pace with the Academy Director is incredible in itself," Viola countered. "He’s a Sage, you know?"
"None of the other Magic Department teachers seemed able to do anything, either... You really are amazing, Rest-sama."
"Ngh..."
Being showered with such unconditional praise was genuinely embarrassing. Feeling the heat rise to my cheeks, I fell into a self-conscious silence.
"Ah! There you are!"
A vibrant voice rang out from the classroom door.
"Rest-kun! You're in the same class as well!"
With a cheerful shout, a girl with flowing red hair and a spirited aura came trotting over to my desk. It was Yuri Catreia, the daughter of the Knight Commander. She was the girl I had met during the commoner category entrance exam.
"I’m so glad you passed! It’s great to see you again!"
"Ah—er, Miss Catreia..."
"Just Yuri is fine! After all, look at the bond we share!"
What bond? We were just classmates who happened to take the same exam.
"Um... Yuri... san..."
"I said 'Yuri' is fine! And I’ll call you Rest, okay?"
"Ah, sure... I guess that's fine..."
"Rest, who might this be?" Viola asked, her voice sweet but carrying a distinct edge.
"Rest-sama, who is she?" Primula added, her smile not quite reaching her eyes.
The sisters flanked me, joining the conversation with perfect timing. Though they were smiling, I felt a sudden, inexplicable chill run down my spine.
"Right... I think I mentioned her before. This is Yuri Catreia. We met during the entrance exam."
"Are these two your friends, Rest?" Yuri asked curiously.
""We are his fiancées,"" Viola and Primula stated in perfect, unwavering unison.
Yuri’s eyes widened in surprise for a moment, but then she broke into a broad, genuine grin.
"To have such beautiful fiancées... as expected of the man I recognized! I knew you were something special!"
""Hmph...""
The sisters exchanged a quick glance, their tension easing slightly. Judging by Yuri’s reaction, she didn't seem to harbor any romantic feelings for me at all; she was just being her usual energetic self.
"I apologize, my manners were lacking," Viola said, her tone softening. "My name is Viola Rosemary. This is my younger sister, Primula."
"I am Primula. Since we’ll be classmates, I look forward to getting to know you."
As they properly introduced themselves, Yuri happily reached out to shake their hands.
"I'm Yuri! Wait... Rosemary? Does that mean you’re the daughters of the Marquis Rosemary, the Chief of the Court Mages?"
"Yes, the Marquis is our father," Viola confirmed.
"And you are from the House of Marquis Catreia, right? The Knight Commander's daughter," Primula noted as she shook Yuri's hand.
At that, Yuri’s expression turned slightly awkward, and she looked away.
"Well, technically... though I’m attending the Academy as a commoner, so please don't worry about my family name."
""............""
The sisters fell silent, their gazes suggesting they thought she probably shouldn't have introduced herself without a surname if she wanted to keep it a secret. However, to Yuri, introducing herself properly was likely just a matter of basic courtesy.
"I’m so happy. First Rest, and now I’ve made two more friends... I feel like I might actually be able to change who I am at this Academy."
Yuri shook their hands enthusiastically, her eyes bright. From her tone, it sounded like she had her own complicated reasons for being here.
"The three of you, let's make sure to get along!"
""...Yes.""
Faced with Yuri’s radiant, sun-like smile, the three of us could only nod with somewhat complicated expressions.