13 C13. Academy (I)
"Good morning, My Lord." A raspy voice woke me from my dreams as the curtains opened up, letting in the bright sunlight from outside.
"Xavier." I muttered, sitting up and rubbing my eyes.
"I've prepared your breakfast downstairs along with all the materials you require for the academy." The butler bowed.
"Alright," I yawned, leaning over to the side of the bed and placing my feet on the soft carpeted ground.
"Here's the academy schedule and dorm room number." Xavier handed me a small piece of paper with a timetable written down in perfect calligraphy.
[Schedule A
8am-9am: Breakfast
10am-12pm: Elemental Magic Theory Lesson
12pm-1pm: Break
1pm-3pm: Weapons and Combat Training
3pm-4pm: Break
4pm-6pm: Elemental Practical Lesson
6pm-8pm: Dinner
8pm-11pm: Personal Time
11pm: Lights Out
Schedule B
8am-9am: Breakfast
10am-12pm: Suin History Lesson
12pm-1pm: Break
1pm-3pm: Scholarly Lectures
3pm-4pm: Break
4pm-6pm: Language and Expressions
6pm-8pm: Dinner
8pm-11pm: Personal Time
11pm: Lights Out]
"Why is there an A and B?" I asked, looking through the two distinctly different schedules presented before me as I made my way towards the dining room, fully equipped in the academy attire.
Its dark blue blazer decorated with intricate white rims rested on my shoulders as the plain white shirt and simple black colored pants accompanied it.
"Schedule A is specialized for those who prefer to focus on combat-oriented subjects whilst the Schedule B is those who wish to pursue a future as a scholar and related career path," Xavier explained.
"Scholarly Lectures?" I continued to ask.
"The academy invites scholars from all around our country to teach classes for 2 hours every day. It's always a different scholar and a great surprise for the students who attend."
"Interesting," I muttered, putting down the schedule and sitting down on the tall artisan-crafted dining chair before me. "The current time?"
"7 am, My Lord." Xavier pulled out his pocket watch and presented it before me.
"Alright,"
I stared down the table at the giant collection of breakfast options, ranging from fried eggs on toast to a fancy noble-styled dish I would not be able to name for the life of me.
Closing my eyes and randomly picking a plate, I gulped it down in a few bites and headed out the giant mansion door.
"The carriage is waiting for you outside with all you need for the semester." The butler bowed, holding the door open.
Sure enough, there stood the fancy carriage I was all too familiar with. It's majestic black and gold decorations and the sturdy horses pulling it at the front.
I stepped into the carriage, hearing the galloping of the horses as I made myself comfortable on its cotton-filled seats.
"We'll be arriving in 30 minutes, My Lord." The driver announced as we passed the main gates of the duchy, entering the streets of the capitol. The sight of thousands of pedestrians gawked in our direction as we traveled on.
The rich streets covered with decoration dyed in all colors of the rainbow and the joyful smiles of all the citizens roaming the walkways could be observed in all directions. The sweet aroma originating from the street food stands flowed through the carriage door, allowing me to smell the freshness of the unique Suin street delicacies, each baked with the maker's heart and soul.
As I dazedly stared out the carriage windows, the sudden cry of onlookers reached my ears and the neighing of the horses caught my attention. The carriage hurried to a halt as the driver's frantic voice could be heard through the walls.
"Stop!"
A loud crack of the whip rang out as another cry came from the horses.
"Is everything alright?" I raised an eyebrow.
"We may have just had an accident, My Lord." The driver frantically replied, his voice shook with worry and a hint of confusion.
With a sigh, I pushed open the carriage door and stepped out.
In front of the carriage stood a young girl around my age, kneeling down in defense position with her arms holding out a short wooden stick, casting a thin purple colored magic circle capable of blocking the impact between herself and the horses.
"I'm so sorry!" She stood up and bowed, the magic circle slowly dissipating as she lowered her arm.
Looking closely, the familiar-looking blazer and the white and black clothing suddenly made me realize the situation.
"You-" I began, walking closer as my sensitive werewolf nose caught a unique smell emanating from her.
"Oh no!" She suddenly glanced down at her small wristwatch and spun around, dashing towards the Academy building, leaving nothing behind but a trail of dust.
Frowning deeper, I glanced over at the driver who still seemed to be in shock and staring into blank space.
"Let's keep going," I demanded, jumping back on.
Humans have a unique smell. If I'm to pick something similar to back in my old world. It'll be similar to turkey. A lightly braised turkey. All humans have that scent, the edible sort of scent. However, that girl. She smelt different. As if someone applied turkey-flavored paint onto a mannequin.
"Interesting."
————
"Lord Einsoi." an elderly gentleman approached me as I exited the carriage beside the administration building. "I am the academy's Head Chairman, Jerrion Ocanison. It's a pleasure to finally meet you."
"Likewise," I replied with a smile, my eyes slowly glancing around at the giant well-maintained flowerbeds decorating the grounds of the academy's front entrance.
"I would love if you'd come inside to fill in a few documents before showing you your dormitory and classrooms." He opened a large wooden door with the large 'Front Administration' sign hung above it.
"This is the main administration room used for new enrollments and inquiries. Everything from the student recruitment examinations, to expelling unqualified students is all done here." He explained, leading me into a small office towards the back.
"Please. Take a seat." He gestured to a small guest chair as he made himself comfortable on the main office chair.
"I presume you have taken a look at the school schedules?" He put on a pair of spectacles and glanced down at a piece of paper, a quill in hand.
"I have," I replied.
"Have you chosen which one you prefer?"
"Schedule A," I answered without hesitation.
"Very well."
The Head Chairman scribbled a few sentences onto the paper.
"Would you allow me to test your elemental affinity?" He glanced up, taking out a small clear crystal. "Simply touch it and it'll display the results."
"Alright." I nodded, walking up and placing a hand on the ball.
Within seconds, a light green color lit up brightly from the core of the crystal ball.
"Wind Element, I see." He adjusted his glasses and continued to scribble down on the piece of paper. "All right."
The scrapping of the chair on the wooden planked ground echoed out within the small office room as the Head Chairman stood up, a small paper slip in hand.
"Okay. Follow me." He directed, walking past me and opened the door. "I'll show you around."
