Chapter 47
Passing through the iron gates that opened earlier than expected, students with faces flushed from anticipation and excitement, their eyes shining, walk cheerfully along the tree-lined path.
The students proceed directly to the building where the entrance ceremony will be held, while parents and coachmen carrying luggage are guided by staff to the dormitories.
"......Mixed Class"
On the paper checked at the gate, the words "Mixed Class" are scribbled in red ink.
Most likely, this class consists of those who applied for either the Civil Officer or Martial Officer classes.
A new piece of paper handed out as a guide has a simplified map of the building drawn on it, and the room labeled "Mixed Class" is located at the very back.
Ralph, who was lined up ahead, is in the Martial Officer class, while Ellie and the others are in the Civil Officer class. I had assumed I would be placed in one of those, but it seems that's not the case.
Tilting my head at the discrepancy between what I had heard from Uncle Ruget and Dan and the others, I step into the building where the entrance ceremony is being held alongside Ralph, who walks beside me without saying a word.
At the entrance ceremony held at the Academy in the Royal Capital, the highest-ranking noble among the new students gives a speech on stage, followed by the highest-ranking noble within the Academy. Those who stand there are said to reign at the top of the Academy and are the object of everyone's admiration.
Taking into account those who enroll through financial aid or special scholarships, classes are organized by family rank to prevent disputes.
Mornings are dedicated to academics, afternoons to etiquette lessons or tea parties held in rented rooms or gardens. On weekends, students go out with peers from the same faction to watch plays or enjoy music.
Additionally, I had heard stories from Mother and my aunt about life at the Academy and its events.
So, even though there are some differences between the Military School and the Academy, I probably underestimated it, thinking it wouldn't be anything too surprising......
On the chairs in the venue where the ceremony is held, black backpacks are placed, with wooden boxes at their feet.
Looking around in confusion at these oddly familiar items, I wonder, "What is this......?" just like others who seem equally puzzled.
No matter how I look at it, these are personal equipment, but I don't understand why they're here right now, so I keep them in the corner of my vision as the entrance ceremony begins.
Several soldiers stand on stage, holding up black backpacks above their heads, taking out the equipment inside while explaining how to use it. They then passionately describe how to handle daggers taken from the wooden boxes before stepping down from the stage with satisfied expressions......
While I'm dumbfounded, the entrance ceremony continues, and a man who seems to be a teacher steps onto the stage, beginning his explanation in a monotone voice.
At the Military School, mornings are for studying basic academics, while afternoons vary in training content depending on the class, so students must follow the instructions of the assigned teacher. Depending on the results of academic exams and mock battles, it seems one might be transferred from their desired class to another.
During the first year, wearing uniforms is mandatory when going out on weekends, and there's also a restriction on movement, limiting students to staying within Taurus.
"Any questions?" The teacher's voice echoes through the venue, and after confirming that no one raises a hand, he quickly steps down and returns to his position.
"Hey, Celes. This personal equipment is pretty heavy...... Can you carry it?"
"Since there's no attendant, I have no choice but to carry it...... It's surprisingly heavy, isn't it?"
Listening to Sil and Severi whispering to each other, I sling the backpack that was on my lap over my shoulder and stand up.
The Civil Officer class near the entrance is guided out first, followed by the Martial Officer class, and then the Mixed Class, in that order, to leave the venue.
"Whoa! Celes, you're strong, aren't you?"
"This wooden box, with just one hand......"
Giving a wry smile to the two who are astonished, I point toward Ellie and the others standing near the entrance.
Even those frail-looking girls are carrying their luggage with ease, so why are these two trembling with the weight......?
"......Wait, huh, is there something wrong with my strength?"
"It's just what you'd expect from someone attending Military School......"
"If you keep this up, you two will be in the Civil Officer class next year."
Even if they lower their eyebrows and make sad faces, there's nothing I can do to help with this.
"But this Mixed Class...... Don't you think they've gathered nobles in it?"
"It does seem like most of them are nobles."
Just like Uncle Ruget's sons, nobles who enter the Military School choose either the Civil Officer or Martial Officer class.
So, naturally, the Mixed Class ends up being a gathering of nobles, but......
"......What a hassle."
Glancing at those seated in the front row who have been sneaking looks at me since earlier, I mutter this under my breath.
At the Military School, status doesn't matter—it's all about ability.
However, in the Mixed Class, where nobles are concentrated, there might be a hierarchy based on status.
Ignoring the clearly hostile gazes, I decide to leave quickly before getting entangled in any trouble.
After this, we'll move to the dormitories, and starting tomorrow, school life will begin in earnest.
First, I need to organize the luggage placed in my room and quickly build a good relationship with my roommate.
"Is that okay......?"
"It's fine."
"If we discipline them properly on the first day, they'll probably stay quiet for a while, don't you think?"
"Severi, shut your mouth right now."
"Walk away from us."
"Hey......!?"
Deciding not to care about it either, the two of us follow Sil, who heads toward the entrance while teasing Severi, as we leave the venue of the entrance ceremony.