Chapter 110
A few days before the end of summer break at the Royal Academy.
As previously planned, Clael moved into the staff dormitory of the academy.
He presented the ID card he had received in advance at the school gate and entered the premises.
The end of summer.
A surprisingly cool breeze blew across the spacious schoolyard, sweeping away the heat of the sun.
The trees planted in the yard were lush with greenery, and the sounds of insects could be heard from afar.
On the field a little ways off, some students were absorbed in ball games.
"...I never thought the day would come when I'd return here."
Clael muttered sentimentally as he looked up at the academy building.
Once, Clael had also attended this academy.
He had entered the student dormitory to escape the succession dispute unfolding at his family home, and spent his school life here with friends.
Those friends with whom he had shared his youth were now walking separate paths, and he only occasionally received updates from them. The only exception was Roywood, who had been serving as a military police officer in Eggbell.
"Good day. Are you Mr. Byrne?"
"Huh?"
Lost in thought, he was suddenly addressed.
When he turned around, a young woman in a suit was standing there.
"Yes, I'm Clael Byrne. And you are?"
"Ah, my apologies for the late introduction. My name is Yurii Kanesta. I teach history here at the academy."
Apparently, she was one of the teachers.
A slightly younger female teacher than Clael gave him a smile that still retained a hint of youthfulness.
"I've been asked to guide you to the dormitory today, Mr. Byrne."
"Ah, I see. Thank you in advance."
Clael followed behind the female teacher who introduced herself as Yurii and walked through the school grounds.
It had been several years since he'd last been at the academy. It hadn't changed much since his student days, but from an adult's perspective, it looked quite different.
Although it was still summer break, there were students present for club activities or committee duties.
Back then, he hadn't thought much of it... but now, as an alumnus, the students looked strangely childish and dazzling.
(Is this what youth is? Reina and the capture targets too... teenagers just seem to shine so brightly.)
"Since you're a graduate, Mr. Byrne, I assume you're familiar with the school building. This is the staff dormitory."
He was guided to a building he had never entered during his student days.
At the entrance stood someone who looked like a security guard.
"Ah, here's your staff ID. Please show it at the dorm entrance."
"Ah, thank you."
"Without a permit, even staff members aren't allowed into the dorm. Apparently, there was a student in the past who used magic to disguise themselves as a teacher and snuck in."
"...Is that so."
As Clael accepted the staff ID... he quietly averted his eyes from Yurii.
Just to be clear... that misbehaving student wasn't Clael. It was a familiar friend, but Clael had nothing to do with it.
"Well then, please go inside."
Yurii and Clael took turns presenting their staff IDs and entered the dormitory.
The three-story dorm had a shared area on the first floor, rooms for male staff on the second, and rooms for female staff on the third.
The shared area included a lounge, cafeteria, and shop, with enough facilities for a comfortable life.
"This will be your room, Mr. Byrne."
They climbed the stairs to a corner room at the back of the second floor.
In front of the room were several wooden boxes and packages stacked together. Likely the belongings he had sent ahead of time.
"Here's your key. The dorm rules and such are written in the booklet on the desk inside, so please read through it."
"Understood. Thank you for everything."
"Oh no, not at all... If you'd like, I can help you carry your things. It must be tough alone, right?"
"Ah... no. That's alright."
Clael shook his head at Yurii's offer.
"It's no problem. I may not look it, but I'm confident in my strength."
"Is that so? If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask. I'm right next door, so feel free to visit anytime."
Smiling, Yurii waved and disappeared into the room next to Clael's.
She was a friendly and charming woman.
To have someone like her in the same workplace—it must be a stroke of luck.
"...Hm?"
But then... Clael realized something.
Earlier, he'd been told... the staff dormitory separated rooms by gender on each floor.
This was the second floor. The floor for male staff rooms.
"No way..."
Clael's face stiffened.
Yurii had disappeared into the room next to Clael's. A room meant for male staff.
If she lived there, then Yurii was...
"...Yeah. I should carry my stuff in."
Faced with the terrifying truth... Clael shut down his thoughts and stopped thinking altogether.