Yukawa here, I successfully became an Academy student!
Look, look at this. This is the Academy Hakama. It is dyed red, and the kimono on top has a line of the same color.
...Why does it remind me a little of gym clothes from my student days?
I said "I became an Academy student" earlier, but strictly speaking, that is slightly different.
I explained that the Spiritual Arts Academy entrance exams are held in the latter half of the year, and if you apply—provided it is within the period—they will accommodate you whenever you go to take the exam.
So, depending on the case, a foolish situation might occur like, "I went on the first day of the exam period and passed. But since I am from Rukongai, my pass expired, and while I was reapplying, I didn't make it in time for the opening ceremony."
Perhaps to prevent such foolishness, a system has been decided where those who pass the exam may enter the student dormitory.
If you live in the dormitory, you won't be locked out of the Seireitei, and if you enter the dormitory early, you can communicate with your peers from an early stage.
In short, it is like "a student who passed the entrance exam moving in and entering the dorm in March." It also seems to imply fencing in young candidates so they don't escape.
The explanation has become long, but simply put, "It is still before the entrance ceremony, and classes haven't started. I am currently living in the dorms," that's all.
Although it is dorm life, we are treated as students, so there is no problem using the school facilities. We can use the training equipment for further self-improvement, and if we seek knowledge, there is a library.
Minimum food, clothing, and shelter are provided so there is no inconvenience in daily life. Additionally, if there are necessary items, we can receive them upon application.
It is quite well-attended to. For people from Rukongai—especially those from districts with high numbers—this might seem like heaven.
Academy students basically live in this dormitory while enrolled.
The principle is that this doesn't change whether you are from Rukongai, the Seireitei, or noble birth...
In reality, it seems some nobles commute from home or rent a house nearby to live with servants.
...Che, you say you can't live with the rabble in such a cramped place!?
I almost got cynical when I first heard the story, but that is that.
When I listened closely, it seems there are various types of nobles too.
First, nobles have ranks like Upper and Lower, and Lower Nobles apparently cannot go against higher houses, and sometimes receive the same treatment as those from Rukongai.
Perhaps because of such a background, many of them get along well with anyone.
Of course, there are good people among Upper Nobles too.
"Oh, Airi-san. Hello."
"Good day, Yukawa-san."
—Oops, speak of the devil and the shadow appears.
"Hello. Renjōji-san, Ayase-san."
I return the greeting to my two peers.
These two are Renjōji-san and Ayase-san.
In the dormitory, things called Living Squads are decided.
This is assigned regardless of class, intended for squad members to live together and help each other. And these two belong to the same squad as me.
So inevitably, there are many opportunities to see each other, and interaction is born.
It is a wonderful system to avoid being a loner (bitter smile).
By the way—
Ayase-san is from a Lower Noble family.
She is short, petite, and has the feel of a young girl. Short hair suits her well, and she has a bright personality with a constant smile.
Renjōji-san is from an Upper Noble family.
She is tall for a woman and is the type who is strict about discipline and rules. Her long hair and sharp expression suit her well.
—They seem like an odd couple that would clash, but somehow they seem to get along. I often see them acting together.
"Are you two having breakfast too?"
I forgot to mention, but this is the cafeteria inside the dorm.
It is like a school cafeteria, but surprisingly, we can eat for free. Well, the menu is like "Set A or Set B only," so there is no room for choice.
Still, having food prepared for us is appreciated.
The taste is good too. Since students from noble backgrounds also come to eat, naturally they cannot serve anything bad.
So, the two of them called out to me while I was eating a loner meal in the cafeteria.
...N-No! I am not a loner!! Today it was just more convenient to be alone for the sake of explaining the student dorm!!
"Yes! I got hungry."
"Hey Ayase-san, lower your voice a little..."
"Ayase-san is full of energy in the morning."
Gazes in the cafeteria gathered at Ayase-san, who replied in a loud voice, and sensing that, Renjōji-san chided her in a low voice. I laughed at that and appealed to the surroundings that "it is nothing."
Perhaps because I started acting together with these two often, a role like this naturally formed.
"What do you intend to do today, Airi-san?"
"I want to know more theory about Kido and how to use spiritual power, so I plan to go to the library. How about you two, Ayase-san?"
"We haven't decided yet! We only decided to eat with Kosuzu-san. That's right! Then, may we join you, Airi-san?"
"Ayase-san, saying such things so suddenly is..."
"I don't mind. Besides, Renjōji-san knows various things. From my perspective of knowing nothing, I would rather be the one asking."
"I-Is that so? Well, if you say so..."
The Academy lectures haven't started yet.
But it looks like I'll be able to get along happily.
[Reviews - Power St0nes - Comments are highly appreciated to keep me going.....(+50 chapters) patre0n.c0m/talecrafter]