A bright morning greeted the capital. Golden sunlight swept over the dew still clinging to the leaves, providing a comfortable warmth after the unexpected commotion in the bathroom earlier.
In front of the magnificent and towering main gate of the Astoria Academy, the flow of arriving students began to grow crowded. Among the sea of academy uniforms, Arvin and Allen walked side-by-side with calm steps. Their striking charm automatically caused several students to step aside and make way.
Arriving at the gate, Arvin did not enter immediately. He scanned his surroundings for a moment before stepping toward Morn, the academy gatekeeper who was well-built and always disciplined at his post.
"Good morning, Young Master Arvin." Morn greeted respectfully as he saw the descendant of the Vedegra family approaching him.
Arvin nodded slightly, returning the greeting. "Morning, Morn. There's something I need your help with." Arvin said, getting straight to the point. "Later, two people will arrive at this gate: a man with green hair and a woman who also has green hair."
Morn listened intently.
"Please open the gate for them immediately without much interrogation, and then escort them both directly to Dean Saires' office." Arvin instructed with a serious tone. "Because that boy will start registering and studying at this academy today. Make sure they don't get lost on the way to the Dean's office."
"Understood, Young Master!" Morn replied without a hint of hesitation. "I will personally ensure they are escorted safely to meet Dean Saires in his office."
"Thank you very much, Morn. I'm counting on you." Arvin said.
Then, without a second thought, Arvin took 20 Golds from his dimensional storage space and offered them to Morn as a gesture of thanks. Such an amount was undoubtedly fantastic for a mere task of escorting guests.
Morn's eyes widened slightly at the sight of such a large amount of money in the palm of Arvin's hand. The gatekeeper quickly shook his head and bowed respectfully, refusing the money offered to him. "T-There is no need, Young Master! You don't have to give this much. Helping and directing guests of the academy is already my duty as a gatekeeper."
However, Arvin was Arvin. Once he decided on something, no one was allowed to argue.
"Just take it!" He replied with a chuckle, grabbing Morn's hand and forcing the man to accept the money. "This isn't a bribe! This is a form of my appreciation because you always work hard guarding this gate every day. Consider it an extra for your family at home."
Seeing the resolve and the intimidating gaze from that Young Master, Morn finally yielded. In the end, Morn accepted the money with slightly trembling hands while bowing deeply. "T-Thank you very much for your generosity, Young Master."
From a few steps behind, Allen, who had been silently observing his incredibly stubborn husband, couldn't help but smile. The pink-haired youth could only offer a small smile while shaking his head in amusement. My Husband always using his own willful ways to help others without a second thought. Allen thought affectionately.
After ensuring everything was settled, Arvin and Allen stepped inside, walking through the academy corridors toward their class. Time passed quickly. The entrance bell rang.
When the first period had been underway for more than twenty minutes, the atmosphere inside Class 1-A was very quiet and focused. Professor Elliana, the class tutor known for being strict and disciplined, was standing at the front of the class explaining a basic magic theory.
Knock! Knock! Knock!
The loud knocking on the door caused all the students in the class to turn their gaze. Professor Elliana, who was teaching, stopped her explanation. She stood up and walked directly to the door with a slightly furrowed brow, wondering who would dare disturb her class.
Creak...
The wooden door opened. Professor Elliana was instantly startled by the sight at the doorway. It wasn't a late student she met, but the arrival of Dean Saires himself, standing side-by-side with an academy-uniformed youth she had never seen before.
"Dean Saires?" Elliana greeted, slightly surprised, bowing respectfully.
"Good morning and forgive the interruption of your teaching time, Professor Elliana." Dean Saires replied kindly. The midle-age man then turned to the green-haired youth beside him. "Professor, let me introduce Alrain. He is one of Arvin's spouses he mentioned the day before yesterday."
Dean Saires smiled, introducing Alrain to her. "Starting today, he will officially study in your class."
Hearing the youth's background, Professor Elliana's gaze immediately sharpened.
"So, this is the one named Alrain?" Elliana murmured, almost whispering to herself. Her hawk-like eyes observed Alrain thoroughly, scanning him from the tips of his leather shoes, his sturdy posture, to the ends of his striking green hair.
Elliana had to admit something in her heart. I admit he is handsome... very handsome. Even the aura of his handsomeness feels more prominent than Allen's. the professor thought, impressed.
Seeing Professor Elliana appear momentarily dazed, Dean Saires actually wanted to laugh, but he held it back to maintain his dignity in front of the class. The Dean then patted Alrain's shoulder gently.
"Happy studying, Alrain. And welcome to our academy!" Dean Saires said warmly.
"Thank you very much for the welcome, Dean Saires." Alrain replied in a very polite and respectful tone. He bowed slightly. "Forgive me for troubling you to accompany me all the way to the front of the class like this."
Dean Saires patted the green-haired teenager's shoulder once more, pleased with his new student's excellent manners. "Don't mention it, for it is already my duty. Now, enter the class with Professor Elliana. From now on, she is your class tutor."
"Understood, Dean Saires."
Having ensured everything was clear, the Dean turned around, leaving the corridor of Class 1-A and heading back to his office. Now, only Professor Elliana and Alrain remained at the doorway.
"Alrain, come in!" Professor Elliana invited, returning to her firm and authoritative tone of voice. She entered first to take control of the class.
"Yes, Professor!"
Accompanied by his teacher, Alrain walked into the classroom. His footsteps sounded relaxed yet full of confidence. With a sturdy posture and his right hand intentionally tucked into his pants pocket, the green-haired teenager radiated a charismatic aura that was hard to ignore.
Spontaneously, Alrain's handsome looks, combined with a thin smile on his lips, immediately captured the attention of every student's eyes in the classroom. Especially for the female students, the arrival of a mysterious stranger with such charm had made their eyes sparkle with admiration.
Whispers began to air in various corners of the room. The previously quiet class was now buzzing like a beehive. They were busy discussing the looks and origin of the new student who had suddenly appeared mid-semester.
"Who is he? So handsome..."
"Look at that smile, oh my God!"
"His green hair is so unique. Is he from a noble family in the western region?"
Hearing her class become less than conducive, Professor Elliana tapped her teacher's desk with a wooden rod. Tap! Tap! Tap!
"Quiet, everyone!" Professor Elliana said firmly, her voice booming and dominating the room.