Chapter 6
How could anyone dare to place another person within a noble’s personal space?
It was clear that the students were visibly flustered upon hearing the dormitory information.
Dunais Academy did not accept students every year.
Instead, it opened its doors only when a sufficient number of talented individuals gathered—usually once every three years.
Moreover, Dunais Academy was one of the Empire’s most critical facilities. Even its graduates were bound by an Oath of Silence regarding its location.
While the oath wasn’t a powerful binding spell, it left behind a traceable mark so the intelligence department could identify any leaks.
Dunais Academy held classified information that must be kept secret from the outside world—particularly, data related to the “Empire’s Five Sinners.” This was the reason graduates were bound to silence.
Thus, while rumors about dorm life or professor gossip could technically be leaked without much consequence…
The very existence of the Oath of Silence seemingly acted as a muzzle on graduates, preventing even unnecessary information from being shared with the outside world.
That’s why many students reacted with incredulous expressions.
“Your attendants will remain outside the academy—in the nearby village of Black Cow. They will handle your letters and errands from there. Only one servant will be allowed to make contact with the academy.”
“What?”
“You mean we have to live apart from our attendants?”
“Only one person will be permitted for outside errands. They won’t be allowed inside the dormitory. Their role will merely be to deliver messages between you and the outside.”
“This is absurd!”
“It’s tyranny!”
Many of the wealthy students had never even put on their own socks.
In noble society, most of their attire wasn’t even designed to be worn or removed without assistance.
“If that was the case, you should’ve told us from the beginning!”
Despite the students’ complaints, Vice Principal Deneuve didn’t blink an eye.
“Dunais Academy is a vital facility of the Empire. We cannot disclose internal information beforehand.”
“Now then, we will begin assigning dormitories.”
“Dorms will be assigned based on your region of origin.”
Vice Principal Deneuve then explained the principle behind the groupings.
Based on the various regions of the Holy Eldar Empire:
- Students from the northern regions—Nordar, Regenburg, and Ochsbach—would reside in Boreas Dorm.
- Those from the eastern regions—Betelgeuse, Astraea, and Kiratai—would be assigned to Euros Dorm.
- Southern students—from Bizarro, Mazdari, and Milan—were grouped into Notos Dorm.
- Western students—from Callieste, Alagonda, and Burgundist—were placed in Zephyros Dorm.
‘Ah, I’ve been assigned to the same dormitory as Miss Marie. But it seems like Euros Dorm has the fewest students.’
This was likely because the Principality of Betelgeuse had fallen in the aftermath of the Demon King’s arrival, forcing many noble families to flee or seek asylum in other territories.
There simply weren’t many reputable families left from Betelgeuse.
To send a child to the academy, a family either needed sufficient wealth or a child so exceptionally gifted that they could secure recommendations from various sources…
Given that the eastern region had suffered the most from the Demon King’s descent, the disparity was clear.
‘If there’s a dorm-versus-dorm tug-of-war, we’ll definitely be dragged down. The population gap is that big.’
Indeed, the numbers were heavily skewed. While the presence of Idnia in Euros Dorm might change the outcome of a tug-of-war, lacking numbers in inter-dorm competitions could still be a serious handicap.
The academy administration, however, seemed indifferent to such imbalances. Vice Principal Deneuve continued with administrative announcements.
“Each student will now proceed to their assigned dormitory. By this evening, you must elect your dormitory representative.”
“What? A dorm leader?”
“Excuse me, but what are the responsibilities of a dorm leader?”
“The dorm leader will manage the student roster and be in charge of various responsibilities.”
“There are rewards, such as merit points, but the position is also tied to accountability.”
“It’s a position that’s great for earning both merits and demerits.”
As Vice Principal Deneuve said this, a woman even sterner-looking than him stepped forward.
It was Baroness Bulem.
Despite her commoner origins, she had risen through the ranks and earned noble status. She preferred being called “Baroness” over “Professor,” and in the game, she was actually more popular than the pervert Gibls.
In short, she was the designated villainous professor who specialized in scolding students.
“Oh ho ho! Attention, everyone! I shall now explain the merit and demerit system!”
Baroness Bulem cast a spell.
A magical display lit up at her feet—an illusionary board larger than a person.
The dramatic visuals were impressive enough to rival a high-tech presentation at a smartphone launch on Earth.
In a world with fewer entertainments like this one, such illusion magic instantly captured everyone’s attention.
The problem was what was on the board.
“First, we award two stars to the top student of the year, Miss Isolde Polchen. Oh ho ho! Truly noble blood! What an excellent score.”
“I hope your mother is well?”
“Ah, yes. She mentioned you, Baroness Bulem. There’s an upcoming party soon…”
Isolde responded politely, though Idnia could tell she didn’t seem too thrilled. She appeared to be forcing a social smile.
Which sparked Idnia’s curiosity…
‘The Polchen family isn’t that prestigious. So what does she mean by noble blood?’
That was probably why Isolde seemed uncomfortable with Baroness Bulem.
Still, Bulem seemed content as long as people feigned respect for her.
“And in second place, everyone, we have the esteemed Crown Prince, Rudolph Rosenbaum Calliesta. Oh ho ho! Truly wise, Your Highness!”
“Professor Bulem, all students are equal from the moment they enter the academy. We do not discriminate by status at Dunais Academy. Please use his name.”
“Ah, yes. Of course. Would that be alright, Your Highness Calliesta?”
“Please, call me Rudolph. I, too, have taken the academy’s vow. Here, I am but one student among many.”
The Crown Prince, Rudolph, answered graciously.
Isolde’s name quickly jumped to the top of the board with two stars, followed closely by Rudolph’s.
Students began to murmur.
Isolde being the top student made sense—she’d given the freshman speech—but the Crown Prince in second place?
“Oh my… Not only is he handsome, but brilliant too. Ahh… His Highness…”
“……”
Idnia heard Marie from Astraea mumbling absentmindedly.
‘That kind of line is something a side character says, not the protagonist. This is bad. My plan to shove the upcoming crisis onto the original heroine is at risk…’
Idnia grew concerned about Marie’s questionable dependability.
And then…
“Now, I will announce the lowest-scoring student.”
‘Ah, that must be me. I entered through the Church’s influence as a Saintess candidate, bypassing the entrance exam.
Still… this is a fantasy magic school, huh? Student rights don’t seem to exist. Publicly announcing the lowest score?’
Idnia braced herself for humiliation.
But the unexpected happened.
“Miss Marie of Astraea! You have the lowest score.”
“W-What?!”
Marie was utterly shocked. Her face flushed bright red with embarrassment at the public announcement.
‘Hmm. Well, if she didn’t get top, being last might help her stand out. But… why is she below me, when I didn’t even take the exam?’
Idnia began to doubt the validity of this academic evaluation.
But the answer soon came.
“And hmm… Miss Idnia! You received extra points for your monster subjugations and bounty hunter work.”
“Oh, so that’s why…”
Now she understood why she’d ranked higher than Marie despite skipping the exam.
Her achievements in subduing monsters and capturing criminals near the Principality of Betelgeuse must have granted her bonus points.
