Chapter 23: Roommates in the Dorm
(´・ω・｀)
↑ With a face like this, the brown-haired guy reluctantly took his seat.
I can’t help but feel like i did something wrong, but the information was available when I checked beforehand, so please spare me.
Once the duel restriction is lifted and proper procedures are followed, we can easily settle this. It’s not just about acquiring credits; it’s also about gaining experience by fighting various people.
With that in mind, as I look at the brown-haired guy, he seems a bit down.
With that attitude, he doesn’t seem to worry about being attacked outside of the academy or in deserted areas. He probably doubts my abilities and needs proof.
For a noble of the present day, he seems surprisingly refreshing and respectable.
“…Well then, let’s regroup and start the orientation.”
☆☆☆
During orientation, we toured the facilities, received explanations, and learned about the school’s system for about two hours before being dismissed.
Starting dorm life today. I wonder who my roommate will be. While the dormitories are open to all grade levels, you never know who you’ll end up rooming with. Sometimes, you room with someone from the same grade, and other times, it could be someone a year older. You only find out who your roommate is on the day you move in.
With these thoughts in mind, I arrived at the school dormitories. Given the number of students, the dormitory is quite spacious. Its exterior resembles a small-scale castle or even a high-class hotel. The interior is equally impressive. Not overly extravagant but exuding a calm and sophisticated ambiance, it doesn’t overwhelmingly emphasize nobility. It might not satisfy nobles who favor opulence, but for me, it’s ideal.
I admired the interior as I made my way to the counter where dormitory staff members were stationed.
“I’d like to complete the check-in process.”
“Of course. You must be Xenon. Please provide your information on this form.”
“Sure.”
I quickly signed and filled in the necessary details.
“Thank you. Since you’ve already received an explanation about the dormitories during orientation, I’ll skip that part. Here’s the key to your room. Take the elevator in front of you to the 5th floor, and on your right, you’ll find your room, Mr. Xenon.”
“Thank you. By the way, could you tell me about my roommate?”
“Yes, I believe the person is currently in the room, so you’ll find out when you go in. Mr. Xenon, you might be well acquainted with them,” the dormitory staff member replied.
I’m acquainted with them…? Is it Yuno after all? It might be Nova’s doing, but honestly, it’s reassuring to have someone familiar as a roommate. I’m not particularly talkative, and there’s no need to force conversations, but I’d rather not have an atmosphere like a wake.
With a bit of relief, I stepped into the elevator – a magical device that moves automatically when you imbue it with mana – and headed to the designated floor. These kinds of inventions are quite convenient and high-tech, but they make me suspicious of anyone other than me, be it another possessor or someone reincarnated. It could be a feature of the anime adaptation, but it’s a bit too convenient.
Upon arriving at the room, I knocked just in case. Even with acquaintances, there’s a certain etiquette to follow. It would be most awkward if they were changing clothes. Not that Yuno or I would mind, but it’s just common courtesy.
“Hello.”
“Hmm?”
The reply had a somewhat familiar tone, but it wasn’t Yuno’s voice. It had a gentle, enveloping quality. Someone I know with this voice… No, it can’t be.
With a slight sense of unease, I opened the door.
“Xenon, it’s been a while.”
“…Elder brother.”
Standing there was Ganon Lestinata – in other words, my older brother.
An acquaintance, meaning my older brother?! This is bad. Nova’s meddling is way over the top.
As evident from the events on the day of possession, my relationship with my older brother, Ganon, isn’t great. To be honest, it’s more that I… or rather, the original Xenon, disliked him out of inferiority complex. But that hasn’t changed.
I acted coldly on the day of possession because I was flustered and couldn’t afford to raise suspicion. However, there’s no need for that now. Still, it’s worrisome how my older brother, who only knows the cold Xenon, would react to the sudden change in me.
No, the tone of my voice hasn’t changed, but it’s the choice of words that gives me away. The situation is troublesome.
“Why is my elder brother here?”
Suppressing my unease, I tried to assess the situation. My older brother, seemingly delighted, proceeded to explain.
“The person who was my roommate, a senior two years ahead of us, graduated. So, there was an opening. The principal personally asked me if I could become Xenon’s roommate. I was quite surprised, you know. Even the principal made such a request. You are truly amazing to be recognized by the principal and allowed early admission.”
“I see… So, it was the principal.”
It seems that meddlesome headmistress was behind this after all. She’s taking it a bit too far. Even favoritism can’t be denied at this point. Nova probably wants to arrange my environment and provide magical training for me, but this is excessive meddling.
“I’ve heard about Xenon’s situation. You have changed quite a bit.”
“Yes, I believe I’ve found some peace of mind.”
“Yeah, I like the current Xenon better.”
“Is that so?”
“Also, there’s no need for formalities at the academy. I’ve wanted us to talk as equals since we’re brothers! We can’t do that at home due to noble obligations, but here… Is that alright?”
With a friendly smile, my brother spoke, and my guilt meter audibly rose. For someone like me, who isn’t a saint, my brother is just too radiant. Our values and perspectives may differ, but if my brother is willing, I don’t need to put on a facade.
“Understood, brother. Is this acceptable?”
“Yeah, thank you.”
“I should be the one thanking you. I’ve given you quite an unfriendly attitude, brother.”
“It’s from now on. I may not be the best brother, but you can ask me anything.”
“Thank you.”
This might be the first time since coming to this world that I’ve expressed my gratitude directly to someone. I’ve been nothing but a burden to my brother. It must be tough for him to have his younger brother act so distant.
“Yeah, I’m looking forward to it… by the way.”
“Did you say something?”
“I’m looking forward to spending time together.”
“I see.”
It seems the residents of this world do respond when questioned… A universal trait instead of just a local one, perhaps? Well, it doesn’t really matter.
“Oh, I’ll help you unpack! And there’s so much more we can do together.”
And with that, my first day at the academy came to an end.
☆☆☆
“Looking forward to it. I’ll destroy everything.”
—
Author Note:
By the way, (´・ω・｀) emoticon for the brown-haired guy; it was taken from the support comments! Hope you like it. Although I haven’t responded to comments, I have read them all, including reviews, so I’m eagerly awaiting more!
[Side Note]
Thanks to all of you, I achieved first place in the weekly rankings!
Woohoo! (In Yuno’s voice)
Thank you very much!
This has been a dream since I started on Kakuyomu, so I’m thrilled!
If you haven’t followed or rated with stars yet, I’d greatly appreciate it if you could support me from the bottom of the screen!
Ganon! Yeaaaaaah!