Black and White Princess and Soul Dress [3] – part 2
Next day.
Ria and I went to the classroom together.
We both are in the same class, Year 1 Class A.
Because we live in the same room, there is no need to head to class separately.
「And, you see! There is a traditional dish called Ramzac in my country! It is really delicious!」
「Really? I’d like to eat it next time.」
「I know a good store near Thousand Blade Academy! I’ll show you next time!」
Compared to yesterday – perhaps she was refreshed after a day of sleep, or she forgot that she was a slave, her attitude towards me had softened.
(It’s a hundred times better than her cold attitude last night)
And talking to her… was simply fun.
Every expression she puts on is interesting, and I don’t get tired of watching her every gesture. Maybe she is the『popular type』.
While thinking about that, we arrived at the classroom of Year 1 Class A.
As I opened the sliding door with a rattle,
「G-Good morning… Ria-san!」
「Today, is a very nice weather!」
Two girls in the same class talked to Ria, a little nervously.
「Yes, good morning. It’s a pleasant morning today.」
Ria quickly acted friendly and smiled while waving her right hand.
(…Looking at her like this, she really is an elegant『princess』)
I can’t imagine that the cheerful and slightly crude Ria when with me, and the current, ladylike and dignified Ria, are the same person.
If she so tells me that「The truth is… I have a dual personality」, I would actually be convinced.
When Ria started chatting with the girls, I quietly left her.
I know girls have girls-only conversations between them.
(The seating… still hasn’t been decided yet, right?)
There was no seating instructions on the blackboard in front of the classroom, so I headed to the rearmost window seat where it was most inconspicuous.
Then there were three male students who were talking happily about something on the way to the seat.
I thought that it wouldn’t be nice to not greet them, so I summoned up some courage and greeted.
「G-Good morning.」
As I did,
「「「……」」」
All three stopped talking with each other and glanced at my face for a second – then they resumed their conversation.
They ignored me completely.
And then they temporarily glared at me.
(…haa, they definitely hate me)
This is definitely due to yesterday – the aftereffect of the hellish entrance ceremony.
(For humans, first impression is important after all…)
Starting from a favorable rate of zero from the very first day of the academy, is a bit too harsh…
(Well, just the fact that they aren’t insulting me face-to-face is good I guess…)
At the Gran Swordsmanship Academy, I was subjected to various insults, such as the Dropout Swordsman, Coward, and the Dark Arts user. Being ignored by three people, is no big deal.
When I tried to get away from them.
「-Hey, you guys. Do you have a moment?」
Ria, who put a soft outward smile, called out to the men who ignored me.
「Y-Yes!」
「W-What is it, Ria-san?」
「Is there anything troubling you!?」
The three men seemed to be ecstatic as they were spoken to by Ria, a peerless innocent beauty, at least in outward appearance.
These guys… are calculative.
(But, Ria… what does she intend to achieve by calling out to them?)
As I moved to the window-side seat while paying attention to that situation, she said something unexpected.
「Just now, I’m sure Allen greeted you… I wonder if you didn’t hear it through your chattering?」
And as she said,
「Eh… no, that is…」
「We heard it but… how to put it…」
「H-His voice was too soft… or something like that…?」
They just beat around the bush without getting to the point.
Looking at them, Ria smiled sweetly.
「You know, people who do such stupid stuff… I really hate them.」
「「「……!」」」
She didn’t mind the men who were at a loss for words, and continued with the usual gentle smile.
「Please don’t talk to me ever again. ーWell then, good day to you.」
Ria, who frankly told all the things she wanted to say, lowered her bag to the seat right next to me.
The whole classroom was frozen by her unexpected cold remarks.
In the heavy atmosphere where everyone was silent, the perpetrator herself seemed to be totally unconcerned, sits down carefully on the chair so that the skirt does not fold, and arranged the textbook in the bag indifferently on the desk.
「I’m kinda sorry…」
I apologized to Ria with a soft voice.
(The remarks just now, was definitely in consideration of me…)
However, if she does that, Ria’s likeableness with the class will drop.
In fact, the three men are now glaring at Ria.
And while I was hurt by an indescribable sense of guilt,
「What are you apologizing for? I just expressed things which I dislike.」
Saying so, she softly laughed.
It wasn’t a forced laugh, but a natural laugh that spilled out spontaneously.
I was momentarily captivated by that cute and transparent smile.
After that, as the classroom was covered with an unprecedented『Ria shock』, the rattling sound of the door being opened reverberated.
And it was Rose-san who appeared from the door with a drowsy look.
Perhaps she was not a morning person, as her usual cold looks were nowhere to be seen.
She had an ahoge standing upright, and her long hair is uncombed and springing out in all directions.
She looked around the surroundings, and when she met my eyes, she headed towards me unsteadily and sat down in front of me.
「Fuwaa… Good morning, Allen. And Ria too.」
「Good morning, Rose-san.」
「What do you mean “and Ria too”?」
Ria gave a sharp eye, but apparently Rose-san seemed unaware of it, as she yawned.
「Rose-san, your… hair is springing out everywhere, is that alright?」
I asked just in case, while pointing at the ahoge that had a prominent presence in the middle.
「…No problem. I have gravity looking out for me…」
She said so in an incomprehensible muttering tone.
Apparently she always waits for her bed hair to fix itself naturally.
I’m not familiar with girl’s hair, but Rose-san probably belongs to the minority.
A chime rang out to announce the start of class, and at the same time the door in front of the classroom was vigorously opened.
「Good Morning, Ladies and Gentlemen!」
The person who came from there was, Leia-sensei, clad in full black attire of, a black suit, a black tie, and black gloves on both hands.
「Fumu fumu… this is wonderful! There are no late comers or absentees from the very first day ー The best start!」
She laughed happily as she clapped the attendance book in her hand.
A female student asked a question on behalf of everyone in the classroom.
「Umm… why is president here?」
「Nn, that is obvious right? Because I’m the homeroom teacher of Year 1 Class A.」
At that moment, the classroom became noisy.
Naturally, my heart was also disturbed.
(…Yeah, this is the worst to say the least)
This sensei is a little… no, she is a very unpleasant person, as I came to realise yesterday.
(More precisely, what about your duties as the president…?)
The president of one of the Five Academy’s holds tremendous social influence and power.
Naturally, it is a common talk that with a great deal of power, comes a corresponding responsibility and a tremendous amount of work every day.
(I don’t think it’s a job where one can afford to serve as a homeroom teacher concurrently…)
Leia-sensei loudly clapped her hands.
「Now, the morning homeroom is beginning. Without delay, I have some important information to share!」
She took in a breath and announced it at once.
「It’s regarding the team members of the Big Five Holy Festival on the weekend!」
The whole class became excited when she said, the “Big Five Holy Festival”.
The Big Five Holy Festival – It’s where each of the Five Academy selects three of their best freshman, and have all of them compete for victory in a round robin event.
If you can make an impression here, a path to the Senior Holy Knight position that everyone yearns for, will be opened.
It was natural that the students were rumbling.
「Originally, we would carefully select the members from the results of the practical test that will be implemented after this. But this year, the team members have already been decided!」
The classroom rumbled and at the same time a bad premonition-like chill ran through my spine.
One of the reasons – Leia-sensei had a very good smile on her face.
From now on, she will start to say something that is certainly not good.
It’s only been two days since I met her, but I already slightly understand her nature.
「Well then, there is no point in delaying it so, let’s announce the names!」
The classroom becomes quiet instantly.
A few seconds later, Leia-sensei announced the participating members.
「Representing the Thousand Blade Academy, in this year’s Big Five Holy Festival, will be – Ria Vesteria, Rose Valencia, and Allen Rodore!」
There, just like I predicted…
While glaring at Leia-sensei, I grumbled with a sigh.
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