“Litte, why have you been so happy since earlier?” Orson asked as he walked alongside Litte toward the dormitory area. He glanced at him, noticing how his eyes were squinting like a sly little fox as he smiled.
“Hmm? I’m just happy,” Litte replied, her steps becoming even lighter. “Orson, you gave that jerk a good beating. Of course I’m happy~”
“Ah, that? Well, we’re brothers, aren’t we? If soone bullies my brother, how could I not step in?” Orson said matter-of-factly.
“Mm, because we’re brothers...” Litte nodded, but for so reason, her mood sank slightly.
Just brothers...
Orson noticed Litte’s shift from excitent to calmness, even a touch of sadness, and wasn’t sure what he might’ve said wrong. He added:
“Of course, it’s also because you’re Litte.”
It’s also because you’re Litte...
Hearing this, Litte froze.
Her cheeks instantly turned red.
Is... is this a confession?!
To hide her flustered state, Litte lowered her head.
But the smile on her lips never faded.
—
The two soon arrived at the dormitory area.
The dorms were divided by grade, and since each dormitory was a standalone house, there was no distinction between male and female dorms. In fact, if two students were in a relationship, they could even apply for a couple’s dormitory.
“I don’t like noisy places, so my dorm is in a quieter corner of the dormitory area. I hope you don’t mind,” Orson said, leading Litte to a two-story house.
“It’s fine,” Litte said, shaking her head.
Living in a quieter area was better anyway—at least she wouldn’t have to worry about noise.
As expected of the Imperial Academy, the dormitories were luxurious. Not only did two students share an entire house, but it also ca with a modestly sized courtyard, perfect for growing flowers or enjoying tea.
Of course, the original purpose of the courtyard was to allow students studying alchemy to grow alchemical plants.
Orson recalled that a nearby dorm had once grown a magical plant that ended up binding a passing girl. The dorm’s owner was later warned by the academy and forced to burn the plant.
“The staff should’ve prepared the rooms already,” Orson said, stepping into the courtyard and unlocking the door.
Opening the door revealed a tastefully decorated living room.
“The first floor is mostly the kitchen, living room, and storage,” Orson explained as he led Litte inside. “I don’t usually eat at ho, so the kitchen hasn’t seen much use.”
“Then there’s the second floor. The second floor has two bedrooms, and they’re quite spacious—about the sa size as the ones at ho. Each room also has its own bathroom.” Orson led Litte upstairs.
Aside from a hallway leading to the balcony, the second floor only had two rooms.
“The one on the left is mine. Let show you your room first,” Orson said, opening the door to Litte’s room.
As expected, the academy had quickly prepared the room after Orson spoke to the headmaster yesterday.
The room was already furnished, with bedding neatly laid out. It felt almost like ho.
“We’ll be spending most of our ti here over the next few years,” Orson said with a smile. “So the academy tries its best to make the dormitories as comfortable as possible.”
“You’ve probably already seen your schedule for the sester. Classes follow that schedule every week. Tomorrow, there’s an introductory session for elective courses, so you can check that out.”
“Other than that, there’s not much else. Get familiar with the place first—I need to prepare for tonight’s Student Council election.”
“Oh, and you first-years are required to attend the election in the auditorium. See you there.”
“Mm.” Litte nodded obediently. “Got it.”
“Alright, I’m off. See you tonight.” Orson turned to leave but paused at the door, as if rembering sothing. He walked back and handed Litte a card. “Oh, right. This card is similar to the paper notes I used before. You can use it at Silver Moon Trading Company to withdraw money. It’s worth 5,000 gold coins.”
“Five thousand gold coins?!” Litte gasped, covering her mouth in shock.
This was the first ti she’d heard such a number.
In the countryside, silver coins were already considered large denominations. Gold coins were sothing she’d only ever heard about during festivals.
And now Orson was giving her 5,000 gold coins just like that?
“Mm. After all, you won’t always be with at school. There’ll be tis when you need money for yourself,” Orson explained. “This card was generously provided by Miss Celineina. If you have any financial needs before you graduate, you can go to her.”
“But... I’m not even that close to Celineina...”
“Just think of it as her investnt in you. Make sure to repay her in the future.”
“Alright, I’m leaving now.” Orson waved and left Litte’s room.
Litte held the card in her hands, her fingers brushing over it.
After hearing the sound of the front door closing, she put the card away, opened her door, and walked over to Orson’s room.
The naplate on the door bore Orson’s na.
“Hmm...” Litte hesitated. Behind this door was Orson’s room—the place he’d been living in since enrolling last year. He’d probably spent more ti here than at ho.
Orson didn’t explicitly say she couldn’t go in, right?
So, does that an she can just go in?
Ahem, she just wanted to help tidy up Orson’s room. It wasn’t because she was curious about what it looked like.
With that thought, Litte pushed open the door to Orson’s room.
It was an ordinary room with no distinctive features. Unlike the luxurious decor at ho, this room had only the standard furniture provided by the academy and no extra decorations.
The room was impeccably clean, with the bed neatly made.
Litte looked toward the wardrobe. If it weren’t for the clothes inside, she might’ve thought Orson didn’t actually live here.
She pulled out what appeared to be a uniform.
The academy required students to wear uniforms for formal occasions. Litte was scheduled to pick up her uniform later this afternoon.
Soone as accomplished as Orson must’ve attended many formal events...
Which ant this uniform was sothing he’d worn often...
Litte thought about this as she grabbed the corner of the uniform and brought it to her nose, inhaling softly.
She could almost sll Orson’s scent.
Afterward, Litte closed the wardrobe and lay down on Orson’s bed, pulling the blanket over herself.
Her mind drifted back to the unfinished dream she’d had the other night.
She imagined the pillow was Orson and hugged it tightly to her chest.
Then, she heard footsteps coming up the stairs...
Reviews
All reviews (0)