"Why would Prince Arthur bother with commoners?"
"Look at how they're dressed. Definitely not nobility."
Philia kept her head high and her expression neutral. She was used to judgment and disdain. It didn't bother her anymore.
Touki, however, seemed oblivious to the stares. He was too busy looking at all the food options. "Wow! Big sis, they have everything!"
They got their meals and found seats at a less crowded table. As they ate, Philia observed the other students.
Most were indeed from noble families. Their bearing, their confidence, their casual displays of wealth—it all spoke to privileged backgrounds. Very few appeared to be commoners like herself and Touki.
"This is going to be interesting," she muttered.
"What is?" Touki asked through a mouthful of food.
"Navigating the social dynamics here," Philia replied. "We're outsiders. That makes us targets."
"If anyone tries to bully us, I'll just show them my martial spirit!" Touki declared.
