The carriage stopped before the modest Moriet estate.It wasn't the main family mansion, just a branch house at the edge of the territory.
The driver stepped down, bowing slightly."Where is Sebastian? He was supposed to report your status, Young Master."
"I told him to clean the house," I said, imitating Leon's usual spoiled tone. "He's hopeless at it, but why send someone like him in the first place?"
I had to stay in character. If they realized my behavior was different, they'd report to Leon's father immediately.
"My apologies, Young Master," the driver said while opening the carriage door. "He was the only one available. All your belongings have already been sent to the Academy. You'll receive your assignment upon arrival."
Good. I'd already warned Sebastian to be careful, there might be eyes and ears of the main family watching.
For context, the real House of Moriet resided in the royal capital. The mansion here was nothing more than a place for their unnecessary branch.Leon, my current identity, was considered talentless, unworthy, and useful only as a pawn for political marriage.
I vaguely remembered that Leon was once engaged to someone, but in the game's story, he appeared only briefly, then was swiftly defeated and forgotten.
"Did you hear me, Young Master?"
"Huh? Oh, right. I just have to keep quiet at the Academy, don't I?"
That was exactly what the Moriet family wanted: keep me silent and out of trouble, so their noble reputation stayed clean.
The carriage began to move, its wooden wheels grinding against the cobblestone road.The sky grew dim, heavy gray clouds hanging low as if warning that this wasn't a day for new beginnings.
I gazed out the window, watching the familiar scenery fade, the small buildings of Moriet's outskirts slowly disappearing behind us.
The journey took half a day. The driver barely spoke, occasionally glancing back to ensure I hadn't escaped or done anything stupid.I feigned sleep, leaning against the window.
As we climbed into the hill region, the road became smoother, white stones perfectly arranged, leading toward an enormous gate.The air felt different here, cleaner, tinged with the faint scent of magic.
One by one, other carriages came into view, carrying new students.
"Welcome to Academia Arx Lumina," the driver announced, pulling the reins."From here, the Academy guards will take over."
The massive gates creaked open. Symbols of blue light spun lazily across the air like an invisible barrier. Two guards emerged from the mist, both clad in black uniforms with the royal crest on their chests.
"Name and identification," one demanded.
"Leon Moriet, branch heir of House Moriet," the driver replied.
The guards exchanged a look, then nodded and stepped aside.
"You've been assigned to the Western Dormitory. Try not to cause trouble, Young Master Moriet."
His tone was flat, almost mocking.
The carriage stopped inside a vast courtyard of marble stone and trimmed hedges. A fountain sparkled at the center, surrounded by ivory-colored buildings that gleamed in the sunlight.
Students in dark-blue uniforms crossed the courtyard, carrying grimoires and staffs. Some glanced curiously at me; others whispered behind their hands.
"That's Leon Moriet, isn't it?""Red hair, yeah, that's him. The useless Moriet.""If not for his name, he wouldn't have made it in."
I smiled faintly. Perfect. Let them think that.
A maid in the Academy's uniform approached and bowed."Welcome, Young Master. Your room has been prepared. Please, follow me."
I stepped out of the carriage, scanning the surroundings for a certain someone.The protagonist, Arthur. He hadn't arrived yet.
The Academy was grander than I imagined. Each corridor had its own attendants, but unlike noble homes, personal servants weren't allowed. The staff only helped with basic needs.
At the Western Dormitory, the maid stopped and handed me a key."You've been assigned to Room 221B," she said before leaving.
Room 221B. I knew this number. In the game, this room belonged to a certain sub-quest character, someone the original Leon had a very unfortunate encounter with.
I took the lift-like device to the second floor. Technology existed here, though mixed with magic, so it wasn't too hard to adapt.
When I reached my room, I opened the door and heard running water from inside the bathroom.My new roommate, apparently.
Great. Just great.
Then the bathroom door opened.
A girl stepped out, steam swirling behind her. She had sharp eyes, long black hair, and two... unmistakable curves under her towel.
"Hm? Are you my roommate? I'm Akira Tohime. Let's get along, okay?" she said with a friendly smile.
I froze.
Wait, Akira Tohime?That name, she was the sub-quest character who gave minor missions to Arthur in the game.So she's my roommate now?
Before I could explain, she followed my gaze, realized my eyes weren't exactly focused on her face, and
Thud!
Something hard struck my head.
"Kyaah! Someone's peeking into my room!""Wait, wasn't that Leon Moriet?! Room 221B, hold on! Isn't that the Princess of Katana, Akira Tohime's room?!"
Everything went black.
When I regained consciousness, I rubbed my head. Yep, there it was. The exact same bump Leon had in the game.
So that's how it happened.
"You dare peek at me, you pervert?! You'll be punished according to the Akira Family's Tradition!"
I sighed internally.
Fantastic. My very first day at the Academy, and I've already triggered a flag.