Chapter 9

***

"Hancheong. You're in C1, right?"

"Yeah, I'm in the C1 class."

Even as I answered, I made an effort to appear calm.

After all, someone was an A1 class, like a protagonist in a novel, while I was in the C1 class.

In a way, the C1 class could be seen as somewhere between the middle and lower ranks.

But in reality, there was a world of difference between the A and C classes.

Having read the entire novel, I felt this disparity even more acutely.

"Seems like the B class was tough, huh?"

"Probably because it's the common grade. The B class was tough."

Even as I answered calmly, I wasn't as angry as I thought I would be.

In my field of vision, people were still jostling each other to check the names on the bulletin board.

"Move a bit!"

"Please! I just need to check a little."

"Really, move! Don't think I have all the time in the world!"

"…Is there really no name on the D class list?"

They were so desperate to find their names on the list of successful candidates that they were even exchanging harsh words.

Watching them from a step back, my heart gradually calmed down.

Most of the people I could see wouldn't even make it to the D class, let alone the C class.

In other words, they were the 'unsuccessful candidates' of the academy.

At least I was in a much better position compared to them.

Once I resigned myself to this, accepting reality was surprisingly easy.

'Right. I'm just a commoner.'

From the start, hoping for the B class was a greedy wish.

Even if Kalli had given me a good evaluation, it seemed I had been dreaming too much.

"But still, Hancheong. If you're in C1, you can quickly move up to the B class, right?"

A voice from beside me made me let out a hollow laugh.

"Quickly…?"

"Yeah, quickly. It's just one step away, after all."

When our eyes met, he said it as if it were the easiest thing in the world. For a moment, I was at a loss for words.

Glesia is in the A class, and not just any A class, but the very high A1 class. She seems to view the B class as something easy.

From her perspective… that's true.

The problem is that it's not that easy for me.

I took a deep breath and nodded.

"Right. I'll try my best."

Because of what I said yesterday, I couldn't show a slumped or unconfident appearance.

Glesia is interested in my confident and bold demeanor.

I had to show a confident side in front of her, no matter what.

While thinking this, I looked at Glesia again.

"…"

In the gentle breeze, her blue hair fluttered, and she looked even more beautiful. Seeing her up close, I realized how pretty she was, but I also thought she had a rather quirky personality.

This girl, who had qualified with an extremely high score in the A class, especially A1, was genuinely showing interest in me.

She even called me first and asked where I had qualified.

Something that wouldn't normally happen.

Her saying she would spend time with me now seemed more believable.

Even so, I had a slight reservation.

'If she's in the A1 class, she will definitely be involved with Leonhardt.'

The protagonist of this novel, as far as I know, is Leonhardt.

Since Glesia is now in the same class as him, she will almost certainly be involved with him.

'Then…'

I would have the opportunity to give her advice or help her in some way.

I know all the accidents and events that will happen in the future.

Of course, I didn't expect Glesia to be placed in A1, but I thought the overall story wouldn't change much.

So, I could indirectly help Glesia.

With knowledge, not power.

After organizing my thoughts, I spoke softly.

"So, Glesia. Have you thought about how often we'll meet at the academy?"

When we talked yesterday, we agreed to spend time together.

We even made detailed plans about when we would meet once we entered the academy.

Since it would be a bit awkward to find each other's classes, we decided to let Glesia decide when we would meet and give her the answer today.

"Yeah, I've decided."

When she answered, looking at me, I was a bit curious.

"How often will we meet?"

While answering, I thought once a week would be appropriate.

The A class receives special attention compared to the lower classes, so they have more classes and assignments.

Perhaps we would meet twice a month.

"Three times a week."

Glesia gave an answer that completely went against my expectations.

"…Three times a week?"

"Yeah. I heard the A class has a lot of classes and assignments. I think that would be appropriate."

Even though she seemed to know something about the A class, Glesia spoke to me so calmly.

Three times a week.

And since there was no hint of playfulness in her eyes, I was even surprised.

'Does she really want to understand me that much?'

While thinking this, I found myself nodding.

If Glesia suggested meeting often, I would welcome it.

Since she's in the same class as Leonhardt, there would be more opportunities for me to help her.

And that would certainly bring me some benefits.

'There's still hope.'

Glesia is that hope.

But that thought was short-lived.

"…Wait. Glesia. Let's meet twice a week."

I immediately changed my mind.

If I agreed to everything Glesia said, I might seem like a yes-man. We needed to consider each other's positions, so a bit of pushback was necessary.

"…Why?"

"Why…?"

"Three times a week, Hancheong. Wouldn't that be better for you too?"

When she asked if three times a week wouldn't be better, as if it were obvious, I couldn't help but look around.

"…Ahem."

"Ahem."

When our eyes met, some people immediately looked away.

As expected, there were a few people looking at us enviously.

So, I found it even more ridiculous.

'If someone sees us, they might think we're a couple.'

The suggestion to meet often had a subtle romantic feel to it.

After a moment, I cleared my throat and continued.

"Glesia, I have my own classes and need to train my special abilities. Of course, compared to you in the A class, I have more free time. But I'm just a commoner, so I need to work harder."

Mixing about 80% of the truth in my answer, Glesia looked at me with a hint of dissatisfaction but reluctantly nodded.

"…That's true. After all, you're a commoner."

Even though I said I was a commoner, it felt strange to hear Glesia repeat it.

…An uncomfortable feeling.

"Then, twice a week, right?"

"Right. Got it, twice. On Tuesdays and Sundays. 6 PM at the dormitory entrance. Don't forget, Hancheong."

"Tuesdays and Sundays. 6 PM at the dormitory entrance. Got it, I'll remember that."

As I answered, I realized Glesia had thought about the details.

'Appropriate.'

6 PM would be after classes, so it shouldn't be a problem.

After a brief chat with her, since there was no reason to stay here any longer, we naturally headed to the café we went to yesterday.

The surrounding gazes were somewhat annoying, and some people looked at me with envy.

'When you're with a pretty girl…'

You inevitably attract various gazes.

This was one of the unchanging truths, whether in the real world or in the world of the novel.

***

Time passed quickly, and it was the day of the opening ceremony.

—Grand Royal Academy Opening Ceremony.

Among the many events held at the Grand Royal Academy, commonly known as GROA, the opening ceremony is one of the most prestigious.

After all, it's not an exaggeration to say that the children of high-ranking nobles, from the royal family to dukes and marquises, all attend this Grand Royal Academy.

Given that important figures attend to see their children off, the opening ceremony must be as grand and splendid as possible, and it must showcase the prestige of the academy.

Above all, it can't be perceived as a mediocre academy that the royal family attends.

…

"Actually seeing it, the feeling is quite different."

As he stepped into the Grand Hall of the Grand Royal Academy, Cheonseong couldn't help but exclaim in amazement.

The space was so vast, it could be compared to a dome stadium, and he could once again feel the unbelievable scale and grandeur of the academy.

Swoosh.

He instinctively straightened his clothes and looked at his attire.

A student uniform with a mix of blue and black in a unique design.

Although he was wearing the C-class uniform he had been given for the first time, he couldn't help but think how grand the opening ceremony was.

Thud.

Thud.

As he made his way through the crowd to find his seat, his gaze wandered around.

People in splendid attire, who looked like high-ranking nobles, caught his eye, and especially the golden-armored knights guarding the royal family drew his attention.

'Come to think of it, even the prince and princess are at the opening ceremony.'

Those who usually stayed in the S-class, a place I couldn't even approach, were now in the same space as me.

He saw two adults, a man and a woman, being escorted by the sharp-eyed golden knights.

They seemed to be siblings, and what stood out most was their luxurious golden hair.

'They must look like this because of their bloodline.'

Their appearance was even more regal than described in the novel, and it was a sight that made him exclaim in admiration.

The name of the golden-haired man with a sharp and strong appearance was 'Dersen Luavella,' and the name of the golden-haired woman with a gentle and delicate appearance was 'Leesia Luavella.'

Since they were significant characters, I was paying close attention, but I had to turn my head away.

'Someone's gaze…'

One of the royal knights was glaring fiercely, and I felt a chill run down my spine, making it impossible to look any longer.

Once I found the seat marked 'C1,' I sat down.

'C class.'

Although it was disappointing not to be in the B class, I thought it was still a good position, like the head of a snake.

"Hey. What are you doing sitting next to me?"

A sharp voice came from beside me.