Published: August 15, 2025
Mana filled the teleportation circle, emitting black and gold light. At the same time, the mana stone set in the brooch glowed. The space before me shimmered, and I was suddenly struck by a dizzy feeling.
As if noticing my head swaying unsteadily, Richarda reached out slightly to let me lean on her. Feeling supported, I let out a breath of relief. The next moment, the figures standing before me distorted grotesquely.
Surprised by the warped vision, I blinked several times and rubbed my eyes. A few seconds later, when the scenery before me came into focus, the people who had seen me off were nowhere to be seen.
“Welcome to the Ehrenfest dormitory of the noble academy, Lady Rosemine.”
Ahead was a large, wide-open door, flanked by two knights monitoring the movement of the magic circle. The teleportation circle on the floor was the same as before, and the room closely resembled the one before departure. There were chairs for the two knights to sit on and various small magic tools scattered about. With no one left to see me off, I knew I had arrived somewhere else.
“Princess, if you’re feeling well, shall we leave the room?”
Gently pushed from behind, Richarda urged me to exit the teleportation room. Apparently, the servants had to carry my luggage to my room before Wilfried could teleport.
When Richarda and I stepped out of the teleportation room, there was a waiting room just like at the castle. When teleporting, luggage for the next person was packed here, and this was where they waited for their turn. Angelica and Brother Cornelius were there to greet me.
“Lady Rosemine, we have been waiting for you.”
Accompanied by Cornelius and Angelica, I left the waiting room and found myself in a hallway and set of doors very similar to those in the castle. It was so alike that I found myself doubting whether I had really teleported to the noble academy.
“Is this really the noble academy? It feels no different from the castle.”
“The dormitories of the noble academy are created by the lords using creation magic, so dorms from different territories essentially resemble castles in style,” Richarda explained.
She told me that each territory had its own characteristics in architecture: some were ornate, some practical and sturdy, others graceful with rounded shapes, and some were simple and square with all excess stripped away.
Brother Cornelius nodded in agreement.
“Each territory’s dormitory has its own character, making it fun just to look around. People from other territories can’t enter, so they only get to admire the exterior.”
The brooch given by the lord at the awarding ceremony functioned as a selective magic tool, distinguishing residents from outsiders. Through a special magic unique to the lord, inhabitants registered by medal could be identified. Therefore, even if someone stole the brooch, they wouldn’t be allowed into dormitories of other territories.
“Well then, I’ll leave the princess in your care, both of you.”
“Leave it to us.”
Before the stairs, Richarda entrusted Cornelius and Angelica with watching over me and promptly ascended the stairs.
“Lady Rosemine, this way please. Tea has been prepared.”
“Angelica, Cornelius, where are you heading?”
“To the reception for welcoming new students.”
Everyone who teleported from the castle to the dormitory had to wait in the hall while their rooms were being prepared by attendants. Senior students who had already set up their rooms would welcome the new students.
“Lady Rosemine has arrived.”
A senior attendant apprentice poured tea and brought out sweets, treating me with hospitality. Looking around, I saw my fellow new students nervously holding their tea.
“Lady Rosemine, please come this way. That outfit is wonderful. It incorporates trends from the noble academy and features the floral ornaments you designed.”
“I made it based on Brynhildr’s information. I’m not well versed in the academy’s fashion, so it was a great help.”
Brynhildr, who had been with me in the children’s room when I was seven and she was nine, was now twelve and in her third year. Her straight crimson hair flowed smoothly, and her amber eyes narrowed happily as she looked at me.