Chapter 33 - Chapter 32: Moving In
A rustling sound woke me up.
An unfamiliar ceiling.
This is Yaroibarov's inn.
It seems I slept soundly in a bed for the first time in a while.
The curtains are drawn, but light from outside is filtering into the room.
"Good morning, Mika-kun. You seem to have slept well."
"Good morning. Thanks to staying at such a nice inn, all my fatigue has vanished."
Until this point on the journey, I had been sleeping sitting down in a dilapidated hut.
There was no way my fatigue could have vanished.
"That's good. You'll leave right after eating. You don't know what awaits you once you're at the dormitory, so it's better to go early in the morning."
It seems there was a purpose to not rushing to the dormitory yesterday afternoon and staying overnight instead.
Indeed, if there were many things to do after arriving, starting in the late afternoon would be difficult.
In that case, staying one night and going in the morning allows for a more relaxed state of mind.
Leaving Yaroibarov's inn and stepping onto the main street.
Yaroibarov, knowing that I was an acquaintance of Ninetiana, sent me off saying, "If you have any trouble, come anytime. I don't know if I can help, but I can at least lend you some wisdom."
It is likely because of this considerate nature that everyone admires him.
I was told after leaving the inn that Yaroibarov is like an older brother figure to both Ninetiana and Diego.
He seems to be one year younger than Diego, but regardless, his power is terrifying; even the two of them when they were active couldn't possibly defeat him.
By the way, it seems Diego is also C-rank, not just Ninetiana.
(Didn't he say that Diego back in his prime could take down an Agu Bear alone?)
I couldn't even imagine how strong Yaroibarov truly was anymore.
Held by Ninetiana's hand, I walked down the main street, which was already overflowing with people in the morning.
It was probably just before 9 o'clock now.
There were so many people that if we weren't holding hands, I might have genuinely gotten lost.
Sarbengeal's city has a main street extending straight north from the South Gate where Mika and the others entered yesterday.
At the northern end of that main street is the lord's mansion, and the Magic Academy is located at the western edge from the lord's mansion. In other words, the northwest corner of the city.
The city spans 5 kilometers north-south and 4 kilometers east-west, surrounded by the city walls I saw yesterday.
If this huge city is the third largest in the country, what on earth is the capital like?
"There are so many people."
I felt as if I were walking inside a terminal station.
"It will calm down a bit more as time passes. Besides, wouldn't it be better if we crossed the center?"
"It gets more crowded the closer you get to the center? And beyond that?"
I wondered what was there.
"There's a Central Plaza. The further north you go from there, the more refined it becomes. This area has many ordinary shops, and everyone is rushing about frantically, right? There are fewer people to the north as well."
I see.
Perhaps the northern side of the city is a district for the upper class.
"This is the Central Plaza. There are always stalls here and lots of people, but it gets quieter the further north you go from here."
Somehow, the sight of people moving freely in all directions felt familiar.
(...Really, this is exactly how a terminal station looks.)
For Mika, whose height was barely over 110 centimeters, crossing this place felt hopeless.
"Don't let go of my hand. If you get lost here, even I wouldn't be able to find you."
Ninetiana smiled wryly.
Even Ninetiana apparently couldn't sense Mika's presence amidst such a crowd.
"It will be a bit of a detour, but let's go around the plaza this way."
Saying that, Ninetiana proceeded along the edge of the circular Central Plaza in a clockwise direction.
Walking while looking around left and right, I noticed a massive structure on the opposite side of the plaza.
Stopping, I couldn't help but open my mouth and look up.
I was simply overwhelmed by the magnificent Great Cathedral, something I had only ever seen in photos or on television.
"That is Sarbengeal's Great Cathedral. I wonder how much money they squeezed out of believers to build something like that."
Ninetiana made a blunt comment.
However, I agreed completely.
It seems Mika and Ninetiana have similar sensibilities in this regard.
"The main streets run north-south and east-west. This plaza is where they intersect. It seems particularly crowded today, but it should calm down a bit more by next month."
Is that how it is?
I hope so.
If it's like this all year round, I wouldn't want to get too close.
Passing through the plaza, we headed toward the Marquis Leventein's mansion.
Once past the plaza, the shops on the street seemed to be high-end establishments, and the number of passersby dropped immediately.
Still, it wasn't that there were few people.
It was just that there were fewer people compared to the plaza.
As the Marquis's mansion came slightly into view, Ninetiana turned left.
I wanted to see the Marquis's mansion, but well, I'd be able to see it plenty of times from now on.
After all, we were moving in next door.
I thought that, but upon reflection, it was the center of the north and south, or the center of the east and west.
The north and west edges.
Even if we call them neighbors, they are separated by a simple calculation of 2 kilometers.
In reality, I wouldn't feel like going just for the reason of "I'd like to take a quick look."
Walking down a street lined with seemingly high-class mansions, still holding hands. It felt completely out of place.
Continuing forward, as empty-looking mansions and vacant lots began to appear here and there, we finally arrived at the Magic Academy grounds.
At first glance, it truly felt like the main gate of a school.
There was a stone gate, and carved onto an aged stone slab was "Leventein Domain Magic Academy."
"We've finally arrived. Hee... so this is it."
It seems Ninetiana was seeing this for the first time too.
Come to think of it, she had said she hadn't been here before.
"Ninetiana-san, thank you for getting me this far."
I bowed my head to Ninetiana.
Looking back, it was quite a difficult journey, but the feeling that it was more enjoyable than anything else was strong.
Without Ninetiana, I surely wouldn't have been able to take such a journey.
"Yeah. My escort ends here, I suppose."
Ninetiana smiled with a hint of loneliness.
Suddenly, a hot sensation rose in Mika's chest.
(...Only this person never avoided me.)
When the "Escape from the Academy" incident occurred, only Ninetiana came to meet me at the church.
She would always talk about trivial matters and say, "Well then, see you later," before leaving.
She treated me without change.
That was all.
But how happy and grateful that alone made me feel.
(Ah, no good. Control your emotions. I decided to be careful from now on.)
I must be able to control my emotions and impulses.
That was also Mika's task from now on.
"Well then, I'm off."
Mika put on his best smile.
"Yeah, do your best. ...Oh, right."
Ninetiana rummaged through her travel bag and took out three cloth bags.
"These two are from me and Diego, and this one is from Horatio-san."
Saying that, she handed over two bags.
Silver coins were inside.
Five silver coins from Ninetiana and Diego.
Ten silver coins from Horatio.
"It's not much, but it's a parting gift."
"No, I can't accept this."
Ninetiana looked straight into Mika's eyes as he tried to return the bag.
"Did you forget what I said last night?"
Don't worry about such things as a child. Wait until you're an adult and earn it yourself.
"Wherever you go, new things you need will come up when starting a new life. Use this as a supplement."
"............Yes."
Mika decided to accept it honestly.
Being overly reserved and rejecting their kindness would be rude.
I will surely repay this favor someday, in a different form.
"And, here, this too."
Saying that, she handed over the remaining one bag.
It was heavier than the two bags given earlier combined.
Opening it, I found silver coins, large copper coins, and copper coins inside.
"Thanks to Mika-kun, it became a budget trip. We didn't use the inn, and meals were cheap, so we saved a lot."
There were probably about ten silver coins alone inside.
Perhaps Ninetiana had proposed traveling "like adventurers" to save even a little on travel expenses?
Hooking Mika with a story he would happily accept, and then giving it to him later.
(How far does this person go...?)
From now on, I must manage on my own.
My livelihood is secured, but from now on, I cannot rely on Ninetiana or the people of Rish Village, even for small things.
Ninetiana herself cannot lend a hand, even if she wants to.
In such times, even a small amount of cash can solve things.
Perhaps staying at Yaroibarov's inn wasn't just because she wanted to stay there herself, but because she wanted to introduce Mika to Yaroibarov.
She said she wanted to stay, but her true purpose was to let Mika know about Yaroibarov.
Because even if something happens, she can no longer lend a hand.
(...Can I endure this!)
Mika couldn't suppress his emotions, and tears overflowed.
Burying his face in the bag he was given, he tried not to let her see his tears.
"...Tha...nk... you... ............grate...ful."
Still, I made sure to convey the words of gratitude properly.
Ninetiana just silently watched over such Mika.
Calming my feelings, my tears finally stopped.
Mika's eyes must be bright red right now, making for a very disgraceful face.
"You seem a bit calmer now."
"............, yes."
"Before going to the dormitory, you should wash your face somewhere. I wonder if there's a well nearby."
Ninetiana looked around the Magic Academy grounds.
"You don't need a well."
Mika placed his luggage at his feet.
"Limiter Off, Waterball."
He created a mass of water about the size of a basketball in front of his stomach.
Ninetiana widened her eyes in surprise.
Mika scooped water from the mass with both hands and washed his face.
After washing his face a few times, he casually flung the remaining mass of water to the side.
"...Really, it's convenient."
After staring intently at the wet ground, Ninetiana checked Mika's face.
Mika lightly wiped his wet face.
"Yeah... with that face, it's fine!"
Ninetiana gave her seal of approval.
Mika picked up his luggage and bowed deeply.
"Thank you very much!"
He conveyed his gratitude with a cheerful voice, filled with deep emotion.
Lifting his face energetically, Ninetiana nodded firmly.
"I'm off!"
Mika ran onto the Academy grounds.
Occasionally turning back to wave, Ninetiana also turned back.
Ninetiana watched over Mika from that spot until his figure disappeared.
The Magic Academy grounds were quite large.
It truly felt like a school itself.
A road extended straight from the gate; on the left was a grassy thicket, and beyond that, a forest was visible.
On the right was a large building, probably a gymnasium of some sort.
In front of the gymnasium was a road to the right, and beyond that, another building.
It was a three-story building; from its appearance, that must be the school building or the dormitory.
Either way, I thought someone must be inside.
Mika decided to head toward the building in the back.
Passing the gymnasium, another single-story building appeared, separate from the three-story building seen earlier.
When facing the three-story building, the single-story building was on the left, and the gymnasium was behind.
Which one was the dormitory?
Well, even if I got it wrong, I could just ask someone and head to the dormitory.
For now, I entered the three-story building, which was the first goal.
The three-story building was quite aged.
The walls were cracked, and dirt was noticeable.
Honestly, it was shabby.
(Well, well... a dormitory is like this, isn't it?)
I had never lived in a dormitory, but I had heard stories from those who had.
It was just one example, but it seemed to be a rather miserable environment.
Regaining my composure, I entered the entrance.
The entrance was in the middle of the building, and stairs were right in front upon entering.
Immediately to the right was a wide floor with tables lined up. Probably the cafeteria.
To the left, a corridor extended, with several doors lined up.
(...No one is here?)
Seeing no one in the visible range, I was about to take a breath to call out when the door at the back opened.
A woman in her late fifties came out from inside.
She was a very plump woman.
"Oh, hello. Are you a child moving in this year?"
Wiping her hands with a kitchen apron, she walked over.
When Mika nodded, she said, "Wait a moment," and went into the nearest room.
The woman returned quickly holding a piece of paper.
"Here you go, sorry for the wait. So, do you have the order from the Lord?"
Taking the order out of the travel bag, I handed it to the woman.
"Eh... um, Mika Noisheim... Mika Noisheim..."
The paper the woman held seemed to be a list of prospective dormitory residents.
"Oh, here it is. You are on the 2nd floor... eh, 2nd floor?"
The woman looked surprised, checking the list and Mika several times.
(Is there a problem with the 2nd floor...? Ah, I see.)
Mika immediately understood.
Since leaving Rish Village, it's been nothing but this.
"...Is the 2nd floor a floor for males only? Then that's correct."
"Oh my... I thought you were such a cute child, but you're a boy. The Cafeteria Lady is surprised."
This person speaks very clearly...
"The order is supposed to be brought on the first day at the Academy, so I'll return it."
Saying that, the woman returned the order to Mika.
"Your room is on the 2nd floor, left side, the third room. There should already be a roommate, so for now, ask that child various things. I'll explain properly in the afternoon, so come back to that room after lunch."
Saying that, she pointed to the nearest room.
Mika said, "Understood," and went up to the 2nd floor.
As he climbed the stairs, the Cafeteria Lady's voice came, "Don't go to the 3rd floor~ it's dangerous~."
...What could be dangerous?
Twisting his neck while arriving at the 2nd floor, corridors extended to the left and right.
The right side had five doors, the left side had four.
Looking at the nameplates of the rooms lined up on the left, the nearest room had two names written, but the second room had none.
The third room had Mika's name and another name.
Passing that room for a moment to check the fourth room, no name was written.
(The rooms on both sides are empty...? Four names for four rooms. Couldn't they make it a private room?)
I thought that, but well, rules are rules.
Sharing a room is unavoidable.
I lightly knocked on the door and opened it without waiting for a reply.
I knocked as a courtesy since it was my first time entering, but this is also Mika's room.
There is no need to wait for a reply... I thought.
The inside of the room was very simple in design.
Upon entering, there was a bunk bed on the left, and two desks in the back.
The desks were arranged to face the left and right walls respectively.
In front of the desks was a low chest of drawers.
It should be sufficient as a living space.
When Mika entered the room, a boy with dark green hair was sitting on a chair with his legs thrown onto the desk.
The chair was balanced with its front legs lifted.
His manners weren't very good, but perhaps it was better not to be overly cautious about something like this.
Mika entered the room without caring.
The boy froze upon seeing Mika, but soon noticed and spoke up.
"Um, could it be... you're Mika-kun?"
"And you are Messerite-kun?"
Mika said the name he saw on the nameplate.
"Messerite is fine. It seems we're roommates from today. Nice to meet you."
"I'm fine with just Mika. Nice to meet you."
Mika placed his luggage on the empty desk.
Since Messerite was using the desk on the right, the desk Mika would use automatically became the one on the left.
Well, there was no point in making a fuss over such things, so I accepted it honestly.
By the way, since there were signs the lower bunk was used, Mika would likely take the upper bunk.
"Did you come to the dormitory yesterday?"
"No, the day before yesterday. It seems no other applicants for this year have arrived yet, so I was bored."
It seems he moved in the day before Mika arrived in Sarbengeal.
Since today was Water Day, he moved in quite early.
Even so, Mika had left early just in case.
The deadline for moving in was the next Sun Day, so there were still three days left.
"If you're that free, why not go to the town?"
"I don't have anywhere I particularly want to go."
Somehow, I got the impression that I had come too often and become used to it.
"Do you come to Sarbengeal often? Or rather, are you from Sarbengeal?"
"No, the Viscountcy of Braikosloa. Well, I did come to Sarbengeal occasionally."
Viscountcy of Braikosloa?
I had never heard of it.
"Where are you from?"
"Baron Limpēre's domain."
"Baron Limpēre's domain? Ah, that place with nothing."
Messerite seemed to have been to Baron Limpēre's domain as well.
He was just stating the facts, and he didn't seem to have any ill intent.
"Take what you imagined as 'nothing' and subtract even more from that."
"Hm?"
Messerite made a puzzled face.
"That was the village I lived in."
"............, is that village that rural?"
Seeing Messerite say it with an exasperated tone, Mika shrugged his shoulders.
Perhaps finding Mika's gesture amusing, Messerite burst out laughing.
"Ahahaha. You're not the kind of person who says such things about themselves often."
After laughing for a while, Messerite stood up and extended his hand to Mika.
"I was worried about what kind of person would be my roommate, but I think I can get along with you. Nice to meet you from now on."
"Likewise."
Mika also thought, "He doesn't seem like a bad roommate," and firmly shook his hand.