Ch. 8 - Private Room and Student

While the three of us were walking through the dormitory, they showed me the communal facilities, such as the dining hall, bathrooms, large bath, and library. Then we took the elevator.

This was my first elevator ride in this world. Although I knew about its existence beforehand, the ride felt quite different from the elevators on Earth.

The smooth ascent made me feel momentarily weightless, giving me an odd sensation.

Since entering the academy, I hadn't seen many people, but I noticed several women in black clothes in the dormitory. Most of them looked at me curiously.

"This is the place."

I apparently arrived at my room.

Raising my head, I saw an impressively large door. The black door with gold ornaments hung on the white stone wall.

"Wow, this is my first time entering a room for a senior teacher!" exclaimed Eliza, who had followed us in high spirits.

"Go ahead and open it."

At Glenora's request, I grasped the handle. Though slightly heavy, the door opened smoothly.

Light poured into the corridor from the room, and my view instantly widened.

"Amazing!"

Eliza's exclamation made me nod instinctively.

The room had a large glass wall in the front that provided a view of the majestic spires of Fiddiq Academy and the blue sky. The room was vast, and the ceiling was high.

Looking around inside, I discovered three other doors aside from the entrance.

I walked past a round table and a single chair to open the nearest door. It seemed to be a changing room, with a Western-style toilet and a shower room further inside.

"Do personal rooms usually have these?"

Glenora shook her head.

Eliza raised her hands and shouted, "They don't! Only senior teacher rooms have private toilets and showers! And why does this room have two other doors?!"

"One is the bedroom, and the other is the study."

"My room only has one bedroom," Eliza murmured, looking like she was about to cry.

Glenora snorted and crossed her arms. "If you're envious, aim to become a senior teacher. Or stay at an inn in town."

"Inns are expensive... And besides, your cooking is delicious," Eliza admitted, her honest nature evident.

Glenora's lips curled up slightly. Her tough exterior masked a kind heart.

Watching this interaction, I turned to Glenora. "I'm fine with just a bedroom. Also, I can take the room next to Eliza-san's."

Glenora glanced at me briefly before turning on her heel. "The principal assigns the rooms. If you have complaints, take them to him. Lowering the rank of your room might be seen as an insult to teachers who are striving for advancement."

With that, Glenora left the room.

I turned to Eliza. "... That was advice, right?"

"Yes, Glenora-san is strict but kind! Strass-san is the same! Oh, and I'm also known for being kind! Now, let me explain the dormitory rules!"

Perhaps she had changed her mind, Eliza enthusiastically explained the dormitory rules.

We continued our tour of the dormitory and then ate dinner together in the dining hall.

Before we knew it, night had fallen. I said goodbye to Elizaa and promised to meet again tomorrow.

The dormitory had no curfew because many magicians preferred to be alone in their laboratories. Taking advantage of this, I chose to explore the academy at night.

The academy's main building, which resembled a castle, stood in the center. The men's dormitory was on the right, and the women's dormitory was on the left. Surrounding the academy were the town and four entrances to the grounds---east, west, north, and south. Only the southern gate was open at all times.

The laboratories were concentrated on the northern side.

Even though there were no people or shops open at night, the streetlights everywhere created a magical ambiance.

The air was clear, making the walk quite pleasant.

Looking up at the spires bathed in countless lights, I wondered if this was how the Sagrada Familia looked. (TN: Sagrada Familia is a landmark in Spain). Suddenly, I heard a sobbing sound from the shadows.

I froze, thinking it was a ghost, but quickly realized it wasn't. Peering into the shadows, I saw a little figure.

White fluffy hair, black outfits, and a white tail.

"... Tail?"

Hearing my murmur, the fluffy head shivered. The figure turned to face me, revealing a beastkin girl.

Though she had a human face and body, she also had animal ears and a tail. Her fluffy head was due to her drooping beast ears.

She seemed around fourteen or fifteen years old. She was small and slender, with endearing, droopy eyes.

The beastkin girl, with tears wetting her cheeks, backed away fearfully while sitting on the ground, trying to put distance between us.

I said gently, "What's wrong?"

The girl gasped at my words.

"I won't hurt you. Come out into the light."

With a fearful look, the girl cautiously moved into the light. Her appearance startled me.

Her skirt was somewhat singed, and she wasn't wearing shoes. I could see fresh cuts covering her left foot.

Was it bullying?

My brow furrowed.

"Don't move." I reached for her foot. She trembled, but I performed a rare light-attribute healing spell. "[Healing Hand, Cure Care]."

A warm sensation enveloped my hand.

The girl looked at me wide-eyed and then stared at the rapidly healing wounds on her foot. The blood dried and hardened until it crumpled into powder, leaving behind a foot with clean skin.

"It's all healed. Unfortunately, I don't have any shoes," I said and then lifted the girl onto my back.

"Eh? U-um...!"

I smiled at the girl, who stammered in surprise, and headed towards my dormitory room.

"You don't have shoes, so this is the best way. Please stay still."

I realized that my actions could be seen as suspicious. Who wouldn't be afraid if someone you didn't know suddenly carried you?

But the girl unexpectedly trusted me and placed her hands on my shoulders.

I pondered if I had clothes or shoes that would fit her. I wasn't tall, but I wasn't as petite as she was either.

Then I thought of the perfect person.

"Eliza-san might help."

I decided to borrow some clothes and shoes from Eliza. Given her kind nature, she'd surely help the girl.

Feeling pleased with my idea, I headed to Eliza's room, despite the fact that I was visiting someone whom I had met for the first time today late at night.

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