16 — Chapter 16

I holed myself up in my room to ensure I wouldn’t cross paths with the royals. This is the first time since being reincarnated that I’ve felt truly warm.

I felt like flopping down on the sofa in the parlor set before the fireplace to read, but “Patience Manners” kicked in, so I sat up straight and read properly.

I read through the dormitory regulations and the school rules. Among them, I found a wonderful regulation.

“Grade skipping! I can skip a grade if I pass the tests.”

To skip a grade, one must pass all subjects. It sounds quite difficult. However, if I can pass even just a few subjects and gain exemption from those classes, I might be able to increase the number of days I can spend at home.

“Just you wait, Angels. Big Sister is going to work hard.”

I want to say goodbye to a school like this as soon as possible.

I want my schedule quickly. If I can pass the subjects held on Fridays or Mondays, I could stay home Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. While counting my chickens before they hatched, I took a quiet dinner.

“I don’t have to change for dinner here. Long live uniforms!”

I’m used to eating alone. I was a lonely office lady, after all. Shut up!

“Bath time! Bath time!”

My first bath since coming to this other world! I’m not dirty, though. Until I could use Household Magic, I had Mary wipe me down with warm water, and after that, I used the “Cleanse” spell. But a bath is different, isn’t it?

“Press the magic stone. Ooh, hot water came out!”

Baths really are the best. The Granger manor had bath facilities too. I’ll take one when I go home. I should be able to produce hot water with Household Magic.

The dormitory bedding is twice as thick as the one at home. So warm. I fell asleep feeling blissful.

Clang, clang!

I wanted to keep sleeping, but I had to get up. The last thing I want is to stand out by being late for the entrance ceremony—especially after that mess in the dining hall.

I have to further improve the living conditions for the sake of House Granger (and my brothers). I don’t want to waste time dealing with children.

“Please let my strongest subjects be grouped on Fridays and Mondays!”

Praying for this selfish wish to the God Estena, I briskly washed my face and even brushed my teeth. I bought the toothbrush with the money I earned from darning socks. Mary also believes a young lady should keep her teeth beautiful, so persuading her was easy. However, the toothpaste is basically just salt. Needs improvement!

After eating breakfast, I headed to the auditorium mentioned in the pamphlet.

I wonder where I can find out my class?

The pamphlet says to sit by class, but… ah, over there. Not just dorm students, but new students commuting from home are buzzing around a board in front of the auditorium.

Please let me not be in the same class as Prince Keith…

I’m done believing in the God Estena. What do you mean, Class A?! Patience has no memory of taking an entrance exam. In other words, is it determined by parental rank? My father is currently unemployed and super poor, but he is a Viscount. Royal family, Duke, Marquess, Earl, Viscount… I somehow barely made it into Class A. I’m at the absolute bottom of the roster. Sigh… nothing but sighs.

If it were Class B, it would be Barons, Baronets, Knights… it would have been so much more relaxed. Oh, there’s a Class C too. That seems to be a gathering of prodigies who passed the entrance exam or magic geniuses. Children of the ultra-wealthy or relatives of mages—I bet they don’t have to worry about money.

The school rules stated that from the second year onwards, classes are divided by academic performance. I wonder if there’s a chance Prince Keith will drop to Class B? I’m aiming to skip a grade anyway… maybe skipping to second year in Class C is a possibility?

While thinking about such things, I sat in the very back row of Class A and listened to the long speech by the Headmaster. Entrance ceremonies are boring even in another world. I thought I was done with them after graduating university. Well, my company’s orientation was fairly boring too.

Just when I thought the long speeches were finally over, it was time for the Student Council President’s address. Ah, it was Prince Richard, of course. That presence of his is no joke. He really feels like a highly capable prince.

Which meant—to no surprise—the representative for the new students was Prince Keith. I can only laugh. Yeah, he looks nervous, but he’s doing a decent job. I re-evaluated him, thinking he’s doing quite well for a ten-year-old. I suppose royalty really is strictly educated.

I’m glad there were no speeches from guests. Well, you don’t really have guests in front of royalty. We sang the national anthem and the entrance ceremony ended. In times like these, I really have to rely on Patience’s memories.