17 — Chapter 17

When the boring entrance ceremony finally ended, we were instructed to “follow your homeroom teacher to your classroom.”

The homeroom teacher for Class A is a tall man. He looks rather stern. I hope there isn’t any corporal punishment here. Like in old-school Britain—“strike while the iron is hot” and all that. I followed from the back of the line, feeling a little intimidated.

The classroom was quite ordinary. Desks and chairs made of wood are the norm here. Prince Keith took a seat at the front by the window. After that, everyone naturally filled in the seats in order. I ended up at the very back on the hallway side. It’s a pretty good seat. To be honest, I prefer the back seat by the window, but I’m just lucky I’m not right in front of the teacher’s lectern.

“Everyone, take your seats. I am your homeroom teacher, Donald Hagan. I am in charge of Mathematics.”

That’s a relief. I’m good at math. After all, for a ten-year-old, we’re talking about elementary school level arithmetic. However, the class started whispering. I suppose some of them aren’t fond of the subject.

“First, I’ll have you all introduce yourselves.”

Of course. It always comes to this. I’ve always hated this. Plus, I have no idea what people usually say in this world… I’m just glad I’m last.

“I am Keith. Second Prince. I am gifted in Fire Magic. I also train with the sword. I am looking for sparring partners. Since I intend to pursue the Knight Course, I will be joining the Knight Club.”

Wow, a self-introduction that perfectly showcases his arrogance. Everyone else is clapping, so I’ll join in too.

“I am Ralph Mackenzie, second son of the House of Marquess Mackenzie. I have been granted Wind Magic. I also intend to join the Knight Club. Prince Keith, I would be honored if you would spar with me.”

So it really is in order of social standing. It wasn’t this Ralph who cut in line earlier.

“I am Hugo Angus, heir to the House of Earl Angus. I was granted Fire Magic. I wish to join the Knight Club as well.”

Aha, found the line-cutter. Hugo… he’s the heir but he wants to join the Knight Club? Usually, it’s the second sons and below who become knights, right? He’s clearly just a sycophant for Prince Keith. Many of the boys in this class are obsessed with the Knight Course or joining the Knight Club. Their parents probably drilled it into them to get close to the Prince. How tough for them, being used as tools for their parents’ ambitions at only ten years old. I was angry about the line-cutting, but now I actually feel sorry for Hugo. After all, he was subjected to Prince Richard’s terrifying intimidation. Talk about being immature for his age.

Out of a class of thirty, twenty are boys. But there are girls too.

“I am Louise Fendi, eldest daughter of the House of Earl Fendi. I was granted Light Magic. I love to sing, so I am thinking of joining the Chorus Club.”

A beautiful blonde girl with Light Magic! The boys in the class started buzzing. Louise is likely the “Queen Bee” of the girls. The leader of the boys is Prince Keith. I’ll make sure to stay away from both of them.

After countless introductions, my turn finally came at a point where almost no one was listening anymore. I can probably get away with a low-effort one.

“I am Patience Granger, eldest daughter of the House of Viscount Granger. I was granted Household Magic.”

Three other girls in the class also had Household Magic. The first girl got some looks of slight disdain—Household Magic, huh?—but I was simply ignored. Perfect.

“Self-introductions are finished. Now, I will distribute the schedules and textbooks. Also, the annual events calendar.”

Yes! Monday is Math, Language, History… ugh, Magic Practicum. Skipping a grade in that might be impossible. Is there even such a thing as skipping a grade with Household Magic?

Let’s look at Friday. Let’s see… Classics, Math, Music, Magic Theory… Patience has memories of playing an instrument similar to a piano, and I was decent at the piano myself. Not enough to go to a music college, but I could play my favorite songs, so that should be fine. But Magic Theory… I’m not confident about that. I came from a world where magic didn’t exist.

I’ll worry about skipping grades later and look at the whole schedule. Math, Language, History, Classics, and Magic Theory are classroom subjects. Music, Art, Dance, Magic Practicum, and P.E. are practical. Oh, it looks like girls can swap P.E. for Home Economics. Music, Art, and Dance are compulsory. Truly the way of the nobility.

I liked exercise, but Patience hasn’t done much of it. Besides, at this point, I don’t want to do P.E. with ten-year-olds. Thanks to Household Magic, my sewing skills are professional-grade, so I’ll definitely go with Home Economics.

There’s even a morning homeroom every day. I haven’t had one since high school. I hope Mr. Hagan keeps his speeches short.

“Lastly, I will hand out the club pamphlets. Clubs are not mandatory, but they contribute to a meaningful school life. Please consider joining one.”

A thick pamphlet. It might be thicker than the textbooks. I want to go home on the weekends and do some side-work if possible. So, I have absolutely no intention of joining a club.