Chapter 45: Draco Academy
The assassin knelt in silence, head bowed so low his forehead nearly touched the cold marble floor. Blood dripped from the corner of his lips while shattered fragments of his dagger rested beside him like pieces of broken pride.
The room itself was suffocatingly dark, lit only by flickering crimson flames dancing across iron braziers mounted on the walls.
"The Assassin Guild has done a rather pathetic job this time," the figure seated upon the throne spoke, their voice cold enough to freeze the air itself.
"Not only were you defeated by a mere girl… she even managed to destroy your blade."
The assassin's shoulders trembled slightly.
"I-I apologize…" he muttered hoarsely. "I never expected such a target to possess that kind of strength. That dagger was forged from dragon scales—"
"I do not care for excuses."
The room instantly fell silent as The figure leaned forward slowly, a wicked smile curling across their lips beneath the shadows of their hood.
"Get rid of that girl."
A pause.
"Or better yet…"
Their smile widened.
"Bring her to me alive."
The assassin stiffened before lowering his head further.
"As you command."
Hidden high within the rafters, another figure silently observed the entire exchange.
Black hair blended perfectly into the darkness, his presence completely erased as though he were part of the shadows themselves.
"How interesting…" the mysterious man murmured softly.
A faint smirk tugged at his lips before his figure vanished without a trace.
........
"The meeting was a success," Yuishiro's voice echoed through telepathy.
"Good," I replied mentally while lazily staring out the carriage window. "I've also officially been admitted into the academy. I'll be staying in the dormitories from now on."
"Understood."
The connection ended shortly after.
I let out a tired yawn before stretching my arms above my head. Sitting across from me were Rose, Lily, and Daisy, while Mochiko remained comfortably curled up on my lap throughout the ride.
Honestly, bringing something familiar with me helped calm my nerves. Even back in my previous life, I absolutely hated high school.
Too noisy.
Too exhausting.
Too many people.
And since Sanemi wasn't here to comfort me, Mochi would have to serve as emotional support instead.
Mochiko let out a soft chirp as I rubbed beneath his chin.
"At least you don't give me homework," I muttered.
"We've arrived, Shiori-sama," fang announced from outside.
The carriage came to a smooth stop. I stepped out alongside the maids before lifting my gaze toward the massive academy grounds.
[Radar Activated]
Using my Inner Sight Demon Eye combined with radar magic, my surroundings instantly became mapped within my mind.
Buildings.
Mana signatures.
Movement.
Magic barriers.
Pathways.
Students.
Everything became crystal clear.
I gasped dramatically.
"Holy mother of anime… it's huge!" 😲
The academy looked less like a school and more like a royal city.
Towering ivory buildings stretched toward the clouds while floating lanterns hovered peacefully through the air. Students in elegant uniforms walked across enormous courtyards lined with fountains and glowing flowers.
This was peak fantasy academy material.
I happily waved goodbye to fang before heading toward the dormitories.
Thankfully, all my belongings had already been moved earlier that morning.
I opened the door to my assigned dorm room.
"…Oh?"
My eyes widened slightly.
Not bad at all. 🥰
The room was spacious and elegant, decorated with soft colors and expensive furniture. Sunlight poured through the large windows while silky curtains swayed gently in the breeze.
I immediately flopped face-first onto the bed.
.
"…Heaven," I moaned dramatically while sinking into the ridiculously soft sheets.
Mochiko bounced onto the mattress beside me happily.
"Your rooms are down the hall," I told the girls while rolling onto my back. "I already requested bath water for everyone, so go get some rest."
"Yes, Shiori-sama!" they replied with bright smiles before leaving.
Once alone, I grabbed my phone and began typing down notes about today's progress while Mochiko rolled around beside me like an overexcited marshmallow.
..........
The entrance ceremony began shortly afterward. The hall was packed with high class nobles consisting of every race, less than five percent were people from lesser background.
"This academy is one of the largest institutions specializing in sorcery," the principal announced proudly from the podium. "Upon graduation, students will be given three possible paths."
He raised a finger.
"One: Join the Holy Knights."
A second finger.
"Two: Enter the Department of Magic."
And finally—
"Three: Choose your own path."
Murmurs spread across the auditorium.
"Students with exceptional marks," he continued, "will be granted the opportunity to join the Department of Magic regardless of status or background."
The speech dragged on for what felt like seventeen business days while I sat there lost in thought.
A seven-year course…
In almost every fantasy anime I've watched, schools like these always hide dark secrets.
Meaning statistically speaking…
Out of every hundred students here, at least five are probably working for the crimson cross.
…Actually, wait.
Aren't Mia, Williams, and Xavier students here too?
"Is everything alright?"
My thought bubble popped instantly.
I turned toward Nathaniel sitting beside me.
"Yes, everything's fine."
Nathaniel smiled gently.
"After the ceremony, why not visit my room for a bit? I'll have some sweets prepared."
"Oh? Sure." I smiled politely
Just then, A student stepped onto the stage.
Raven black hair.
Elegant posture.
Natural charisma.
"Hello everyone, my name is Felix Azuko," he introduced smoothly. "I am one of the core members of the student council."
The audience erupted into applause. Girls were already grinning like fools
"Some things may feel confusing at first,"
Felix continued warmly, "but the student council is here to support all of you however we can."
His smile was ridiculously princely.
"Let's make this school year both memorable and enjoyable!"
The hall filled with cheers.
Dang. He really does radiate main-character energy.
After the orientation, a banquet followed. I'd stay for a bit to indulge in the food but most gathered there to socialize. Not wanting to draw attention to myself, I slipped out and headed toward the male dorms
Knock. Knock. Knock.
The door opened moments later.
"You came," Nathaniel smiled brightly
"Of course."
"Good evening, Prince Nathaniel." Eliot grinned poping into nates view.
Nathaniel's expression twitched ever so slightly.
"Is there a reason you decided to accompany her?" Nathaniel asked pleasantly.
Translation:
Why are you here, you annoying parasite?
Elliot smiled calmly.
"I simply asked Lady Shiori's maids to inform me of any schedule changes. Though admittedly, I wasn't expecting you to make your move this quickly."
Translation:
Like hell I'm leaving her alone with you.
"Don't you think this level of interference is excessive?" Nathaniel asked.
"Not at all."
Meanwhile… i was completely distracted by the snacks.
Macaroons, Dango, Mochi, Biscuits, Fruit juice, Strawberries and cream.
This wasn't a tea party anymore.
This was paradise.
"I asked your servants about your preferences," Nathaniel explained while pouring tea. "Though strangely enough, they possessed an entire cookbook of dishes I've never even heard of."
I took a bite of a macaroon.
My soul ascended.
"Hm~ yum!"
I immediately grabbed another.
Nathaniel chuckled softly.
"I'm glad you passed the exam. I heard this year's was especially difficult."
"It was honestly such a hassle," I sighed dramatically.
"If you encounter any trouble regarding school," he said gently, "please come to me."
"We will!" I replied happily while eating another sweet.
Elliot narrowed his eyes slightly.
Nathaniel smiled back. The invisible war between rich pretty boys continued while I focused on desserts.
.
Later that evening, I walked back toward the dorms alongside Elliot and Jasmine.
"I'm stuffed…"
"You certainly ate quite a lot," Elliot commented.
"I'm surprised you aren't worried about calories," Jasmine added. "Most girls would."
"My body's just built different," I replied confidently. "Plus, I eat healthy food too."
"Jasmine."
We turned forward.
Felix stood ahead of us beneath the evening sunlight, golden rays illuminating him so perfectly he almost looked unreal.
"Hello, brother," Jasmine smiled.
"Enjoying the ceremony?" he asked.
"Yes. We're heading back to the dorms now."
She linked arms with me casually.
"I'm glad to hear that," Felix said before turning toward me. "And congratulations on passing the entrance exam."
"Thank you. Your speech was great, by the way."
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"Thank you, Lady Shiori."
Okay yeah. Definitely protagonist aura
.
"We should get going before dark," I said.
"Very well."
.......
Within the spiritual space. moonlight blanketed the quiet pathway as Ryu and Kuro walked side by side after completing their duties.
"Walking beneath the moon like this is relaxing," Ryu remarked calmly.
Kuro sighed dramatically.
"If only I could hear Shiori-sama's voice…"
"I thought you were planning to surprise her with your cooking skills?" Ryu teased lightly.
"I am!" Kuro blushed slightly.
"So where are you heading tomorrow?"
"To Okinawa Port Town," Kuro replied
proudly. "It's the only Japanese-style city in the realm. I'll learn how to make all the dishes Shiori-sama likes."
"How admirable."
"What about you?"
Ryu's expression darkened slightly.
"I'll be investigating villages recently attacked by Phantoms. There may be clues regarding the crimson cross location."
Kuro nodded slowly.
"I also heard from Haru that Kyokota has begun designing labels for Master's skincare products," Ryu added. "He'll be occupied for some time as well."
"It seems we'll all be lonely for a while…"
"Shiori-sama said she'd visit every ten days," Kuro murmured.
The two exchanged quiet looks.
"Until then…"
"We wait patiently."
.......
It had officially been two weeks since I started attending Draco Academy.
"I'm firing you both," I announced with an innocent smile.
Emma and Lance immediately froze in horror.
"What?!" they cried simultaneously.
"The other stores are already busy enough," I explained casually.
"You can't fire us!" Emma cried. "How are we supposed to face Lord Kuro and Lord Ryu afterward?!"
"Not even the Goddess herself could protect us from their wrath…" Lance muttered tearfully.
"…Fine," I sighed.
Instant relief washed over them.
"The new branch is already stocked," I continued. "It'll operate twenty-four hours a day as a general convenience store.
Kyokota and Yuishiro are preparing flyers for advertising."
"Twenty-four hours?!" Emma gasped.
"Capitalism truly is terrifying," Lance deadpanned before Emma elbowed him.
"You'll have alternating shifts, proper breaks, monthly wages, employee discounts, and meal allowances," I explained. "It's not like I'm enslaving you."
Emma and Lance stared at each other.
"Monthly wages…?"
"Meal allowances…?"
They instantly turned toward me.
"We accept!"
Honestly…
The grand opening was tomorrow, yet instead of excitement—
I felt anxiety.
Pure anxiety. 😓
Later that evening, I sat quietly in the academy library reading a novel by the upcoming author Lavender.
"Crimson Hood really is interesting…"
But for some reason…
It felt strangely familiar.
Like I'd already read this story somewhere before.
I stood up and headed toward the exit when suddenly—
The door opened.
A girl with long pink hair nearly bumped into me.
"Oh! I'm so sorry!" she apologized quickly.
"No no, it's fine," I reassured her.
But she kept staring at me nervously.
"…Excuse me, but why aren't you wearing the school uniform?" I asked.
"O-Oh… my measurements got mixed up with another student's," she explained awkwardly. "I'm heading to the Bureau Department to request a replacement."
"Ohh, okay."
I walked past her before heading toward the dormitories.
Curfew was approaching fast.
I sprinted through the academy grounds while mentally calculating whether I'd make it in time.
The gates were already ahead—
Wait.
Wasn't that girl assigned to my dorm
building too?
Lost in thought, I failed to notice the gates beginning to close.
BAM!
The loud metallic sound snapped me back to reality.
"No no no no no!"
Too late.
Standing behind the closed gates was Oliver.
"Why hello there, Lady Shiori."
"Oliver! Please let me in!"
"Unfortunately, dorm curfew has already begun," he replied professionally. "The gates will remain closed until morning."
Just my luck. 🥲
I rested my forehead dramatically against the gate in despair.
Oliver looked away before loudly speaking toward a nearby tree.
"Oh dear… it would truly be unfortunate if a student happened to use the damaged eastern wall to sneak inside."
I blinked.
"…Huh?"
"It's scheduled for repairs tomorrow," he added louder. "Meaning tonight would hypothetically be the perfect opportunity."
A smile instantly spread across my face.
"Thanks, Oli! I owe you one!"
"O-Oli?!" His cheeks flushed bright red as I dashed away.
I quickly reached the eastern wall, Only to spot Christopher climbing over it.
"Hey Chris! Late too?" I waved.
"Oh, Shiori?!" he grinned. "Come on."
He grabbed my hand and helped pull me over the wall.
"Thanks," I said while dusting myself off. "So how's school treating you?"
"It's alright, I guess."
I narrowed my eyes suspiciously.
"I haven't punched anyone if that's what you're worried about," he added calmly.
Can he read minds?! 😧
"That's… good."
"By the way," I added, "I ran into a pink-haired girl earlier. She wasn't wearing a uniform."
"Oh, the pink-haired chick? That's Amber Hunt. She's a first-year commoner student."
"A commoner?"
"Yep. Most students here come from noble families, but she entered through scholarship because of her Light Magic."
"Light Magic?"
"One of the rarest attributes in the realm."
I see… How interesting.
"Alright, see ya," Christopher waved before heading off.
Once back inside my room, I collapsed onto my bed while staring at the glowing night sky beyond my window.
"A cute commoner girl with Light Magic attending a prestigious academy…" I muttered thoughtfully.
I slowly sat upright.
"…Why does this sound exactly like the setup of an otome game?" I giggled softly.
"Guess I've got to up my game as a villainess then..." I grinned