As things are winding down, Siphon and the others say they need to speak with Kayna, and step out.
Apparently Kayna and Yuno know each other.
Meanwhile, we’re taken to a dormitory.
“Leila, what’s the procedure to enroll? When can they start school?”
I ask on the way there.
“It can be done right away. I have been hard at work.”
According to Leila, that’s possible because the number of students here has been going down. It also means there’s room in the dormitory.
“I actually wanted to take in more applicants and start them at the same time, but it doesn’t look like that will be possible. But there are about ten other students besides Elsa and Alto, and with Miharu and the others, it should bring the number up to close to twenty.”
Those students’ ages range from six to twelve, with more than half being younger than ten.
“We couldn’t let a lot in mostly because of time, but also because we don’t have enough lecturers.”
It seems it wasn’t just students, a lot of lecturers quit too. Hearing about it from Leila makes me feel bad. It would help her if we explored Prekes next.
“Sora, don’t make that face. You have your lives. Although I’m not sure I can say that, considering I got Siphon’s party and Naoto’s party involved already.”
“That’s not true. It’s not like you used your influence to force anyone.”
I say, and Naoto nods.
Siphon and Naoto don’t have roots in this country, so they can leave anytime they want.
Look at Argo’s party too. They said no.
“Is there anything we need to get when they enroll?”
“Just clothes to wear in the dormitory, I think. Everything else like uniforms is provided.”
Then I guess that’s it.
Also, they can pick between individual rooms or sharing a room.
“There are large rooms used by noble children that are free, so you can use them. But they don’t have furniture like beds, so you would have to buy them…”
I look at Elsa, and she furiously shakes her head.
She doesn’t want to stand out too much, and wants to live like a regular student. It will be easier to make friends like that too.
After we’re done, we say goodbye to Leila, and head back to the inn.
◇ ◇ ◇
“It looks like everyone can stay in the dormitory, so I guess we can get a smaller house.”
I say smaller, but it’s still one with three bedrooms, although they aren’t that big. And they get pretty full with two bunk beds, so they really feel like places to just sleep.
But this also means the area for cooking and eating is big.
Ah, and of course, it comes with a bath.
Apparently it was pretty expensive, but with fewer buyers on the market, everything is now twenty percent cheaper than before.
The day after we settle things with the house, we furnish it and set the magic items.
I think it’s now ready for us to come back to it anytime, even though I don’t think that will be so soon.
There are three dungeons in the empire. We are planning to conquer two this time, so it should take some time.
Since Argo’s party will be guiding us through one, it should be quicker if things go smoothly.
“And you’re going to live in the dormitory, right Siphon?”
“Y-yes. But we might come here to rest from time to time.”
I give him and Elsa keys to the house. Siphon and the others were considering living here, but they settled on the dormitory.
The decisive factor was meals being provided. Inns serve food, but you have to cook for yourself at home. And if you’re going to start eating out, it’s more cost effective to just stay in an inn.
◇ ◇ ◇
“That uniform… Suits you.”
I say, and Elsa smiles. I’ve learned in my travels that this is something I should say.
But there’s a small cloud hanging over Elsa’s expression, because classes will be starting soon.
It’s less that she’s worried about that, and more that she’ll be saying goodbye to us again.
She knew it was coming, but it still feels lonely.
“Elsa, introduce us to your friends next time we come here.”
Says Hikari.
“Yes. I’ll do my best.”
“And Alto too.”
Hikari turns to Alto, and he nods.
Everything is ready for them to start, so we spend the next three days with them, and Shun and the others.
Siphon’s party Naoto, and the other teachers went to the academy sooner, because they’re going to have some things explained to them.
And Elsa and Alto aren’t there yet because the other students enrolling weren’t ready.
But that’s also over, so they take their stuff, and cross the entrance to the academy.
After seeing them off, it’s time to leave Prekes.
Our first stop is the capital of Mahia.
We walk out of Prekes, but after a while, we get on the wagon carried by a golem.
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