Author: Eltria	Original Source: Syosetu
Translator: Mui	English Source: Re:Library
Editor(s): Robinxen

Project GB is an official initiative by Re:Library.

The entrance ceremony, held the day after moving into the dormitory, took place in the grand auditorium located at the center of the school building.

“In this spring, where we can feel the beautiful breath of life, we are able to celebrate this day as new students of the prestigious Canalford High Education School.”

The student representative, a male student with blue hair, stood tall as he gave the speech. His short, neatly styled hair and eyes brimming with confidence left a strong impression, and it was clear that the formal attire he wore had been made especially for this occasion. The formal wear, predominantly a blue close to navy, was adorned with gold embroidery and buttons, making it evident at a glance that it was expensive.

“This is all thanks to the Chairman of the Board, the Felix Foundation, and the warm congratulations of our esteemed guests from the Duke Farion, Duke Lazur, Marquis Duran, Count Felix, Count Carlman, and Baron Gutenberg households.”

With apparent familiarity, the male student on stage proudly read out each name, making eye contact with each of the distinguished guests.

“In order to repay this kindness, we promise to strive and grow even more. To our teachers, we humbly ask for your continued guidance and support. … Freshman representative, Rizel Siegert.”

As the student, who introduced himself as Rizel, bowed deeply on stage, a thunderous applause erupted from the row of noble dorm students.

The general dorm students, on the other hand, seemed somewhat taken aback by the formality of the speech—perhaps it was a cultural difference—but understanding that it would be best to follow the crowd, I prompted Hom and joined in the applause. As a few scattered claps began to rise from the general dorm row, Rizel seemed satisfied and bowed once more before returning to the row of freshmen.

Good grief. I had mentally prepared myself for some differences, but it seemed this place had a culture quite distinct from St. Salaius. As long as it didn’t interfere with my studies¹, I was willing to tolerate it, but I wonder how Alfe and Hom would feel about all this. At the very least, I’ll need to ensure that Alfe isn’t hurt by anyone here.

“Hey, Leafa, Alfe!”

After the entrance ceremony, as we headed to check the class assignment list posted outside the grand auditorium, a familiar voice called out to us.

“Ah, if it isn’t the Gutenberg boy,” I muttered.
“And Jost is with him too,” Alfe chimed in agreement.

I’d been calling him ‘the Gutenberg boy’ since elementary school, though he was starting to outgrow the ‘boy’ part. His blond hair, now cut neatly just above the shoulders, gave him a more refined look. Like the other nobles, he had tailored formal attire for the occasion, giving him an air of dignity that almost suited him.

Jost, too, had styled his black hair fashionably and was dressed in formal wear, which made it clear that he wasn’t just a servant; he had also enrolled as a student.

“You three are always together. You even brought that homunculus with you?”
“No, Hom is a student just like us,” I corrected.
“I am majoring in the military department,” Hom said politely, bowing her head in response to the Gutenberg boy’s question.
“Huh, impressive. Only a few years old, and already that capable?” the Gutenberg boy seemed genuinely impressed, though it was clear he didn’t fully understand the principles behind homunculi. Hom, having completed her greeting, turned her attention back to the class assignment list, scanning it with interest.

“We’re in Class A,” the Gutenberg boy announced proudly. “The class assignments are based on academic performance, you know.”
“We’re in Class F,” Hom responded, turning back to face him.
“We’re all in the same class, Leafa!” Alfe exclaimed joyfully, hopping with excitement as she found our names on the list.
“Hahaha! Class F, huh? If the class assignments are based on performance, then that means—”
“Class F is the most distinguished class, of course,” Hom interrupted calmly, nodding in agreement. The Gutenberg boy’s face flushed red in response to her straightforward reply.

“How does that even make sense!? Obviously, Class A is the top!” the Gutenberg boy exclaimed.
“…I see…” I murmured.

It was hard to believe that all three of us—who had been top of the class at St. Salaius—would rank below the Gutenberg boy. It’s safe to assume that there’s some sort of manipulation going on under the guise of ‘academic ranking’ here as well.

“Hom, do you see any other familiar names?” I asked.
“Yes, I’ve found Lady Farah, Vannabelle, and Numelin’s names,” Hom replied smoothly, as if anticipating my question.

While I had expected Farah to be there, being in the same class as Vannabelle was going to make it difficult to keep ignoring her.

“What’s wrong, Leafa? Aren’t you happy we’re in the same class?” Alfe asked, peering at me with concern.
“…No, I’m happy to be in the same class as you and Hom.”

It was undoubtedly a stroke of good fortune for the three of us to end up together.

“But, if you ask whether we should be celebrating this situation just yet, something feels off,” I added.

That nagging feeling would likely become clear once we got to the Class F classroom².

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