Vol3 Chapter 17 Roommates

When the final briefing wrapped up, the first-years slowly drifted off. Some made their way to the regular dorms, while others wandered off to explore the academy grounds with excitement. Meanwhile, a professor walked over to the ten students chosen for the Hall of Stars.

"If you'll follow me."

The ten gathered quietly before trailing the professor through the academy. The Hall of Stars sat atop a gentle hill with a view of the whole campus. In contrast to the lively dorms below, the area was calm and serene. White stone paths wound through neatly kept gardens, and crystal lamps drifted lazily above the walkways. The residence looked more like a lavish manor than a student dorm, with tall white pillars holding up an elegant structure edged in gold, and vast windows gazing out over the academy. Frida’s fluffy tail wagged with excitement.

"It's huge..."

Willow simply stared.

"...This is really where we're staying?"

"It is," the professor replied with a smile.

"The Hall of Stars has only been reopened this year."

"It hasn't housed first-year students for decades."

Several of them couldn't help looking around with curiosity. Even Aurelia lowered her book for a moment.

"..."

Amos eyes wandered around the entrance.

That is expensive.

Priorities.

The professor pushed open the grand double doors, revealing an entrance hall spacious enough to rival a noble estate’s lobby. Twin staircases swept upward toward the second floor, while cozy lounges, reading nooks, training rooms, and meeting areas branched off in various directions. Warm light from floating magical orbs bathed the space, where several academy staff members stood ready to greet arrivals.

One bowed politely.

"Welcome to the Hall of Stars. The rooms have already been prepared."

"The first floor contains the common facilities."

"Private rooms are located on the upper floors."

Another staff member produced a crystal tablet.

"Before assigning rooms, there is one matter."

Everyone's attention turned toward him.

"The Hall of Stars consists of five residential suites. Each suite contains two private bedrooms connected by a shared living room, study, bathroom, and balcony."

Murmurs spread through the group.

"So, you will each have one roommate."

The crystal lit up.

Hall of Stars Residential Assignment

Suite One

Amos E. Kyros

Chester Reinhart

"..."

Chester frowned.

"Him?"

Amos looked over.

"You?"

The professor adjusted his glasses.

"The academy intentionally paired students expected to motivate one another."

Chester snorted.

"I don't mind," Amos replied honestly.

"As long as you don't snore."

"Who says I snore?"

"I don't know. I'm gathering information early."

A vein twitched on Chester's forehead.

***

Suite Two

Aurelia Maria Edward

Estelle Celeste

The silver-haired saint smiled gently.

"It will be a pleasure."

Aurelia closed her book.

"Likewise."

Although brief, neither seemed bothered by the arrangement.

***

Suite Three

Edith Cassia Markult

Elodie Cassandra Markult

Elodie pumped a fist.

"Yes!"

"I don't have to drag my little sister across the academy every morning."

Edith calmly opened her notebook.

I can walk by myself.

"You can. I just choosing not to risk it."

Edith gave her sister a completely unconvinced look before writing again.

You're the one who gets will drag.

"..."

"That's slander."

***

Suite Four

Willow Brew

Mira Cedar Dale

The elf inclined her head politely.

"I look forward to living with you."

Willow smiled.

"So do I."

***

Suite Five

Frida Frederica

Lucra

Frida's ears perked up.

"Ooo! A dragon and a fox! This sounds fun!"

Lucra folded her arms.

"As long as you don't bother me."

Frida smiled innocently.

"I would never."

Nobody believed her. Even the professor looked doubtful.

***

After the room assignments, each student received a small silver key despite their academy badges already serving as identification.

"A backup enchantment," the professor explained.

"The badge opens your suite. The key is for emergency situations."

He then gestured toward a large magical map floating in the center of the hall.

"Every suite comes with a personal training room, a study, a shared lounge, a kitchen, and two completely private bedrooms. The academy promotes cooperation while still valuing personal space."

The students nodded.

Amos and Chester ascended the western staircase side by side. Neither said a word—until Chester suddenly halted in front of their suite, casting a sideways glance.

"I'm taking the bedroom on the left."

Amos shrugged.

"Works for me."

The magical door slid open to reveal a suite that surpassed even noble expectations. At its heart was a roomy sitting area lined with bookshelves, cozy sofas, and a fireplace magically warmed without smoke. Tall windows offered sweeping views of nearly the entire academy. Two matching doors led to individual bedrooms, while a third opened into a shared study.

"..."

"..."

Chester looked around.

"Not bad."

"Not at all."

Amos nodded.

"It's bigger than I expected."

He wandered toward the window before noticing another door.

"Oh, what's that?"

Opening it revealed a private training courtyard surrounded by magical barriers. His eyes brightened slightly.

"Wonderfully interesting."

There was plenty of empty space.

More room for running around.

Satisfied, Amos casually chose the bedroom on the right and opened the door without ceremony. The room was clean and spacious, with a neatly made bed beside a large desk. Bookshelves lined one wall, while a wardrobe took up another. A private bathroom adjoined the room, and a balcony offered a view of the academy below. Amos set his luggage beside the bed and glanced around once.

"..."

Then nodded.

"This'll do."

Outside, Chester was already unpacking while muttering something about eventually reclaiming first place. Amos heard every word.

"..."

"He's really motivated."

He lay down on the bed without another thought. The mattress was comfortable though the room was quiet.

Amos stared at the ceiling for several minutes.

"..."

There was nothing left to do. He had already unpacked, his room was spotless, and bed felt inviting. The academy wouldn’t officially start until tomorrow.

"..."

He sat upright.

"I should meet everyone."

It wasn’t that he especially wanted to socialize. It just felt awkward living in the same place without knowing the people he shared it with. Besides, he was a bit curious. Stepping out of his room, Amos found Chester in the shared lounge, polishing his sword.

"Going somewhere?"

"I'm visiting the others."

Chester looked confused.

"Why?"

"We're dormmates. Wanna join me?"

"Busy."

Amos nodded.

"I'll be back."

Before Chester could say anything else, Amos had already disappeared out the door.

"..."

***

Suite Two.

Knock.

Knock.

The door opened a few moments later. Estelle stood there with her usual gentle smile.

"Oh."

"Good afternoon, Amos."

"Good afternoon."

She stepped aside.

"Please come in."

Amos stepped inside. Unlike his own suite, the shared lounge had the comfort of a space already lived in. A small vase of flowers rested on the table, and the scent of freshly brewed tea lingered in the air. In one corner, Aurelia sat quietly, absorbed in another thick book, glancing up only for a moment.

"Hello."

"Hey."

A moment of silence followed.

Estelle looked between them.

"..."

"..."

"..."

Neither continued. She smiled awkwardly.

"So would either of you like some tea?"

"Sure."

"Yes."

They answered simultaneously. Several minutes later...

The three sat around the table. No one spoke. Estelle sipped her tea elegantly. Aurelia turned another page. Amos stared out the window.

"..."

"..."

After nearly a full minute, Amos finally spoke.

"The tea is good."

Estelle smiled brightly.

"Thank you."

"It was grown within the Holy Kingdom."

Amos nodded.

"I can tell."

"..."

He couldn’t tell the difference.

It just tasted like tea. Still, it was good tea.

After finishing the cup, Amos got to his feet.

"Thank you."

"I'll continue visiting everyone."

Estelle blinked.

"You're visiting every suite?"

"Mhm."

"That's very thoughtful."

Amos tilted his head.

"It is? I was mostly just bored."

"..."

Estelle laughed softly.

"I hope you enjoy the rest of your visits."

***

Suite Three.

Knock.

The door swung open almost immediately.

"Oh?"

Elodie blinked.

"Valued Customer?"

"..."

"Wanna buy something? Though our inventory hasn't arrived yet."

She grinned before stepping aside.

"Come in."

Amos stepped inside. The suite felt livelier than the last one. A few boxes were still unopened, and merchant ledgers already covered one side of the shared study. Edith sat quietly on the sofa, glancing up to give him a small wave, which he returned.

"Hello."

Edith smiled gently before opening her notebook.

Hello.

Elodie crossed her arms.

"So, what brings our future customer here?"

"I was visiting everyone."

"Everyone?"

"Mhm."

"..."

"..."

Elodie stared at him.

"You're surprisingly normal."

"Thank you?"

"I meant that as a compliment, i think."

Edith wrote another sentence.

She's trying to understand you.

"I am not."

You are.

Edith silently held up the notebook. Elodie immediately looked away.

"I am securing a returning customer."

Edith smiled innocently. Amos looked between the twins.

"..."

'They're close.'

Elodie sighed.

"You see this? My own little sister bullies me."

Edith calmly wrote again.

Older sister.

"I was born earlier."

After chatting for another few minutes, Amos stood.

"It was nice meeting both of you."

Edith gave another small wave.

See you tomorrow.

"See you."

***

Suite Four.

Knock.

The door opened almost immediately. Willow smiled.

"Oh."

"Amos."

"Hello."

She welcomed him inside. Mira was adjusting the string on her bow near the balcony. The elf inclined her head politely.

"Good afternoon."

"Good afternoon."

Compared to the previous suites, this one was peaceful—comfortably so. Willow handed him a glass of water.

"So, you decided to meet everyone?"

"Mhm, we'll be living here together for a while. Might as well."

Willow laughed.

"That's reasonable."

Mira gave a quick nod. The three of them chatted for a moment about tomorrow’s classes before Amos excused himself. Just as he reached the door, Willow suddenly called out.

"Amos."

He turned.

"Congratulations on being first place."

He blinked.

"Oh, thanks. That was fun."

Willow couldn't help smiling.

"Only you would describe that examination as fun."

***

Suite Five.

The moment Amos knocked, the door flew open.

"Visitor!"

Frida practically bounced into view, her fluffy tail swishing excitedly.

"It's Amos!"

Without waiting for permission, she grabbed his wrist.

"Come in!"

"I can walk."

"I know but this is faster."

"..."

Amos let himself be pulled inside, while Lucra glanced up from the sofa with a sigh.

"You're already bothering people."

"I'm welcoming him!"

"By kidnapping him?"

"It wasn't kidnapping."

"..."

Lucra rubbed her forehead. Frida proudly puffed out her chest.

"See?"

Amos looked around.

Their suite somehow already looked chaotic.

One chair had somehow been moved onto the balcony.

Another somehow is stuck at the ceiling.

Lucra noticed his gaze.

"Don't ask."

"I wasn't going to."

Amos quietly chose not to press the matter any further. Probably for the best. Frida then suddenly leaned in closer.

"So."

"What do you think?"

"About?"

"Living with all of us."

Amos glanced around for a moment, then turned toward the large window that overlooked the academy.

"..."

He smiled faintly.

"I think it'll be interesting."

"...Yeah."

"I think so too."

He reached his own suite. Opening the door, he found Chester exactly where he had left him. The crimson-haired boy glanced up.

"Finished?"

"Mhm."

"Worth it?"

Amos thought for a moment.

"You could say so."

Chester snorted.

"You're strange."

"So, I've been told."

For some reason, that answer made Chester and him laugh.

It was the first laugh either of them had shared and the starts of many in the future.