Student To King: The Transportation To A New World

Aria's Recollection: Transferring (Side Chapter)

May 2, 20XX, two years before the teleportation.

A girl stood before a large school, the afternoon sun setting and casting an orange glow across the buildings. As she took a deep breath, she entered through the front gate just as some students were leaving. Their eyes followed her, drawn to her angelic face, slender yet graceful figure, and luxurious silky hair. Despite her striking beauty, the girl's eyes were vacant, devoid of life, staring silently at the distant buildings.

With most students gone, the girl walked into the school, her gaze fixed on the campus map. Her fingers traced her destination until a voice broke the quiet.

"Are you alright? Are you lost?"

She paused, turning to see a fair-faced boy. The first thing she noticed was his distant gaze. His expression remained blank, but there was a gentleness in his voice. 

A cold prince...

Her eyes were lost in the sight of his blank stare. She stared into his eyes longer than expected, immediately flustered upon realizing her mistake.

"I... uh... um... I'm looking for the office..." Unable to maintain eye contact, her gaze shifted to his armband, which read 'Disciplinary Committee'.

"Sure. I can take you there if you don't mind. The campus is pretty big for anyone new coming here. My name is Ace, by the way. May I ask for yours?"

"Aria..." she replied quietly.

Ace focused on her eyes, noticing a similarity to his own from the past. But her expression was far more lifeless than his had been at that time.

"Alright. Follow me, it's only a short walk from here."

"...Thank you."

The duo walked from building to building, but silence fell between them. Although Ace didn't mind the silence, he glanced at Aria. He felt the need to break the tension and start a conversation. He scratched his head, trying to think of a good way to start, mimicking what some of his friends would do.

"Do you have any business at the academy? I don't think I've seen you around before."

"I'm transferring to this school... I'm just here to fill out my paperwork and buying a uniform right after."

"That makes sense."

Ace took a mental sigh at this attempt to converse with Aria, as she was technically a stranger.

Eventually, they arrived at the office Aria was looking for.

"Thank you for your help," Aria said with a bow.

"It's fine. Will you be fine by yourself when you leave the campus?"

"I think I memorized the way. Thank you, Ace. I'll... probably see you around then." Aria gave a small wave of goodbye before closing the door.

After completing his task, Ace left the area, preparing to leave for the day.

Meanwhile, Aria finished her paperwork and purchased her uniform for the academy. She managed to find her way back to the school gate, where, coincidentally, Ace had just arrived.

"Oh, already finished?"

"Yes... I already know the sizes so I didn't need to stay for that long."

"Alright. Be careful on your way home. There have been reports of gang members harassing some students around here, particularly girls. Be wary and stay safe."

Aria sighed worriedly, hearing the news from Ace.

"Thanks... I'll be careful."

"My house is this way, so I'll see you then." Ace said, pointing to the right side of the street before waving goodbye.