Twist of Fate

Chapter 15: First Day

I smiled hesitantly. "Did you just call me the 673rd ranker?"

"Yes," the Headmaster answered with a smile that told me he knew exactly why I was hesitating. "You are the 673rd student of this Academy. We usually give ranks based on the results of the formal examination, but since this is a special occasion..."

It seemed that the Select weren't the only ones with rank at Kurona Academy. Every single student from every section-liberal, artists, warrior,etc-had a rank. That also included, as the Headmaster said, students just starting to attend. Ranks were decided based on work, strength demonstrated, and so on, so, as one who just arrived, late at that, it was no wonder I got the very last ranking. I understood at that, but being at the very bottom, being dead last, really, really irritated me.

"I...I see," I murmured, keeping my annoyance out of my voice. "That ranking, how can I change it?"

The Headmaster arched a brow. "With lots of time and hard work." I fought to kelp a scowl off my face and he laughed at my difficulty. "There are quicker ways, of course, but I wouldn't recommend them to an amateur."

"Oh," I said lightly, trying to sound uninterested. "What are-"

I was interrupted as the door I entered in opened, loudly if I may add, and Tían, whom I never noticed left, entered followed by a girl with light brown hair. Who is she?

"I've brought Raifa Sirque, Headmaster." Tían said, gesturing to the girl beside him. "The one from the girl's dorm with the free bed."

Ah. Is that where I'll be staying? A girls' dorm? But when did he go to get her?

"Good," the Headmaster said with a smile. "Is the room prepared on such short notice?"

Tían shot at the girl with a half-shrug. "I suppose it is...livable now."

I raised a brow at that but Tían appeared to either not to notice or ignore it. "That is acceptable," the Headmaster said, then turned his gaze to me. "Lareria, your stay, until said otherwise, will be in the girls' dorm. Your roommate, Raifa Sirque, will show you to your classes."

"Okay."

"This is okay with you, right, Miss Sirque?" The Headmaster asked.

The girl nodded. "Yeah. I've always wanted a roommate."

The Headmaster smiled widely. "Good. Then everything is agreed. Until decided unworthy, Lareria Serrin will be in the care of Raifa Sirque. She will stay there until the Festival where we will decide if she is suited to Kurona Academy. Does everyone agree?"

There was only silence.

The Headmaster's smile was blinding. "Then it is unanimous. Seíren."

Seíren nodded and rose to stand. "If there is anything else anyone would like to say, please speak now." He paused to allow someone to speak. "Then, with more business to discuss, is Gathering is adjourned."

At the same time, the ones called Sharín and Tenran rose as well and left the room without glancing back. The Headmaster also left, though his exit wasn't as rude. The boy called Makoto silently rose from his seat, gave me one last glance, and disappeared through the door. No one else left, which left Zulén, Seíren, Línaé, and Monné, who was sleeping, of the Select, and Tían and Raifa Sirque.