Enrollment at St. Roland Academy

Led by a staff member, Ai Ou finally gained entry to Saint Roland Academy.

Saint Roland Academy was nestled in the forested hills just outside the capital. It was a joint venture, funded by both the Empire and the Mage Association, which naturally meant immense wealth. Its sprawling grounds covered an area of nearly ten li. Indeed, the academy was so vast it rivaled a small city.

Beyond the academy’s gates, there was little sign of human habitation; only an expanse of open mountain terrain. Service establishments such as restaurants, clothing stores, and bars were all located within the academy itself. Students of Saint Roland Academy could, therefore, be entirely self-sufficient on campus.

The wide academy avenue was lined with rows of plane trees, hollies, and ash trees. Alongside them, beds of violets, lavender, and vibrant fire-and-silver flowers created a luxurious and elegant atmosphere, filling one with a profound sense of comfort. Simply standing within the academy, Ai Ou could feel the abundant magical elements permeating the air. Cultivating magic here would undoubtedly yield twice the results with half the effort.

“What a magnificent place,” Ai Ou murmured, standing before the academy gates, unable to suppress his awe.

Saint Roland Academy’s main gate spanned sixty meters wide, flanked by four colossal pillars. Above the entrance, a colossal crescent-shaped structure was adorned with various arcane magical runes. Observing their intricate complexity, it was clear that the magical runes on the Saint Roland Academy gate formed a grand, elaborate magical array.

“It’s the enrollment season now. Generally, new students enter as first-years, but you are different. You don’t need to enroll as a first-year like other newcomers.”

“You have the qualification to directly enter the second year, and you will be placed in the best class of the second year.”

Though the staff member was unaware that Ai Ou’s magical proficiency had already reached the level of a Third-Tier Mage, Ai Ou’s innate talent alone was sufficient for second-year enrollment. Exceptional individuals warranted exceptional treatment.

“Upon enrollment, you must reside within the academy. The academy will arrange accommodation for everyone, and you may even arrange for servants to live with you.”

“However, remember that you cannot casually leave Saint Roland Academy during normal times. You will have one opportunity to go out each week.”

“Students must adhere to the academy’s rules. Violations will result in deduction of academic credits. If credits fall below a certain threshold, you will be expelled.”

“All relevant enrollment information is detailed in the handbook you will soon receive.”

The staff member diligently explained the various aspects of Saint Roland Academy to Ai Ou. This reminded Ai Ou of his past life, when he first entered university; the process had been quite similar.

“These are your enrollment supplies: the academy-standard robe and your student badge. Remember, this badge signifies your identity as a Saint Roland Academy student, so do not lose it.”

“The robe comes with a simple cleaning magic array to keep it dust-free and clean. Also, robes of different grades have different colors.”

The staff member handed Ai Ou a neatly folded orange robe, upon which rested a silver badge engraved with Saint Roland Academy’s crest.

“Report tomorrow with your badge, and a dedicated guide will help you familiarize yourself with everything. Oh, and I’ll give you an extra cloak as a reward.”

“After all, you are one of the few talented students, and a little extra recognition is due.”

The staff member suddenly recalled Ai Ou’s astonishing talent. Knowing that Ai Ou was destined to become a formidable figure if nothing untoward happened, he decided to foster a good relationship. He then produced a cloak from his ring and offered it to Ai Ou.

“I have a question…”

“Yes?”

“What is the annual tuition fee for the academy?”

Ai Ou weighed the equipment in his hand, feeling its considerable heft. He suspected it would cost a significant sum.

Upon hearing Ai Ou’s question, the staff member paused for a moment before smiling.

“Don’t worry, we do not charge tuition for talented students. These expenses are jointly covered by the Empire and the Mage Association.”

“Only those without talent who wish to audit, or those with ordinary talent, are required to pay a substantial fee. Students like you not only don’t pay tuition but also receive an annual scholarship! Of course, if you wish to conduct magical research, construct a mage tower, concoct magic potions, and so on, the costs for such research and consumable materials will still need to come out of your own pocket…”

Ai Ou nodded thoughtfully upon hearing this.

‘Is this treatment designed to attract talented mages? It’s certainly a shrewd approach,’ he mused.

“Do you have any other questions?”

Ai Ou looked at the man before him.

“Just one more thing. What is your name?”

Ai Ou had a good impression of the staff member and felt it would be nice to get acquainted. Realizing his efforts to build rapport were bearing fruit, the staff member beamed.

“Ferrero Jacob. You can just call me Ferrero.”

“Ferrero, huh… A good name. From now on, I’ll call you Golden Sand!”

???

Ferrero had no idea how his name had become associated with Golden Sand, but as long as the young lord in front of him was pleased, it was fine.

“Alright, whatever you like.”

Ferrero sighed, then performed a standard mage’s gesture of respect with solemnity towards Ai Ou.

“My task is complete. On behalf of Saint Roland Academy, I welcome your arrival, Ai Ou White!”

****

“Young Master, you’re back! How did things go today?”

Inside the inn, Elena, who had been anxiously awaiting Ai Ou’s return, exclaimed excitedly upon seeing him.

“What else could have happened? Your Young Master, of course, passed the entrance test smoothly!”

“That’s wonderful, Young Master! Now you can enroll in Saint Roland Academy and become a great mage.”

“Enough about that. Here, try this on.”

Ai Ou picked up a bag and handed it to Elena.

“What’s in here, Young Master?”

“On my way back from the academy, I passed a few clothing stores. I saw some nice clothes inside, so I bought a few for you. Try them on and see if they fit.”

“O-okay…”

Elena nodded, obediently taking the bag from Ai Ou and walking into the room. Meanwhile, Ai Ou sipped the inn’s red tea and nibbled on pastries, awaiting Elena.

“Alright… Young Master, aren’t these clothes a bit too bold? I’m not used to them…”

Elena emerged after changing, her face flushed with shyness and awkwardness. As she walked, she tugged at her clothes, clearly unaccustomed to them. After all, she was merely a small maidservant, without power or influence, and had never worn such fine garments.

“You are my personal maid, after all. Coming to the Imperial Capital, you certainly need to update your image. How can you always wear those old, worn-out clothes? You represent my image, you know. Don’t worry, your Young Master has plenty of money.”

Observing Elena in her new attire, Ai Ou was thoroughly captivated by her transformed appearance. Clothes truly make the man—or in this case, the woman. Dressed in new clothes, this young maidservant was surprisingly radiant. She truly deserved her title as the most beautiful maiden of the White Territory, and Ai Ou felt she wouldn’t be outshone by the beauties of the Imperial Capital at all!