05
The employee called Evie, then handed the papers to another employee who was waiting for her, asking her to accompany her.
"Hello? Nice to meet you. I'm Melody, nice to meet you."
Melody smiled happily as she extended her hand warmly.
There was no hesitation in her eyes as she looked at Eppie, but her gaze was full of friendliness and enthusiasm. Feeling a positive impression, Evie carefully reached out to take Melody's hand.
Suddenly, Melody shook her hand animatedly, causing Evie to spontaneously laugh at her agility. When Melody saw this, she slowly began to give instructions.
"I saw your papers. You came from Elram, didn't you? Was the journey here tiring?"
“No, it was fun. This is my first time traveling far, especially to the capital.”
“Yes, the capital is indeed charming. And if this is your first visit, you must have enjoyed it even more. Well, let me introduce you to the academy while I take you to your accommodation.”
Melody took a book out of her briefcase and handed it to Eppie.
“When you open the cover, you will find a map of the academy. There are many buildings, and the classes differ from one building to another, so it may take some time to memorize it. But don’t worry, there are people who will help you everywhere, so ask if you need anything.”
"Good."
Evie answered as she looked for the map. It was filled with the names of dozens of buildings large and small, with details of the classrooms and lectures held in each.
Melody smiled as she saw Evie examining the map excitedly. She was about to tell her that she could memorize it slowly, but Evie surprised her by saying:
“I saved them all. Thank you for showing them to me.”
Evie carefully folded the map and handed it back to Melody.
“You memorized them all?”
Melody's voice rose in surprise, then she laughed lightly as she whispered:
“Really, she's a student at the academy. I forgot about that because I haven't met people like this in a while.”
The academy is a place that brings together the brightest children of the empire. Naturally, there are those among them who possess exceptional memorization abilities.
“However, this is amazingly fast.”
The map contained the names of buildings, classes, lectures, and professors' offices and their names, so that it seemed more like a comprehensive guide than just a map. However, Evie saved it all!
Melody swallowed her surprise and handed the map back to Evie.
“There is no need to return it. This is the academy manual, given to every new student. It is not just a map, it contains the rules of the academy and basic information about life in the palace.”
When Evie heard it being given to everyone, her eyes widened in astonishment.
“So, this is mine?”
“Of course. Did you see the space designated for writing your name at the bottom of the cover? When you arrive at the residence, write your name first. This instruction is only given once, so be careful not to lose it.”
"Good!"
Evie was happy with Melody's response, and she held the book tenderly, feeling it with her hand.
“It should not be returned...”
At the orphanage, books were always borrowed from the upper school library. For her, books were something that should always be returned.
But to have her own book? In the orphanage, the books were few, most of them torn from overuse, all picture books with short sentences for children younger than Evie.
Even those books were fought over by the children, so the principal set times to distribute them.
Evie looked at the book more. Its cover was of fine leather, the title “Academy Manual” emblazoned in shiny gold, and its edges protected by metal edging. Brand new book. Evie held him tightly to her chest.
I felt sorry for the manager who said goodbye to her with worried eyes, but Evie was already in love with this place.
When Evie couldn't hide her smile, Melody laughed and said:
“If you were so happy with one book, what would you do? Many things await you!”
"What? Is there more?"
“Of course. Didn’t you read the introductory letter about life at the academy before you came? Do you remember the first sentence?”
How could she forget? That sentence was what made her determined to come to the academy.
“During your stay at the Academy, all food, clothing and lodging needs will be provided...”
Melody completed the sentence enthusiastically:
“By the Academy.”
Then she added forcefully:
“Now, let's go pick up the textbooks, stationery, and uniforms!”
Eppie replied in a loud, overjoyed voice:
“Okay!”
—
“Here we are. This is the academy’s residence.”
Melody pointed to the building in front of her, holding two large bags in both hands.
“This...residence?”
Evie looked at the building, unable to close her mouth.
The only housing she had ever seen was the high school dormitory in Elram, which was only a better-off building than the orphanage, but simple and designed to accommodate as many people as possible without frills.
So, I expected the academy's housing to be similar. But the building in front of her now was an architectural masterpiece no less magnificent than any other building in the academy.
Evie walked in behind Melody, looking around in surprise.
“Let me see, he should be here...”
While she was following Melody, Evie was distracted looking around.
“The space between the doors is too wide!”
And that was not all. The red carpet covering the corridor was softer and more comfortable than the blanket she was always covered with. She felt as if she was walking on clouds, so her steps became lighter.
“There it is. Room 305.”
Melody stopped in front of a door, startling Evie again.
“Big… and very luxurious.”
Is this really a dorm room door? Although she had seen similar doors on her way, the idea that this was the door of her room made its magnificence even more apparent.
“Sorry, can you open the door? The bags are heavy.”
At Melody's words, Evie grabbed the handle as she tried to calm her heartbeat.
*Click.*
The handle turned smoothly with a soft sound. The heavy door opened easily, despite her weak strength.
When the door opened fully, a warm breeze passed over Eppie's cheeks.
"wow…!"
Despite her preparation, she couldn't help the exclamation of admiration.
“This is my room...”
Evie remembered a picture book she was reading at the orphanage, about a princess's room. Even that room wasn't that luxurious.
The ceiling was high and decorated with wonderful paintings. The walls are covered with elegant wallpaper, and the wide windows overlooking the garden are decorated with thick curtains that look as soft as carpets.
Evie entered as if enchanted.
As I had guessed from the wide distance between the doors, the room was not just one room. At the entrance, there was a wide space resembling a hall, and on both sides were other doors.
Evie looked at Melody as if asking permission, and Melody nodded.
“There are two rooms in each unit. The rule is that two students share a unit. Since we arrived first, you can choose any room. Which one do you prefer?”
“Both are good.”
“So, what about the right room? It has a better view of the garden fountain.”
Evie was surprised by Melody's words. Choosing a room based on the view? In the orphanage, the younger children took the small rooms, the adults the larger ones.
No one cared about the view outside the window, and there was no option to choose a room. But here, she can choose a room because the fountain looks prettier than her!
Evie opened the right door that Melody had pointed to.
The sweet scent of flowers washed over her with the warm breeze. Behind the door, there was a large bed and next to it was a desk made of dark wood.
Evie stood still, filling her eyes with the beauty of the room.
Compared to the splendor of the entrance, the room was relatively simple, but this was what made Eppie admire it even more.
The hallway was like a dream, but this room was exactly what she had always imagined: a perfect room of her own, warm, scented, with a private bed and a private desk.
Evie held her hands tight.
She wished with all her heart to stay here for a very long time.
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