The next week flew by relatively quickly, and Flann and Clarette spent most of their time exploring the city and getting used to the new estate. Before they knew it, the start of school crept in on them, and it was time to attend the opening ceremony for this year’s academy students. 

Flann stared at the identification card before him, complete with his name and picture. The image which had looked disturbing to him when he first saw it was now familiar, a reminder of his identity, along with his name. Indeed he was now Flann Ruzena, regardless of what past he might have had hidden beneath his feet. 

“Flann! Are you ready?”

Clarette’s voice jolting him out of his thoughts, Flann slipped the card into his pocket and picked up his bag, heading out of his room. He met Clarette outside in the hallway, and the two of them made their way to the exit. 

“How do you feel? It’s your first day going to school.”

Flann brushed his bangs slightly above his eyes, which were downcast. “...I’m nervous… but a little excited.”

“I guess everyone feels that way for the first day, huh?”

Taking a step back, Clarette looked Flann up and down, examining his fresh new uniform. 

“The uniform suits you pretty well.”

Flann felt a bit flustered. “...Really? I thought it was a bit stiff…”

“I thought you got used to wearing ironed clothes already?”

“...Mm, but this is a bit hard.”

Clarette was silent for a moment, trying to feel her own clothes. “I guess you could call it that way? I’m too used to these types of clothing.”

Flann nodded, glad to know he wasn’t too sensitive. 

“But still…”

“Even if it’s uncomfortable, please don’t revert back to the dirty, shapeless cloth from when we first met. That’s not flattering.”

Flann’s cheeks flushed red, and he pouted a little at getting teased. “...I know that much at least.”

Clarette laughed in response.

***

The school grounds were bustling with students as Clarette and Flann made their way through the front gates, showing their identification cards before entering the campus. When the guard glanced over Flann’s card and nodded, letting him pass, Flann felt an unknown emotion in his chest, and his cheeks bloomed in warmth. He peered about, slightly overwhelmed by the large number of students present, all wearing similar uniforms to his. Then, he glanced back down to his own uniform and felt a bit proud, straightening his posture and bringing his gaze higher.

Clarette grabbed his wrist gently and pulled him through the confusion, heading towards a large building some ways behind the gates. 

“We have to go to the assembly hall for the opening ceremony. Let’s go there directly.”

Flann followed behind her, taking in the view of the grand building. The linings and etchings along the walls were intricate and refined, and a large number of windows let in the gentle light of the sun. 

The two of them approached the entrance to the assembly hall, and along with the many other students nearby, eventually made their way inside. Flann briefly admired the vaulted ceiling and decorated interior before Clarette redirected his attention towards the rows of seating along the main floor. 

“Noble children usually enter the academy at age thirteen, so we’re in the third year,” she explained, leading him towards their designated area. “Although you’re entering slightly late, I think you’ll have no difficulty catching up.” 

“...Really?” Flann swallowed, nervousness welling up beside his excitement. 

“Yes,” Clarette replied, letting go of his hand. “You even read all those books in advance! Both your potential and your desire to learn are outstanding.”

She smiled at him, trying to calm his nerves. “I wouldn’t be surprised if you surpassed the average soon.”

Flann clenched his fist a little, hearing her compliments. “...Really.”

Then, relaxing his hand, he said, “...I’ll try my best.”

Clarette was about to respond when an arm suddenly latched onto hers, and she heard a bubbly voice in her ear.

“Clarette~!”

Periwinkle locks of hair danced in her vision, and Clarette turned around to face the person who had startled her out of her thoughts. 

“Leticia, you surprised me!”

The girl laughed, letting go of Clarette’s arm. “I’ve missed you,” she replied, her voice fluttering in the air. “How have you been?”

“I’ve had a pretty good summer!” Clarette glanced behind her, finding Flann, and pulled him forward to stand next with her. 

Placing her hands on his shoulder, she said, “This is my little brother Flann!” Then, looking at him, she said, “This is my close friend Leticia Vannas. I hope you two can get along!”

A little flustered, Flann took in the appearance of the girl before him, who seemed to be the same age as them.

The girl, who was slightly shorter than him, had a dainty impression, with soft periwinkle hair that settled neatly around her slender face. Her ice blue eyes peered at him, and he felt as if he was being examined. 

Turning his gaze away, he bowed his head towards her. “...I… am Flann Ruzena… Nice to meet you.”

The girl stared at him for a while longer before she curtseyed in return, introducing herself. “I am Leticia Vannas, daughter of Baron Vannas. It is a pleasure to meet you.”

Then, pulling Clarette slightly away from Flann, she spoke in a low voice. “...I did hear that your family adopted a son, but isn’t it too sudden?”

“What do you mean?” Clarette responded. “Is there a reason we can’t adopt him?”

Leticia shook her head lightly, with a conflicted expression. “It’s not that, but… how much do you know about him?”

“I heard he was a commoner from unknown origins that your family took in…”

Clarette gazed at her rather sternly. “His past doesn’t matter to me. I know Flann as the person he has shown himself to be.” 

Leticia remained silent, unsure of what to say in response.

“Are you concerned for me and my family?” Clarette paused for a moment before asking, “Or are you bothered that we have adopted a commoner?”

“No, that’s not–!” Leticia burst out, not wanting to offend her. “I didn’t mean it that way. I just thought a few months was quite short to get to know and adopt someone.”

She bowed her head to Clarette. “I’m sorry. I hope you understand I didn’t mean it poorly.”

“Well,” Clarette replied, “It was quite quick, in hindsight.”

“But,” she said, smiling brightly, “I suppose that’s to say Flann fit in so well that we got attached to him in that short of a time.”

Leticia found herself surprised at Clarette’s contented expression, and felt a bit bad for having made such a friendly person look so cold earlier. “...I see. I apologize.”

“I understand why you must’ve felt that way, but I hope you don’t bring that up again.” 

“Yes, of course.” 

Clarette smiled softly, and led Leticia back to where Flann stood, glancing about curiously. Leticia stared at the weak-looking boy who held an innocent looking gaze, and yet had eyes that burned with the intensity of flames. They made eye contact, and she could see him visibly flustered, his fingers unconsciously fumbling in front of him. She lowered her gaze and sighed softly under her breath. Perhaps she had been too hasty.