If They Get Obsessed, I’m Doomed - Chapter 61

Chapter 31.2

“The white one is worn only by those using the first dormitory as special guest attire.”

“It’s a tool for distinguishing classes.”

“Yes. However, wearing it is optional.”

“Optional…”

Ariel recalled what happened at the main gate. The scrutiny and tense atmosphere were freezing. If it continued, it would be seriously exhausting, and she didn’t want that.

Still, there was one thing that bothered her, so Ariel hesitated in making her choice.

“Would it be a problem if I just wore a regular school uniform?”

“What kind of problem are you referring to?”

“If I wear the regular uniform, I might look similar to other students… Would I be accused of impropriety if some students treat me more casually?”

“No. It’s not like that, but I understand that the regular noble uniform means you accept the treatment appropriate for it. While you may enjoy privileges, others won’t be punished for treating you like an ordinary noble. It’s about being considerate so that you can make friends.”

It sounded more like a training facility than she expected. It was a welcome surprise for her since it meant she could wear the black uniform without much pressure.

̊ · : * ✧* : · ̊

All the students of the academy gathered in the auditorium.

As expected, even the seating arrangements were meticulously divided by rank.

In the very back were the commoners, and among them, the royal subjects of the kingdom under the empire stood in the very last row. Just slightly in front of them were the imperial citizens, standing on the dark green floor. Around two hundred royal subjects of the kingdom and about three hundred imperial citizens were chosen as elites through tremendous competition.

In front of them were two steps, separated by a velvet divider.

From the inside of the line, it was the seats for the nobility. Near the line were the nobles of the kingdom, and in the front row were the nobles of the empire, down to the rank of count. This was where Ariel would stand. There were approximately one thousand five hundred people.

Again, there were two steps, and the floor changed to white.

Those seats were for the royalty of the kingdom and the descendants of the marquis of the empire. It was about a little under a hundred people.

And above them, on a platform with dozens of steps, there was a lectern and a white plaster dais.

The auditorium didn’t end there.

Behind the dais, in a place raised high like a platform, there was an area that looked like a normal platform. It was surrounded by a border and had five single sofas. All of the sofas were still empty. It was a separate area connected not by stairs but by a separate passage.

It was undoubtedly a place reserved for the highest echelons of power.

Ariel tried to figure out who would take those five spots.

First would be the imperial family, Devoncia and Skylar. Next was Lexius, who was the Grand Duke’s heir. And then, one seat would be taken by Racine, the Duke of Solem.

That would leave one seat empty.

‘Could it be the heir of another duke instead of Solem?’

Naturally, such speculation became possible. Since there were said to be three dukes, the remaining seat was to be occupied by one of the heirs of the two dukes other than Solem.

‘Who could it be?’

As she was currently staying in the first dormitory, she would likely encounter the owner of that empty seat. With a sense of almost certain premonition, Ariel gazed at the elevated seat until her neck began to ache.

Regardless, the auditorium structure was excessively designed to engrave class distinctions.

Standing on the dark green floor, she couldn’t help but feel a bit intimidated. Still, she had no regrets about not wearing the white uniform. She wouldn’t have had any idea where she would have to stand if she had come wearing that. At the end of the students lined up next to her, Ariel was relieved to find a spot on the wall.

As Ariel raised the corners of her mouth slightly, the female student standing next to her glanced at her.

“Are you a returning student?”

In response to the curious question, Ariel turned her head towards the source of the sound.

The noblewoman, with her lively appearance, looked into her eyes and smiled brightly. Her mischievous expression was adorned with chestnut curls that fluttered across her face. It was a facial expression that easily dispelled any sense of wariness or awkwardness. To meet someone who wasn’t overbearing for once, Ariel smiled without reservation.

“A returning student… Not at all.”

“Then… are you a senior?”

“No. Today’s my first day here.”

“Are you a freshman then?”

“Something like that. I’m a transfer student.”

“What?! You’re a transfer student? Then, you must have been recommended, right? Who recommended you?”

The female student asked with sparkling eyes. She was excited as if she had encountered something very unexpected.

“Oh, the person who recommended me was…”

Ariel trailed off.

‘Can I be honest about this?’

It seemed like the girl’s attitude would change if she told her—like the people at the main gate.

‘Will she also freeze up like ice…’

As Ariel hesitated, unable to continue speaking, silence suddenly descended upon the auditorium. The noblewoman who had been chatting cheerfully just moments ago urgently lowered her head.

Following her lead, Ariel also bowed her head. Somehow, it seemed like the right thing to do. From her lowered gaze, she could see the dark green marble floor. It was a color that made her feel the reality of her position. Above her were those standing on white marble. It was as if nobility wasn’t all the same, they stood on different colors. And above them all was…

The sound of someone’s footsteps echoed in the hall that was as quiet as a dead mouse*. A solemnity hung in the air.
[ T/N: An idiom which means ‘Very quietly.’ ]

Ariel knew who it was that created such an atmosphere. The person who could bring all the students and make them bow their heads without exception. The figure she recalled earlier, who confidently presided over everyone…

The presence that silenced the room stepped onto the podium.

Before he opened his mouth, his aide spoke first.

“His Royal Highness the Crown Prince will now speak. Please show your utmost respect.”

The voice transmitted through the speakers resonated throughout the auditorium.

The students bowed their heads in reverence to the future ruler of the empire. The nobles bowed their heads while the commoners knelt on one knee. Not even daring to meet each other’s gaze was permitted, so they had to listen intently, holding their breath.

After a brief pause, the Crown Prince began to speak.

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