Finally Academy(1)

Yumeria was liked by almost everyone in the family, though at first, many thought Leon had acquired her as a sex slave. His mother even gave him a stern scolding, accusing him of inappropriate behavior. However, when Leon explained the true reasons for her presence, the family calmed down a little. Even so, his mother remained cautious. Yumeria fit her husband's tastes far too well. Although Barkus was a faithful man, his fondness for women with curvaceous figures, especially round hips, was no secret.

Yumeria's hips, for that matter, even surpassed those of Lucce, which often caused the mother to look at the elf suspiciously. However, spending time together in conversations and household chores gradually changed her perspective. Within a few days, Yumeria became a good friend to Lucce. She grew to trust the elf and decided to protect her from any potential troubles. As a preventive measure, she sternly warned Leon—whose behavior occasionally resembled that of a flirt—not to lay a hand on her.

Yumeria was especially adored by Colin. Her plant magic skills amazed the boy, and the elf often entertained him with small, wondrous shows. Green sprouts, blooming flowers, and dancing leaves—all of it fascinated young Colin and brought him closer to Yumeria.

Other family members treated Yumeria either neutrally or with favor. She didn't provoke any hostility and even began to gradually integrate into their daily life.

Thus, a few days passed in peace and relative harmony.

---

At the same time, in the capital, Leon could be found at the Academy of Magic. He stood in the middle of the square, raising one fist triumphantly, a proud smile on his face.

"At last, I'm here!" he declared, clearly proud of his achievement.

But no one around paid any attention to Leon's words—everyone was busy with their own affairs. The Academy, teeming with students, buzzed like a beehive. Loud voices, shouts, and constant arguments filled the air. Leon tried to keep up his good mood, but it didn't last long.

"Move faster, old man!" a sharp female voice shouted nearby. "If even one piece of my luggage falls, I'll destroy you!"

"Y-yes… Forgive me, my lady!" a commoner stammered pitifully, hunched under the weight of a heavy trunk.

The atmosphere around was steeped in noble arrogance. This couldn't help but weigh on Leon—his motivation sank lower and lower. Insults were everywhere: nobles loudly berated commoners who helped carry their belongings, and aristocratic girls openly showed disdain for men. These girls were usually accompanied by their lovers—either elves or beastfolk.

"What, you think you're good enough to date me?" one such girl sneered, her icy gaze fixed on a baron's son.

The young man, blushing with embarrassment, fumbled for words, but her response was immediate.

"Anthony, deal with him!" she ordered the beastfolk standing behind her.

"Yes, my lady." Without hesitation, the beastfolk stepped forward and raised a fist, punching the young man square in the chest.

He cried out, doubling over in pain, but the girl remained completely unfazed. She merely smirked disdainfully.

"Get lost."

*When the wounded boy staggered away, the girl declared with disdain,

"My lover means more to me than scum like you."

She didn't even glance at the fallen boy, turning away with her head held high.

Leon watched this scene with a stony expression. His smile had long vanished, and tears began to well up in his eyes. He turned his gaze aside and quietly muttered,

"I want to go home…"

But his thoughts were suddenly interrupted by a loud feminine scream.

"Kyaaa! Look, it's the prince and his entourage!"

Leon couldn't believe his ears. Just moments ago, the same girls who had acted high and mighty had instantly transformed. They became cheerful, charming, and even slightly bashful. Their behavior shifted so abruptly that Leon could barely believe his eyes. As if on cue, they all ran toward a group of young men, led by one of the students.

Leon, unable to hide his shock, muttered in a low voice,

"They're devils. There's no other explanation. Luxion?"

"Yes, Master?" replied the AI, hovering invisibly near Leon in stealth mode.

"Record the faces of all these girls running toward the prince. For future reference."

"Understood." Even the usually cold and rational Luxion couldn't mask the obvious disapproval in its tone.

Leon snorted and, stepping closer, decided to take a better look at this crowd of idiots. He noticed a group of young men who stood out strikingly among the other students. Their appearance was unnaturally perfect: shining hair, flawless features, impeccable posture.

"Wow… So this really was an otome game, huh? There's no logic here," Leon murmured, carefully studying the faces that looked like they belonged on a poster for a female audience. "They're so pretty it makes me sick."

He was about to leave when suddenly, a surprised voice rang out from the crowd:

"W-what? That's the Redgraves!"

Those words made Leon freeze. He quickly turned back to look.