"Cloude, that's not what I meant! I meant that your reaction during the testing made me think that we are alike. It's a special feeling that I can't explain," said Shoyo.
555Please respect copyright.PENANAGVuLiYXs1A
Cloude picked up his giant sword and walked out of the room, patting Shoyo's shoulder. "We'll have plenty of time in the future. I just wanted to see who my roommate is. See you tomorrow."
555Please respect copyright.PENANARGjT1YXLzM
Shoyo remembered there was still half an hour left, so he tidied up his room and waited outside the girls' dormitory.
555Please respect copyright.PENANAtgHfX9cQVo
The boys' and girls' dormitories were on opposite sides of the academy, separated by the entrance plaza. Rachel had just left the dormitory when she noticed Shoyo waiting and quickly said goodbye to the girl next to her.
555Please respect copyright.PENANAJwNph5RA3A
"Weren't we supposed to meet at the main gate?" she asked.
555Please respect copyright.PENANAr4PgKYVaPR
"It's not even fifteen minutes yet, and I've been waiting here directly," Shoyo replied.
555Please respect copyright.PENANA1NuXpfAiKV
"Well, well, it turns out you're quite punctual. I've already left home early, luckily I didn't have to wait for you. By the way, who's your roommate?"
555Please respect copyright.PENANAMYUydcBmzt
"Cloude."
555Please respect copyright.PENANAZ5eecAh5hk
Rachel paused for a moment to think about the owner of the name. "The one with the giant sword, right?"
555Please respect copyright.PENANAwi9KD8sUUl
"Hmm... He's easier to get along with than I imagined. If you have nowhere to go this afternoon, would you like to come to my house? Let my mom repay you properly."
555Please respect copyright.PENANALJo5lm5Qtu
Since tomorrow is the celebration, Rachel didn't refuse. On the way, Shoyo took the opportunity to learn about her family and background. It turns out that Rachel is a resident of Compason, which is located south of Grandecy, while to the north of Grandecy, there are two cities, Squarein and Northano. Because she didn't want to travel too far, Rachel will stay in Grandecy even on holidays for the next year.
555Please respect copyright.PENANArW12Kujwq5
Arriving at the residential area on the east side, Shoyo's house is a two-story bungalow. His room is on the upper floor, while all other facilities are on the lower floor. Behind the bungalow, there is a kendo hall, and the roof of the kendo hall connects to the second floor, giving it a more spacious feel.
555Please respect copyright.PENANA8EYpJaWzr9
"Mom, aunt, aunty, I'm back, and I've brought Miss Rachel, my benefactor. If it weren't for her stopping the prosecutor for me, I wouldn't have been able to register for this year's assessment on time."
555Please respect copyright.PENANA7lYustNFA7
A young woman stepped out of the kitchen, with light blue straight hair just like Shoyo's. She is Ayaka, Shoyo's mother. "Hello." Faced with Shoyo's kind mother, Rachel appeared quite shy.
555Please respect copyright.PENANAnbszXXDD5c
"Aoino is busy with preparations for tomorrow's celebration, and Anami is resting. Miss Rachel, right? Please have a seat, and thank you for helping my little brother."
555Please respect copyright.PENANAjbgVgLwVKk
"It was nothing, just a small favor." Even the other party's mother praised herself, and she tried to appear indifferent, but couldn't hide her inner joy.
555Please respect copyright.PENANAKUhXL00dFP
"Mom, I passed the first assessment!"
555Please respect copyright.PENANAB91MNhocDA
"Seeing how happy you are, I already know. If you hadn't passed, you wouldn't have set foot inside this house. How's the old man doing?"
555Please respect copyright.PENANAn11u2rGrgu
The mother and son began discussing matters related to the academy, and in their conversation, Ayaka showed a deep nostalgia for the academy and a close acquaintance with the Headmaster.
555Please respect copyright.PENANAKxgQCZIXeo
Shoyo walked to the room next to the dojo and shared the good news with Aunt Anami, who was lying on the bed. Although there were bandages separating them, he could still feel her smile through her eyes and the corners of her mouth, as she raised her thumb to encourage him.
555Please respect copyright.PENANAFCIZGgIt7x
Anami was originally the successor of the family's kendo tradition but suffered severe burns to her face, left hand, and legs during a trip. Although it didn't affect her speech and basic actions, most of her body was wrapped in bandages, confining her to the house. Ayaka took care of her, and Shoyo was less than six years old at that time. However, because of this, she had more time at home to teach the foundations of kendo to Shoyo together with Aoino.
555Please respect copyright.PENANA0a9jZDcPk3
"Let's have dinner before returning to the dormitory." Faced with Ayaka's kind and gentle smile, Rachel hadn't felt this warmth in a long time. A comforting feeling surged up, causing her crystal-clear tears to well up, which she managed to hold back.
555Please respect copyright.PENANA0p2pzcTwkx
"What's wrong? Do you need to rush home?"
555Please respect copyright.PENANAg6r9w3GOIP
"...I don't have a home."
ns216.73.216.107da2