-276- Student dormitories

"Jessica, don't you have anything to say?" A female voice sounded beside Jessica. Jessica frowned but didn't respond immediately. Instead, she smoothed out her clothes and adjusted her leg.

Although the clothing was plain in color and outdated in style, it surprisingly felt comfortable when worn. It hugged her body even better than the noble dresses she had worn before, and it complemented the soft armor she wore underneath.

Jessica suddenly found herself liking this garment. It would be great for training activities if she wore it.

"If you have any opinions, you should discuss them with Garen Crownguard. I believe he has the authority to address them. Alternatively, you could also bring it directly to His Highness," Jessica adjusted her wrist, rolled up her sleeves, and then turned to look at the women following her.

The lead girl, with a height of about 1.6 meters, possessed a head of radiant golden hair and a pair of sparkling blue eyes. Golden hair was quite striking, as there were families in Demacia known for producing such radiant blondes—the Crownguard family.

"Iris Crownguard, don't you have that right?" 

"...." Iris raised her fan, obscuring half her face. Despite wearing "commoner" attire, she still looked impeccable.

As a distant cousin of Garen's from the Crownguard family, Iris found it hard to believe she was representing the Crownguards in the Twin Cities. Upon realizing she had become the family's "discard," Iris felt somewhat disheartened.

She wanted to explore the world outside, but not as a pawn of the family, rather as "Iris."

She was Garen and Lux's cousin, bearing the Crownguard name. However, her status and future were far inferior to Lux and Garen's.

Lux and Garen had impressive talents, and they had gone to the capital at a young age, studying under Tianna Crownguard's tutelage. In contrast, Iris was making her first trip to the capital. Before this, she had always remained in Silvermere.

This was the difference between the main and branch families.

Lux had revealed powerful magical talents, but she earned the family's protection.

But what about her? If she revealed magic, perhaps it would mean imprisonment or being branded a rogue mage.

Not to mention, Lux had applied to become an exchange student, wanting to study in the Twin Cities, but Aunt Tianna had refused.

Then, Iris was chosen.

For the current head of the Crownguard family, Lux's importance was evident.

And Iris? She knew very well that in Aunt Tianna's eyes, she was just a disposable piece.

With these thoughts, Iris's eyes dimmed.

"But Iris, I advise you to not cause further trouble," Jessica said as Iris remained silent. "His Highness has already agreed, and he's already changed into their clothes. Do you consider yourself more esteemed than His Highness? Or do you intend to defy his orders?"

"Hehe, I was just joking, Jessica," Iris immediately lowered her fan, folding it and tucking it into her pocket.

Surprisingly, the pocket design was quite convenient. But for nobility, this outfit indeed touched on Iris's discomfort.

Looking at the several noble girls beside her, it was evident they were not accustomed to, nor did they like, these trousers.

No cinched waist, no petticoats. Just two closely fitted fabrics.

Jessica glanced at Iris again before turning and heading forward with her belongings.

"Iris, are we really going to stay in this place for years? I want to go back already," a girl with a bubble haircut whispered beside Iris.

"What else can we do?" Iris looked at her. She was the third daughter of Count Tonks. Being the third was quite awkward.

The eldest and the second could vie for the family heritage, while the youngest, especially if a boy, was the most cherished. This meant Mary Tonks's situation was quite awkward.

"Just endure it," Iris said to the girl, reaching out to pat her head.

No, it wasn't just her who was pitiful.

All of them, a total of over a dozen girls on this journey, were noble family rejects, they were pushed out by their respective families due to the king's order.

"They won't mistreat us. At least, we'll have a place to sleep. Lexury may be uncertain, but at least we don't need to worry about daily necessities," Iris could already imagine their future.

The people of the Twin Cities had already given them a warning by not allowing them to wear the beautiful clothes prepared for them and confiscating the weapons from the men.

Even the eight dauntless vanguard who accompanied them were not allowed inside the school, including Garen.

Linwin walked with his hands behind his back, heading towards the Twin Cities University. Along the way, people greeted him and Jayce with nods, and they reciprocated in kind.

Orianna and Lorana surrounded Cithria.

"You're so strong!" Lorana exclaimed, looking at Cithria. Despite Orianna and Lorana's efforts, they couldn't move the heavy puppet, but Cithria could lift it effortlessly.

Linwin also noticed Cithria and, seeing her brisk steps, felt curious.

The others following behind all wore solemn expressions, even Garen, who had changed his clothes, wore a solemn expression.

But Cithria was smiling.

"Why do you look so happy?" Linwin couldn't help but ask.

"Oh, sorry, hero, should I not be happy?" Cithria paused, and as she did, what she was holding slipped down. She quickly lifted her leg to catch it and then pushed it back up.

"No, I'm just curious about what's making you happy," Linwin asked Cithria.

"The clothes, I really like it," Cithria immediately replied.

She genuinely liked the outfit she was wearing.

So, she couldn't understand why those noble young ladies and gentlemen would dislike these clothes.

They were snug, comfortable, and allowed for easy movement.

In fact, Cithria had never worn a dress in her life, not since she was little.

Growing up in Cloudfield, linen clothes were the norm. Moreover, dresses were impractical for a child who started martial arts training early like Cithria.

And she always wore her long braids, so she, the country bumpkin, didn't suit dresses.

But just now, when she put on this smart attire and looked in the mirror at the place called "bathroom," at that moment, Cithria actually looked pretty.

However, as soon as she saw a golden-haired, shapely girl fixing her hair, the little bumpkin immediately lowered her head and ran out of the bathroom.

Well, looking good was indeed an illusion!

"These clothes are actually quite ordinary," Lorana said beside her. "If you have money, you can buy clothes made of special fabrics that are cool and protective."

"But it's fine for students to wear these clothes. Of course, you can wear your own clothes when not in class," Orianna immediately added.

"And, it's not just this set. Right, Councilor Linwin?" Orianna looked at Linwin with a tilt of her head.

"Yeah, there are six sets of clothes in total—short sleeves and shorts for summer, long sleeves and pants for autumn, and warm coats and trousers for winter."

"Do we have to....pay for it?" Cithria immediately asked.

Seeing Linwin look over, she quickly added, "I don't have any money."

If buying clothes required money, then she couldn't afford them.

Otherwise, how would she eat?

But, but these clothes were really good. Cithria really liked them!

But, but eating and such were more important!

Sighing, Cithria felt she would have to change back into her ragged adventurer's attire.

"It's okay, clothes, bedding, and the first year's fees are all provided for free, and you'll receive a set of clothes every year,"

Cithria "!"

Ecstatic!

Linwin looked at the smiling girl again, feeling quite puzzled.

Her favorability increased a bit again.

This girl was also a good target for favorability.

Wait, are all Demacians so easy to befriend?

Fiora and Lux's favorability increased immediately upon meeting, and both Cithria and Jarvan IV increased their affinity as soon as they met.

On the other hand, Powder and Vi, increasing their favorability is like squeezing water out of a cactus. 

Could it be that young boys and girls living in relatively peaceful and stable places were naturally pure-hearted?

Unlike Vi, who had to struggle for a living at a young age. Perhaps that's why it's rare for her to increase her favorability.

"Alright, the Twin Cities University, is just up ahead." Linwin pointed to a large area.

"Uncle, this entire area?" Jarvan IV spoke up.

"Yup, your student cards haven't been made yet, so this time, go in with Orianna."

Enforcers guarded the gate. When he saw Linwin and Jayce, they didn't approach but stood in place and saluted.

"Orianna, I have a task for you," Linwin said.

"Yes Councilor Linwin." Orianna replied.

"Take the Demacian students to see where they will be living in the future and teach them how to use the dormitory facilities."

"No problem!" Orianna nodded.

The Demacian student dormitories....

I remember.... it's in that place, right?

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