Chapter - 24 : Roommate–[Jackson David]

(Next Day Morning)

(Rai's POV)

—KNOCK!

—Knock~

The sound of knuckles slamming(:knock) on the door echoed throughout the room, its initial harshness eventually giving way to a softer echo.

"Check who that is, Kavir."(Rai)

I instructed, already having a hunch about the new visitor.

I sat at the simple wooden writing table, metal fountain pen in hand, and kept writing on the plain paper laid out before me.

"Yes, Your Highness."(Kavir)

Kavir responded with a respectful nod.

—screech~

A scraping sound of the door being opened reached my ears, and soon a voice came, conforming to my earlier assumption-

"I apologize for the interruption.

"Is this Dorm[501]?"(???)

The voice, timid and hesitant, inquired from the doorway.

The inquiry posed is definitely asked just out of formality and politeness rather than a genuine inquiry.

…It was totally unnecessary.

How do I know this?

Simple common sense.

There is no way he overlooked the room number that was boldly displayed on the signboard right on the door, which he just knocked on.

Still, I remained seated, intrigued to see how this would unfold.

"Yes, indeed."

Kavir responded, his voice carrying an air of composure that matched his strict demeanor.

That's it, Kavir. You really have a knack for scaring people off.

"Oh, great. Are the other students here?

-The person continued his hesitance, now focused on a new set of questions.

"If so, I must be your new roommate."

He stated, trying to verify if Kavir was his supposed roommate.

No, dude, I am over here.

Guess you got lucky, right?[Readers : Nope~ I don't think so.]

"What's your dorm room number?"

Kavir, with his stern gaze, still pressed on, ignoring the other party's vague question.

Ha~! Really now, Kavir.

How can one be so doubtful?

He literally(:indirectly) asked for the dorm key as evidence.

"...huh? W-wait a moment...

-The hesitation in the stranger's voice was palpable, the shuffling of belongings underscoring the pause in the conversation.

"Here…"(???)

The person finally responded, his tone suggesting a mixture of relief and mild discomfort, handing over a letter probably containing details about his dorm room assignment.

So, he is the type to consider his personal privacy over administrative belongings.

Well, at least he is smart and gutsy enough to refuse to show his keys, even in front of Kavir.

"Are you Student Jackson David?"(Kavir)

However, my man, Kavir, again continued with his suspicious look.

Yep, he(:Kavir) is officially out of control. He has no boundaries(:qualms) for making someone uncomfortable.

Idiot! This is not 21st century on some-Planet Earth-for everyone to carry a portrait of them around.

However, why do I feel so used to his typical character…

I really should look for a good woman for my Shadow. Otherwise, I might not coexist with him for long.

"Ah?...Y-yes, that's me."

As anyone would guess, the stranger replied, and clear skepticism was evident in his words.

"Kavir, let him in.

-I directed, my words carrying an authoritative weight that didn't halt with the initial command.

-David's face expressed how taken aback he was by the sudden voice of mine in the room beside Kavir.

"And assist him with his luggage as a gesture of apology."(Rai)

-I added, wrapping up my instructions with a suggestion to make up for his not-so-cool behavior earlier.

-David's eyes darted inside the room from outside as if he were searching for escape routes.

I couldn't help but chuckle inwardly at his deer-in-the-headlights expression.

However, I think it was enough drama.

"As you wish, Your Highness."(Kavir)

Maybe I should have stepped in sooner.

I definitely looked like a noble brat, indirectly encouraging Kavir and enjoying the show from the corner.

Nah, no need to worry. I know I am not that type of guy.

"I apologize for my rudeness, Student David.

"Allow me to help with your belongings."(Kavir)

Kavir extended his hands and helped with the luggage.

"...eh! Thank you for the assistance.

-David expressed.

Huh? He accepted Kavir's help.

I was sure he would reject it, considering his previous demeanor as overly polite and timid.

No, even if he is just timid, any sane person in front of Kavir would reject his help.

"Though, there's really no need to apologize."

The stranger appeared surprised but grateful.

Oh, there it is, so he is still keeping his act of being a polite person intact.

I wonder how long he will manage it.

Man, this is going to be fun.

Now that I think about it, when did I start to be amused by other people's.

It seems I am catching someone's bad habits by staying too long with a certain someone.

But I guess it can't be helped.

–thud!

Breaking me out of my thoughts was the sound made when the heavy luggage was being shifted into the room.

The supposed roommate entered the room, accompanied by the rustling of luggage.

As I rose from my seating position, I subjected David to an open inspection that might have made him squirm a little.

My gaze noted his old-fashioned round glasses, messy and curly ear-length brown hair, and pale skin.

His cheeks flushed slightly under my scrutiny, and I couldn't help but think that he looked like a rabbit caught in headlights.

Yeah, I am totally not freaking him out.

Way to go Rai, the best way to make a good first impression on your Roommate.

With that observation made, I finally introduced myself.

"Hey, I am Rai Karnal, and you can call me Karnal.

"I am the roommate you are talking about."(Rai)

Without apologizing for my open inspection of him, or more like not even acknowledging it, I shamelessly introduced myself with an open and friendly smile.

Hoo! Did I ever mention I only prefer being called 'Rai' by the people close to me, even though it is a simple middle name and my actual first name is 'Karnal'.

Weird, but that's just how it is.

"It's nice meeting you, Student Karnal.

"And you can call me David."

David's response indicated that he decided to ignore my earlier scanning of him.

He also referred to me as 'Student', which is the usual norm in this Academy while addressing unfamiliar students(:strangers).

Of course, we could directly refer to each other by name when both parties involved are fine.

"Student David, this is my friend Noir Kavir."(Rai)

Coming to an agreement, I took a step forward and pointed towards Kavir, extending a figurative olive branch.

Standing by my side, Kavir offered the sincerest smile he could summon to David, which was just subpar at best.

…and scary.

"And on behalf of Kavir, I apologize for his rude behavior."(Rai)

I said with a smile planting on my face apologizing for Kavir's mistake, without acknowledging my own.

However, the sincerity in my words is true this time.

Maybe David also felt it as his eyes flickered with a mix of bewilderment.

Well, it is normal, I guess.

By now, he should have figured out I might be from the Nobel or even Royal Family.

Then the atmosphere seemed to shift subtly as I turned my attention toward Kavir.

"Kavir, I think it's time for you to leave.

–I proposed, a breath of regality highlighting my words, followed by a hand motion toward the exit.

"Don't worry about bringing any more meals to my quarters."

I added, my tone was accommodating yet precise.

"I intend to dine at the dormitory canteen from now on.

"Of course you can join me."(Rai)

I offered an invitation, demanding his presence.

"Yes, Your Highness."

Kavir acknowledged with a courteous nod, and his departure was marked by the shutting of the door, leaving a brief moment of isolation behind him.

–thud~

"Student David.

–I addressed him, following the same customary formalities for now.

"You can take the other bed and arrange your luggage in the adjacent cupboard.

I said pointing towards the other unoccupied bed.

"Feel free to use the things in this room as needed."(Rai)

I added trying to make him feel as comfortable as possible.

The Dorm room normally allocated for the Elite-Class is a little higher standard and vacant than First-Class students.

The room has three rooms-Bedroom, Kitchen and Bathroom.

The Bedroom is slightly over your typical medium-sized room(:14x14 feet), with two beds sticking out to the opposite walls, added by writing tables and cupboards adjacent to each bed.

The Kitchen is smaller(:8x6 feet) and the Bathroom has a decent shower and toilet(:8x11 feet).

Even for me, during the one night I spent here, I found it decent enough except for the slightly stiff bed.

There are also objects and missionaries present in my dorm room, like a coffee machine, torches for sudden electricity loss, books, papers, and a few others that were ordered beforehand using the privilege card.

Overall even if we exclude the privileged objects the dorm room is more than luxuries compared to the living conditions most commoners were used to in the secluded areas outside the Academy.

…and for it to be assigned as a dorm room in a strict Military Academy, one may assume it is not as STRICT as it was rumored to be.

Well, they are not totally wrong either, as for the first couple of months it was easy. However, after that, hell begins.

"Thank you Student Karnal.

-He added.

"I hope we have a good time with each other."(David)

"I feel the same, Student David.

–I replied with a composed nod.

"Now, I have few things to do and I think you also need to arrange your things.

"Let's have a good talk after we both finish our work."(Rai)

"...sure."(David)

.

(To be continued…)

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Chapter words : 1635

Total words : 34.31K