The car was silent.
Markara sat beside Akari, unsure if he should say something… or just keep quiet.
Outside, the city passed by in a blur of lights, unfamiliar streets, and glowing signs he couldn't read.
Everything felt distant.
Then, finally, Akari spoke.
"Today, you'll be transferring to your new school."
He turned to her, blinking.
"...New school?" he repeated under his breath.
She nodded, her voice calm and composed as always.
"It's one of the oldest and most prestigious international schools in the world."
Markara frowned slightly.
'Oldest in the world? That can't be right.'
From what he knew, most elite schools were in the west, for instance The UK.
He leaned a little, listening carefully.
"Your new school is called Seigetsu Academy".
She turned to him then, meeting his eyes for the first time since they left the airport.
"It means 'Pure Moon'."
Markara blinked again.
The name meant nothing to him.
Seigetsu Academy? He'd never heard of it.
He looked at Akari, expecting her to explain. But she was already watching him—like she was waiting for something.
She raised an eyebrow. "Does it ring a bell?"
He gave a slow shake of his head.
Akari sighed. "Didn't think so."
She leaned back in her seat, crossing one leg over the other.
"Don't worry about it. You'll figure things out once you're living there."
Markara tilted his head.
"Wait... living there?"
"Yes."
Akari's reply was short and matter-of-fact.
"You'll be staying in the dormitory."
He blinked.
"...So I'll be living at the most prestigious school dorm in the world?"
Akari didn't answer.
She just looked out the window, calm as ever.
But Markara?
He was already daydreaming.
Marble floors… private chefs… hot spring baths in the dorm… silk bed sheets... maybe even butlers in suits?
His eyes glazed over slightly.
'Do elite schools have students wear custom-tailored uniforms? Wait, will I get a room with a view of the mountains? Personal PC and internet connection'
He grinned to himself without even realizing.
Akari glanced at him, then sighed.
"…Don't get your hopes up too high. We are almost there"
"..."
Markara was speechless when the car finally stopped in front of his new dormitory.
It wasn't what he expected.
Not even close.
The building looked ancient, like it had stood there quietly for over a hundred years. Thick vines curled along the stone walls, creeping up toward the roof, weaving around old wooden shutters and crumbling edges like nature had wrapped it in a soft, green embrace.
Four stories tall, with a dark slate roof and worn balconies, it looked less like a dormitory… and more like an abandoned temple hidden in the mountains.
Markara stepped out of the car slowly, eyes wide.
But the moment the front doors opened—
His breath caught.
The inside was completely different.
Polished wooden floors, tall ceilings with curved beams, and a stunning blend of traditional Japanese design mixed with sleek, modern Western elements. Soft LED lights lined the corridors. Shoji doors slid smoothly open without a sound. There were tatami mats by the stairs, glass panel railings.
It felt like he had walked into another world.
Akari stepped out behind him and adjusted her jacket.
"This is where you'll be staying," she said.
He turned to her, still half in awe.
"I have to go," she added casually.
"If you need anything, just text me," she continued. "I'll respond when I can."
Markara opened his mouth to speak, but she was already turning around.
"Oh," she added over her shoulder, "someone will be in there. Don't worry."
And with that, she slipped into the car.
The car disappeared down the winding path, leaving only the soft sound of the wind and rustling leaves behind.
Markara stood there, his bag in hand, staring at the old dormitory.
Then—
Creeeak.
A door deeper inside the building opened, and with it came a rush of warm air and an incredible smell—savory, rich, and freshly cooked.
His stomach growled instantly.
'That smells like... curry?'
Before he could take a step forward, someone appeared in the doorway.
A girl.
She looked about his age, but definitely not Japanese. Her blonde hair was tied neatly into a long braid, not a single strand out of place. Her eyes were a piercing blue, large and glassy—almost too perfect. Her skin was pale and smooth. She wore a full maid outfit, a long black dress that reached her ankles and white shocks, a crisp white apron over it, and delicate lace trimming. The uniform looked like it had come straight out of an old Western film.
And she moved strangely
With a kind of silent, precise grace that didn't quite feel natural.
Her footsteps made no sound.
Not even the softest scuff against the floor.
Markara blinked.
She approached slowly, then stopped just a few steps in front of him. With perfect posture, she bent at the waist in a graceful bow.
"Welcome to Seigetsu Dormitory, Master Markara."
Her voice was soft, polite, and flawlessly pronounced, perfect English, not a single syllable out of place.
But something about it was off.
Her voice was so smooth, steady and artificial.
Like a recording played through silk.
"My name is Elizabeth," she continued, rising from her bow with practiced elegance. "I will be your caretaker."
Markara stare, his brain still trying to catch up.
'Master...? Caretaker...?'
Markara blinked.
"Ah—uh, nice to meet you!" he stammered. "My name is Markara Lewis. I just… transferred here."
Without thinking, he gave a quick bow.
It was awkward and uneven—his posture stiff, hands unsure of where to go. He wasn't exactly trained in Japanese etiquette.
There was a brief silence.
Then, Giggle.
A soft laugh slipped from Elizabeth's lips. Delicate and light.
Markara looked up in surprise.
That small laugh was the first thing that felt real. For a moment, she didn't seem like a lifelike doll or a machine. She seemed human to him and even friendly.