Koyuki, the Necromancing Foxkin

I entered the dorms, hoping to find someone who could help me. When Elena was showing me around she did not go into much detail about the specific buildings. I was pleasantly surprised that there was a reception area on the first floor. A young woman wearing a maid uniform was smiling at me from behind a counter.

“Hello. You must be Koyuki, right? We were told to expect a new foxkin student.”

“Um, yes that is me.”

“Perfect! Let me show you to your room!”

The maid seemed rather cheerful as I followed her. It was good to see that the staff enjoyed their job. The room was big, considering what I was used to. It featured two single beds, two wardrobes and two desks. There were no decorations, just plain stone walls. There was a single window offering some natural light.

“Wow, this is nice!” I said. “So, I will only have one roommate?”

The maid regarded me curiously. “Yes, you will have to share. Only fourth years get a guaranteed single room. Before that it depends on the amount of students.”

So either there were more rooms on the top floor or the dropout rate was high enough that the number of students was halved in the end.

“So, who is my roommate?” I asked.

“Lady Helena Frost, she has not arrived yet.”

“Ah. So… I need additional clothing. Sir Hailstorm said the academy would provide it. Where can I pick that up? And where can I wash my clothes? Also, where is the bathroom?”

“We have already stocked your wardrobe. If anything gets damaged during training it will be replaced. If you destroy it in your free time the academy will charge you. Any dirty laundry can be put inside this basket.” She opened the wardrobe and indicated a container at the bottom. “We will collect the laundry every morning and return it the next day. The bathroom is down the hall. You do not have a personal one.”

Personal bathroom? The way she said it sounded like some accommodations might have those. Maybe on the higher floors? Or did people with more money get better rooms? Not that it mattered. I never had a personal bathroom before. Even warm water would be a luxury. Magic could easily heat water. But it was an expense that was deemed unnecessary for slaves. I was used to cold showers.

“Nice. I will stow my gear and then get cleaned up! Oh, I lost one of my uniforms on the way here in a fight…”

“I will organise a replacement. Students get four sets of the standard uniform so you have two fresh ones currently in your wardrobe. I will inquire with the administration if the new set is covered, or if we have to bill you for it.”

“Thanks! Um, another question. When are meal times? I am afraid my guide only showed me the mess hall with no further info.”

“Breakfast is from 6:00 until 7:00 on work days and until 8:00 on Solday. Lunch is from 11:00 to 13:00 and dinner is from 18:00 to 20:00. If there is special training during a mealtime you will get a boxed lunch. Food is offered outside those times but it will cost you.”

“Great. You have been really helpful! Uh…” I scratched my head. “Is there a watch somewhere?” I did not own one. I also did not have an alarm clock or see one in the room. “And will someone wake us in the morning?”

She regarded me strangely again. “There is a clock in the hallway. Most students have a pocket watch. There is a general wakeup call on work days at 5:00.”

“I guess I will have to save up for a watch then.” I said with a smile. Owning a watch? That would be nice.

“You can buy one from the academy for one silver, if you like.”

“I don’t have any money. Once I get my first stipend, maybe.”

“You have no money?” She asked, confused. “Sorry my lady, I did not want to pry. I overstepped.” She suddenly went pale and apologised. Wait… did she think I was some kind of noble? Apparently the staff was not aware of my past. Did I want to tell her? Once more students arrived word would spread anyway.

“I am no lady. I was a slave until recently. I don’t own anything. Well, I have a horse, a tent and a sleeping bag, I guess.”

“Oh. That explains some of your questions. I thought you were sarcastic when you asked about having only one roommate.”

“I am used to less space filled with more people.”

“I see. You might be happy to hear that the academy does not use any slaves. We are all paid workers. And the principal does not tolerate any abuse of the staff.”

“That is good to hear.” It was also concerning that it had to be mentioned. “Well, thanks for all the help… I am sorry I never asked your name!”

“Silvia and you are welcome.” She answered with a smile.

After she left I checked the wardrobe. Besides the two sets of my uniform there were five sets of undergarments and two training outfits. They consisted of black shorts and a black t-shirt. There were no additional shoes. My boots had survived the fire somehow, thankfully. But I should probably look into getting another set.

I stored my tent and sleeping bag, grabbed some fresh clothes and went looking for the bathroom. It was time to get clean. The clock in the hallway told me it was 11:13, so I could take my time and grab food afterwards. The bathroom had a changing area, some toilet stalls and a big shower room with ten showers.

They all had hot water! There were soap dispensers as well. I enjoyed getting clean. Unfortunately, I did not have a brush. Another thing I had to look into. But there was a device in the wall that blew hot air at you to help dry your hair. How marvellous! Soon I was happy, clean and ready to look for some food.