Oh! That kid over there—he looks like he's going to grow into a really handsome guy!
Ahh that girl—she's adorable!
Completely engrossed in observing his surroundings, Rafayel was unaware that he was the most conspicuous person in the hall at that moment.
After a while, a voice called out to him.
"Is this seat taken?"
Looking up, Rafayel's eyes widened.
Whoa… A promising future ahead!
Based on his appearance, the person standing before him was a beastman from bear tribe.
He was noticeably larger than Rafayel and at least ten centimeters taller.
"P-please, go ahead!!"
Rafayel who is caught between surprise and excitement, responded with an oddly mixed expression.
The beastman quietly sat down and said, "…Nice to meet you."
For a moment, Rafayel hesitated on how to reply before managing a cheerful, "Nice to meet you too!"
Oh no, he messed up, didn't he?!
First impressions are crucial for forming friendships… What do he do now?
How should he start a conversation?
In the novels, the protagonist either instantly becomes friends with the seatmate or ignores them completely!
Ugh, this wasn't in the script!
Okay… The safest bet is a self-introduction.
Let's do this!
Summoning his courage, he turned his head slightly and found the beastman already staring at him.
Startled, he stiffened but quickly composed himself.
"Um, nice to meet you. I'm Rafayel Delmare. Looking forward to studying together."
The beastman looking at him for a moment before responding, "I'm Kael'Rhun Medved. Sorry for staring… I thought you were a girl and I was trying to confirm it. Your name cleared that up."
He let out a small chuckle.
"Oh, it's fine. I know I have a feminine face. My hair is also a bit long, so it's understandable. Sorry if it was confusing."
"No, you don't need to apologize. I was the one staring too much. Also… my rank is lower than yours. Should I be speaking more formally?"
"No need! We're classmates, so just talk casually. I don't like being spoken with so much formality anyway. You can call me Rafayel—or just like my family, Raffy."
"That helps a lot. I'm not good with formal speech. Just call me Kael."
"Got it!"
Yes! First friend secured!
And a beastman at that!
He really want to touch his bear ears… But in the novels, touching a beastman's ears is reserved for close friends or lovers.
Hmm… Maybe once we're closer, he can ask!
As Rafayel and Kael introduced themselves, the seats around them gradually filled up.
Soon, music began to play, marking the start of the entrance ceremony.
The ceremony proceeded smoothly, with the headmaster giving a speech, teachers introducing themselves, and an overview of the school's schedule being explained.
After the ceremony, students were led by their respective homeroom teachers to their classrooms, while guardians remained in the hall for a separate briefing.
"First-year Class A, please follow me."
A rather short male teacher led them to their classroom, where the students were assigned seats in alphabetical order.