Chapter 3: The Eldritch Goddess Begins School Life

"Miss, here is your uniform."

I accepted the neatly folded garments from the maid.

Ohhh. Just from touch alone, I could tell it was made of fine material. Though this was a game-world academy, the uniform was clearly authentic—no cheap cosplay quality here.

With the maid's assistance, I changed into the outfit.

The uniform consisted of a navy blue blazer, white blouse, plaid pleated skirt, and a red ribbon tie.

"How do I look?"

"It suits you perfectly, Miss."

Though my petite frame made the fit slightly loose, it didn't look bad at all. In fact, it accentuated my delicate beauty and cuteness. A fine uniform indeed. Very fine.

"I'm so excited to attend school."

My past life held few pleasant memories of education—just endless studying with no friends and poor grades... sniff...

But now? I'm a stunning beauty.

Surely I'll make tons of friends and have the time of my life!

"Can't wait, can't wait~"

Perhaps sensing my mood, a tentacle peeked out from my skirt to say "Hello!" No no, you can't just pop out whenever you feel like it.

But my excitement shattered in the next instant.

"Miss, these are your required textbooks."

"Wow."

The maid deposited a mountain of books with a thud.

...This is excessive, right? Even in my past life's school, I'd never seen such a textbook avalanche... Do we really need to learn this much?

As I trembled, another stack of books landed with a boom.

"These are the academy's recommended readings. Most students complete them before enrollment, so I've brought them for you."

"Wow."

The recommendations included classical literature, scientific texts, political treatises by statesmen, and even religious scriptures.

Am I supposed to read these? By tomorrow?

"Suddenly I don't want to go to school anymore..."

My mood now matched overcast skies—utterly gloomy.

"Maybe I'll just stay holed up in the mansion... It's not like someone like me could succeed at school anyway... What's the point..."

I slumped dejectedly in the corner.

"Don't worry, Miss. The academy is aware of your... delicate constitution, so accommodations have been made. These books aren't due by tomorrow."

"Really?"

"Truly."

I studied the maid's expression intently.

"Fine. I'll give it a try. If I fail, I'll become a shut-in."

"As you wish."

Giving up without trying is wrong. Might as well attempt it before resigning.

Thus, I resolved to hit the books immediately!

...

The next morning.

"That might've been the hardest I've ever studied..."

I'd pulled an all-nighter devouring textbooks and recommended readings.

One perk of this body? Perfect recall—once learned, never forgotten. It made studying frighteningly efficient.

Being an Eldritch Goddess has its perks. Even academics bow before me. Ahahaha.

"The carriage is ready."

The butler informed me after I'd changed from my study marathon attire.

I'd equipped gloves and tights to prevent any accidental "Hellos" from my fingertips or skirt. No one would spot rogue tentacles now.

"Then, I'm off."

With refined grace, I boarded the carriage, followed by my attendant maid.

Now, about Arkham Academy—while I mentioned it's for nobles and bourgeoisie, its location might surprise you: the imperial capital.

Yet most aristocrats don't reside there permanently. Only ultra-wealthy families like mine (with seats in the Imperial Senate) maintain capital residences. Lesser nobles live on provincial estates, sending children to dormitories if they can afford tuition but not city homes.

Thus, arriving by carriage is a flex—proof of serious wealth.

Ahh, how embarrassing to be both gorgeous AND rich!

"Miss, we've arrived."

"Yes."

At the maid's prompting, I stood before the academy's gates.

The academy's grand main gate stood in stark contrast to the schools of my past life. Students flowed through its arches—and among them, my new existence would begin!

"Let's go."

With my silver hair fluttering, I strode gracefully through the entrance.

"Hey, who's that girl? She's stunning...""What year is she? I don't think I've seen her before.""So cute..."

Students of all genders turned to stare, their voices dripping with admiration and envy. Their awed whispers, their longing sighs, their praises—all music to my ears.

This felt amazing. Never in my life had I received such positive attention.

Ah, if only school were just about showcasing my cosmic-level cuteness instead of tedious studying...

Lost in thought, I suddenly collided with something solid. The impact sent me tumbling onto my backside. Oww...

"My apologies! Are you hurt?"

The collision culprit was a male student emerging from the garden path.

...Probably male?

His uniform confirmed it, but his features blurred gender lines—golden hair tied in a ponytail, delicate androgynous beauty, fine-boned features leaning feminine. A cross-dressing beauty, perhaps?

"Can you stand?""Y-yes, I'm fine.""Let me help."

Wow. Smooth moves. His effortless gallantry was impressive—something my past self could never pull off. I reached for his offered hand—

"You."

His expression darkened abruptly, as if he'd seen a ghost at high noon.

"What... are you?"

The question came less as inquiry and more as accusation.

"I'm—"

"Felix! There you are, you idiot!"

A boisterous male voice interrupted us.

The newcomer—a short-statured redhead with cropped hair—was unmistakably male. More importantly, I recognized him. One of the game's romanceable characters.

"Huh? Who's this? New transfer student?""My apologies. I'm Iris zu Lauenstein. As you guessed, I've just transferred in this term. Pleased to meet you."

"Likewise! I'm Klaus von Freudenthal. And this grumpy guy here is Felix von Starkburg."

The redhead matched my expectations.

Klaus von Freudenthal—son of the current Imperial Chancellor, Alexander. True to his "Prodigy Chancellor" father's legacy, he radiated sharp intellect (or so I assumed from his emerald eyes' gleam).

This guy famously attended the academy not for academics, but to network for his future political career. Oh, and he was student council president.

Meaning his companion must hold comparable status...

"Felix."

Ah! Now I remember!

The vice president. A duke's son, maybe? Not a romance option, hence my vague recollection.

"Well then, Miss Iris—welcome to the academy!"

With that, Klaus dragged Felix away—though the latter kept glaring at me until the last moment. Terrifying.

"Now then..."

Despite the weird encounter, my glorious school life was just beginning!

...