Chapter 4: Boy Meets Boy?
I go out of the bestiary, and head towards the boys dormitory. Of course, thinking of if there isn’t some way to bring Ruu into the dorm. If it’s possible to reduce her size, it might somehow work. Or evolving her to human form. Hmm….
The boy’s dormitories are pretty old but firmly-built buildings. They’re comprised of several buildings with three floors. I’m in…the first building on the third floor.
Once I enter, a large lobby spreads out in front of me. There is something like a reception desk, where an aunty is receiving the boys. The dorm mother, yup. For now, I’ll line up and wait.
The boys soon scurry off, and I get an explanation about the dorms from the aunty. ‘Magic use in the dormitory is prohibited, and if you fight both parties are thrown out within the evening’, she said. Scary.
“Also, you’re free to bring in a woman, but don’t bother those around you. If you get it dirty clean it up. Got it?”
“Y, yes…”
You’re spelling it all out huh…Different world, different manners huh.
“Umm, my room’s…here.”
Before I knock I take a deep breath. People judge others by first impressions. We’ll be in the most contact from now on, so I can’t mess up here.
When I knock with a kon-kon, I’m answered with a “Come in”. Fuu~…’Kay, let’s go!
As I enter, a strong gust of wind blows towards me. Apparently, the person who had come earlier had opened the window. Golden hair is fluttering in my direction. Looks like they’re looking outside, so I can only see their side profile. Their ears are pointed, so maybe they’re an elf? When I close the door, my elvish roommate faces me, saying:
“Umm, hello. I’m Lucas. Nice to meet you.”
A suuuper finely-formed face, androgynous elf was standing before me. Uh, a girl? No, a pretty boy?
“Uhh, this is the boy’s dorm you know?”
“I’m a boy too!? Why does everyone say thattt…”
“Sorry….Oh, I’m Tsuchio. Pleasure.”
“Nice to meet you, Tsuchio-kun! Honorifics are so stuffy, let’s talk casually, mkay?”
(TLN: Tsuchio has been using polite speech here.)
Lucas flashes a pleasant smile. Kuh! Is this the prince charming smile!? It’s even effective on males too!?
“? …What’s wrong?”
“Huff huff…No, it’s nothing. I’m fine already. Even so, elven males are androgynous huh. From first glance, I can only see you as a girl y’know.”
“Isn’t it because our hair is long? In my hometown, I was properly seen as a boy. I wonder if I should tie it up~”
Lucas begins to tie the long hair in a ponytail. That adds 3x the girly-ness!
“Ehehe, how does it look?”
“YUP, I THINK YOU LOOK GREAT”
“Really!? Then, maybe I should do this everyday from now on~”
“YUP, I THINK YOU LOOK GREAT”
“Thanks!”
(TLN: All written in katakana, so I left it as caps. Think robot speech.)
…To my monotone, what a nice smile he replies with. A prince charming-type saint, how fearsome…
“What did come to study Tsuchio-kun?”
I finish arranging my things, and sit on the bed to talk to Lucas. I feel bad for Ruu, but I’m a little interested in Lucas. No ulterior motives.
“I came to learn about taming.”
“Ahh—! Have you tamed before?”
“Yeah I have. Wonder why I can’t bring’em into the dorm.”
“Maybe because they’re big, so they can’t fit in. If they can turn small, maybe you could somehow get permission?”
“Yeah ….Guess I’ll look into it next time.”
“… Nee, Tsuchio-kun’s monster, can you let me see it?”
“Eh!?”
I’d hate to scare him though…Ruu would probably hate it too.
“Can’t I?”
“… Well, I don’t mind. ‘Kay, shall we go to the bestiary then.”
“You’re 16 years old!? No wonder I thought you looked calm and reliable~”
“That so? Even like this I’m pretty nervous though.”
“Fufufu, is Tsuchio-san better?”
“Isn’t it fine to do as you like? We’re the same year after all.”
“Really? Then, maybe I’ll have things stay this way.”
Through our talk on the way to the bestiary, it seems that Lucas had thought we were the same age as well as year. Am I really that baby-faced…
“Here’s the bestiary. Let’s go in.”
We go to the front of Ruu’s room. Although Ruu stood up happily when she saw me, the moment she knew Lucas was with me her mood instantly changed for the worse. Yeah Ruu’s getting jealous.
“Gurururu…”
“Uweh!? I, is it mad?”
Hiding behind me, Lucas peeks his head out just a bit. Cuuuuuute, jeez!
“Wh, wait wait Ruu! He’s male! Not female!”
“Gururu!”
‘Lies!’…What now, she’s not believing me…’Show it to her!’ I can’t say that to Lucas….I got it!
“Torya!”
“Wah!? Su, suddenly placing your hand on my chest, what’s wrong Tsuchio-kun?”
Placing my hands on Lucas’ chest, I fondle him gently. For a boy’s chest it’s not as though it doesn’t feel soft, but because he pretty much looks like a girl, my mind is correcting my vision as it pleases, yup.
“See, this reaction! If he were a girl he’d be slapping my cheek and running! ”
“Gururu…”
Whew, got her to believe me huh. Now then,
“Ruu, this guy is my roommate Lucas.”
“Ni, nice to meet you, Ruu…chan?”
“Guru~u…”
Ohh, to be able to see that she’s female with one glance.. As expected of the girl in appearance, prince charming in reality.
“Like the time with Triss, won’t you let him pet you?”
“… Guru”
This time without any hostility, Ruu shows her back to Lucas. Such a good girl, I’ll pet you a bunch later.
“‘Kay, pat her back. The head or wings are off limits, alright.”
“Mkay! Wahh, it’s so smooth and slippery~…!”
Lucas begins stroking Ruu’s back. He’s a boy after all, so he probably admires dragons like this? So you do have manly parts.
“It’s pretty like jewels…They’re glittering in rainbows!”
…I retract my previous statement. He’s girly after all. You’re really a boy right? If you’re really something like a cross-dressing girl, I’m sinking my fangs in you ‘kay?
“Stil, that’s amazing Tsuchio-kun! Ruu-chan’s a dragon species isn’t she? Taming a dragon species is like, super hard!”
“Yeah well, it was by coincidence after all. Not my skills.”
“Luck is a part of talent, though. Thanks, Ruu-chan!”
“Guru”
Right then, Ruu’s done with meeting Lucas, so now it’s my turn. I’ll pet you to your heart’s content.
“Okayyy, Ruu, c’mere~”
“Gururu!”
Ruu dives into my chest. Not enough to hurt, her face properly passes up through to my shoulder.
“Good girl. Sorry for leaving you alone.”
“Gurururu~u ?”
After stroking her head, I rub under her chin. When I go back to stroking her cheek, she rubs her face against my hand, ahh, how cute.
“You’re really spoiling her huh. She’s really attached to you…does it really feel that good?”
“Wanna try? I’ve never pet a person before, but I’m confident in my petting abilities.”
“Then, maybe I’ll ask”
Lucas sticks out his head. I stretch out my hand nervously, lightly place my hand on his head with a ‘poof’, and begin to slowly move it.
“Ah…”
Lucas’ hair is smooth and fluffy, and has a texture finer to the touch than silk. Wonder what shampoo and conditioner you use, to be able to get such amazing hair…Hell, Lucas, why are you getting petted by someone you just met today. I don’t get it.
“Fuwaa~ …. I, it feels good. . . ! ”
“How does it feel?”
“Somehow, it feels like something warm coming from the top of my head. Ehehe, feels good!”
“Oh really….Come to think of it, why did you have me pet you?”
“Because Ruu-chan looked like it felt so good, so it made me think ‘I wanna try too~’. I told you before right? That ‘You look reliable’.”
“Yeah, but even so I don’t know about being petted by someone you meet for the first time, man. There are bad people after all. Be careful.”
“Yeah huh, I’ll be careful from now on. But … if something happens, Tsuchio-kun you’ll protect me right?”
I’m taller, so Lucas asks with an upward glance. Maybe because he’s a little embarrassed. but his cheeks are slightly red. This is bad, he’s so dazzling I might have a nosebleed.
“Y, yah.”
“Ehehehe?, I’m so happy”
Gahh you’re too cute!!!
“W, we’re done! I’ve gotta take Ruu for a walk so yeah!”
“Ah…what a shame. Would you do it again?”
“If I feel like it.”
“Fufufu, I’ll be waiting ?”
Seems like Lucas has to go shopping, so we split up from here. Well, though I say walk it’s a walk in the sky. Ruu only lets me ride, so we can’t go together anyways…
“‘Kay, let’s go Ruu. It’d be dangerous at night, so we’re returning at dusk.”
“Gururu!”
I get on Ruu, who’s squatting to let me saddle up easier, kick her stomach and send her a signal.There are no scales on Ruu’s belly, but even if I kick her she wouldn’t be injured. She kicks off the ground and soars into the heavens.
Academy City, as seen from the sky, is quite beautiful. The west is exactly in the direction of the sea, so sunset is shining into town. The reflected sunlight from the sea is twinkling, and the buildings have been colored red.
“It’s beautiful, Ruu. To see more scenery like this, let’s do our best together.”
“Guru!”
The current season of this world is spring. Though it’s said to have become warm, the nights are still cold. Gotta go back before catching a cold. Wonder if Ruu’s room is cold? If she catches a cold, then I’m dragging her into my room even if against all wishes.
The next day. Even though Lucas’ sleeptalking was strangely erotic and was tossing and turning, I was able to wake up normally. The sun has just risen.
“‘Mmm…Tsuchio-kun, moreee…Ehehe”
…What the hell is this kid seeing in his dreams. Lucas’ sleepwear is a t-shirt and long pants, and was under the covers when he went to bed but…maybe because it was stuffy, but the covers are kicked aside, and his shirt is upturned exposing his belly….Before I lose control of my sanity, I’ll tuck him back in.
I leave the room making sure not to wake Lucas, and head to the bestiary.Theother monsters were still sleeping, so again I walk on my tiptoes.
“Gururu~u!”
“Oh, already awake eh. The others around you are still sleeping, so be as quiet as possible.”
“Guru”
In the still-cold air, we dash through the air cutting through wind. The morning sky is nice and refreshing~.
“It’s just a little cold…Could you weaken the wind just a little?”
“Gururu”
Oh, the wind died down. She’s apparently manipulating the wind when she flies, so she probably applied it differently. If only I had mana too…Nothing you can do even if you ask for the impossible, so let’s work hard with what we’ve got.
I don’t know if Japanese clocks are useful, so I end today’s walk earlier than yesterday and return to the dorms. Looks like there is a cafeteria, but apparently you can’t eat once the mealtime is over. Seems that you can get monster feed there, so if I don’t eat quickly Ruu will lose her mealtime too.
“Mmmm…”
When I returned to the room, Lucas was still sleeping. Such a sleepyhead… He’s still 13 years old, so maybe this much is normal.
“Wake up, Lucas. Rise and shine~”
“Unn, nooooo…. Sleep more~.”
“Even if you say that….You won’t make it to breakfast you know”
I can’t shake him too hard so I try shaking lightly, but he has absolutely no signs of waking. What now, he seems like he’d seriously oversleep.
As I’m thinking of ways to wake Lucas up, I suddenly hear the toll of a bell. This one, if I remember correctly, was from the district outside the academy. It rings at 6 in the morning in Japan time, noon, and at 6 in the evening. Which means, it’s 6 in the morning right now.
“Fuwaaahhh….Oh, good moooorrrnniiinn Tsuchio-kuuuun. . . ”
At the sound of the bell, it seems that Lucas woke up. Looks like this bell is becoming his alarm.
“Mornin’, hurry up and change.”
“Mkay, I’ll dooo thattt…”
“…Whoa, wait wait wait! Wait for me to leave!”
Jeez, this kid… Realize how dangerous your looks are a little…
I grab Lucas after he changes clothes, and we head to the cafeteria. It’s not adjoining, and is sandwiched between the boys’ and girls’ dormitories.
It’s quite the old building too, but like the dorms it’s built sturdy. When you go in immediately facing you are rows of tables, and the back appears to be the kitchen. They’re separated by a wall. It’s like Harry Potter.
Today’s menu is fish soup and black bread only. I don’t know what kind of fish it is but there’s plenty of it in the soup, yet the bread is hard. It’s kinda like rye bread.
“Huge portions huh.”
“You have to eat properly in the morning, or you won’t have any energy. After this, we only have the entrance ceremony and school tour, but upperclassmen have a normal day of classes supposedly.”
“Huh, didn’t know that. So textbooks and whatnot, are we getting those today?”
“I think so. I hear we have class explanations too.”
While I’m asking Lucas things about the academy, a familiar face passes by in front of me….Guess I’ll call out to ’em.
“Heyyy, Triss!”
“Ah, Tsuchio-dono! Haven’t seen you since yesterday-dearimasu!”
Seems Triss is alone, and was looking for a place to eat.Just so happened the seat next to mine was vacant, so I’ll invite her.
“Looking for somewhere to eat? Seat next to me is open, want to eat together?”
“Is that okay-dearimasu? In that case, I’ll take you up on your offer-dearimasu.”
Triss sits next to me. Gotta introduce her to Lucas.
“Lucas, this is Triss. Let’s get along.”
“Hohh, what a beautiful person-dearimasuna. To be so friendly with someone like this, Tsuchio-dono’s quite talented eh, look at you!”
“Ahh, you’re probably misunderstanding, but Lucas is male y’know.”
“You joker, just because you’re embarrassed doesn’t mean such fibs will work on me-dearimasu!”
“Umm, I’m a boy though?”
“Seriously-dearimasu?”
“Seriously seriously.”
“Wh, What did you say—dearimasuuu!!!”
Yeah you would say that.Lucas, while saying “You don’t have to be that surprised…” is puffing his cheeks. Cute.
“Seriously-dearimasuka….No way, Tsuchio-dono’s roommate isn’t…”
“It’s me~.”
“…Homosexuality will be tough-dearimasu, but do your best-dearimasu.”
“No, I’m not. I’m not gay. Though in Lucas’ case, even if I’m not gay I might fall for him.”
“That’s true-dearimasune….When I look at Lucas-dono, I feel like I’m losing confidence as a woman…”
“Tr, Triss-chan is cute too! You’re like, petite!”
“Uuu, for some reason that sounds unusually sad-dearimasuyo-!”
Like so, the three of us ate breakfast. Lucas and Triss became friends immediately, and we talked various things about the academy or Ruu. Good thing they got along.