– Asher rector, I…

– There is no need for thanks, adept.

“But I… There on the street…” I made another attempt.

“I already realized that you were simply lost with joy.” It's okay, forget about this little incident. He's not worth a damn. We won't mention this in future. Really, Duke? – the rector said with emphasis.

– Of course, of course, Asher Schwartz! – the father agreed.

He seemed relieved too. Apparently, he was seriously worried about my mistake.

– Thank you, escher rector. Then you can…

I wanted to say: “Can I talk to you in private?”, but Felsen Schwartz interrupted me again:

– Of course, go! And hurry up, or you'll miss breakfast. Go straight to the dining room, it is on the first floor, along the corridor to the left of the main entrance. Don't be confused, there are signs there.

It was inconvenient to insist, and I decided to look at the rector later. Moreover, he himself said to come in if problems arise. I think I have a good reason.

– Thank you. Have a good day! – I said goodbye to everyone and left my father’s office.

The rector did not bend his heart; navigation in the academy turned out to be excellent. As soon as you thought about where this or that place was located, the necessary sign, or even a whole sign with a map, was found nearby. And everything is so fresh, as if it was recently updated. Maybe they did something better before our arrival? I don’t know if this is true, but I found the dining room without difficulty. Having turned into the desired corridor, I soon found myself in a spacious, bright room, where it was crowded, a little noisy, and delicious smells were in the air. The stomach immediately reminded me that the last time I ate food was yesterday and demanded that this be corrected immediately.

The huge hall was lined with large round tables for about ten people, at which the adherents had breakfast. At the very entrance there was a dressing room where you could leave your clothes. She was received and given out by a real elemental! Air. Dad wasn't lying when he talked about this at home.

– Hello! – I greeted a little confused.

I have not yet had the opportunity to communicate with such creatures.

The elemental instantly moved to the counter, blowing a cool wind over me, and immediately I smelled the sea. I pulled off my gloves and put them in my coat pocket, unwound the scarf and handed it all to the elemental, not knowing how to act correctly. Another gust of wind, and all my things were neatly hung on hangers.

– Wow! How amazing! “I clapped my hands and, succumbing to impulse, bowed: “Thank you!”

So, with a smile from ear to ear, I turned to the audience. Vilde waved to me from the table by the window on the right.

– Mirre, we are here! – she announced to the entire dining room, which attracted everyone’s attention to me.

The guys shamelessly began to turn around. One even winked as soon as I accidentally met his gaze. Before that, I lived in a castle and was friends only with the courtyard boys, and even then on the sly from my mother. Then I was imprisoned in a boarding house where there was a women's kingdom. And now I suddenly clearly realized what my father was so afraid of, and I was embarrassed. Trying not to look at anyone else, she hurried to the table where the girls were sitting and, once in their circle, felt calmer.

– How did it go? – Khvoyana asked.

– Differently. At first my father almost sent me home. More precisely, back to the boarding house. But then he changed his mind and allowed me to stay.

– Horrible! – Yumi squeaked, pressing her palms to her cheeks.

“I didn’t think the Duke of Blackrock was so strict.” And how did you manage to talk him out of it? – Vilde asked curiously.

– I didn’t succeed. To the rector. He stood up for me in front of my father, and also allowed me to keep Simka! – I shared the great news.

– What are you talking about!

– Can't be!

The girls started vying with each other. Everyone had already fallen in love with my little simuran, so they were happy.

– How great, Kyari! One less headache! – Ada embraced me in a friendly embrace.

– What will you eat? – Khvoyana asked.

– All! – I answered passionately. – I'm hungry as a wolf! How does everything work here?

I turned my head, but I didn’t see the usual distribution anywhere.

– Look, it's simple. Here's the menu. – Lisel handed me a plump book with a worn red cover. – Look for dishes in the “Breakfast” section, and then touch your finger to what you like.

“Don’t just touch it, but hold it a little so that it works,” Volde added to her instructions.

– Understood! – I nodded and began to study the menu.

It turned out to be rich, even breakfast took up at least five pages. Divided into categories, there were dishes for even the most demanding taste. For example, national breakfasts. Ada was able to order northern raw fish and ate it with pleasure, snacking on crispy croutons.

Having chosen porridge with fruit, tartlets with peach jam and herbal tea, I did as the girls suggested. A few minutes later, another air elemental lowered a tray covered with lamb onto the table in front of me. However, he took the lid with him so as not to interfere.