Awakening Domination System: But I'm a Slave?-Chapter 248: Silver Crown Dorms [2]

As the meal gone down, the sun had fully set. Lanterns throughout the capital began to glow, casting the city in warm, golden light.

Alaric paid for the meal—Of course now Elina had to make sure her supposed brother takes care of them—and they stepped back out into the street.

"We should head to the Academy," Elina said, though she sounded reluctant to leave the city's energy behind.

"Agreed," Alaric said. "Don't want to miss curfew on the first night."

They made their way back to where the carriages waited.

As they prepared to depart, Iris caught Alaric's eye and smiled. "Thank you, young master. For dinner."

"Anytime," he replied.

Elina rolled her eyes but didn't comment.

They climbed into their respective carriages, and the journey to the Phoenix Academy began.

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The Academy gates loomed ahead. Beyond them, the campus sprawled like a small city unto itself. Gothic spires pierced the darkening sky, cobblestone paths wound between buildings, and essence lamps flickered to life one by one.

Guards checked their documents at the gate and waved them through.

The carriages rolled into campus, eventually stopping at a central courtyard where students were disembarking, servants hauling trunks, and Academy staff directing traffic with practiced efficiency.

"Silver Crown dormitories are to the east," one official informed them, pointing toward a separate path lined with ornamental trees.

Elina and Alaric exchanged a brief glance before heading in the same direction.

Silver Crown House Dormitories

The building that came into view was stunning.

Unlike the standard Academy dormitories Alaric had stayed in previously the Silver Crown residence was opulent.

Tall, constructed from pale marble with silver veining that seemed to glow in the lamplight. Arched windows with stained glass. A grand entrance with double doors of polished darkwood.

Manicured gardens flanked the approach, and a fountain featuring a crowned phoenix dominated the courtyard.

This wasn't just housing. It was a statement.

"You are elite. You are valued. You have earned this."

Elina's eyes widened despite herself. "Well. This is certainly... different."

Iris stood beside her, equally impressed. "It's beautiful, my lady."

Alaric stepped up to the entrance, taking it in with a calculating gaze. Nyra remained silent behind him, observing everything with those sharp violet eyes.

Inside, the entrance hall was equally impressive. High ceilings with crystal chandeliers. Rich carpets. Paintings of past Silver Crown alumni, many of whom had gone on to become powerful nobles, generals, etc.

A stern-looking woman in Academy robes stood waiting, clipboard in hand.

"Silver Crown students?" she asked briskly.

"Yes," Elina said, stepping forward with her documentation.

Alaric followed suit.

The woman reviewed their papers efficiently.

"Miss Elina Glimor, you're assigned to room 3-A. Mister Alaric Glimor, room 2-C." She gestured to another staff member. "Porter, show them to their quarters."

"What about our attendants?" Elina asked.

"Ground floor. East wing. They'll have private rooms there. All attendants share common facilities but maintain individual quarters." The woman's tone made it clear this was standard procedure.

"They may access the upper floors only when attending to their assigned student."

Elina nodded, then turned to Iris. "Let's get you settled first."

They followed the porter down a side corridor to the ground floor.

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It was simpler but still far superior to standard servant quarters.

Individual rooms lined the corridor, each with a nameplate holder. The porter stopped at one. "This will be yours, miss."

Iris opened the door, revealing a modest but comfortable space, a single bed with clean linens, a small desk, a wardrobe, a washbasin, and a window overlooking the gardens.

"It's perfect," Iris said, genuinely pleased.

Elina squeezed her hand. "I'm just upstairs if you need anything."

"I know, my lady." Iris smiled.

A few doors down, the porter stopped again. "And this one for your attendant, sir."

Nyra stepped forward, opening the door to an identical room. She surveyed it silently, then nodded once. "Adequate."

Alaric smirked. "High praise."

With the attendants situated, the porter led Alaric and Elina upstairs.

The difference was immediately apparent.

Where the ground floor was comfortable, the upper floors were luxurious.

Wide corridors with plush carpeting. Essence lamps that responded to proximity, brightening as they approached. Decorative alcoves with sculptures and plants.

The porter stopped at Elina's room first, third floor, corner position.

She opened the door and gasped.

The room was massive compared to standard Academy housing. A large four-poster bed with silk curtains.

A full desk with multiple drawers and built-in essence lighting. A private sitting area with cushioned chairs. Bookshelves. A full-length mirror. A separate washing area with an actual bathtub.

And the window, large, providing a stunning view of the Academy grounds and the city beyond.

"This is..." Elina trailed off, clearly trying not to show how impressed she was. "Acceptable."

Alaric glanced in from the doorway. "Just acceptable?"

"Don't push it."

He smiled and continued to his own room on the second floor.

Alaric's Room—2-C

When he opened the door, he understood why Silver Crown commanded such respect.

The room was similarly spacious, though arranged differently. A large bed against one wall, desk positioned near the window for optimal lighting, bookshelves already partially stocked with reference texts, a seating area with two chairs and a small table.

But what caught his attention was the essence density.

The room itself had been enhanced.

The Academy invested heavily in its top performers.

Alaric set his bag down, walked to the window, and looked out over the darkening campus.

So this is it huh? he thought.

Behind him, the door opened quietly. Nyra entered, carrying the rest of his belongings.

"The room is secure," she said softly. "No obvious surveillance enchantments, though I'd recommend additional privacy wards if you plan any... sensitive activities."

Alaric turned, raising an eyebrow. "You checked already?"

"Of course, young master." Her expression remained perfectly neutral.

He smiled.

She set his trunk down near the wardrobe. "Will you require anything else this evening?"

"No. Get settled in your quarters. We'll have plenty to do starting tomorrow."

Nyra bowed slightly and left, closing the door behind her.

Alaric stood alone in his new room, in the heart of Silver Crown House, surrounded by the Academy's elite.