Is it wrong to try to meet someone in a dungeon?

As for the last floor—

"The top floor of the three floors is the school floor, which is where we are now. As you can see, it is a floor composed of many school buildings and training grounds and other teaching facilities."

The unique feature of this "school district" is that each floor has its own purpose... or rather, this structure is necessary to allow this colossal ship (the spirit ship) to continuously circumnavigate the world. Since the total number of people on board, including the crew, exceeds ten thousand, it's understandable that the ship is divided into several sections. I remember standing in the harbor admiring the ship; besides its astonishing width, it also required craning your neck to see the top...

Because the "school district" has such a magnificent appearance composed of three super-giant discs, it also has another nickname: "Three-Tier Extra-Large Pastry (Pancake)".

In addition, it has been nicknamed "the clock with protruding long hands" and "the majestic dragon's back," among many other names around the world used to praise this extraordinary behemoth.

(I can somewhat understand the nickname "the clock with the protruding long hand." In fact, when I brought Hermes here from high above, that particularly protruding part... was probably the "bow.")

The remaining "majestic dragon back" most likely refers to that part.

That is, the "blue wings" that cover the outer perimeter of the academy.

When Ms. Eina and I looked out over the "School District" from the massive walls of Orario, it really gave me the feeling that people were building a city on the back of a giant sea dragon, suggesting that others might have similar ideas.

The magnificent feathered garments fluttered gently in the breeze, radiating a dreamlike glow, as if they had become part of the blue sky.

(It keeps flashing, it's almost like a magic stone lamp... wait, could that be a "dimmer"? I'll ask about it later.)

Lost in admiration of the beautiful feathered dress, I walked side by side with my classmate Zuer on the road facing several school buildings.

"The school has many roads, which can easily accommodate a city, so I suggest you carry the guide book with you at all times from the beginning! Actually, I often got lost when I first enrolled."

"Haha... Come to think of it, this place is just too vast."

"If you get lost and don't have a map, you can look at the signs on the magic stone lamps. They will have signs like Route 3 or Street 17. Just head towards the smaller numbers, and you will definitely reach the bridge in the center... which is the 'Temple Tower'."

To ease the tension, Zul interjected with anecdotes about his own embarrassing moments, pointing to the central tower where I first saw the god Baldr. This tallest building in the academy was undoubtedly a very important facility.

"Also, there's a park at the stern of the ship."

"Ah, that really is a park."

As I recall the scene I witnessed during my recent illegal intrusion into the school—

"Nina! What are you doing?"

That call came from behind.

My classmate Zuer and I turned around at the same time and found that the newcomers were three female students.

They are all beastmen, specifically a Chienthrope, a Raccoon, and a Cow.

"Betty, don't you have class today?"

"We don't have class until the third period today."

"Speaking of which, Nina, who's that guy next to you?"

"Could he be Nina's boyfriend!?"

"No, no!" Zuer blushed and loudly denied it to the three female students who were probably her good friends. I was also startled by this reaction and felt a little uneasy.

"His name is Rabbi Flamish, and he came to the 'school district' today due to family reasons."

"Hmm... I see... Speaking of which, this kid is really skinny!"

"It feels very unreliable."

“Hmm!?”

The dog-person named Betty and the female tanuki burst into laughter as soon as they finished speaking.

"You two are going too far!" Zul immediately spoke up for me... Well, is this a good thing? At least I don't have to worry about my identity being exposed.

"Then we won't bother you two any longer~" Zul's friends said and left.

Such casual conversations... must be part of the sweet memories of school life, right?

"...?"

"What's wrong, Rabbi?"

After noticing that I was looking at something, Zuer asked with a puzzled expression.

"...Actually, I've been quite curious since I first saw it this morning. Are all the employees in these kinds of 'shops' students?"

The most eye-catching part of the fashionable street we walked into was the very trendy decor of the shops along the way.

Although most shops are still closed and have not yet opened, one small shop has already started operating. The female orc behind the counter is wearing a cute apron, and you can see her uniform underneath.

"Yes, that's right. Once 'Business Studies' students have earned a certain number of 'credits' and passed the qualification test, anyone can run a shop here."

"Anyone can do it? That's amazing..."

"I was shocked when I first found out, but if I wanted to open a shop, I had to wait until a shop became available. So, generally speaking, I would first go to work as a temporary worker in the shops of my seniors."

According to Zul's explanation, this also seems to be part of the "course".

For students who want to join a business-oriented "family" or go into business in the future, this can be considered a kind of "preliminary practice." Utilizing the limited environment of a "school district"—facing more than 10,000 passengers (customers)—to experience the atmosphere of the "business world" in advance is quite an important experience.

"All shops are ranked according to their monthly sales, and the gods provide prizes as encouragement. Therefore, business students are always highly motivated, launching many new products every month, which makes us look forward to them too!"

After hearing this, I couldn't help but smile wryly. Rather than saying that the "school district" was more than just a place that was less rigid than I had imagined, it was more accurate to say that it still adhered to the educational philosophy of letting the children graze freely.

Zuer explained that most shops were not yet open because it was currently during class time, and the students working as shop assistants hadn't finished their lessons yet. It would gradually get busier in the afternoon. Although the shops mainly sold food, there was also a wide variety of clothing and general merchandise. As for the shop that was currently open…

"...Fried potato balls!?"

"Ah, that's right. French fries originated in Orario, right? Actually, they're quite popular in the 'school district' too?"

I was stunned by the common language (Koine) that came into view.

The atmosphere and signs in the store are so trendy that it doesn't look like a shop selling potato balls at all!

That's amazing! It turns out the god who gave a thumbs up and said, "French fries are Worldwide, Bear Grylls," was right! I just don't understand what "Worldwide" means!

"This is a rare opportunity, why don't we buy some and give it a try?"

"Ugh, um...!"

Although I wasn't hungry, as a resident of a labyrinth city, I was naturally interested in a potato ball shop run by someone from out of town.

As if possessed by the person I admired (Miss Ais), I staggered and was drawn to the fries shop.

"Welcome!"

"Good morning, Misha. Rabbi, what would you like to order?"

"Um... Zuer, please go first!"

Contrary to its trendy decor, the staff's inexplicably leisurely greetings made me break out in a cold sweat, so I let my friend Zuer order first.

Because the parchment menu posted next to me had so many unfamiliar words that I didn't recognize at all, I was at a loss for what to order. Just as Miss Ming once said, one should adapt to local customs, so I'll just refer to how my classmate Zuer orders food.

"Hmm~ What should I order? Since it's not even noon yet, and I can't eat too much... Hmm~ I've decided!"

Zul, who has always been a meticulous and perfect guide, placed her index finger on her delicate chin, her expression shifting as she hesitated. Although it's just my personal bias, her reaction does resemble that of a student, inexplicably making me want to smile like an aunt.

Just as I couldn't help but smile—

"Please give me a Grande Chocolate Chip Extra Co. (a large chocolate chip coffee-flavored skim milk caramel potato sorbet with chocolate sauce) with potato balls."

What did she just say?

When I wondered if I had misheard something because of this sudden incantation, the shop assistant casually replied, "Okay~", and soon brought over a strange-looking thing.

The crystal container held a drink (cream) drizzled with plenty of syrup, and fried potato balls soaking inside...

………………etc……

These aren't fries anymore; it feels like the syrup and drinks are the real stuff...

If the gods and Miss Ais witnessed this scene, they would probably be so angry that they would shout in unison, "This is utterly heretical and evil!"

Also, Zul, didn't you just say you can't eat too much? Does that mean desserts are a different story?

How should I put it? This is a complete culture shock that went from making me smile like a doting aunt to leaving me utterly bewildered...!!

"What would this guest like to order?"

"…………Please give me a serving of roasted tea powder flavored potato balls."

Urged by the shop assistant, I chanted the shortest and most foolproof incantation.

While my expression was still frozen, the shop assistant smiled, as if to say, "You know a thing or two about fries." Well, it's just that I'm not used to eating sweets, and just looking at the fries in Zuer's hand gave me acid reflux...

"Misha, how much is it in total?"

"200 Laguna".

Although the seasoning powder sprinkled on top was quite unusual, I breathed a sigh of relief when I saw that the fried potato balls looked normal. At that moment, Zul pulled out a cute-looking wallet and took out two pieces of "paper" from it.

Could it be paper money?

So, does the "school district" not use legal tender, but instead conduct transactions through paper money?

Ah──

"Please, please wait a minute, Zul!! This meal is on me!"

"But Rabbi, you haven't exchanged your money for school district banknotes yet, have you? Even if you have fari currency, you have to go to the student bank to exchange it first."

"Uh, eh...!? I... I don't quite understand what that is, but I can't let women spend money!"

Specifically, if this gets to my master's ears, I'll definitely get a severe beating! I imagine he'll say something like, "I've already gone to great lengths to reform you, you stupid rabbit, but it seems that wasn't enough. Just obediently prepare to die," and then immediately launch a barrage of lightning bolts (heroic yet pathetic undead soldiers)!!

"Don't worry about it! Let's go!"

“Wow!?”

After quickly handing the banknotes to the clerk, Zuer grabbed my hand and ran off to stop me from continuing.

As the shop assistant waved goodbye, my cheeks flushed involuntarily because of the soft and warm touch in my hands.

"Consider this your welcome gift for starting school!"

"Entrance/enrollment congratulatory gift?"

"Okay! Let's go eat in the park together!"

We jogged across the deserted road, continuing onward.

My classmate Zuer, who was holding my hand, turned around and smiled. That smile was as dazzling as the beautiful blue sky above us.

"Congratulations on your enrollment, Rabbi! Let's work hard together in the same class!"

Although she bore a striking resemblance to Miss Eina...

But ultimately, she is not quite the same as Miss Eina.

Although she appears very mature, she also has a childlike innocence.

I was initially confused, but when I came to my senses, I realized that I had also smiled happily because of the kind-hearted girl in front of me.

After our little school party, which was just the two of us, ended in this spacious park with its relaxed atmosphere—

When the "Temple Tower" rang its bell for the second time, many students emerged from the school buildings, and the academy was filled with a boisterous atmosphere reminiscent of a ball.

It's lunchtime now, and everyone should be hungry by now.

The students, with their voracious appetites, began to feast on their stomachs as if they had been waiting for a long time.

"This, this is so delicious...!"

"Right! Of all the school cafeterias in the 'school district,' this Sky Lounge is my top recommendation!"

I took a bite of the small portion of noodles, where fish roe was scattered like jewels.

Under the shade of the parasol, Zuer, who had ordered the same meal, happily put the noodles into his mouth.

We are currently in the school cafeteria inside the giant "temple tower".

This is the outdoor seating area set up on a spacious balcony, where many students, besides us, also dine.

"While you have to pay for meals at student-run restaurants, school restaurants run by 'district' staff or Tenjin are basically all free. Among them, Aozora Cafeteria is the most popular, and it's even hard to get a seat on weekends! I'm really lucky today!"

It's unbelievable that such delicious food is completely free, but according to Zuer, the only exception is the Aozora Cafeteria, where the chef is personally overseen by the "district's" god. Apparently, there's also a daily special meal limited to fifty servings, which you won't get if you arrive late.

Zuer, who was sitting across the table from me, seemed inexplicably happy as he spoke.

Does she really enjoy tasting delicious food?

I couldn't help but smile wryly, and soon I had devoured all my noodles.

By the way, since we had just eaten potato balls not long ago, we were careful with our lunch portions.