**Chapter 40: Taking the Written Exam**
At the entrance of the school building, I presented my examination ticket and received permission to enter the venue. I stepped into the classroom designated for my candidate number and took my seat.
This was the entrance examination for the Royal Academy, specifically for commoners. The first part of the exam was the written test. The gathered candidates were divided into ten classrooms, each student seated at their respective desks. Even though there were still thirty minutes until the exam began, half of the seats in the classroom were already filled.
(So, there are about thirty students in each classroom. That means there are roughly three hundred candidates in total…)
According to the information I had received beforehand, the number of successful candidates from the commoner category varied each year. The noble candidates took their exams first, and all those who met a certain standard were accepted. Then, the remaining spots were filled by commoners.
(The three hundred commoner candidates are in line with previous years. I heard that around a hundred of them would pass…)
All the commoner candidates were hoping to enter the academy through recommendations, but it seemed that many would end up failing. The low acceptance rate was due to lower-ranking nobles bringing their attendants to the academy, handing out recommendation letters to young servants, and having them take the exam. Higher-ranking nobles could ensure that only qualified servants took the exam, but lower-ranking nobles could not do the same, resulting in a scattershot approach.
I laid out my writing tools, including backups, on the desk and took several deep breaths to calm my nerves. As I waited, the door at the front of the classroom opened, and a woman in a robe appeared. Perhaps to prevent cheating, a male instructor also appeared at the back of the classroom.
“We will now begin the entrance examination for the Royal Academy, commoner category.”
It seemed the exam was about to start. I straightened my back, feeling the tension rise.
“First, we will have the written exam. This written exam is common to all departments, and the time allotted is three hours. Anyone caught cheating will be disqualified without exception.”
Answer sheets were distributed to everyone, flipped to the back. My writing tools from home were ready on the desk. I was fully prepared.
“Now, the exam begins. Please turn your answer sheets over and start answering.”
All the candidates flipped their answer sheets at once. I picked up my writing tools and began to tackle the questions.
(The first question is a history one… ‘List the names of the five generals who contributed to the founding of the Aiwood Kingdom.’)
I had studied this. I quickly wrote down my answer. The questions on the answer sheet were all things I had learned alongside the Rosemary Sisters, knowledge I had acquired through our studies together.
(I truly owe a lot to Viola and Primula… Oh, this one is about magic. ‘Name all the sages who have held their position in the Sage Council for over a hundred years.’ The answers are Van Worley, Nuada Kedis, and Kanehira Ichijo.)
This was a topic I excelled in. Although the questions were somewhat challenging, I wrote down my answers fluidly. By the time two hours had passed since the exam began, I had managed to answer nearly ninety percent of the questions, if not all correctly.
(The passing mark for the written exam is over sixty percent, right? With this, I should be in the clear.)
“Rest! Make sure to review your answers once you’re done!”
“Rest-san, please check if your entries are aligned correctly. Don’t let your guard down!”
The words of Viola and Primula from yesterday flashed back to me. I smiled wryly and muttered, “Understood,” as I began my review. I took the remaining time to thoroughly check my answer sheet, ensuring there were no mistakes with my name or candidate number. This part was no different from tests in my previous life. When you feel confident about passing, that’s when you must double-check everything.
“Time’s up. The exam is over.”
Eventually, the time came, and I let out a deep sigh. The exam proctor immediately began collecting the answer sheets.
“W-wait! Just a little longer, please…!”
“Come on, submit it quickly!”
There were always those who stubbornly continued writing until the last moment, just like in my previous life. Some candidates were even scolded by the proctor, who warned them, “If you don’t hand it in soon, you’ll be disqualified!”
(I feel good about this… I’ve done all I could…)
“Ah! I forgot to write my name! N-no… please give my answer sheet back!”
A pitiful cry echoed from the corner of the classroom, but I closed my eyes, choosing to ignore it.