**Chapter 47: Royal Academy Post-Examination Meeting**
Time rewinds slightly, to the meeting room of the Royal Academy.
“Ho ho ho, this year has been quite a bountiful harvest, hasn’t it?”
With the examination results for both the noble and commoner categories in hand, the Academy Director, Velroid Hahn, chuckled heartily. The room was filled with faculty members, all wearing complicated expressions as they smiled politely.
“The average score for the written exam is ten points higher than usual, and we have several outstanding results in the practical tests as well. It seems next year’s first-year students are quite the catch.”
“Especially in the Magic Department… I never expected a commoner candidate to place among the top ranks…”
One of the teachers sighed, holding a document that listed the overall rankings and scores of the candidates.
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**Magic Department Passers**
1. Noble: Celestine Crocus – 200 points
2. Noble: Primula Rosemary – 196 points
3. Noble: Viola Rosemary – 193 points
4. Commoner: Yuri Cattleya – 191 points
5. Commoner: Rest – 190 points
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It was exceedingly rare for a commoner to break into the top five in the entrance examinations. Nobles, with their superior lineage and access to elite education from a young age, held a significant advantage. The exam was scored out of 200 points, with the breakdown being 100 points for the written test and 100 for the practical test. The passing mark was set at 140 points, or 70%.
“In terms of practical tests, Rest achieved the highest score. If it weren’t for the rule that disqualifies scores above 100 points, he would have been the top of his class.”
“It’s a good thing he didn’t become the top student… Can you imagine the reaction from the noble students if a commoner gave the greeting at the entrance ceremony?”
Arrogant nobles might think, “I can’t allow a commoner to defeat me,” and harass Rest. Generally, examination rankings and scores are not publicly disclosed, but the top student is required to give a speech at the entrance ceremony.
“If it’s the ‘treasure of the kingdom,’ the talented daughter of Duke Crocus, she will handle the speech with grace. It’s fortunate we avoided a major incident.”
“There are many nobles who wouldn’t remain silent if a commoner topped the ranks. It’s for the best.”
“Rest is recommended by Marquis Rosemary… That esteemed individual is the Court Magician, so perhaps he is an apprentice or something similar?”
“Perhaps he could be a potential suitor for one of the daughters?”
“Ha ha ha! No way!”
The faculty members laughed together. However, one teacher’s expression darkened as he brought up another student’s performance.
“…It seems there are a few problematic students. What should we do about her, Yuri Cattleya?”
One of the teachers said thoughtfully. Yuri Cattleya, who had taken the Magic Department exam as a commoner, ranked fourth overall. Although she had passed, there were some issues with her practical test performance.
“She attacked the target more with stones than with magic… Should we really count that as a valid score?”
“I oppose this! We must firmly declare her unqualified!”
A burly man stood up, raising his voice. He was the head of the Knight Department.
“There are clear deficiencies in Yuri Cattleya’s test results! We cannot allow such an unjust pass!”
“But… she did achieve a passing score, and there shouldn’t be any issues according to the rules, right?”
“To bypass a magic test using physical means undermines the very purpose of the examination! Such dishonesty should not be tolerated!”
“Mr. Anagoia, please calm down.”
The Academy Director admonished the agitated teacher.
“No matter the method, we cannot disqualify someone who has achieved a passing score. Yuri Cattleya should be considered passed.”
“B-but Director…”
“I was present during her practical test. It was clear there was no foul play. Besides, as a teacher of the Knight Department, you shouldn’t interfere with the results of the Magic Department.”
“…The fairness of the examination shouldn’t depend on the department.”
“True enough. However… if you insist too strongly, I might start to suspect you’ve received some instructions from Marquis Cattleya?”
“…………!”
The Knight Department teacher fell silent, looking uncomfortable. It seemed the remark had struck a nerve. The faculty of the Knight Department consisted mainly of former members of the knight order, many of whom were closely tied to the Knight Commander, Marquis Cattleya. Whatever the circumstances, it appeared he had been instructed to push for Yuri Cattleya’s disqualification.
“Perhaps… she sensed that and decided to take the Magic Department exam.”
“…………”
The Knight Department teacher remained silent. Now that it was clear he had been influenced by outside parties, he could no longer argue for Yuri Cattleya’s disqualification. The atmosphere grew heavy, and another teacher spoke up to ease the tension.
“Speaking of which, what about Cedric Ebern?”
“Ah, well… his score didn’t reach the passing mark, but he did manage to cast advanced magic during the practical test. I feel he has sufficient ability as a magician…”
Cedric Ebern scored 116 points. While his practical test score was decent, his written exam score had dragged him down significantly, and he had also lost points for violent behavior towards the exam proctor, preventing him from reaching the passing mark of 140 points. Had he chosen the right magic for the practical test, the outcome might have been different, but he was still far from passing.
“Looking at the scores alone, he failed… but in the past, there have been exceptions where students who didn’t reach the passing mark were accepted. What should we do about Cedric?”
Cedric Ebern hailed from the noble Ebern family, known for their Court Magician, and was regarded as a genius. His demonstration of the advanced spell, Thunder Storm, made his talent evident. Some faculty members believed that despite his insufficient written exam score, he could still be accepted.
“Hmm… I think it’s best for him to be disqualified.”
However, the Academy Director shook his head. Several teachers looked surprised.
“Why is that? Is it really just the score?”
“That’s part of it, but… I conducted his final interview, and my impression wasn’t very good. The Crystal of Potential hardly glowed at all.”
“Is that so?”
The Crystal of Potential is a device that all candidates touch during their interviews to measure their future potential. Candidates who make the crystal shine brightly, regardless of their reputation, often leave a mark on the world in some form.
“It seems Cedric is merely precocious. His future growth potential doesn’t appear to be very promising. We shouldn’t lower the number of commoner passers just to make an exception for him.”
If the number of noble passers increased, the number of commoner passers would decrease accordingly. The Royal Academy was fundamentally an institution for nurturing the next generation of nobility. Noble candidates were prioritized, and commoners were only allowed to enroll in the remaining slots.
“Understood. Then Cedric Ebern will be disqualified.”
“If he has the motivation, he’ll likely try again next year. If his determination increases, there may be a chance for him. Let’s hope for that.”
The eligibility for the Magic Academy is for both genders aged fifteen to eighteen. Even if he fails this year, he can take the exam again next year. However… retaking the exam usually comes with a higher passing standard, and even if he passes, he is often looked down upon by other students. If he has the will to endure that humiliation, Cedric Ebern will likely challenge the exam again next year.
“Oh, and… the commoner candidate, Celoric Brute, has declined his acceptance. It seems it’s due to the circumstances of his recommender, Count Brute.”
“Hmm, it can’t be helped. Let’s proceed with that. Now, let’s move on to the Knight Department’s examination…”
With the discussion about the Magic Department’s examination concluded, the conversation shifted to another department.