Chapter 35: The Sisters’ Entrance Exam Has Concluded
After finishing their monster subjugation, Rest and Dibble returned to the Evern Honorary Viscount House, where they found Viola and Primula waiting in the entrance hall. As soon as the two sisters spotted Rest, their faces lit up with radiant smiles.
“Ah, welcome back! Rest!”
“Welcome home, Rest-sama. Are you uninjured?”
“I’m back. Viola, Primula.”
Rest smiled at the sisters who greeted him. They rushed over and clasped his hands tightly.
A year had passed since Rest had come to this mansion, and he had turned fifteen, yet the relationship between him and the sisters had not changed significantly. They still displayed an abundance of physical affection, but they maintained a balance without crossing any lines. The only notable changes were that Viola had started calling Rest by his name without honorifics, and Rest no longer used formal language with the sisters.
“So, how did you both do on the exam? Was it difficult?”
“Perfectly fine! No complaints!”
“I had no problems at all. I’m sure I passed.”
“That’s a relief. I was worried, so I’m glad to hear that.”
“Next up is your turn, Rest. If you fail, I won’t let you off easily!”
“Of course! I’ll definitely pass.”
Rest nodded vigorously at Viola’s insistence. He had no intention of failing. This exam was a pivotal moment in his life, and he was determined to succeed.
The entrance exams for the Royal Academy were divided into “Noble Slots” and “Commoner Slots,” with the Commoner exams held a week after the Nobles’. The academy offered five departments: Magic Department, Department of Knights, Department of Civil Affairs, Department of Clergy, and Department of Arts. Rest and the sisters were taking the exam for the Magic Department.
“It seems the exam content was the same as last year. There was a common written exam for all departments first, followed by practical exams divided by department. The Magic Department’s exam was the usual ‘Target Shooting.'”
Primula explained the exam details. “Target Shooting” was a standard method for measuring a magician’s abilities, where they would cast spells at targets and measure their power using special magic items. It appeared that the Magic Department’s exam followed the same format as in previous years.
“Oh… speaking of which, I saw your brother at the exam venue.”
“Cedric?”
“Yes, he seemed eager to talk to us, but we ignored him.”
“………”
Rest raised an eyebrow at Viola’s words. It was only natural for Cedric, who was the same age, to take the exam, but he had forgotten about him since he hadn’t heard his name since arriving at the marquis’s mansion.
(It’s been a year since we last met. After all those failures, I hope he’s reflected and grown…)
“It seems his practical exam results were quite poor. He was making a fuss, claiming, ‘This is unfair!’ and ‘I demand a redo!'”
“He also said, ‘This is some kind of conspiracy…’ It was really quite embarrassing to witness.”
“…It seems he hasn’t grown at all. Well, honestly, I expected as much.”
Seeing the two sisters grimace in displeasure, Rest couldn’t help but chuckle.
It appeared that Cedric had caused a scene at the exam venue. The reason seemed to be his poor practical exam results, which was a bit unexpected.
“…He messed up in the practical exam? That Cedric?”
While he had issues with his character, Cedric was supposed to be among the top tier in magical talent for their age group. Excluding someone like Rest, who possessed Infinite Magic Power, he shouldn’t have lost to anyone else. The Marquis Rosemary had acknowledged his talent, which was why he had arranged for the sisters to meet him.
“Having a brother like that must be really tough. He’s a disgrace to the family.”
“I’ve wished for a brother or sister before, but… I wouldn’t want someone like that.”
The sisters’ evaluations of Cedric were harsh. Given that he had nearly caused their deaths once, it was only natural.
“Depending on the written exam results… at this rate, he might fail.”
“………I see.”
If Cedric failed, his goal of becoming a court magician would be shattered. Unless there was a compelling reason, the royal palace would not appoint anyone who hadn’t graduated from the Royal Academy.
(If that happens, the Evern Honorary Viscount House’s long-held dream of becoming a viscount will also be dashed… My father will surely be furious.)
The Evern family had been conferred the title of Honorary Viscount for both the previous and current generations. If Cedric became a court magician and was granted the title of Honorary Viscount, he would officially be able to become a viscount. If the son who was believed to be guaranteed a position as a court magician—who was praised as a genius—failed, it would undoubtedly send him into a frenzy.
(And if I, who was thought to be a failure with no magical power, manage to pass the academy, how much regret would they feel?)
While Rest didn’t harbor thoughts of revenge against his father or brother, he would welcome their regret. He hoped they would squirm and lament their situation.
“I’m feeling more motivated now. I have one more reason to want to pass.”
Regardless of Cedric’s outcome, Rest was determined to succeed. He reaffirmed his resolve with newfound strength.