Chapter 38: Exam Day, but an Accident Occurs
“Alright, let’s go.”
And finally… the day of the entrance exam had arrived. Whether or not he could enroll in the Royal Academy would greatly influence the course of his future. It was not an exaggeration to say that today would determine whether Rest’s life would be one of success.
“Rest, do your best! I believe in you!”
“You can definitely pass, Rest-sama! Please give it your all!”
Viola and Primula came out to the entrance to send him off with encouraging words. They even embraced him, their warmth making him feel a bit uncomfortable under the watchful eyes of the surrounding servants.
“Thank you… For both of you, I will absolutely pass!”
The two had taken Rest from the Evern Honorary Viscount House. They provided him with study materials, taught him, and even arranged for masters to instruct him in magic and combat techniques. To meet the expectations of those who had given him the opportunity to learn in such an excellent environment, he had to pass the exam without fail.
“Well then, do your best.”
“Try not to be too nervous, and go on.”
Marquis Rosemary and his wife also saw him off. Albert wore a somewhat ambiguous expression, while Airish offered a gentle yet strong smile. Albert had mentioned that he would prepare a carriage for him, but Rest chose to walk instead. At this point, he was still merely a servant of the Marquis family. It was not appropriate for him to rely on their hospitality to that extent.
(It’s too late to be coddled now. Honestly, running is faster than taking a carriage anyway.)
“Alright… let’s set off!”
He slung his bag over his shoulder, checking his belongings multiple times. He left the mansion at a time that would allow him to arrive at the exam with plenty of time to spare, making his way towards the Royal Academy at a brisk pace. The distance from the Marquis family mansion in the Noble District of the Royal Capital to the academy was about an hour on foot. With the use of Body Enhancement magic, he would arrive in no time.
“Huff… huff… huff…”
He moved his limbs in a rhythmic pattern, breathing steadily as he ran towards the academy, the scenery around him blurring into a rush of wind. He would not make the foolish mistake of getting lost. He had scouted the academy’s location in advance and had memorized the route without fail. Since he had left the mansion early in the morning, there were still few people on the main street of the Royal Capital. He slowed his pace slightly to avoid collisions, moving straight ahead.
(I’ve studied enough for the exam. I easily passed last year’s past questions. Professor Dible has trained me in magic, even going so far as to say, “You could become a court magician right now.” I prayed for success at the temple and sought divine favor. I went to bed early yesterday and got plenty of sleep… It’s fine, there are no problems.)
There were no problems. There was no way he would fail. He was absolutely certain he would pass… that conviction filled him.
(It’s strange… no matter how much I study, the anxiety never goes away. It was the same for my high school entrance exams…)
Recalling his past life, Rest couldn’t help but smile wryly as he ran. Having come from a less fortunate family, he had worked tirelessly to gain admission to a school that offered scholarships for exceptional students. He had put in so much effort that he nearly pushed himself to the brink, even suffering from blood in his urine due to the stress of studying so hard as a middle schooler. Despite all that life-threatening effort, he had still felt anxious on the day of the exam, just as he did now.
(I worked hard, I put in the effort… and that’s why I worry about whether I can achieve results.)
Feeling anxious was only natural. That was why… he would definitely produce results. He had succeeded during his high school entrance exams… and this time, he would surely pass as well.
“Effort never betrays a person… I can do this, I know I can…!”
As Rest encouraged himself, he had forgotten one crucial thing. While it was true that effort never betrayed a person—this was an undeniable fact, a truth—fate had a penchant for mischief, often presenting trials to people. Just as Rest had struggled to enroll in high school in his past life, ultimately meeting a tragic end over tuition disputes with his father. Just as his mother, who had worked tirelessly for her child, had succumbed to illness. Sometimes, life threw unreasonable challenges that could not be overcome by effort alone.
“……Huh?”
As Rest dashed down the main street of the Royal Capital, he suddenly felt something and looked up. He couldn’t explain why; it was an instinctive feeling.
“Ah…?”
“Kyahhhhhhhhhhh!”
He widened his eyes in shock. At the same moment, a young woman’s scream echoed through the morning air of the Royal Capital.
“Huh!? Why is a person…!?”
A person was falling from the sky. From a distance, she appeared to be a young woman. The spot where Rest happened to be standing was directly beneath the Clock Tower, the symbol of the Royal Capital. He didn’t know the details, but it seemed that the woman had fallen from the tower.
“Hyahhhhhhh! Someone, help meeeeeeeeeeeeeee!”
“……!”
As gravity accelerated her descent, the woman plummeted toward the ground. It was only at that moment that the residents of the Royal Capital finally noticed her, their faces filled with shock, but none were in a position to assist. Only Rest, who had sensed her fall in advance, was aware of the impending disaster.
(Damn it… why does this have to happen today of all days…!)
Good fortune often comes with mischief. When things are going well, one must remain vigilant. Realizing the truth of this age-old lesson, Rest slipped into the woman’s trajectory, preparing to act.