Chapter 44: Unveiled True Feelings
And so, the moment for Rest’s interview arrived. Exiting the auditorium, Rest followed the examiner’s instructions and moved to a separate room.
Inside the ten-tatami mat room, a solitary chair sat in the center, while at the table in front was the familiar figure of the Headmaster, Verloid Harn, who welcomed him with a gentle smile.
“Now, please take a seat.”
“……Yes.”
Rest had expected there to be two or three examiners, but to his surprise, it was just the Headmaster alone.
(This is actually more nerve-wracking… I’ve learned proper etiquette at the Marquis House, but I must ensure I don’t offend him…)
“You don’t need to be so tense. Although this is called an interview, I merely wish to hear your thoughts for reference,” the Headmaster said cheerfully, seemingly sensing Rest’s anxiety.
“There’s no need to worry about being rejected based on this interview. Just relax and answer comfortably.”
“I understand…”
“Then, let’s start with the first question. Why do you wish to enroll in the Royal Academy?”
“……”
If he were to think of this as a typical interview, he should provide a generic answer about wanting to improve his abilities or acquire skills for societal contribution.
(But… strangely, I feel like any attempt to fabricate an answer would be seen through.)
The Headmaster’s gaze was not particularly intense, yet Rest felt as if his innermost thoughts were being laid bare.
(It would be wise to speak honestly rather than trying to cover up my feelings…)
“…I want to be happy. I want to become someone who can be called a success.”
After a long, deep breath, Rest revealed his true feelings.
“Hmm? What do you mean by that?”
“I am the illegitimate child of Lucas Evern, the court magician. When I was ten, my commoner mother passed away, and I was taken in by the Evern Honorary Viscount House. However… I have faced neglect there.”
“…………”
“Currently, I am an apprentice servant at the Rosemary Marquis House, which I came to know through a fortunate connection… but the feelings of inferiority from not being loved by my parents and being mistreated by those who should be family still linger within me.”
“Is it that you wish to prove yourself to your family?”
“Yes, that is part of the reason.”
As Rest nodded, he continued to voice the deeper feelings he had kept hidden.
“And another reason is that I wish for a family.”
“A family…”
“Yes. A family that can care for one another, love one another… even if we argue, I want a family that doesn’t oppress one another, one that can truly understand each other at a fundamental level… as many as possible.”
He longed for a family. And… he desired the power to protect that family. To ensure that nothing could be taken from him again… to gain overwhelming strength so that he would never again be robbed by the unreasonable actions of his father, who had stabbed him in his previous life, or the members of the Evern Honorary Viscount House who had abused him in this life.
“I want the power to protect my family… the strongest power that can crush any injustice that threatens me and my loved ones…!”
As soon as the words left his mouth, he suddenly realized.
(Am I really thinking this…?)
It was an unconscious wish that Rest himself hadn’t been aware of. As he spoke about his aspirations for enrollment, the words had naturally spilled from his lips.
“I see, so that is the core of who you are.”
The Headmaster nodded thoughtfully as he listened to Rest’s story.
“I had intended to ask a few more questions, but… I believe I have learned enough about you from that. Let’s conclude the interview here.”
“Yes… thank you very much.”
Though he felt he might have said more than necessary, the Headmaster’s reaction was not negative, so he decided to take it as a good sign.
“Lastly… could you touch this crystal for me?”
With a light wave of his right hand, the crystal ball on the table floated gently toward Rest.
“What is this…?”
“Well, just try touching it, and you’ll understand.”
“…………”
Rest felt a bit puzzled, but he sensed no danger from the crystal ball. He cautiously reached out and touched it with his fingertip… and in that instant, a dazzling light erupted.
“Whoa!”
“Oh!? “
Startled, he quickly withdrew his finger, and the light vanished in an instant.
“Headmaster!? What on earth is this…?”
“Oh, this crystal is a magic item that can measure potential. It can assess a person’s capacity for growth.”
“Potential…?”
“Indeed. Given the score you achieved in the practical exam and the light just now… it seems you are not merely precocious; you still have plenty of room for growth. That’s wonderful.”
The crystal ball returned to the table. When the Headmaster placed his hand on it, it emitted a faint glow that seemed to dissolve into the air.
“As you can see, my potential has waned with age. However… it appears you still have a bright future ahead of you. Nurture it well.”
“…Understood. Thank you very much.”
Rest bowed his head. It seemed he had successfully navigated the interview. After receiving permission to leave, he stepped out of the room.