──Meanwhile, at the Baronial House──
“Ridiculous! Why must I be summoned by the Magic Guild!?”
Instructor Kahel slammed the parchment onto the floor. This was the library of the Baronial House. He was panting heavily in front of the letter he had just received from the Magic Guild.
The contents of the letter stated──
“D-Class Sorcerer Kahel Miegen,
There was a significant error in the information you submitted regarding the ‘Exam Site.’ As a result, those who went for a preliminary inspection suffered damage. Normally, we would immediately recall you for an explanation, but considering the future of the examinee, Zeros Glossaria, we have decided to proceed with the exam as scheduled. Until the exam concludes, you are to continue your duties as usual and return to the Magic Guild afterward.”
“Don’t mess with me! What does it matter if someone was attacked by a monster during the preliminary inspection? I couldn’t care less about such trivial matters! I merely chose the most prominent location for Zeros Glossaria! Is that my blunder!?”
He was aware that monsters roamed the nearby mountains. However, that was also a place where the illegitimate son, Yuuki Glossaria, could easily go hunting. By showcasing Zeros’s prowess in the same location, he intended to highlight his excellence. Yet, to think that someone would be attacked by a monster during the preliminary inspection──
“If only Zeros Glossaria passes the exam…”
That was his only hope. Those who entered the educational institution of the Magic Guild could choose their own master. If Zeros chose him as his master, Kahel would be able to maintain a respectable position within the Guild. It had to turn out that way. Zeros felt indebted to him; he had educated him to feel that way.
But what if Zeros failed the exam…?
“If that happens… I too will have to make a decision.”
Kahel Miegen buried his head in his hands.
(Why must I endure this!?)
(Why must I make a choice that could gamble my life here!?)
(Why…?)
“Ughhhhhh!!”
Thud, thud.
He stomped on the scattered parchment on the floor. Again and again.
Princess Iris was scheduled to arrive here. The exam would proceed as planned. Most likely, Kahel would be treated as he always had during the event. So that the promising young man, Zeros Glossaria, could take the exam as usual.
“…Then, I shall continue as Instructor Kahel.”
He had set an enemy for Zeros Glossaria. If he continued that, Zeros would remain as he always had──
“Excuse me, is it alright if I come in?”
Suddenly, a knock sounded. It was Zeros Glossaria.
“I have something to discuss. May I enter?”
“…Come in, Zeros.”
After picking up the scattered parchment, Kahel replied. The door opened, and a pale-faced Zeros stepped inside.
“…Instructor. It seems there was quite a loud noise.”
“Just… a little mishap. I dropped a book. More importantly, what brings you here?”
“…Instructor.”
Zeros gazed up at his tutor and murmured.
“Do you really think I can pass the exam?”
“What are you saying now!?”
Instructor Kahel grabbed Zeros by the shoulders.
“Don’t speak such weak words! Princess Iris is already within the territory!?”
“…But…”
“You are the heir of House Glossaria. You must show your utmost strength before Her Royal Highness. If you remain weak, you will only give that illegitimate child an opening!”
“Are you talking about Yuuki…?”
“Yes! How many times must I tell you!? That child is a pest that infests noble families! To eliminate him, we must unite and confront our common enemy!!”
Kahel gritted his teeth.
“My own family faced the same situation. The chaos caused by an illegitimate child skilled in magic nearly destroyed the Miegen family. I do not want you to experience the same, Zeros, and that is why I am saying this for your sake!”
“…But, Yuuki is… my… father and──”
“Enough already! How many times must I tell you!? You have no idea what he is doing behind the scenes!”
Instructor Kahel glared at Zeros. The words Kahel had spoken echoed in Zeros’s mind.
──Yuuki Glossaria is trying to usurp Zeros.
──He has been spreading rumors about Zeros among the servants. Kahel had investigated this. That is why the servants keep their distance when Zeros and he are together.
──Even his sister, Lumia, has grown fond of Yuuki. That too is part of his scheme.
──He had heard such stories. There were many. However, it was not something to be mentioned to the Baron. One could not predict what a desperate person might do.
──If Zeros displayed his superior strength, everything would blow away. It would be fine… only Instructor Kahel is your ally──
“I have given Zeros-sama the item we discussed. It is a connection between us. With that, your anxieties will be alleviated. Am I right?”
“Y-yes.”
Zeros looked at the black amulet strapped to his right arm. He always wore it when he heard Kahel’s stories about Yuuki. Touching it calmed his anxieties. Now, it was something he could not part with.
“What happened as a result of leaving Yuuki unattended? Have you forgotten how your father praised Yuuki without reservation?”
“But… that means Yuuki has talent.”
“Then how do you explain that Her Royal Highness ordered everyone from the Baronial House to be summoned!?”
“Ah!” Zeros let out a small yelp. Kahel had slammed his fist on the desk while shouting. The tutor Kahel allowed no room for rebuttal. At first, Zeros had been afraid of Kahel. But he had grown accustomed to it. His skills in Ancient Magic had improved. He had reached the point where he could take the exam for the Magic Guild. That meant Instructor Kahel was right…
“Why can’t you understand!? Her Royal Highness could not possibly know about Yuuki! Yet, she sent a letter summoning everyone from the Baronial House. You must understand the significance of that, Zeros!?”
“…Yuuki is trying to usurp me… spreading rumors about himself…?”
“I’m glad you understand.”
“Yuuki said he would travel during the exam. To spread rumors in other towns…? To promote his name and tarnish mine…?”
“Now you realize you are in a dangerous position?”
“……..Kahel-sensei.”
“I am your only ally. Only I am on your side, Zeros.”
Instructor Kahel sighed deeply. Then, he lightly patted Zeros on the shoulder.
“You have talent, Zeros. Trust in yourself and use your best magic. You must perform at a level that even Her Royal Highness cannot ignore.”
“Yes, Instructor.”
Zeros nodded, though his complexion was still pale. Instructor Kahel swept the hem of his robe and declared.
“You must win. For the sake of the Baronial House. Above all, as my proud student. I expect great results from you, Zeros Glossaria.”
──The next day, in front of the Baronial House──
The entire family of the Baronial House stood lined up in front of the mansion. Father, Brother Zeros, me, and Lumia in that order. Behind us, at a distance, were Butler Neil and the other servants. Martha was with them. Instructor Kahel stood behind Brother.
“I feel relieved for Lumia.”
Lumia murmured softly beside me.
“Now, it means that Brother Yuuki has declared himself a member of the Baronial House before the Princess.”
“Can I stay with Martha and the others?”
“…Brother Yuuki…”
Lumia looked up at my face, her expression on the verge of tears. It seemed there was no escaping her. I sighed.
“Everyone, quiet down. They have arrived.”
A black carriage with golden trimmings approached. Two white horses pulled the carriage, and a coachman dressed like a noble held the reins. Soldiers followed behind the carriage. Beside the carriage stood… a guard, perhaps. A very familiar face.
An old man with white hair, wielding a long-handled axe on his back.
No doubt about it. It was Burns, whom I had met a few days ago in the mountains.
Swish.
Before Burns turned his gaze toward us, I knelt down on the ground.
“Hey, Yuuki. It’s too early.”
Sorry, Father. Please let me hide. Kneeling early shouldn’t be considered rude, right?
I really didn’t want to come to the mansion. I knew that the two of them were connected to Her Royal Highness. If possible, I would have preferred to stay with Martha and the other servants. The one who dragged me out here was none other than Instructor Kahel.
“How can you be absent when you are a member of the Baronial House, Yuuki-dono?”
—Seriously. If he weren’t Brother Zeros’ teacher, I would have punched him.
“Thank you for gracing us with your presence, Princess Iris Restia!!”
Suddenly, my father shouted. A black carriage came to a halt right in front of us. The household members knelt in unison. My father raised his voice again.
“On behalf of the entire Glossaria family, we express our gratitude for the opportunity given to Zeros Glossaria to take the exam.”
“Your warm welcome is much appreciated.”
The sound of the carriage door opening echoed. Someone was stepping down.
“This is not the royal palace. I am here as an examiner from the Lindbell Magic Guild, not as a princess. There is no need for such formality, Zeros Glossaria.”
“…Huh?”
In front of me stood a person wearing white shoes. When I looked up, I saw a girl with silver hair. She was about my height and wore a golden hair ornament, the same one Clara had given me.
“I am Iris Restia.”
Clara… had said. She wore a gentle smile, as if we were meeting for the first time.
“I have heard that Zeros-sama possesses exceptional magical skills. I am very much looking forward to meeting you and seeing how much training you have undergone at such a young age—”
“That’s not right, Your Royal Highness!”
My father interjected.
“That is my younger brother, Yuuki. The one taking the exam is the heir, Zeros, who stands beside me.”
“I-I apologize for the oversight.”
Princess Iris lightly bowed her head and moved next to me.
“Nice to meet you, Zeros Glossaria-sama.”
“It is an honor to have the opportunity to meet you, Princess Iris Restia.”
I could hear the sound of Zeros’ teeth grinding. He shot me a glare from the corner of his eye. Kahel did too.
In the awkward atmosphere, the members of the Baronial House faced off against the princess and her entourage. On the princess’s side stood Iris herself and Burns, who was wielding an axe. The other soldiers kept their distance, observing us from afar. So, it seemed that both the princess and Burns were involved in this exam.
“Then, let us begin the exam at once.”
“Yes. The venue has already been arranged, Your Royal Highness.”
Instructor Kahel raised his head.
“I will guide you to the venue, which is the Kitral Forest.”
“…Thank you, Kahel Miegen.”
Princess Iris sighed quietly before responding.
“From here on, we will limit the number of people accompanying us to just a few.”
“I have made the necessary arrangements. I have informed Baron Georg and his family to wait for the exam results at the mansion.”
“Understood. I will have Burns accompany us. Is that acceptable?”
“As you wish, Your Royal Highness.”
Clara was actually Princess Iris Restia. Burns was her bodyguard, which meant they were of quite high status.
The two had come incognito to scout the exam venue. They must have used false names to avoid causing a stir. And since I hadn’t introduced myself either, they mistook me for Brother Zeros. I had been using magic at that time, after all.
“…I really didn’t want to get involved with the royal family.”
It’s tough trying to act like a normal human. Each uncertain element piles up, changing relationships. To be honest, I wanted to run away right now. But considering the Baronial House, I couldn’t do that.
“I’ll pray for my brother to pass the exam.”
If Brother Zeros gets into the Lindbell Magic Guild and becomes close with the higher nobility, the Glossaria family will be secure. Then I can attend a regular academy without worry. Even if I go missing in the future, it wouldn’t be a problem.
I am an anomaly in this baronial house. The “Nosferatu” will quietly wish for my family’s good fortune from afar.
“…So, I would like to request assistance from the Baronial House for the exam.”
“From our household?”
“Yes, Baron Georg. To ascertain Zeros-sama’s magical talent, we need a comparative subject.”
“Hmm… However, there are no members of our household with magical knowledge…”
“It doesn’t matter if they lack magical knowledge. What is needed for the exam is the ability to manipulate magical power, adaptability, and crisis response. Ideally, they should be close in age, physique, and gender.”
“I see! In that case, Yuuki.”
Before I knew it, my father and the princess were looking at me.
“Yuuki, despite being my child, excels in adaptability. Without any instruction, he set traps in the back mountain and caught prey. He even generously presents his catch to me! He is my pride and joy.”
“Well, is that so?”
Father, what are you saying?
Princess Iris shouldn’t be saying “well” either. She came here for Brother Zeros’ exam, not to pay attention to me!
“Then, Yuuki Glossaria-sama, may I ask for your assistance in Zeros-sama’s exam?”
“This boy is a bastard child! Your Royal Highness!!”
Instructor Kahel shouted.
“He is a child born from a woman my lord met on the battlefield, with no known lineage! To involve such a person in the exam!”
“Oh? My mother was also a bastard child of a marquis family.”
“That’s a different story. What I am referring to is the hierarchy of humans.”
“Isn’t it in accordance with hierarchy for a younger brother to assist his older brother in the exam?”
The princess mischievously winked at me.
“But!”
“Kahel Miegen! Know your place. This exam is already beyond your control!!”
Suddenly, the princess raised her voice.
“Your job was to select the exam venue. That task is already complete. For the smooth progress of the exam, I will not evaluate that matter now!! We will prioritize the exam to identify talented individuals. Keep that in mind.”
“…Well, Your Highness. I… I…”
“As the princess says, teacher.”
My father took a few steps forward. He knelt before the princess and bowed deeply.
“I will obey your command, Your Highness. I order my child Yuuki to assist in the exam. Zeros, is that acceptable?”
“…That is what I desire.”
Brother Zeros glared at me.
“Don’t run away, Yuuki.”
He whispered, leaning closer so that no one else could hear.
“I’ll make you aware of the difference in our birth. You know what will happen if you try to escape.”
“What will happen…?”
“The next heir is me. It will be me. One day, I will reshape the baronial house as I wish. I know you are trying to have the household members push me out.”
“What’s wrong? Zeros, Yuuki?”
“Nothing at all. I was just asking Yuuki for a favor.”
At my father’s voice, Brother Zeros stepped away from me. He smiled as if nothing had happened. Instructor Kahel did too.
“Understood, Father, Brother. I will participate in the exam.”
I said. I wanted to talk to my brother. During the exam. In a place where Instructor Kahel wasn’t present.
Next time, Chapter 15 is scheduled to be updated tomorrow evening.