**Chapter 35: The Sisters’ Entrance Exam Has Concluded**
Upon returning to the mansion of the House of Marquis Rosemary after defeating the monsters, Rest and Diable found Viola and Primula waiting in the entrance hall. The moment the two sisters spotted Rest, their faces lit up with radiant smiles.
“Welcome back! Rest!”
“Welcome home, Rest-sama. Are you hurt?”
“I’m back. Viola, Primula.”
Rest smiled at the sisters who had come to greet 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 his relationship with the sisters had not changed significantly. They still displayed an excessive amount of physical affection, but they maintained a balance without crossing any lines. The only notable changes were that Viola had started to call Rest by his name without honorifics, and Rest no longer used formal language with the sisters.
“How did you both do on the exam? Was it difficult?”
“It was perfect! No complaints!”
“I had no problems at all. I think I passed.”
“That’s a relief. I was worried, so I’m glad to hear that.”
“Now it’s your turn, Rest. If you fail, I won’t let you off the hook!”
“Of course! I will 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 exam for the Royal Academy was divided into “Noble Slots” and “Commoner Slots,” with the commoner exams taking place a week after the noble exams. The academy was divided into five departments: Magic Department, Knight Department, Civil Official Department, Priest Department, and Arts Department. Rest and the sisters would be taking the exam for the Magic Department.
“It seems the exam content was the same as last year. There was a written test common to all departments first, followed by practical tests divided by department. The Magic Department’s test was the usual ‘Target Shooting.'”
Primula explained the exam content. “Target Shooting” was a standard method for measuring a magician’s abilities, where they would cast spells at targets and measure the power with a special magic item. It appeared that the Magic Department’s exam followed the usual format.
“Oh… speaking of which, I saw your brother at the exam venue.”
“Cedric?”
“Yes, he seemed like he wanted 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 coming to the marquis’s mansion.
(It’s been a year since we last met. After all those failures, I hope he has reflected and grown…)
“It seems he didn’t do well in the practical exam. He was making a fuss, saying things like ‘This is unfair!’ and ‘I demand a redo!'”
“He also said, ‘This is some kind of conspiracy…’ It was quite an eyesore, to say the least.”
“…It seems he hasn’t grown at all. Well, honestly, I expected as much.”
Seeing the two girls frown 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 that his practical exam results were poor, but that was a bit unexpected.
“…He messed up the practical exam? That Cedric?”
While he had issues with his personality, Cedric was supposed to be among the top in magical talent for their age group. Excluding outliers like Rest, who possessed infinite magical power, he shouldn’t have lost to anyone. The Marquis of 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 such an embarrassment to the family.”
“I’ve wished for a brother or sister before, but… I definitely don’t want someone like him.”
The sisters’ evaluations of Cedric were harsh. It was only natural, considering he had nearly caused their deaths once.
“It depends on the results of the written exam, but… at this rate, he might fail.”
“………I see.”
If Cedric were to fail, his goal of becoming a Court Magician would be shattered. Unless there was a compelling reason, the royal court would not appoint anyone who had not graduated from the Royal Academy.
(If that happens, the Ebern Viscount House’s long-held dream of becoming a barony will also be dashed… My father will surely be furious.)
The Ebern family had been granted the title of Viscount for both the previous and current generations, and if Cedric became a Court Magician, he would officially be able to elevate their status to a barony. If Cedric, who was thought to be guaranteed a position as a Court Magician, were to fail, it would undoubtedly send their father into a frenzy.
(And if I, who was thought to be a failure without magic, were to pass the academy, how much would they regret it?)
While he didn’t harbor thoughts of revenge against his father or brother, he welcomed the idea of them regretting their actions. He hoped they would squirm and wail in embarrassment.
“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.