Kays Translations

Chapter 35: The Sisters' Entrance Exams are Over

Returning to the Rosemary Marquis's mansion after defeating the monsters, Rest and Dibble found Viola and Primula waiting in the entrance hall. The two girls brightened up with radiant smiles upon seeing Rest.

"Welcome back, Rest!"

"Welcome home, Rest-sama. Are you injured?"

"I'm back, Viola, Primula."

Rest greeted the welcoming sisters with a smile. They rushed over, grabbing Rest's hands.

A year had passed since Rest came to this mansion, and he had turned fifteen. However, the relationship between Rest and the sisters had not undergone significant changes. Excessive physical contact continued from both sisters, but they maintained a balance without crossing any boundaries. The only noticeable changes were Viola starting to address Rest informally and Rest no longer using polite language with the sisters.

"How was the exam for both of you? Was it difficult?"

"We aced it! No complaints!"

"No problems. We're probably going to pass."

"That's great. I was worried, so I'm relieved."

"Next is Rest's turn. If you fail, I won't accept it!"

"Of course not. I'll definitely pass."

Rest emphatically nodded in response to Viola's insistence. Naturally, he had no intention of failing. The exams were a crucial point in his life, and he was determined to pass.

The entrance exams for the Royal Academy were divided into "Noble Category" and "Commoner Category," with the commoners' exams held a week after the nobles'. The academy had five departments: "Magic," "Knights," "Civil Officials," "Clergy," and "Arts." Rest and the sisters took the exam for the "Magic" department.

"The exam content was the same as last year. There was a common written test for all departments first, followed by practical exams for each department. The magic department's exam was the usual 'target shooting.'"

Primula explained the exam details. "Target shooting" was a common method to measure a mage's proficiency. It involved shooting magic into a target, and the power was measured using special magic items. It seemed the magic department's exam followed the usual format.

"Oh... by the way, I saw your brother at the exam venue."

"Cedric?"

"Yes, he seemed like he wanted to talk to us, but I ignored him."

"..."

Viola's words made Rest raise his eyebrows slightly. Although it was natural for Cedric, being the same age, to take the exams, Rest hadn't heard his name since coming to the Marquis's residence and had forgotten.

(A year has passed since we last met. He made quite a mess back then. I hope he's reflected on it and grown...)

"It seems his practical exam results weren't great. He was making a scene, saying, 'This is a conspiracy,' and demanding a redo."

"He also said, 'This is some kind of plot.' It was quite embarrassing, to be honest."

"He doesn't seem to have grown at all. Well, to be honest, it was expected."

Rest chuckled at the discomfort evident on their faces.

It appeared Cedric had caused trouble at the exam venue, possibly due to poor practical exam results. While surprising, it wasn't entirely unexpected.

"...Not to mention that he made a fuss not only about the written test but also the practical exam? That Cedric."

Considering his talents, Cedric should have been one of the top mages in their age group. Excluding outliers like Rest, who possessed infinite magic power, Cedric's talent had been acknowledged by the Rosemary Marquis. That's why Cedric had been introduced to the sisters. 

"It must be really difficult to have a brother like that. It's a shame for a family like that."

"I've thought about wanting an older or younger brother before... but I don't want someone like him."

The sisters' evaluation of Cedric is harsh.

Considering that they once nearly died because of Cedric, it's only natural.

"Depending on the results of the written test... with that attitude, he might fail."

"...I see."

If Cedric were to fail, it would mean the end of his goal to become a court mage.

Unless there was a compelling reason, the royal palace would not appoint someone who hadn't graduated from the Royal Academy.

(If that happens, the Ebern Honorary Viscount's long-cherished dream of becoming a full-fledged viscount will also be shattered... Father would be furious.)

The Ebern family had consecutively held the title of honorary viscount for two generations. If Cedric, who had been praised as a genius, became a court mage and attained the title of honorary viscount, he was supposed to officially become a viscount. If the son, who was believed to be a guaranteed success as a court mage, were to fail, it would undoubtedly drive their father mad.

(And when I, who was thought to be a failure with no magic power, pass the academy, how much regret will they feel?)

While Rest didn't necessarily want revenge against his father and brother, he welcomed the idea of them regretting their actions. He wanted them to howl and dance in embarrassment.

"Suddenly feeling more motivated. I've got one more reason to pass."

Regardless of Cedric's success or failure, Rest was determined to pass. He firmly reinforced his determination.

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