Kays Translations

Chapter 43: Befriended by a Large Dog

After finishing the practical exam, the magic academy examinees moved from the field to the auditorium. They were waiting for their turn for a brief interview.

"Hey... that guy..."

"Yeah, it's unbelievable. Over 300 points..."

"Could he be from a noble family? An offspring of a renowned mage, maybe?"

(Seems like I stood out a bit too much... well, I didn't plan on holding back.)

The topic among the examinees waiting in the auditorium was inevitably Rest, who had scored the highest in the practical exam. While the average score for other examinees was around 60, Rest scored 387—over six times the average.

"Damn... why did it have to be me? I, who carry the noble blood of the illustrious House Brute, losing to a miserable commoner...!"

As most examinees looked at Rest with a mix of awe and interest, only Cerolic  glared at him with hatred. It seemed he was incredibly frustrated by his defeat, as if he wanted to curse Rest with his gaze.

(Jealous and sore loser, just like my foolish brother... I wonder if similarities in names also lead to similar personalities.)

Perhaps name analysis might actually be accurate. If he ever had children, Rest decided he would carefully choose their names.

"Wow, that was amazing! How did you achieve such power with [Fireball]?"

Amidst this, Yuri Catreya sat next to Rest and spoke in a friendly manner. Perhaps it was due to their encounter before the exam, but her attitude was strangely familiar.

"You seemed to have activated multiple spells. Is there a secret behind it?"

"... Well, yes. That's right."

"That's incredible! It's an honor to take the exam with a mage like you. Are you, by any chance, a descendant of a famous magician?"

"..."

Despite being a first-time meeting, she was intrusive without reservation. Nevertheless, for some reason, Rest didn't find it unpleasant—probably because Yuri exuded neither malice nor hidden motives.

(Innocent or rather, carefree... Not much like a noble girl.)

Although she claimed to be the daughter of House Catreya, was she truly a Marquis’ daughter? Even among Marquis’ daughters, she was different from Viola and Primula.

"Um... Catreya-san, why did you apply to the magic department?"

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"Well... honestly, it seems like the knight department would be more suitable for you."

Running alongside Rest who was using [Physical Enhancement] without magic reinforcement and scoring over 100 points by throwing stones during the exam, it definitely seemed like her physical abilities were superior to magic.

"Ah... the influence of House Catreya is strong in the knight department."

"...?"

"There are people there who used to be my father's subordinates, so it might be awkward, and there's a possibility of being deliberately failed due to considerations... Well, there are various reasons."

"I see... I apologize for prying into your affairs."

"If there's an opportunity, let's talk more openly. I'd be happy if you could tell me the secret of your strength at that time."

"...Yes, if the opportunity arises."

Will such an opportunity arise?

If they enroll in the academy, there might be time to deepen their friendship, but neither of them knows if they will pass.

(I have passed. Probably, without a doubt...)

He had correctly answered over 90% of the written exam.

In the practical exam, he achieved the highest score among today's examinees.

There was no reason for him to fail.

(But... what about her? I can't shake the feeling that she might fail...)

Attacking targets by throwing stones doesn't seem like a method to pass.

(Since she created stones with magic, would it barely be considered a magic attack? Well, normally, I think it would be deemed unacceptable...)

"Next is Yuri Catreya-san. Please move to the room in the back."

"Ah, it's my turn. See you later."

"...Yes, later."

Yuri's turn for the interview had come. She waved to Rest with a smile and left the auditorium.

(...She seemed oddly friendly. Was there an event that brought us closer like that?)

He helped her when she fell from the tower... that's all.

When he saved Viola and Primula from the wolves, it was the same. Perhaps those events were significant for girls?

(Yuri Catreya... seems to have some circumstances. It might be best to report to the master. What should I do about Viola and Primula?)*

For some reason, he was afraid to talk, but keeping silent and getting caught later was also frightening.

If he were to tell them about being befriended by helping Yuri, how would Viola and Primula react?

(Angry... no, I haven't done anything to make them angry, right? Probably?)

Despite having an interview coming up, Rest shivered at the unknown chill down his spine.

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