Kays Translations

Chapter 44: Spilled True Feelings

And now, it was Rest's turn for the interview.

After leaving the auditorium, Rest followed the examiner's instructions to move to a separate room.

In the room, about ten tatami mats in size, there was a chair placed in the center, and at the front table was the academy director, whom Rest had met earlier.

Verloid Hearn was sitting there, welcoming Rest with a gentle smile.

"Now, have a seat."

"...Yes."

He had thought there would be two or three examiners if it was a typical interview, but unexpectedly, there was only the academy director.

(This is actually making me more nervous... Even though I've learned all the etiquette in the marquis's house, I need to be careful not to be rude...)

"You don't have to be so stiff. While we call it an interview, I just want to hear your story for reference."

Whether he sensed Rest's nervousness or not, the academy director spoke cheerfully.

"You won't fail based on the content of this interview, so relax and answer as you please. Ease your shoulders and relax."

"Understood..."

"Now, for the first question. Why did you decide to enroll in the Royal Academy?"

"..."

If it were an ordinary interview, he would answer that he wanted to improve his abilities or acquire skills for societal contributions—something safe and neutral.

(However... strangely, I feel like I'd be seen through if I try to cover it up.)

The academy director's gaze wasn't intense, yet there was a strange sense that he could see into the depths of Rest's heart.

(It might be wise to speak honestly without trying to cover it up...)

"...I want to be happy. I want to become a successful person."

"Hmm? What do you mean by that?"

"I am the illegitimate child of Lucas Ebern, a court mage. When I was ten, my commoner mother passed away, and I was taken in by the Ebern Honorary Viscount family. And... I've been mistreated there."

"..."

"Currently, I've been taken in as an apprentice servant by the Rosemary Marquis family, which I happened to meet by chance... But the feeling of inferiority, being mistreated by the people who should be my family, hasn't disappeared."

"Do you want to get back at your family?"

"Yes, that's half of the reason."

Rest nodded, then further revealed the depths of his heart.

"And the other reason is that I want a family."

"A family..."

"Yes. A family where we can understand each other, love each other... Even if we argue, there won't be one-sided mistreatment. I want a family that can communicate deeply from the bottom of our hearts... as many as possible."

He wants a family.

And... he wants the power to protect that family.

To obtain an overwhelming power that won't be taken away by the likes of the father who stabbed him to death in his previous life or the people from the Ebern Honorary Viscount family who abused him in this life.

"I want the power to protect my family... The strongest power that can crush any unreasonable threat against me and my loved ones!"

After saying it out loud, Rest suddenly realized.

(Do I... think like this...?)

It was an unconscious wish that Rest himself was not aware of.

While talking about his reasons for enrolling with the academy director, he unintentionally spilled it out.

"I see, that's the core of who you are."

Hearing Rest's story, the academy director nodded graciously.

"I was planning to ask a few more questions, but... I think I've learned enough about your character. Let's finish the interview here."

"Yes... Thank you very much."

It felt like he might have said unnecessary things, but the academy director's reaction was not bad, so Rest considered it a success.

"Finally... could you touch this crystal here?"

The academy director waved his right hand lightly, and the crystal ball placed on the table floated gently towards Rest.

"What is this...?"

"Well, it's fine. You'll understand once you touch it."

“…....”

Rest found it puzzling, but he didn't sense any dangerous aura from the crystal ball.

He gently touched it with his fingertip, and at that moment, a dazzling light was emitted.

"Whoa!"

"Oh!?"

Startled, he quickly withdrew his finger, and the light disappeared in an instant.

"But, Director!? What in the world is this...?"

"Oh, this crystal is a magic item with the power to measure potential. It can measure the growth potential of the person touching it."

"Potential?"

"Yeah. Given the score you achieved in the practical test and the current light... It seems you're not precocious, and there's still plenty of room for growth. It's wonderful."

The crystal ball returned to the table. When the academy director placed his hand on it, it emitted a faint light, almost dissolving into the air.

"As you can see, the potential of an old eagle like me is weak. But... you still have a lot of potential for the future. Take care to nurture it."

"...Understood. Thank you very much."

Rest bowed his head.

In any case, it seemed he had successfully passed the interview. Rest obtained permission to leave, and he stepped out of the room.

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