episode_0017

The royal capital, spread out below.

Carriages of merchants heading to the market, soldiers returning from border patrol, adventurers venturing into the distant forest.

And cadets, in their uniforms, gathering one by one.

Yuri and I walked above it, and landed in front of the academy’s main gate.

Rustle…

“From today, we are… Knife-rantz Academy students.”

“I’m really looking forward to it.”

“Me too, Yuri.”

Fortunately, it seemed we hadn’t been late, as many cadets were still arriving.

And those many cadets were looking at us.

“What… did you just descend from the heavens? You’re not angels…”

“Can you do that kind of thing?”

“Don’t be ridiculous… Did you think before you spoke?”

“But—”

Yuri was smiling brightly as usual.

I also walked on, ignoring the stares around me.

“Pretty… Are you sisters?”

“I’m on the right.”

“Idiot, it’s the left. Please think before you speak—”

Scuffle scuffle.

It seemed like some male students were fighting, but surely it wasn’t because of us?

I took out the academy’s information pamphlet from my bag and unfolded it.

“Let’s see… The entrance ceremony…”

“…Found it. It seems to be the North Plaza behind the main building.”

“Okay. This way.”

When I came for the entrance exam last time, I only saw a few buildings in the front.

The training ground where I took the magic exam, the external building with the reception desk, and the main building where the principal’s office is located.

Even then, I thought it was quite large, but after seeing the entire academy grounds today, its size was enormous.

The main building alone was only slightly smaller than our Philbrogue mansion.

Such buildings stood several at a time, far apart, in front, behind, and to the left and right.

It felt strangely exhilarating, like when I first visited Seoul National University in my past life.

I thought all universities were this big back then…

“Wow…”

Yuri, walking beside me, was also looking around with her mouth agape.

In fact, it wasn’t just large, it was also incredibly magnificent.

Having lived in the rather plain Philbrogue mansion for about four months.

Had our eyes become a little lower these past months? Despite being on par with the royal palace, the buildings were breathtaking.

The metal ornaments of the window frames, the railings of the connecting bridges,the fences of the garden.

Even the pavement blocks we were stepping on seemed to be masterpieces touched by a master craftsman’s hand.

“No, snap out of it… Our castle is also like this—”

“What castle, sis?”

“…Nothing.”

Smile.

Yuri smiled as if to say not to utter useless things.

She seemed more thorough than I am in these moments.

Thus, enjoying the feast for the eyes, we arrived at the North Plaza in time for the entrance ceremony.

Many cadets were already seated, and we found a vacant spot to sit down.

Soon, the entrance ceremony began.

“The honorable place of learning, Knife-rantz Academy, a historic landmark of the kingdom, welcomes the young who study magic and practice swordsmanship—”

In the middle of the principal’s speech, a ninja suddenly appeared from somewhere and mercilessly slaughtered the students.

Fwoosh, fwoosh!!

Aaaack~

. . .

“Mmn… I protected the kingdom…”

“Wake up, sis! The ceremony is over.”

“…Uh, uh?”

A soft touch on my cheek.

When I lifted my head, Yuri was there.

“…Good morning.”

“We said that earlier… Goodness, how can you fall asleep as soon as the speech begins?”

But I suddenly felt so sleepy… Was the speech boring?

Soft, soft.

I rubbed my cheek against Yuri’s thigh a few more times before getting up.

“Ugh.”

“The class assignments are almost finished. We’re in Magic Department 1-A.”

“Hmm… Shouldn’t we go soon?”

Looking at the clock tower of the main building, it was almost lunchtime.

According to the pamphlet I read earlier, there were no classes today, but…

“Should we at least show our faces?”

“Yes, let’s do that.”

Yuri and I left the plaza and headed towards the classroom.

As we walked along, admiring the pretty buildings we saw on our way, we arrived at the Magic Department building.

Everyone had already shown their faces, chattering noisily.

Passing through the groups that had already formed, we opened the door to the 1-A classroom.

Creeeak.

A larger space than expected.

And older desks and chairs than expected.

Such things did not catch my attention.

Every eye in the classroom instantly focused on us.

“Whoa, it’s the snorer!”

“Pffft-”

Someone shouted at me.

Hahaha.

The classroom instantly became a sea of laughter.

What, is this?

Why am I treated like this?

Looking at Yuri, she shook her head, looking helpless.

Damn… I can’t let this image solidify from the first day.

I’ll be teased for the rest of my life!

I walked confidently to the podium.

Bang-

I slammed the podium with all my might to attract everyone’s attention.

After clearing my throat, I opened my mouth.

“Ah, nice to meet you all. It seems my first impression has become strange, so I would appreciate it if you would forget about it.”

“How can we forget that!? That booming sound!”

“My first encounter with her was the worst…”

HAHAHAHA.

The laughter in the classroom didn’t cease.

The atmosphere was good, but not for me!

This… I need a trump card that won’t pour cold water, but will turn the atmosphere around.

I decided to use this card early.

“First, I’ll introduce myself. My name is Narias Philbrogue, a… special student of Knife-rantz Academy’s 530th intake!”

“Spec…ial student?”

“Whoa!”

Good, there’s a reaction.

I spread my arms, creating four mana orbs.

I filled them with mana of different attributes.

Whoosh- Pong- Whoosh- Whiish-

“Being special means… I can manipulate 4-attribute mana! I still have many shortcomings, but since we’re in the same class, please take care of me!”

A 90-degree bow to finish.

A proper balance of confidence and humility.

‘This should be perfect…!’

Thinking that, I lifted my head,

The reaction was lukewarm.

“Hmm… Is that all?”

“Well, it’s amazing, but…”

What, isn’t 4-attribute magic rare?

I immediately looked at Yuri.

She was quickly shaking her head.

What, why?

“Well…”

“We’ve already seen someone else like that in this classroom… It’s less shocking than before.”

“Besides, she was the top scorer in the entrance exam.”

…There’s another one?

I immediately looked around.

There were only cadets checking each other’s faces in the classroom.

In an instant.

Light blue hair fluttered.

The girl was already approaching me.

“Huh—”

“My name is Eve Esta. The top scorer in the 530th entrance exam, and I also wield four-attribute mana like you.”

“Ah… Nice to meet you. Narias Philbro—”

I extended my hand for a handshake.

The girl, who introduced herself as Eve, quickly grabbed my hand.

“Philbrogue… Are you referring to the Philbrogue Baron’s family in the east?”

“Yes, that’s—”

As I was about to smile awkwardly and greet her, she quickly grabbed my wrist and pushed me against the wall.

Bang!!

An irresistible strong force.

My neck was constricted and I could barely breathe, my head spinning.

“The Philbrogue Baron has no daughters. This must be your younger sister?”

“But, but… Khh!”

“And there are two of you. It’s even more unbelievable.”

Kraak.

The force tightening my neck became stronger.

“Answer me. What are you?”

“Khh… Let go of me first…”

“You can talk.”

Damn, this unreasonable person.

“Sis!!”

I extended my hand toward Yuri, who was trying to intervene.

Don’t come closer.

If she came, she would be dragged into this.

I poured all my mana into my body.

I spread a thin membrane outward, pushing it away with a feeling of thrust.

[Mana Explosion]!

Kaboom!!

The huge impact separated Eve from me.

“Kyaaaack!!”

“Wait, you two! What are you doing…!! ”

“Stop it!!”

I want to solve this through conversation…

“Cough, cough…”

It didn’t seem like that would work on them.

The podium was destroyed, desks and chairs were smashed.

Wooden planks and pieces of broken glass littered the floor.

In that dust-filled pit.

Eve stood up.

“…This is.”

“Let’s do this verbally.”

“Do you think I’d believe a suspicious person like you?”

So what do you want me to do!?

I started to lay everything out as best I could.

“Yes, the Philbrogue Baron has no daughters. We were hidden soon after we were born.”

“…”

“I’ve never heard of the Esta family, did you come from another country? That’s why you might not know. In the Kingdom, someone who can use 4-attribute mana is extremely rare!”

The cadets nodded one by one.

Riding the flow, I continued without stopping.

“Even powerless nobles like us are envied, doubted, and constantly pointed at! They think that a talent like this couldn’t be born from lowly bloodline!”

“Those foolish people who think—”

“Exist! The nobles of the Kingdom are all idiots! That’s why we hid until now! Practicing magic quietly, alone with my sister, and waiting only for this day!!”

Most of the cadets were nobles, but amongst them were those tired of political maneuvering and power struggles.

That’s why they gathered here seeking only magic as heretics within their noble houses.

The only cadet who didn’t agree with me was Eve.

There were those shedding tears and those clapping and raising their voices.

‘…Idiots. Why didn’t you help me sooner.’

Eve lowered her head.

“You’re just saying that… Without evidence—”

“Evidence? I have it. You were likely acquainted with Baron Philbrogue. You must know his face.”

“…That’s right.”

Nod.

I gestured to Yuri, and she took out a small photograph from her bag.

“Then, how would you explain this?”

“…!!”

The cadets murmured.

“It’s a photo?”

“It’s a picture!”

Baron Philbrogue, his wife, their sons, and Yuri and me.

A photo of our entire family gathered cheerfully together.

Could they even suspect we hid our identities?

“The possibility of it being Photoshopped—”

“Then take it and have it appraised. Do we really have to go this far?”

“…”

The photo isn’t Photoshopped.

I had it taken in anticipation of situations like this.

Deciding that the cadets had no more will to fight, they came closer, rushing to look at the picture.

“Wow, pretty!”

“They are the Philbrogue family…”

“Their mansion is clean… Really nice to see.”

The cadets weren’t only interested in the photo.

“…Do you have a significant other?”

“Yes, I do♡”

“Kyaaaah…”

Though I received affectionate glances from many male students, Yuri deflected them all perfectly.

My woman wouldn’t be swayed by this much.

I looked back at Eve.

“Are you still going to do something?”

“…I’m sorry. As an apology, how about a meal—”

Got you.

I immediately picked up a desk and climbed on top of it, shouting.

“Did you hear that? This girl’s treating us to lunch today!!”

“Waaaaah!! The best!!”

“Meat! Meat! Meat!”

Eve’s eyes flickered.

“W-wait… I was going to buy you a meal—”

“You said it’s an apology, right? Naturally, you must apologize to everyone here because you caused a disturbance.”

“…That’s not wrong.”

I smiled slightly at her and left the classroom with Yuri.

Countless cadets immediately trailed behind us.

My first-day image was an absolute hit!

I really look forward to the days ahead.

* * *

Eve took out her wallet from her bosom and opened it.

Clink, clink.

About three or four silver coins.

There were about twenty cadets in 1-A… after paying for everyone’s lunch, there wouldn’t be a single coin left.

Whew…

In the empty classroom, only her sigh echoed.

“Narias… Philbrogue…”

There were too many suspicious points.

The suspicious mana sensation, her behavior, even fainting during the entrance ceremony…

I will never let go of my suspicion.

Until I achieve my goal.

Eve made that vow, but…

Grrrrrr-

“…Damn it.”

The first thing to solve was the money problem.