Chapter 12: Entrance Exam

After the commotion settled, the surrounding students’ gazes had clearly changed. 

It was only natural that they couldn’t help but pay attention since an unknown noblewoman seemed to have connections with influential people.

If I could use dark magic as I once did now that I have everyone’s attention, would they look up to me? 

Would they honor me as a talented Lady Rosewell?

…But I know better than to go too far. 

I understand my limits well; overreaching and trying to meet excessive expectations will only lead to disaster, something I can easily foresee.

I must live within my means, staying within the boundaries of my abilities.

So far, I’ve only been lucky, managing to get close to Lady Marybell  and Lady Sharen. 

But if I think about it carefully, it’s all been beyond my capabilities.

If I hadn’t mischievously given Alyssa the ruby necklace through my teasing, or if we had remained estranged and she never realized my attribute…

Looking back, it’s all tied to Alyssa, isn’t it? 

The good and the bad. Am I destined to be inseparable from her?

“Sister? Is something wrong again?”

“…It’s nothing. Now, let’s head to the examiner.”

Alyssa was still glancing around warily, as if she was keeping an eye on Lady Marybell  or something else entirely, leading the way ahead of me.

Seeing my much younger sister trying to protect me felt endearing, like watching a small puppy trying to assert itself.

Objectively speaking, Alyssa is a stunningly beautiful and charming girl, unmatched by anyone. 

Of course, she would catch my eye as someone who appreciates beauty.

She’s so excessively beautiful and unreasonably close to me that I once resented her, but with Mother gone, there’s no one to compare us directly now… 

It’s only natural that my feelings of resentment toward her would diminish.

Thinking this way, maybe leaving the estate was for the better. 

Back at the estate, I was constantly compared to Alyssa and tormented by condescending gazes. 

But here, in a place where no one knows us, it’s different.

…Though this will end soon enough when Alyssa’s abilities are revealed. 

Even setting aside her beauty and swordsmanship, Alyssa is a genius among geniuses.

“Excuse me, are you Lady Amy Rosewell and Lady Alyssa Rosewell?”

“That’s correct. Should I show proof of our family crest?”

“No, that won’t be necessary. Will both of you be applying to the magic department?”

“Alyssa will. She will take the magic exam.”

The examiner’s face clearly showed fear. 

Perhaps it was because Alyssa seemed connected to the princess and other noblewomen who were glaring from afar.

For now, their interest in me was mild curiosity, but it’s fleeting. 

They could lose interest as soon as tomorrow, and I wouldn’t be in a position to complain.

“This way, please.”

‘…They’ve even segregated nobles and commoners into separate zones.’

Pre-enrollment students wore clothes from home rather than uniforms, making them easy to distinguish. 

Even in academics and swordsmanship, there was segregation. Did that mean the difficulty of the exams differed?

It was expected. 

If noble children were judged too harshly, their love-blinded parents might resort to anything. 

Besides, in academic exams, a small bribe could secure a passing grade.

“The exam is simple. Just hit the target with the magic you’re most confident in. The enchanted target will quantify your magic’s power.”

“That’s an intriguing spell. Is it reliable?”

“Yes! It was developed by Principal Philia herself, so it’s trustworthy! She’s practically a national treasure of the Empire as a grand mage!”

The principal herself… Is she overly meticulous or simply enthusiastic about education?

Anyone could roughly gauge magic power by sight alone. 

Why go out of the way to quantify it, especially in a public setting where everyone could see the results?

This seemed like a malicious design to rank students into invisible hierarchies from the start. 

I’ve never met the principal, but I could guess her personality from this.

“Sister, may I go first for the exam?”

It was unusual for Alyssa to volunteer first. 

She was always the one hiding behind me, finishing things after me.

Well, whether she went first or I did, the results would be similar, so it didn’t matter much.

“Go ahead.”

“Thank you, Sister.”

Alyssa stepped forward to the target, closed her eyes, and extended her hand. 

The air in the hall shifted instantly, and even someone as unskilled as me could sense the mana converging around her.

“Hah!”

With a short cry, a dazzling light burst forth. 

The blinding radiance rivaled the midday sun, and by the time I shielded my eyes, a powerful explosion resounded, followed by a chorus of astonished gasps.

“…Incredible.”

The examiner’s exclamation sounded more like a sigh of awe.

“It’s a record high… Even higher than Her Highness…!”

Realizing his mistake in comparing her to the princess, the examiner hastily covered his mouth, but the damage was done. 

Everyone’s attention had shifted to the princess observing from behind.

“Well, of course. That little one already bested me once,” the princess said nonchalantly, though the impact of her words was undeniable.

Admiration, longing, jealousy—Alyssa quickly established herself as a standout figure in the academy, just as she had at the estate.

…Now it’s my turn to be compared to Alyssa. 

People will likely hold high expectations of me as her sister, only to be disappointed. 

It wouldn’t have mattered if I had taken the exam first; the result would’ve been the same.

“Sister, there’s no need to exert yourself. Just hold back; you’ll still pass easily.”

“…What do you mean by that?”

“I have no ill intentions, I swear. I simply believe that this will definitely help your future. Please trust me, sister.”

My younger sibling whispered so softly that no one else could hear. 

Her expression didn’t seem to be lying at all.

Why does she feel the need to do this? 

Is it to prevent me from exhausting myself needlessly, knowing I’d just be compared to her? 

No, that’s too cynical of me.

If it were revenge for past grievances, there’d be countless other methods she could use. 

Alyssa must genuinely believe this and be telling me with sincerity.

Fine, I’ll trust you.

Sometimes it’s not so bad to listen to the requests of a foolishly loyal little sister.

“Lady Amy Rosewell! I have prepared for the test!”

“Understood.”

The target that Alyssa had struck with her powerful attack had recovered to some extent but was still faintly glimmering.

Was it fire magic? 

Even after so much time, the lingering effect of the magic remained. 

I’ve never seen anything like it. 

Well, she is a genius who can handle all four elements, using techniques that someone ordinary like me couldn’t even imagine.

‘As weak as possible… gently….’

Controlling my power was harder than I thought, requiring far more concentration than simply unleashing it recklessly.

I barely managed to gather the right amount of magic after repeatedly fending off the excessive flow, forming it into a small orb before launching it at the target.

…Pfft.

It sounded like someone was laughing.

Well, of course. 

After seeing Alyssa’s dazzling attack, my attempt would look laughable in comparison.

The tiny black orb, smaller than a fist, weakly floated towards the target, wobbling as if it might fall at any moment. 

The chuckles and sighs around me grew louder, yet oddly enough, I felt utterly calm.

Why was that? Normally, I wouldn’t have been able to stand this.

…Was it because Alisa asked me to trust her? 

That must be it.

The stress I’m feeling now… 

I’ll have to take it all out on Alyssa later. 

I trusted her, and yet here I am being laughed at. 

I won’t even be able to complain properly.

Sizzle, crackle.

The dark orb finally reached the target, leaving a black scorch mark before fizzling out pathetically.

“Well… um… Lady Amy Rosewell’s test results are…”

Just as the examiner was about to announce the results—

Sizzle, crackle, crackle.

The black scorch marks began spreading rapidly along the faint light on the target. 

Like a snake coiling tightly around its prey, the darkness enveloped the target completely before vanishing entirely.

“…Huh?”

The room fell silent. 

Everyone stared at the spot where the target had been, unable to comprehend what had just happened.

“…Why? Sister definitely held back…”

‘…Even Alyssa doesn’t know.’

Alyssa, who had orchestrated this, seemed equally stunned, staring at me blankly. 

Alyssa, if you’re confused, what am I supposed to do?

Clap, clap, clap.

“Impressive, Lady Amy.”

“…Lady Marybell.”

“Everyone, you saw that, didn’t you? Lady Amy didn’t give it her all, yet look at the result. She accomplished complete annihilation, something no one else could achieve.”

“Therefore, I hereby declare: even though no score was assigned, Lady Amy deserves a place among the S-rankers alongside me.”

Lady Marybell’s voice echoed throughout the hall, leaving no room for argument. Everyone seemed too intimidated by the overwhelming display of power they had underestimated to even raise their heads.

“Lady Marybell ! But…”

“Is there an issue? Lady Amy attacked the target and demonstrated unparalleled power for all to see. Doesn’t that make her worthy of S-rank?”

“There’s no… rule against it, but…”

“Lady Marybell , I don’t think that’s—”

“No! I concur wholeheartedly!”

Before I could stop Lady Marybell , even the princess chimed in, escalating the situation instead of calming it.

With Alyssa sitting on the floor, muttering to herself, and no one else to rely on, I found myself at the center of unwanted attention. 

This was far from what I’d wanted.

It wasn’t even my true power; there had to be some element of luck involved.

Power I can’t fully control can’t truly be considered my own. 

I still don’t understand what just happened.

This reminds me of a similar situation in the past where things spiraled out of control, leaving me humiliated. A harsh lesson I learned the hard way…

“The magic Amy showed was undoubtedly beyond imagination. Letting such power go to waste would be a great loss to this country! Whether she likes it or not, assigning her to S-rank is the right choice! Hmm.”

“…Understood. Although I will need to discuss the details with the headmaster, for now, I will place both Amy and Alyssa in S-rank!”

“Wowww!”

As soon as the examiner declared that Alyssa and I were now in the mysterious S-rank, cheers erupted around us.

Where had the people who were mocking us just moments ago gone? 

Their sudden change of attitude was utterly annoying.

“Sis.”

“Alyssa, is this what you envisioned?”

“…No. But I’ve come to realize one thing.”

“What’s that?”

“That just changing things slightly isn’t enough. A more definitive approach is necessary. I will protect the sequence you are destined for, Sister.”

“So, wait for me.”

“You’re speaking in riddles again… Would you answer me if I asked why you think that way?”

“…I can’t tell you yet. But when the time comes, you’ll be the first to know.”

Swoosh, stroke—

“Alyssa, don’t try to shoulder everything alone, alright? That kind of audacity is too early for someone as young as you. Well, even if your abilities are remarkable.”

“Sis…”

My younger sister’s hair, which I hadn’t stroked in a long time, was soft beyond words. 

If stroking it didn’t hurt my stomach so much, I would’ve done it more often.

“Amy! Why did you hide such a power from me? Were you trying to surprise me!?”

“Lady Sharen… It’s a misunderstanding. I only acquired it recently.”

“Then it’s all the more impressive! As expected of the maid captain I’ve chosen! Ahaha!”

…Promoted to maid captain.

Should I be happy or not?

“Amy, congratulations on being accepted into S-rank.”

“Miss Marybell, you put me in a difficult position earlier.”

“I couldn’t stand by while the foolish crowd underestimated you, Miss Amy. Please forgive my impertinence…”

“Marybell , your speech becomes normal when talking to Amy. Yet with me, it’s all ‘yohoho~.’ You’re truly peculiar.”

Zap—

“Alright, alright, I’ll be quiet. Just don’t glare at me like that.”

…Why do I have this ominous feeling that these two will be around for a long time?

“Now, now, Amy and the little sister, follow me! I shall personally guide you to the dormitory for S-rank!”

“Um, does that mean S-rank students, regardless of age, stay in the same dormitory?”

“Of course! S-rank is special! In the face of power, age is but a meaningless number!”

Does that mean there’s a chance I’ll share a room with Alyssa…?

…Well, it might be better than sharing it with a complete stranger.