Warp to the Exam Hall
Anyway, being able to warp there in an instant meant we suddenly had a lot more free time—practically the same thing. Honestly, it was a relief. Starting early with a long carriage ride would've worn me out mentally, so I'd planned to catch some sleep en route regardless. This worked out perfectly.
"All set! I'm good to go right now—totally perfect!"
In the meantime, Estelle had washed up, thrown on some clothes, and stepped outside. I plopped a hat down firmly over her head.
"Huh? What's this?"
"We're traveling together, so you gotta hide that mark on your forehead, right?"
Her blue hair could pass for dye if anyone asked, and besides, everyone at the exam hall would be too tense to pay much mind. But that star-shaped mark? It screamed Saintess here! loud and clear. Hiding it was priority one.
"I could just magic it away real quick."
"...Didn't you say you couldn't use high-level spells like that 'cause you're not a grand mage or whatever?"
I remembered her flipping on a hat just like this back when we first went to the market after her initial lesson, claiming she couldn't do it. Now she was acting like it was no big deal? I could only sigh in exasperation.
"I said I can't do polymorph. That's a total physical transformation. But dyeing my hair a bit, changing my eye color, covering up a forehead mark? Piece of cake. It's not that hard, really."
"Then why didn't you do it back then... Never mind. Drop it. No point arguing now."
Maybe she just didn't feel like it. We were practically strangers at the time. You wouldn't crash at a near-stranger's place and ask for favors, right? Yeah, fair enough.
"Hehe, sorry. I kinda wanted to tease you a little since you were so expectant back then."
"Uh-huh, sure."
Fine, whatever—a saintess with a mean streak for pranks. Not my biggest concern right now. The academy exam kicking off in a few hours? That was priority.
The academy exams split into noble and commoner tracks. Nobles got straight-up traditional tests: fixed problems, find the answers. Commoners? Not so textbook. It was all about proving raw talent in a free-form demo where you show everything you've got. Only those who could back it up earned the right to sit shoulder-to-shoulder with nobles in class.
"Decided how you're gonna show off?"
Since it's free-form, you pick your own method. I'd learned that from the community forum for exam preppers I'd joined recently. You could even bring a verified sparring partner, but asking Estelle felt risky. She wasn't exactly "verified" in the Ermunt Empire, and revealing her status? Way too flashy. Pass.
"Thinking of bringing scarecrows. The ones from Duncan's butcher shop. Use 'em to demo sword techniques, then magic. Variety show."
Most common method, most forum recs. Sure, it meant fewer bonus points, but I had a plan for that too.
Exams ran swordsmanship in the morning, magic in the afternoon. Do both? Automatic 10-point bonus. Total score combines both plus the bonus—way higher pass odds.
"Knew you'd go with that."
"Yup. Simplest and most straightforward."
"I could spar with you."
"Don't wanna advertise I'm buddy-buddy with the saintess."
Post-admission? Maybe. But standing out during the exam? Bad idea. "Oh, this commoner's tight with the saintess—let's scrutinize him extra hard." Fail, and it's game over. Total ruin ending.
"We'll be going to the academy together anyway."
"That's later. Anyway, breakfast's done—time to head out."
Exam time was an hour away. I'd registered online ahead, so just check-in. Lines thinned near deadline, but better safe than sorry.
"Can't risk missing the exam and flunking on a technicality, right?"
"True enough. Let's go."
Said goodbye to my parents, grabbed Estelle's hand, and we warped to the site. Turns out teleport magic was way smoother and comfier than I'd thought—nausea hit me hard even on short hops. Guess I needed more practice.
While Theo and Estelle prepped their warp, the commoner exam hall at Ermunt Academy was buzzing with chaos.
"Heard? Crown Princess Iris is coming to observe the commoner track."
"Yeah, last-minute decision apparently."
"Everyone figured she wouldn't show—been away forever."
The rumor had spread like wildfire: Iris Lua Sa Ermunt herself attending the commoner exam. Royals could observe, sure—the Emperor hit both tracks most years. But Iris? Zero interest so far. And with her long "personal absence" public knowledge, no one expected her now.
The Emperor hadn't pushed her either. But Iris had volunteered for commoners this time, shocking him.
"Man, catch her eye and I'm set for life."
Getting noticed by the princess? Near-guaranteed noble connections post-enrollment. For commoners, one royal tie opened doors to glory. Dream stuff.
But...
"Bring me the list of today's commoner examinees."
"Yes, Your Highness. Prepared in advance."
...Iris, already seated inside, only had eyes for one name.
Ah, Theo. He's 32nd.
"What a surprise. Deciding to observe exams out of the blue."
"Y-Your Imperial Majesty...!"
As Iris checked Theo's slot, the Emperor approached. Everyone nearby bowed trembling; he waved them off casually.
"Eh, interests change suddenly sometimes."
"And? Progress with the saintess in Der Viscounty?"
Her periodic reports were all surface-level fluff. The Emperor was getting antsy.
"I've been filing reports regularly, Your Majesty."
"Skip the formalities. Tell me what you saw of this saintess."
His smile was kindly, tone gentle—like a father-daughter chat. But the content? Miles from warm reunion vibes.
"Well... exactly as reported. Nothing special."
Iris had zero intention of spilling her personal chats with Estelle—or anything about Theo. The Emperor might suspect, but details stayed hidden unless she shared. Hence the public prodding.
...Not to protect those two, obviously. I'm just after perfect peace.
Of course, she kept feeding herself that excuse. Endlessly.