Chapter 19
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 19
Chapter Title: Academy Entrance Exam (3)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
The morning after the entrance exam, I slipped out of the dorm with Elena.
The cool air of the early dawn, which hadn't yet faded, felt quite welcoming. In the North, I'd spent most days at temperatures like this, so it felt familiar too.
We soon arrived at the Academy's main gate. There, despite the early hour, a huge crowd had gathered, and everyone's eyes were fixed on one spot.
"Loben, did you pass?"
"I failed...."
"Don't take it too hard. There's always next year, right?"
"This was my last chance...."
Some laughed, some cried.
What was there to say? They were all staring at the list of successful examinees from yesterday's exam.
It would be ideal if everyone passed, but sadly, no such miracle occurred.
Still, announcing the results after just one day? Even with fewer applicants, wasn't that too fast?
The professors at the Academy might not have the easiest job.
That was when Elena suddenly spoke up.
"Luke, are you nervous?"
"A bit."
"Don't worry too much. You definitely passed."
How could she be so sure?
The question crossed my mind, but I didn't voice it. She might just be saying it to ease my tension.
She'd teased me relentlessly yesterday, but today she was acting all supportive. Our lady's moods seemed as fickle as reeds swaying in the wind.
"I'll go check."
"No. Let's go together."
"Then I'll clear a path for you."
I pushed through the crowd, shielding Elena as best I could.
The bulletin board we reached had three lists posted: Swordsmanship Department on the left, General Studies Department in the middle, and Magic Department on the right.
'Let's see....'
My eyes went first not to the Swordsmanship Department, but to the Magic Department.
I'd probably passed anyway, so no need to check mine right away. I was just curious about Elena's results.
The showdown between the Future Magic Tower Lord, who'd never lost top spot in the original story, and Elena, whose talents had blossomed? How could a reader resist?
I scanned up from the bottom, and only at the very top did I find Elena's name.
[Magic Department Top Enrollee - Elena Frozenheart]
Elena’s name was written in dazzling gold letters.
Who had looked after her since childhood, if not me, her attendant?
Well, attendant or not, it felt more like we'd grown up as childhood friends....
Anyway, I was proud. My chest swelled with emotion, tears threatening to spill.
"My lady, congratulations. You're top enrollee."
"So it seems."
Elena gave a pleased smile.
Of course she was happy....
"Congrats, Luke. You're top enrollee too."
"...Pardon?"
I hurriedly shifted my gaze to the Swordsmanship Department list.
'Why is this real...?'
There, in the top spot where Yubel Lutwalt's name should have been, was mine, bold as brass. I could see it with my own eyes, yet I couldn't believe it.
But if I had to say, it wasn't exactly thrilling. For someone who wanted to live quietly, it wasn't welcome news. A middling pass would have suited me better.
'Did the General Studies top spot change too...?'
I glanced sideways at the General Studies list.
[General Studies Department Top Enrollee – Evan Kaiser]
Evan Kaiser. The empire's proud third prince and one of Elena's suitors in the original story.
He'd been top enrollee in General Studies there too, so that one hadn't changed.
Then Elena's finger poked my furrowed brow.
"Keep frowning like that, and you'll get wrinkles."
"Sorry."
"But what's bothering you? You're top enrollee and still making that face?"
"It's not really a worry. Just... it's a bit overwhelming for me."
"Why? You excelled, so you got great results. That's all there is to it."
If only I could think that carefree....
Knowing what happened in the original story, I couldn't.
Being top enrollee in a department wasn't as light a matter as I'd thought.
"Let's head inside first. We need uniforms and dorm assignments."
"Yes, my lady."
"'My lady'...."
Elena strode ahead, then burst into a snicker.
"At the Academy, all students are equal. You should know that already."
For some reason, Elena's smile felt particularly ominous today.
At the Academy, all students are equal.
A fact I knew well from reading the original novel. Cecily, Elena's future mentor, had even mentioned it offhand once.
'Well, that's just on the surface. Reality's different.'
This was noble society, after all. People born into ranks wouldn't shed them overnight.
Sure, there were exceptions like Yubel Lutwalt, but they were just that—exceptions. Most moved by class.
The Frozenheart Duke probably enrolled me to keep serving Elena closely. Why else would he care about a mere attendant?
The issue was that Elena was an exception too.
"Luke, what do you think?"
In a quiet garden on the Academy grounds, Elena twirled this way and that, showing off her uniform.
Honestly, her looks were beyond reproach. Even as a snot-nosed kid, her beauty had been overwhelming.
"It suits you well, my l—"
"Elena."
"It suits you well, Elena."
"Not equal at all. Planning to break Academy rules?"
Elena's eyes sharpened like a predator eyeing prey.
'Why put me through trials like this?'
I got it—students were equal at the Academy. As a student, I had to follow the rules.
But before that, I was Elena's attendant. I couldn't cross the line.
That would betray the Frozenheart Ducal Family, who fed me.
Elena sighed shortly and slowly shook her head.
"You're so stuffy."
"If I'm stuffy, the world's like ten-year-old cheese."
"Better if you couldn't talk at least."
"Shut my mouth, and you'd complain about that too."
"Obviously."
Why was that obvious...?
Thank goodness she hadn't grown venomous, but her pickiness made headaches in other ways. No clue which beat to follow.
"Anyway, I'm looking forward to it."
"Because you'll be on stage tomorrow?"
"That's part, but just... what'll happen at the Academy."
"I see...."
Sadly, I couldn't agree. Like most novels, protagonists faced trials and tribulations.
I probably wouldn't skate by unscathed either. I'd roll as much or more than her.
Still, I'd braced for that when I became Elena's exclusive attendant.
"Oh, right. They say His Imperial Majesty the Emperor's coming tomorrow too."
"He came last year as well, I recall."
"Last year for the princess, this year for the prince's enrollment."
Yeah, a parent would want to see their kid start school. Especially as top enrollee in a department. He'd be thrilled.
Problem was, tomorrow's stage wouldn't just have the prince and Elena.
'This is why I hate being top enrollee....'
My grand plan to stay low-key as Elena's attendant, living easy, was crumbling.
Hoping for a downpour....
You never know. A peeved emperor might just turn back.
I wished desperately, but alas, it didn't come true.
"Luke, the weather's especially nice today."
"...Yeah."
It was so clear, not a cloud in sight. Almost like the gods heard my prayer and twisted it.
Later, Elena and I arrived at the auditorium.
Already packed for the entrance ceremony, and among them were faces I didn't care to see.
"Luke—!"
Like he'd been waiting. Despite the distance, Yubel spotted me and yelled my name, drawing all eyes.
"Luke—! Top enrollee! Congrats!"
Soon up close, Yubel slung an arm around my shoulders like old pals.
Not that he was bad. Just didn't mesh with me.
Being around this guy drained my energy constantly.
"Yubel Lutwalt, I don't think we're that close."
"Cross swords once, you're all friends. Anyway, who's this...?"
Yubel's gaze turned to Elena.
And the look in his eyes was totally different.
'Love at first sight...?'
He just stared blankly at her, speechless.
This guy who'd bantered casually with me, now 'this lady'...?
Proof looks matter. If I were drop-dead handsome, he'd treat me better too.
"Elena Frozenheart, lady of the Frozenheart Ducal Family."
"R-right. I remember. We met at a banquet when we were kids...."
Yubel was about to ramble tediously about the past.
"New students, please take your seats."
The Academy entrance ceremony was starting.
Come to think of it, something happened at the ceremony too, right...?
Couldn't recall, so probably nothing major.