Chapter 133: Day of the Entrance Exam (1)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 133: Day of the Entrance Exam (1)
“We’re nearly there, Princess White.”
Märchen Academy was bustling with life for the first time in a long while, finally regaining its former vibrancy.
On this sunny morning, the school gates stood wide open as young examinees marched across the grounds, their faces set with grim determination.
It was the day of the entrance exam.
Despite the recent string of unfortunate incidents, the competition for a seat at Märchen Academy hadn’t wavered in the slightest. Its reputation as the continent’s premier institution remained unshakable, bolstered by the Imperial Family’s public declaration that they would personally protect the academy from the demonic threat.
Furthermore, the news that the Fifth Imperial Princess would be enrolling had provided a much-needed sense of security to the prospective students.
Crossing the bridge that linked the Zelver Empire to the Märchen Academy grounds offered a breathtaking view of the expansive Arkins Sea. A magnificent carriage, flanked by a heavy guard detail, was currently making that crossing. It was a luxurious blue vessel accented with gold trim—the signature colors of the Zelver Imperial Family.
Inside, a girl with grey eyes stared out the window.
Her pure white hair, which shimmered like fresh snow in the sunlight, was neatly braided and tied back with a vibrant red ribbon. Her skin was as flawless as a porcelain doll’s, and she wore an exquisite dress that perfectly balanced white and red.
This was Imperial Princess Snow White, commonly known as White.
“…”
White didn’t respond to the knight sitting across from her.
The knight was Merlin Astrea, daughter of the Sword Saint, Gerald Astrea. Despite still being a student at the academy herself, Merlin was a prodigy who had been handpicked to serve as White’s personal escort.
Merlin’s reminder that they were almost there was undoubtedly meant to help White prepare herself mentally. However, White simply continued to gaze distantly at the horizon beyond the Arkins Sea, her expression wistful.
“…Merlin.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
White blinked once, then turned to Merlin. Her face was suddenly pale with fear, and her shoulders began to tremble.
“I-I know it’s a bit late, but can’t we just turn around and go back now…?”
Her voice was pathetic, a sharp contrast to the heavy, contemplative aura she had projected only moments before.
“That is not possible. This is an Imperial Order.”
“Look at that vast sea! Think of how many lives must be born in its depths. Surely there are demons out there, right? Yes, of course there are! Oh, just thinking about it…! And so many demons have been appearing here lately! This place is practically a demon realm! Why on earth hasn't it been abandoned yet? No, that’s going too far, but why isn't it at least temporarily closed? No matter how I look at it, i-isn’t it too dangerous? It would be much better to go back right now, wouldn't it?!”
“Regardless of Your Highness’s protests, His Imperial Majesty’s will remains unchanged.”
That damned Imperial Order, Imperial Order…!
Tears welled up in White’s eyes.
Father, why must you put me through such trials…!
White was the only princess of age eligible to attend the academy. Despite her high status, her only wish was to enjoy a peaceful youth, studying and growing alongside her peers.
She had been completely excluded from the imperial succession struggle from the start. Having been raised like a delicate flower in a greenhouse, it was perhaps natural for her to harbor such cowardly feelings. Moreover, the mere thought of navigating the undercurrents of the upcoming battle for the throne was immensely burdensome.
Inevitably, her desire to flee the Imperial Palace had only grown. However, telling Emperor Carlos that she wanted to go to the academy had turned out to be the root of all her problems.
Of all places, why did it have to be Märchen Academy…
“I want to go to Märchen Academy.”
Not long after she had uttered those words, demons began appearing at the school one after another. Then there was that "Black Monster" who was rumored to have reached the level of an Archwizard. Where did such a suspicious monster even come from? What were the faculty and the Imperial Knights doing if they couldn't even identify it?
In her mind, Märchen Academy had transformed into a literal hellscape where she could lose her life at any moment.
The protection of the Imperial Knights? That wasn't nearly enough to reassure her. She was a naturally fearful person, prone to imagining the worst-case scenarios until she scared herself half to death.
But when she finally decided to give up on the idea, Emperor Carlos was the one who pushed her forward.
The reason was Bianca Anturaze, the Saintess of the Helize Church and a high-ranking noble of the Holy Kingdom of Bardio, and Miya, the Priestess of Horan, the Land of Fire Blossoms.
The Emperor had learned that both of them planned to enroll in Märchen Academy.
White had been told in no uncertain terms that she must build friendships with those two. It was for the "future of the Empire." Even the Empress had agreed.
In the end, a cornered White was forced to undergo grueling special lessons to ensure her admission. Now, she was here to take the entrance exam like a patient being forced to swallow a bitter pill.
Why doesn't she just fail the exam on purpose?
I can’t. I absolutely can’t…!
The responsibility placed on White’s shoulders was crushing. Where else could she find a social venue like Märchen Academy, where she could stand side-by-side with a Saintess and a Priestess?
On this small island, the chance to become peers with individuals who wielded such immense global influence was not just rare—it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Furthermore, she was a princess. Having received a top-tier education from the greatest wizards of the Magic Towers, she was confident in her skills. With an imperial recommendation letter already delivered to the academy, bonus points were a guarantee.
If someone like her failed the exam, the fallout would be catastrophic. White couldn't even fathom such a terrifying future.
The Saintess and the Priestess will definitely pass.
After all, they were rumored to be as intelligent as they were powerful. The Priestess, in particular, was said to be a formidable being capable of summoning nation-destroying magic beasts as her familiars. She was so revered in Horan that she was worshipped as a true "Divine Maiden." Thanks to her, Horan was said to be enjoying a golden age.
Every piece of information felt like another sandbag being piled onto White’s shoulders, weighing her down.
“Merlin, I’m scared…” White whimpered, trembling.
Merlin closed her eyes and tilted her head in thought, her dark green ponytail swaying with the movement. After pondering how to respond, she gave a firm, serious nod.
“Hmm!”
She pumped a fist in front of her chest, her eyes sparkling.
“The responsibility entrusted to you is immense, Princess White! The future of this country… no, the future of the entire world depends on you! Be strong! You will do great!”
“Gasp…!”
White felt like she might actually cough up blood from the sheer pressure.
*
The written exam took place in Orphin Hall.
White was on the verge of tears because her intensive training had actually paid off. While she wasn't at the very top, she was confident she had scored well enough to secure her admission.
After finishing the practical exam in the dome-shaped Duke Hall, White walked out with a dazed expression, a sharp contrast to the confident stride of her escort, Merlin.
Regardless of her internal state, she was still the princess. Other students stood at attention with nervous faces as she passed, but White was too overwhelmed to notice.
“Merlin.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“I think… I think I passed…”
“As expected of Princess White. You are truly splendid.”
“No, that’s not it! I didn’t want to be this good! All that hard work wasn't supposed to—!”
Thud!
Near the stairs leading to the spectator seats, a male examinee screamed and tumbled down. The boy groaned in pain; he had only rolled down three steps, so he wasn't seriously injured, but the commotion drew everyone's attention.
“Ugh… Who did that?!” The boy started to yell in anger, but the words died in his throat as he gasped for air.
On the stairs stood a girl with her leg still extended, an indifferent expression on her face. It was obvious to everyone that she had kicked him. She hadn't even tried to hide it.
Beneath a black beret, her hair flowed like black jade. Her sideburns were neatly braided, and her gentle eyes were accentuated by sharp, red cat-eye makeup. A black robe bearing the fire and plum blossom emblem of Horan covered her down to her knees, but because her leg was raised, her fair, shapely legs were on full display. The luxurious black fur on the robe’s collar suggested the garment was worth a fortune.
“Priestess… Miya…” Merlin murmured.
“Move. You’re in the way.”
The Priestess lowered her leg. Her attitude was incredibly nonchalant.
The air in Duke Hall grew heavy. Not only was the victim startled, but the other examinees and Princess White were equally shocked.
Miya, the Priestess of Horan. She was a girl who had demonstrated such overwhelming ability that she was the undisputed favorite for the top seat in the entrance exam. She was a ruler in all but name in the Eastern Nations, revered as a "Divine Maiden."
In the terms of the Zelver Empire, it was as if the power of the Emperor and the religious authority of the Saintess were concentrated into a single girl. Anyone with a basic education knew who she was. Even here in the Empire, her status was untouchable.
But still…
White was baffled. The boy had just been blocking the way. Couldn't she have just asked him to move? Kicking him was a complete overreaction. The Priestess’s beautiful, gentle face didn't seem to match her personality at all.
“Shall we go, Lady Miya?”
“Yeah, yeah.”
Responding to her escort’s prompt in an annoyed tone, Miya hurried her pace. The startled boy scrambled to his feet to apologize, but Miya didn't even look back.
“Oh, Manhalla…”
White touched her forehead in despair, calling out the name of her god. The scene made her head spin.
I have to befriend a woman with such a shitty personality? Just based on that first impression?
What am I going to do with this bleak future?
White looked to Merlin for help, but the knight simply gave her a thumbs-up, her eyes sparkling with encouragement. Her expression seemed to say, ‘Princess, you can do it! Make friends for the sake of world peace!’
It brought fresh tears to White’s eyes.
Meanwhile, Priestess Miya hummed a tune as she walked demurely out of Duke Hall.
The Princess, the Saintess, and the Priestess were all world-famous; they each possessed exceptional beauty that drew constant stares from the crowd. Despite her sharp makeup, Miya’s eyes surveyed her surroundings with innocent curiosity.
“Hehe.”
Miya suddenly let out a soft giggle.
“Is something the matter, my Lady?” her escort asked.
Miya held a magic weapon shaped like a black fan, gently tapping it against her lower lip as she turned to her guard.
“Someone is watching me.”
“What? Who…?” The escort immediately reached for the wand at her waist, dropping into a defensive stance.
“Mae is telling me now. It’s no ordinary gaze. This is… a mystical power. It must be him.”
Miya’s face flushed. ‘Mae’ was her nation-destroying familiar, the nine-tailed fox.
“Hehe, he’s watching over me…! Ah…!”
Take me, Sir Hero.
This was the constant, secret plea of Miya, the Priestess of Horan.
‘He’ referred to the Black Monster, the Nameless Hero—the transcendent being who slaughtered demons and had single-handedly defeated the Floating Island just months ago.
It was clear that Miya, who usually treated everyone else like trash, was utterly obsessed with the Nameless Hero. Her devotion was nothing short of dramatic.
The escort was used to Miya’s eccentricities, but seeing her moan in excitement was a bit much, even for her.
Still, she was confused.
“What gaze?”
No matter how much she scanned the area, the escort saw nothing out of the ordinary. There was only the familiar scenery of Märchen Academy.
She had no way of knowing that Isaac was currently monitoring the entire campus through his [Clairvoyance].