“Wow, so that’s the fabled royal capital, huh…”
I was on my way to the royal capital, riding in a carriage with my younger brother, Schwarz. After passing through a dense forest, the city walls of the royal capital finally came into view ahead.
“Brother, if you keep staring out the window like that, you’ll just look like some country bumpkin. Hehe.“
“Cut me some slack. Unlike you, this is my first time visiting the royal capital.”
Schwarz chuckled mockingly as he said that, but I couldn’t help peeking curiously out the window. This was my first time going to the royal capital, after all—being a little wide-eyed was inevitable.
The reason I was suddenly heading to the royal capital stemmed from an event a few days ago when my lousy father called me in.
A few days ago, in a shabby, rundown shack…
“What? What did you just say?”
“Hmph! Are you deaf? I won’t repeat myself more than once. You’re going to take the entrance exam for the noble academy in the royal capital!”
“…Huh?”
Out of nowhere, my lousy father dropped that bombshell on me. It was so out of the blue that all I could manage was a baffled squeak.
I mean, sure, I’m almost 17 now, but I’ve never been allowed to attend any sort of academy. I’ve always had to study on my own.
So why now? Why force me to take the entrance exam for a noble academy?
“Um, just to clarify… I’m about to turn 17. At what age do people usually start attending this noble academy?”
“Typically, at 15. Schwarz is about to turn 15, so you’ll take the exam alongside him.”
“I see. I get why Schwarz is taking the entrance exam, but isn’t it two years late for me? What’s the point of me taking it now?”
“Enough of your lip! Don’t talk back to me! You’re going to take that exam whether you like it or not!”
“Fine, fine. If Father insists, I’ll go take the exam.”
“Hmph, as you should. You and Schwarz will both take the entrance exam. The exam consists of three parts: a magic aptitude test, a physical fitness test, and an interview.”
“Okay, I see… Wait, what? A magic aptitude test!?”
That’s a problem! My magic power is zero. If magic aptitude is required, there’s no way I’ll get in.
“Of course, as the eldest son of the prestigious Alfeid family, it’s only natural for you to pass with flying colors. Isn’t that right, Seras?”
My lousy father sneered at me as he said that.
(Oh, I see what this is about now.)
Seeing that smirk, everything clicked. My father knew my magic power was zero. I’ve been training in magic for over ten years without being able to cast a single spell.
That’s why he’s always called me useless trash, shoved me aside, and instead lavished all his attention on grooming Schwarz.
Clearly, his plan is to use me as a scapegoat to make Schwarz shine.
(So, his strategy probably goes like this:)
I’ll bomb the magic aptitude test and come out dead last, earning the ridicule of the other applicants.
Meanwhile, Schwarz will ace the test, dazzling everyone. By comparison, Schwarz will be seen as an extraordinary talent, and I’ll be the laughable failure.
This will boost Schwarz’s reputation as an exceptional individual and guarantee his enrollment in the noble academy.
(I guess it’s a win-win for my father and Schwarz.)
After all, I understand the noble academy’s role. It’s not just about academics—it’s also a place to find potential marriage partners.
So it’s crucial for Schwarz to show off his brilliance during the entrance exam to secure a match with a high-ranking noble lady.
“Are you even listening, Seras? You’ll take the entrance exam and score high marks to get into the academy! Understood!?”
“Yes, Father. Understood.”
I obediently lowered my head, playing along. It’s not like he actually expects me to pass… What a conniving old man. But still…
(The royal capital is a place I’ve always wanted to visit. It’s featured so much in the game’s main storyline, and I’ve dreamed of seeing it for myself someday. This is perfect.)
And so, with a lighthearted mindset closer to a mini-vacation than a serious exam attempt, I set off for the royal capital.
