The Royal Academy, where young talents from 18 to 25 congregate.
What some often referred to as the Pandragon Academy, it was quite similar to a military academy.
Social status didn’t matter; they were merely students and cadets.
What they did outside held no significance whatsoever.
…Except for criminals.
Regardless, because of these characteristics, the academy was a melting pot of diverse individuals, including many students who had enrolled to break through the limitations of their status.
However, the entrance exams for the academy were exceedingly difficult, and even if one succeeded in getting admitted, graduating was no walk in the park.
Not only was credit completion required, but if a student failed to achieve average scores in any particular subjects, or fell below set standards, expulsion was quite common.
The average graduation rate? A mere 10%.
Out of a thousand who enrolled, only about a hundred would graduate, a sight as rare as a unicorn.
But if one manages to graduate, the pathway to high-ranking positions within the kingdom opens up, so even nobles were hesitant to drop out of the academy so easily.
Well, despite the evident difficulties, the new students weren’t intimidated and, in fact, overflowed with confidence.
They believed that if they had “confidence,” they could graduate without a hitch.
After all, they were those recognized for their “talents.”
Just getting admitted meant they were mostly hailed as geniuses or prodigies from a young age.
So, they arrogantly had no fear of expulsion.
…However, the confidence in becoming the best was significantly lacking.
This was understandable, as this semester featured a plethora of exceptionally gifted individuals.
For instance:
“Is that woman really the magician?”
“I heard she opened the spellworld all on her own?”
“A genius indeed.”
A beautiful woman with striking blonde hair, reminiscent of a mystical fairy from a hidden tribe. Yet, what stood out even more than her looks was the gentle glow of water-like aura radiating from her.
Magic.
A talent only a few lucky humans are born with.
To be born with it is exceedingly rare, almost like receiving nature’s blessing.
Irene Windler.
A commoner, one of only ten magicians among the new students this year.
However, her talent stood out even among those ten, which is why everyone was paying attention to her.
If yesterday’s newspaper was to be believed, the Duke Galahad had even taken her as his ward…
Thus, it was only natural that all eyes were on her.
“…Hmm.”
However, it seemed she wasn’t one to relish in the attention. Irene Windler shyly turned her head away from the gazes.
As soon as she did, the attention shifted automatically to other individuals.
The Mercenary King’s disciple.
The eldest son of the Swordsmanship Family.
The second daughter of the Chancellor.
The son of a major merchant.
Descendants of mysterious races.
It was clear that these individuals were, without a doubt, the biggest catch of this semester.
“I hate to say it, and I apologize to past cohorts, but this semester is undeniably abundant.”
“Who wouldn’t agree?”
“Some of them are already attracting royal attention.”
“Hmmm.”
“Still, among such remarkable talents, I suspect the top spot this semester will be secured by that individual.”
“Surely…”
“I agree.”
Among a group of brillantly talented individuals, one figure particularly shone through.
With an aura of nobility and stunning looks, the man was so impressive he evoked thoughts of a statue merely by being observed.
Loen Dmitri de Lionel.
The illegitimate son of the Grand Duke. Yet, he was a genius who rendered that title irrelevant.
His prowess was already known to rival most knights, and he was reputed to have opened new horizons in Tactical Techniques.
While gazes directed at Irene held elements of wonder and mystery, the looks on the faces of people watching Loen showed a blend of faint envy and admiration.
Many openly displayed their lowly desire to somehow surpass him, the illegitimate son.
“—–.”
Yet, there wasn’t a hint of disturbance on his face.
His expression was devoid of any humanity, appearing quite cold at a glance.
It was as if he was proclaiming with his whole being: “I am different from you.”
This, perhaps, made him all the more unlikable, but ordinary folks were too busy admiring him.
Noble bloodline and overwhelming talent, along with the impressive achievement of being a top student.
A significant number of both commoners and nobles cast adoring glances in his direction.
[We will now commence the entrance ceremony. Cadets are requested to take their seats, and guardians and guests are also kindly asked to sit down. Once again, we are about to begin the entrance ceremony, so guardians and guests—please!]
As the entrance ceremony finally began, the ambiance hinted at countless unfolding dramas with a remarkable number of students behind them.
* * *
‘…I’m so nervous.’
Irene Windler.
She was trying hard to hold it together, but her whole body was trembling.
No wonder—she was someone who found such attention quite uncomfortable.
If it was up to her, she wouldn’t want anything to do with the academy, merely wishing to lounge around in a cozy nest like a pampered squirrel instead.
That was Irene Windler.
However, she had to attend this academy for one reason and one reason only.
[Wow, Arin, look at this! There are so many people, wow…!]
‘Shut up. I feel like I’m going to throw up from all this tension.’
[You’re just too shy, you could enjoy the situation.]
‘Do I look like someone like you?’
[What do you mean by “someone like me”?]
‘Exactly the type of person you are.’
[…I think Arin sometimes speaks in a language I don’t quite get.]
A loud voice echoed in Irene Windler’s mind.
The owner of that voice was a woman who had been with her for seven years, and simultaneously, the owner of this body.
If someone were to witness this, they might suspect it was a case of split personality, but Irene was not mentally ill; she possessed memories of the world she originally inhabited.
Therefore, she had a strong need to return, along with a duty to return this body to its original owner.
‘Damn angel, I will definitely find you and pluck all your feathers!’
Recalling the one responsible for dragging her into this world, Irene ground her teeth.
[By the way, Arin, I’m not doubting anymore, but is that angel really in this academy like you said?]
‘Absolutely! She makes an appearance to help the female lead near the end of the original story!’
[Oh, the Duke’s daughter, huh?]
‘Exactly.’
[Hmm, I wonder what the Duke’s daughter looks like, heehee.]
‘…It must be nice to have such a simple mind.’
While she was about to have a headache.
‘So far, things are progressing as per the original narrative, so the female lead will definitely make an appearance.’
Haven’t they observed this up until now?
That the contents of the original story were unfolding faithfully.
So, she had to catch that angel in the final moments, whether to suppress her or intimidate her into revealing methods for ending this complicated cohabitation and moving toward a happy ending for both of them.
…However.
‘…Why is the male lead here?’
One thing Irene Windler couldn’t comprehend was exactly that one man over there emanating such an imposing presence.
Loen.
The male lead of the original story; normally, he should have been inciting a rebellion not in the academy but in the Grand Duke’s household at a young age.
But unlike the original, Loen had entered the academy instead of launching a bloody rebellion.
This sight complicated Irene’s feelings.
The butterfly effect of a flow different from the original story could be unknown.
Swish.
Gulp!
As if he had noticed Irene’s gaze, Loen’s eyes turned toward her, and Irene quickly ducked her head to avoid his sight.
The feeling of a razor-sharp gaze continued to prick at her crown, but she knew she couldn’t look back.
[Arin, you coward.]
“Shut up.”
[Hmph, you’re using bad words, Arin.]
…She was definitely an annoying one.
It was infuriating that she was five years younger!
“…Ah, I’m not grumpy!”
Dealing with this spoiled brat for seven years was naturally ruining her temperament.
In hopes of returning to her original sweet nature, she prayed for the day she’d capture the angel.
Just to rip out every last feather and exact her vengeance.
‘My college entrance exam is really…!’
Even to take revenge on the angel who brought a high school senior to this world the night before the exam, she held no intention of giving up.
The fury of an exam candidate was deep and fiery.
[Whoa, Arin, look at that! The teachers, look! Teachers!]
“Not teachers, they’re professors. Can you speak… huh?”
In that moment, Irene Windler blinked in surprise.
Before her, on the podium.
While confirming the professors introducing themselves one after the other, there was someone whose presence felt particularly unique.
What could she say?
‘Why is Tom Hardy in a shoujo manga…?’
More specifically, it reminded her of the mafia role Tom Hardy portrayed in a movie.
And it wasn’t just her illusion; the silence from the crowd confirmed it.
……It was as if the genre had suddenly shifted.
* * *
‘…Did I dress incorrectly?’
She had adhered to the request to wear neat attire, donning a tailcoat.
But since it wasn’t a party, she had thought about what kind of outfit to wear, eventually settling for a suit-like ensemble.
It was decent and tidy enough for a first impression, she thought.
On top of that, she even applied some pomade to her hair, confident that she looked pretty good.
It wasn’t messy, and her first impression wouldn’t be bad either.
However, it felt a bit tight.
Not because she had gained weight, but perhaps because her muscles were growing lately, causing the fabric to cling tightly from her arms to her chest.
Fortunately, the tailor had skillful hands, and the fabric had some stretch. She didn’t think it would rip.
Still, something felt subtly off.
“No, I really didn’t expect it to be this uncomfortable…”
Others were merely dressed very neatly.
There were hardly any nobles in dresses or tailcoats; most wore lighter clothing.
It felt excessively formal, and it was proven true as he stood on the podium and an instant silence enveloped the room.
……When I get home, I’m going to throw this away immediately.
“Let’s wrap this up quickly.”
Ihan fixed his gaze ahead.
He focused solely on Loen among the crowd.
There was one reason for this.
He needed to leave a strong impression on him, and focusing on just one person would be steadier than having his gaze scattered.
With that, Ihan unfolded the simple script he had prepared and began to introduce himself.
“Hmph, a sworn knight, yet you boldly show your face here.”
Swish…!
In that instant, an entirely different kind of silence fell over the auditorium.
Also, some cadet realized how loud they had been even after he spoke, quickly covering their mouth, and seeing that made Ihan smile widely.
‘…Yeah, what kind of script is this?’
Let’s do this my way, just my way.
Crash!
The podium shattered.
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