In those days, in the Baron's house...

"Silly! Why should I be recalled to the Sorcery Guild?

Teacher Kahle hit the floor with parchment.

This is the library of the Baron's.

Teacher Kahle had a rough breath before a letter from the 'Sorcery Guild' that had just arrived.

The text in the letter...

"Class D Mage Kahle-Meegen

This time, there was a serious mistake in the information submitted by your Lordship on the "Test Candidate Site".

As a result, those who went to see below were harmed.

Originally, your lord was called back to explain (shudder), but given the future of Zeros-Grossalia, the exam was to be conducted as planned.

Until the end of the exam, your lord will do his job as usual and then return to the Sorcery Guild.

"Don't be ridiculous! What happened to those who came to the exam hall? What do you know about such a lower end?! I just chose where Zeros-Grossalia stands out the most!! Is that going to be my fault!?

I knew there would be demons in the back mountains.

But it is also a place where the common man Yuki-Grossalia can go hunting with ease.

I was going to show off his excellence by making Zeros work in the same place.

But I didn't know anyone who went down there would be attacked by demons.

"If only Zeros-Grossalia had passed the exam......"

That's the only hope I have.

Anyone who enters the educational institution of the "Sorcery Guild" may choose his or her master.

If we let Zeros choose himself as his master, Kahle would also be an guild and be able to maintain that position.

I'm sure it will. Zeros is grateful to himself. Because I've been educating you to feel that way.

But what if Zeros fails the exam...?

"When that happens... I, too, have to make a decision"

Kahle-Meegen held his head.

(How could I see this!?

(Why do you have to make a choice like betting your life here!?

(How could...)

"but ahhhh!!

Yeah, yeah.

Step on parchment scattered all over the floor. Over and over again.

Princess Iris comes here as planned.

The test will be carried out as scheduled. Perhaps the cahel on the spot should be treated the way it has always been.

so that some young people in the future (Zeros-Grossalia) can take their exams as usual.

"... then I will only continue 'Teacher Kahle'"

Zeros-Grossalia has set enemies.

If you keep doing that, he'll be just like he's always been.

"Doctor, may I?

Unexpectedly, I heard a knock.

Zeros-Grossalia.

"I need to talk to you. May I come in?"

"... come in. Zeros."

After picking up the scattered parchment, Kahle replied.

The door opens and a blue-faced zero comes in.

"… sir. Something's going on."

"A little... my hand slipped, I just dropped the book. What more could you do?

"… sir"

Zeros looks up at the tutor's face, twinkling.

"Can I really pass the exam?"

"What are you talking about now?!?

Teacher Kahle grabbed Zeros' shoulder.

"Don't say anything weak! Her Royal Highness is already in the Realm!?

"... but"

"You are the son of the Baron Grossaria family. In front of Her Royal Highness the Princess, we must show all possible strength. With such weakness, it just gives that common man a gap to follow!

"Is it about Yuki..."

"Yep. I told you so many times!? A common son is a vermin nestled in a noble house. Even to get rid of it, we have to join forces to face a common enemy!!

Kahle, gibberish, and grazed his back teeth.

"So was my home. The Meegens have become a mayhem because of the common man who excels in witchcraft. I don't want Zeros to feel the same way, so I'm saying it for Zeros!

"... but Yuki said... my... oops..."

"Please don't! I told you many times!? What is he doing behind it?"

Teacher Kahle scorned Zeros.

Behind Zeros's brain comes the word Kahle has ever spoken.

─ ─ Yuki-Grossalia is trying to get rid of Zeros.

─ ─ Rumors of Zeros are spreading to the servants in the back. That Kahle explored. So the servants leave when they and Zeros are together.

─ ─ Even my sister, Loomia, is nostalgic for Yuki. That's his ruse, too.

─ ─ I heard that. There were stories like this. But I shouldn't tell the Baron. I don't know what the scolded guy will do.

─ ─ If Zeros shows superior power, he can blow it all away. It's okay... you're the only teacher Kahel's on your side.

"Zeros, we have given you an example item. That's what connects me to Zeros. With that one, the anxiety is relieved. Isn't that right?

"Yes, sir"

Zeros put it on his right arm, saw a black amulet.

I always wore this when I heard from Kahle about Yuki.

When I touch this, my anxiety also subsides. Now it's something that Zeros can't let go of.

"Yuki, what has happened as a result of what you have left behind? Forgot which one your father praised for letting go of Yuki"

"But... that doesn't mean Yuki has talent"

"Then how do you explain that His Royal Highness the Princess was instructed to 'bring all the Baron'?!?

"Hit," Zeros screams small.

Because Kahle, who shouted out loud, slapped his desk with his fist.

Teacher Kahle does not allow objections. At first Zeros was also afraid of Kahle.

But I'm used to it.

The arms of "Ancient Magic" are up. This is how I got to the point of taking the 'Magic Guild' exam.

That means Teacher Kahle is right (...).

"Why don't you know!? How could Her Royal Highness know about Yuki in the first place? Yet His Royal Highness wrote to me to summon all the barons. You must know what that means, Zeros!?

"... for Yuki to get rid of me... spreading rumors of himself...?

"Thank you for understanding."

"Yuki said...... during the exam he was going on a journey. To spread rumors to other towns...? To spread my name and to silence me..."

"You found yourself in a dangerous position, didn't you?

".................. Dr. Kahle"

"I'm the only one on your side. It's just me. Zeros."

Teacher Kahle sighed, ha.

Then tap Zeros' shoulder lightly,

"Zeros, you have talent. Trust yourself and use your best witchcraft. His Royal Highness must also acknowledge the high magic."

"Yes, Doctor."

Zeros nodded, still pale.

Teacher Kahle flicks the hem of the robe and tells.

"You have to win. For the Baron family. Above all, as a proud student. I expect the end. Master Zeros-Grossalia, the Baron's man."

─ ─ The next day, in front of the Baron's mansion ─

The entire family of the Baron's family lined up in front of the mansion.

Father, Brother Zeros, it's my turn, Loomia.

Keep your distance. There's a butler nail behind you and all the servants. Martha is with me.

Teacher Kahle is holding back behind his brother.

"Loomia is relieved"

Next to me, Loomia snapped small.

"Now you will have declared before the Princess that Brother Yuki is a member of the Baron's family."

"I wonder if I could stay with Martha and the others."

"... Brother Yuki. Well."

Loomia looked up at my face. He looked like he was going to cry.

They can't escape.

I sighed.

"Everybody, be quiet. There you are."

A black painted carriage approaches, with a golden edge.

Two white horses are towing the carriage. Don't look down on the nobles. Their lords are gripping. Behind the carriage are soldiers. Next to the carriage... I guess an escort. You look so familiar though.

An old man with gray hair with a long axe on his back.

Definitely.

We met a few days ago in Back Mountain, it's Mr. Barnes.

Huh.

I knelt on the ground before Mr. Barnes turned his gaze this way.

"Here, Yuki. It's still early."

Sorry, Father. Let me hide.

You won't be disrespectful for kneeling early.

That's why I didn't want to come to the mansion, because I knew the two of them were related to Her Royal Highness.

I wanted to be among the servants, with Martha and the others, if possible.

It was no other teacher, Kahle, who dragged me out.

"I wonder what you mean by absenteeism while you are of the Baron's house, Yuki which"

─ What?

If it wasn't for Brother Zeros's teacher, I'd beat him up.

"I would like to thank Her Royal Highness Princess Iris-Leastia for her visit!!

Unexpectedly, my father shouted.

In front of us, a black painted boxcarriage stopped.

The people of the house kneel together.

My father raises his voice again.

"I would like to thank the Baron family for the opportunity to take the Zeros-Grossalia exam"

"A cordial welcome, welcome"

There was a sound of the carriage door opening.

Someone's coming down.

"This is not a royal palace. I have been a 'Lindbell Magic Guild' examiner, not a princess. You don't have to, Mr. Zeros-Grossalia."

"... eh"

In front of me, a man in white shoes stopped.

When I looked up, a silver-haired girl stood.

My back is as good as mine. I wear golden hair decorations. It's the same thing Mr. Clara gave me.

"I am Iris-Leastia."

Mr. Clara (...) said.

With a gentle smile on his face like the first time.

"Mr. Zeros wants to know that you have excellent magic skills. I'm so excited to see you at that young age."

"No. Her Royal Highness!"

My father raised his voice.

"That's my brother Yuki. This exam will be taken by Zeros, the next child."

"Thank you for your patience."

Princess Iris lowered her head gently and moved next to me.

"Nice to meet you, Mr. Zeros-Grossalia"

"… it is an honor to have the opportunity to worship you. Her Royal Highness Princess Iris-Leastia"

Riri, and I heard Brother Zeros's teeth squeal.

My brother is laughing at me on the side. And Kahle.

In the air, the barons and Her Royal Highness and the rest of us are facing each other.

On Her Royal Highness's side are Her Royal Highness Iris himself and Mr. Barnes with an axe.

The other soldiers are rolling this one away.

You mean Her Royal Highness and Mr. Barnes are involved in this exam?

"Now let's start the exam."

"Ha. We've arranged the venue. Her Royal Highness."

Teacher Kahle looked up.

"This kakhel will guide you to the 'Kitral Forest', the venue"

"... thank you. Kahle-Meegen"

Princess Iris sighed quietly before answering.

"Since this is an area involving magic, we decided that there are only a few people to accompany us."

"There is no smudge in this cahel. We tell Baron Georg and his family to wait for the test results at the Mansion."

"Okay. This one will accompany the Barnes. I don't mind."

"As Her Royal Highness says."

Mr. Clara was Her Royal Highness Princess Iris-Leastia.

Mr. Barnes is that escort. That means he's a pretty tall guy.

The two were sneaking around hiding their identities and coming down to the exam venue. I would have used a pseudonym to keep it from making a scene. So, I didn't name them either, so they made a mistake between me and Brother Zeros. I was using magic then, too.

"... I didn't want to get involved with the royal family."

It's hard to be a normal person.

One by one, uncertainty stacks up and relationships change.

To tell you the truth, I want to run away now.

But if you think about the Baron family, wouldn't you?

"Let's hope your brother passes the exam."

If Brother Zeros enters the 'Lindbell Magic Guild' and gets close to the upper nobility, the Baron Glossaria family is at ease. I can safely go to general school. Going missing in the future is no problem.

I'm foreign in this Baron's house.

"The Phantom (Nosferatu)" is far away and quiet, and I will wish my family luck.

"... so I would ask the Baron family to help me with the exam"

"To our house, is that it?

"Yes, Baron Georg. Zeros, in order to be sure of your magical talents, you will need to compare them."

"Hmmm... but whoever has a witchcraft mind in our house..."

"You don't have to have a witchcraft mind. Because what you need for the test is the ability to manipulate magic and the ability to apply it, and the stress against the crisis. If possible, those close to each other along with age, physique and gender are desirable."

"I see! If that's the case. Give me a yuki."

When I realized, my father and Her Royal Highness were looking at me.

"Yuki has excellent application as a child. I didn't tell you anything, but I've set a trap on the back mountain on my own, so much so that I can catch my prey. There's also the kindness to give that to me lightly! He's my proud son."

"Well. Really?"

Father, what are you doing?

Princess Iris isn't a "well" either.

You must be here for Brother Zeros' exam. You don't have to worry about me!

"Then, Master Yuki-Grossalia. Zeros, can I help you with your exam?

"This man is a bastard! Your Highness!!

Teacher Kahle screamed.

"This is a woman Baron Georg met on the battlefield, who gave birth to someone who doesn't know any blood muscle. Involve such a person in the exam, etc!

"Oh? This Iris mother was also a common son of the Marquis."

"That's a different story. What I'm saying is we're talking about a human sequence."

"My brother, you help my brother with your exams. You don't think this is sequential?

Her Royal Highness was naughty and made me try to close one eye.

"But!"

"Kahle-Meegen! Get out of the way. This exam is already out of your hands!!

Unexpectedly, Her Royal Highness raised her voice.

"Your job is to choose a test venue. That's already over. To facilitate the exam, we will not rate it now!! Now we just prioritize exams to find talented people. Get rid of it."

"... so, Your Highness. I... I am"

"Your Highness is right, Doctor."

My father took a few steps forward.

I kneel before Her Royal Highness and bow my head deeply.

"I will obey His Highness the Princess. I order my son Yuki to assist me with the exam. Zeros, that's fine."

"... where I want it"

Brother Zeros looked at me.

"Don't run away. Yuki."

Brother Zeros whispered.

Keep your face close to me so no one else can hear you.

"I'll remind you of the difference between birth. You know what happens when you run away."

"What happens...?

"The next prince is me. It's me. Sooner or later, the Baron family will change as I wish. I know you're trying to get rid of me at the Mansion."

"What's up? Zeros, Yuki"

"It's nothing. I was just doing Yuki a favor."

In my father's voice, Brother Zeros left me.

Like nothing happened, I'm laughing. Teacher Kahle too.

"I understand, Father, Brother. Let me be present for the exam."

I said.

Because I wanted to talk to your brother.

Exam in progress. In a place where there is no teacher kahle.