Chapter 36

The day after parting ways with Shuna.

I was about to head to the Adventurers' Guild as usual, getting my equipment ready, when it happened.

“Oh, are you going for another sword-wielding stroll today? You’re quite spirited, aren’t you!”

Hearing the familiar voice laced with mockery, I sighed inwardly.

Turning around, I found my older brother, Dion, standing there with his arms crossed, as expected.

I composed myself and replied lightly.

“...Dion, do you need something?”

“What’s with that tone? I’m trying to encourage you, and you’re being so disrespectful.”

I almost retorted, “How is that encouragement?” but managed to hold it back at the last moment. It wouldn’t have made any difference anyway.

Seeing me like this, Dion continued with a smug expression.

“Of course, no matter how hard you try with just the [Void Crest], you’ll never match me with the [All Crest]!”

“...”

What’s going on? He seems even more arrogant than before.

Is he that happy that I was given the [Void Crest]?

He probably thinks this settles our status once and for all.

(From the looks of it, the rumors that he’s been slacking off in his training might be true...)

A few days ago, Dion said his level had surpassed 40, but I’m just one step behind at level 39.

He likely hasn’t even imagined the situation we’re in.

(Well, it’s better if he doesn’t notice.)

Right after I thought that,

“Oh, there you both are.”

“...Edgar”

An elderly gentleman with neatly styled white hair appeared before us.

His name is Edgar, the head butler who has served the Sylphid family for many years and usually works as a close aide to Duke, our father.

It seemed Edgar had something to discuss with us, and he spoke slowly.

“Master Zeros, Master Dion. The master has a message for you both. He requests that you come to his office immediately.”

Edgar’s voice was calm, but his gaze was strong and determined.

It seemed to be an important matter.

“Understood. I’ll go right away.”

“Sure, sure.”

I responded, and Dion nodded reluctantly.

After that, we moved to the office as instructed.

Upon entering with permission, we found Duke waiting for us.

He is the head of the Sylphid family and my father, who holds the [Magic Crest]. Despite being over 40, he looks youthful and exudes a commanding presence.

“You’re here. Stand over there.”

We obediently followed his short command.

“I have something important to tell you. The Royal Academy’s entrance exams are approaching, and I assume you’re aware of that?”

I and Dion nodded in response.

The Royal Academy.

It is the world’s premier educational institution in the Kingdom of Alexia.

While it’s not necessary to attend if you only aim to be the strongest, I have my reasons for planning to enroll.

As I organized my thoughts, Duke continued.

“Of course, you both have the qualifications to take the entrance exams... However, it is our family’s policy not to allow anyone who would tarnish the Sylphid name to take the exam. I’ve mentioned this before, but I hope you haven’t forgotten.”

“Yes, Father.”

“Of course.”

Hearing our responses, Duke continued his explanation.

“The Royal Academy holds entrance exams twice a year. The longer the time since the granting of a crest, the more advantageous or disadvantageous it can be. Naturally, the difference is significant after six months, but the minimum period since the granting of a crest is taken into consideration.”

I nodded quietly in response to Duke’s explanation.

As Duke said, the Royal Academy holds entrance exams twice a year.

Unfortunately, Dion and I have birthdays that are just under six months apart, so we are scheduled to take the same exam.

While the period since the granting of a crest is considered, it’s inevitable that it will affect the examiners’ impressions.

In this exam, Dion is the most advantageous, and those who recently received their crests, like us, are the most disadvantaged.

(But that doesn’t really matter to me.)

Thanks to my steady level-ups, I already possess top-tier strength among the examinees.

Even if the conditions were equal, I would almost certainly pass.

As I thought this, Duke continued, “However.”

“The meaning of not tarnishing the Sylphid name... It includes not only strength but also the dignity of a noble.”

Duke’s presence grew even stronger.

It was as if he was telling us not to miss a single word.

“In the case of nobles, one servant is allowed to accompany them to the Academy. This servant must have a minimum level of strength and behave appropriately as a servant of the Sylphid family.”

Duke continued with a stern expression.

“Now, to the main point. I will give you both a challenge. Find a servant to serve you. If you can’t find someone who respects you as their master, you don’t deserve to enter the Academy. The deadline is one week. If you can’t find an appropriate servant by then, you will have to give up on the entrance exam. Understand?”

“Yes, I understand.”

“Please leave it to me, Father.”

Hearing our responses, Duke nodded solemnly and said, “You may leave now,” dismissing us.

As I stepped into the corridor, I reflected on Duke’s actions.

I found his behavior somewhat surprising.

(When I was given the [Void Crest], Father only said, ‘I have nothing to tell you.’ Given his focus on strength, I thought he had lost interest in me... But at least for now, he’s treating me the same as Dion.)

As I thought this, Dion laughed smugly beside me.

“Ha! Too bad, Zeros.”

“What do you mean?”

“It’s about the servant, of course! I have the [All Crest], so I’ll find one easily... But what about you, the incompetent one?”

I responded calmly.

“Dion, overconfidence in your crest’s power is dangerous. A servant isn’t just a tool. A relationship based on mutual understanding and trust is necessary.”

“Wh-What right do you have to lecture me?!”

Dion’s face turned red with anger.

He turned on his heel and declared without looking back.

“Well, be miserable and try your hardest, you incompetent one!”

With those final words, Dion left.

I watched his back, thinking about the future.

(Well, what should I do? Someone with strength, noble-level education, and someone I can trust wholeheartedly... Will I find such a person so easily?)

There are many challenges ahead.

But for now, I decided to head to the Adventurers' Guild as planned.

No, no...!

Someone with strength close to Zeros, a built trust relationship, and noble-level education... Such a convenient person doesn’t exist easily!

By the way, in this world, only nobles or families of similar status have family names. Ah...

Next time: '037 Proposal'

Stay tuned!