Chapter 21

As the "dark curtain" fell away, Ruisa and Sharo revealed themselves to the audience.

Then, Sharo declared her defeat on the spot.

The audience, surprised by this sudden turn of events, began to murmur, but no one found it strange given Ruisa's overwhelming skill.

The examiner, Regas, approached the two and asked,

"Are you sure, Charlotte?"

"Yes, I don't mind losing. Just please don't revoke Rui's admission."

"Well, I welcome Ruisa's admission... but what about the promise you made if you lost?"

"Ah!"

Ruisa and Sharo exclaimed simultaneously upon hearing this.

They had completely forgotten about the promise Sharo made if she lost.

"If you win... well, I'll become your slave or anything you want."

The rules of the duel were absolute.

This meant that Sharo would become Ruisa's slave as soon as she lost.

"A, ah, I don't need a slave, it's fine!"

"However, the promise of the duel must be kept, Ruisa."

Ruisa panicked, and Sharo's face turned bright red.

Eventually, Sharo, with a mix of resignation and defiance, shouted,

"I, I'll do it! I, Charlotte Yudelia, swear by the great hero 'Oga' to become Ruisa's slave! Is that fine?"

And so, Ruisa's tumultuous entrance exam came to a close.

◇

"Phew, that was intense, Ruisa."

As Ruisa and Sharo were about to leave the venue after the exam, a blonde young man named Yuri approached them.

"Yeah, I never expected it to turn out like this."

"Hehe, I never thought that wild hero would end up serving someone."

Yuri laughed, watching Sharo stick closely to Ruisa.

"Shut up, Yuri, I'll beat you up."

Despite her harsh words, Sharo stayed close to Ruisa, making Ruisa's heart race every time her well-shaped chest touched his back.

"By the way, what's the relationship between you and Yuri? You seem pretty close."

Ruisa asked casually, and Sharo began to speak while giving Yuri an exasperated look.

"Ah, you didn't tell Rui anything, did you? What a terrible personality."

"Hehe, if I told him at first, it would create distance. I wanted to become friends, so I kept it a secret."

"What are you talking about?"

Unable to follow their conversation, Ruisa finally spoke up, and Yuri apologized, "Sorry, sorry," before turning to Ruisa.

"Let me introduce myself again. My name is 'Yuri von Exadoria.' I am the first prince of the Exador Kingdom."

"E, eh? ! ? !"

Ruisa was surprised by this unexpected revelation.

However, Yuri's exceptional grace and beauty were indeed prince-like. Ruisa thought it made sense that they knew each other, as the prince and the descendant of a hero would likely meet often.

"Yuri, no, I should call you Prince Yuri, right?"

"Please don't, Ruisa. I don't want to be called 'Prince' by my friends. That's why I didn't reveal my identity."

Ruisa reluctantly agreed, "Alright, Yuri."

"Anyway, Ruisa, do you have a place to stay tonight?"

"A!! I didn't even think about it!!"

Ruisa had participated in the exam without much planning, and now he remembered another important issue: he had entered the country without an entry permit.

If he were to enroll in the academy, it would eventually be discovered, and that would be problematic.

"What, what should I do?"

"What's wrong, Ruisa?"

Yuri, noticing Ruisa's pale face and sweating, asked with concern.

Ruisa decided to tell Yuri everything, thinking that hiding it would only make the situation worse.

He explained that he didn't have an entry permit, no place to stay, and not much money.

"Hmm, so that's what happened."

"Yeah, what should I do?"

Ruisa was disheartened, thinking he might be forced to leave the country immediately.

He had just made friends with the hero's descendant, and now he might have to start all over again.

But Yuri's response was unexpected.

"I understand. I'll take care of everything."

"Eh? ! ?"

"I know a good place to stay. They provide meals, so you won't have to worry about money. As for the entry permit, it will take some time, but I think it can be arranged."

Yuri smoothly solved Ruisa's problems, and Sharo, with a suspicious look, questioned Yuri.

"That's suspicious. Do you have a reason for doing so much for Rui?"

"Of course. Ruisa is a valuable asset to the magic academy. I'll do anything to get him admitted."

Ruisa reacted to Yuri's words.

"I'm needed?"

"Yes, the kingdom is facing a severe shortage of talent. We need as many excellent people as possible. I want more talented individuals to join the magic school. This will improve the academy's reputation and attract more excellent students from other countries."

I see.

That's why you're helping me so much.

Ruisa understood Yuri's reasoning.

But Ruisa had a mission to help the Demon King and the Dragon King.

Could he really just enjoy school life?

As if reading his thoughts, Yuri pressed on.

"Of course, I don't expect you to get in for free. If you decide to enroll, I'll become your sponsor. I don't know what you want to achieve, but I believe I can be of help."

Yuri seemed intelligent and, most importantly, had power. His support would be a significant boost.

Ruisa could either leave the kingdom and struggle alone or stay and get help from Sharo and Yuri.

After careful consideration, Ruisa made his decision.

"...Alright, I'll go with your plan, Yuri. I look forward to working with you."

"Hehe, I thought you'd say that."

With that, the two shook hands.