Chapter 19

On the day of the entrance exam.

When we arrived at the Imperial Rodnea Magic Academy, we were first amazed by its size.

"Wow..."

Eifa, standing next to me, let out a sigh of admiration.

It was simply vast. How many tens of thousands of square meters could it be? It rivaled the grand palace of the capital, but it seemed that the forest behind it was also part of the school, making it even larger when included. The many buildings for learning looked like castles.

"…Huh?"

"What’s wrong, Seika?"

"…No, it’s nothing."

There were strange fluctuations of power everywhere.

Well, it is a magic school, so it’s not surprising that anything could happen.

Looking around again, I saw many other examinees like us.

"Okay, those taking the entrance exam, this way please."

Under the blue sky, the registration area opened, and everyone started lining up.

We followed suit.

"Your name?"

"Seika Lamprouge."

"Oh! You are the son of the Lamprouge family, the barons?"

The woman at the registration desk exclaimed, and the surrounding people began to murmur.

"Seriously?" "Lamprouge, the famous one?" "Shouldn’t we try to befriend him now?"

Huh, my family is that famous?

"Please place your hand here."

After a few questions, she handed me a crystal ball with a magic array carved into it.

"What is this?"

"It’s a magical device to measure your magic power. I’ve never seen the magic power of the Lamprouge family before, so I’m looking forward to the results. By the way, if you have a strong affinity for all attributes, it will glow white. I haven’t seen it happen yet, though."

"Wow."

I placed my hand on the crystal ball as instructed.

But nothing happened.

"…Sorry, could you try again?"

"Sure."

Still, nothing happened.

"Ah, maybe you have an affinity for light or darkness? This device only responds to the four elements…"

"No, I don’t think that’s it. It seems I don’t have any magic power."

"Really?"

The surrounding people murmured again.

I started to feel anxious.

"Does that mean I can’t take the exam if I don’t have magic power?"

"This is just a preliminary check. You can still take the exam, but… there is a practical test…"

"Then there’s no problem. I’ll take the exam, so please let me."

After leaving the registration desk, I could hear whispers from the surrounding people.

"No magic power?" "No way, he’s a Lamprouge?" "What’s he thinking?"

At another registration desk, Eifa was talking to a staff member.

"Your name?"

"I’m Eifa. I don’t have a last name."

"Are you a commoner?"

"No… I am Seika-sama’s slave."

The surrounding people murmured again.

This is too much. The neighboring registration desk is also crowded.

"Slave? Students can enter, but it’s rare for a slave. Legally, you are considered property, but we cannot be responsible for your escape. Please inform your master. Now, please place your hand here."

Eifa placed her hand on the crystal ball.

Unlike when I did it, a faint yellowish light appeared.

"It seems you have an affinity for fire and wind, but it’s weak. There is a practical test, so will you take the exam…?"

"Yes, please."

When Eifa returned, the murmurs became even louder.

"No magic power, what a failure," "How does he plan to pass?" "It’s connections," "Noble brat," "Just a newly risen baron family, so vulgar," "Looking like a girl and having a slave serve him," "What does he think he’s doing here…?"

I felt a heat and looked at Eifa; a faint orange flame was flickering around her.

Her eyes were intense.

"Eifa, fire is leaking."

"Huh? Oh no!"

Eifa waved her hand to extinguish the flame.

I smiled a little and then sighed.

It seems we’re facing adversity even before it starts. But this is more like us—

"Shut up."

A stern voice echoed.

A girl with hair like autumn leaves passed by me.

"Out of the way. If you’re not registering, move."

The crowd fell silent, and the beautiful girl was given a path.

"Amy. Commoner."

"Y-Yes!"

The staff member hurriedly processed her.

"Please place your hand here…"

"Hmm."

Before the crystal ball was even offered, the girl placed her hand on it.

At that moment.

A blinding white light illuminated the surroundings.

The staff member’s eyes widened.

"What? This color, all attributes…"

"That’s enough."

"Ah, wait!"

The girl removed her hand and turned away as if it was nothing.

The crowd murmured again.

"All attributes? And so strong…"

"Commoner, right?"

"Maybe she’s a hidden royal child?"

"Can’t be…"

"Hey."

I couldn’t help but call out.

The girl with red hair stopped.

My heart raced. Indeed, she looked similar.

"Um, thank you."

"Huh? Why are you thanking me?"

"Well…"

"Let me make it clear, I’m not doing this for you. It was just the noise from the crowd. And…"

The girl pointed at me.

"You’re the most annoying. It’s a nuisance for someone who can’t use magic to come to the school. You’ll probably pass because of your family’s influence, but at least don’t get in my way."

She walked away, leaving those words behind.

I watched her back for a while.

"What’s wrong, Seika?"

"Nothing…"

I was just a little surprised.

Though her hair color was different, her face was very similar to someone I knew in my previous life.

To my sister, who died when I was young.

And to her protégé, who looked just like her—

The one who killed me.