After finishing the sweets, I spent my time in my inn room writing. The notebook Amalia had bought for me a while back was already almost filled to the brim. At first, I had jotted down notes about the eateries I had visited and things like that, but now the pages were covered in nothing but stiff, serious matters.
"The fourth exam has ended, and now all that remains is to await the final exam... and done."
Finishing up that line, I let out a long breath. Since we were strictly forbidden from discussing anything about the third exam onward, I couldn't write down any specific details in the notebook either. It would be a massive headache if someone happened to snatch it, after all.
Having secured the flag, my advancement to the final exam was guaranteed, but... I had absolutely no information about what it would entail. In the first exam, our intellect was tested; in the second exam, our character was judged; in the third exam, our magical prowess was verified. And in the fourth exam, our ability to cooperate was measured.
What on earth awaited me in the final exam? At this stage, I couldn't imagine needing to demonstrate my magical skills all over again. What was truly required of a court mage? What qualified someone to be granted an audience before His Majesty the King? No matter how much a country bumpkin like me racked his brain, I couldn't come up with an answer.
"Hm?"
I noticed a sudden commotion outside the window. Looking down at the street below, I saw several men dressed in noble attire that looked entirely out of place in this neighborhood, deep in conversation with the owner of Groot.
"What is that...?"
As I scanned the area, a carriage even began parting the crowd, making its way straight toward the inn. They had told us the results of the fourth exam would be delivered directly, but... could this really be what they meant? It seemed awfully over the top, though—
"G-Guest!"
Right at that moment, a visibly panicked Amalia burst into the room.
"Right now! Please come downstairs right now!"
"Downstairs...? Wait, so they're here for me—"
"They're from the royal court! It's from the King himself!"
"...Huh?"
"Just come on!"
Swept along by Amalia's sheer, extraordinary intensity, I hurried down the stairs after her.
"Are you Examinee Number One, Lord Keegan Bauer?"
"Y-Yeah..."
In front of the shop, a man who looked unmistakably like a servant was down on one knee. Behind him stood the carriage, and nearby pedestrians were watching the scene unfold with curious stares.
"Um, who are you...?"
"I am Conny Baltzer, and I have been commanded to serve as your guide, Lord Bauer."
"Ah, right. Good to meet you."
This was quite possibly the first time in my entire life I had ever been treated with such profound deference. He had mentioned my examinee number, so there was no doubt this concerned the mage examination. Even so, this felt absurdly grand for a simple passing notification.
"So, what can I do for you?"
"Lord Bauer, you have officially passed the fourth exam of the Court Mage Selection Exam. You have my sincere congratulations."
"T-Thank you very much."
Remaining on one knee, Conny delivered the news without missing a beat. Since I had captured the flag, I already knew I had advanced to the final exam, but... hearing it stated plainly brought a wave of relief.
"Accordingly, I shall now escort you to the final exam. If you would be so kind, please board the carriage at once."
"Wait, what?"
"I will be guiding you directly to the exam grounds."
Exam grounds...? It was already evening—were they planning on holding an exam right now? No matter how you looked at it, this was far too sudden.
"What do you mean by that? Even if it's an exam, I haven't had any time to prepare—"
"There is no need for preparations. Come, please step inside."
With him simply urging me to board, I was left completely at a loss. I glanced toward the shop owner standing nearby, silently pleading for help. If an escort this extravagant showed up every time the mage examination took place, rumors certainly would have spread among the common folk.
"Conny Baltzer, was it? I wasn't aware the final exam warranted such a pompous reception."
"This examination is exceptional. In particular, regarding Lord Bauer, I have received strict orders to guide you with the utmost courtesy."
Could this be a precaution taken in light of the recent attack? There might have been all sorts of political maneuvering behind the scenes between the court and the Church, but... there was no way for me to know anything about that. My only real option was to comply without making a fuss.
"...Understood. In that case, lead the way."
"I have also been instructed to ride alongside you. I beg your pardon for the intrusion, but I ask for your gracious understanding."
True to his word, as soon as I climbed into the carriage, Conny took a seat beside me. He was almost certainly acting as my bodyguard as well. Far from being treated like an examinee, I felt practically like a guest of honor...
"I don't really get what's going on, lad, but give it your all!"
"Do your best, guest!"
As I called back to the two voices cheering from the roadside, the carriage slowly rolled forward. Weaving through the streets illuminated by lamplight, it carried us steadily toward the heart of Ulm.
He had called it the 'exam grounds,' but... after coming this far, they wouldn't turn around and drag me to the Church, would they? That was the one thing I desperately wanted to avoid.
"Um... may I ask you something?"
"What is on your mind?"
"Where on earth is this carriage actually taking us...?"
When I asked, Conny paused for a moment before speaking in a measured tone.
"—I am escorting you inside the royal court. Tonight, Lord Bauer, you will be attending a dinner banquet with His Majesty the King."
"...Huh?"
"There is no need for concern. We simply ask that you enjoy the meal just as you normally would, Lord Bauer."
Hearing those words, I could only sit there in stunned silence—