"You've already killed the men who laid hands on your father, haven't you?"
Her Majesty's gaze was deadly serious. She was asking if I had slaughtered the scoundrels who had harmed—or rather, assaulted—my father. I had no idea what answer she was looking for, but following Conny's advice, I could only speak the truth.
"No, I haven't."
"Ho. So you simply left the outlaws who threatened the life of your own flesh and blood to walk free?"
"I am merely an examinee, Your Majesty. Neither an official nor a soldier."
"I hear you are a talented mage. Why make no move to kill them?"
"My magic exists for the sake of this kingdom, not to settle personal vendettas."
The other examinees couldn't hide their bewilderment at the sudden turn toward such dangerous subject matter. Meanwhile, Her Majesty fixed her piercing blue eyes on me before bursting into hearty laughter.
"Hahaha! You understand well!"
"Meaning...?"
"Vigilantism beneath my castle walls is utterly out of the question! God may forgive it, but this crown never shall!"
To pass judgment on criminals without royal leave was an act of insolence against the monarch—that was what she meant. Naturally, I had no intention of forgiving the men who had attacked my father, either. But using the magical gift I had inherited from my uncle just to commit murder would make me no better than them.
"Ah, but rest easy. We already have a lead on them."
"You do...?"
"Those who mock royal authority running rampant through Ulm is displeasing in the extreme. In fact, I considered putting their heads on tonight's menu."
"...I am honored by your concern."
Her Majesty's gaze grew sharper still. Though she appeared to be a young woman, a fierce, unyielding spirit clearly burned within her. An absolute presence. That alone was what made her a true sovereign.
Had I never thought of taking the mage examination, I never would have stood before the King. Remembering my days in the countryside, it felt surreal that I was now in the very heart of the realm.
"Well, enough of this gloomy talk. Keegan Bauer, I understand you weren't born in Ulm."
"Yes. I came from the provinces."
"I have been seeking talent from the provinces as well, yet few ever step forward—despite sending out notices for the examination."
The examination notices likely referred to that document I had been asked to decipher. If the village elder hadn't told me to read it, I never would have known about the mage examination in the first place.
"...Your Majesty. May I offer a suggestion?"
"Ho. Let us hear it!"
Her Majesty turned toward me, her eyes gleaming with interest. I had braced myself to be reprimanded for overstepping, but thankfully, she was open-minded.
"Few people in the countryside are literate. That was true for my village as well."
"Hm."
"Because of that, written notices in such a format fail to reach those who need them most. If the kingdom were to adopt a different method of announcement, we might see more candidates from the provinces."
"..."
Her Majesty rested a hand against her mouth, deep in thought. Conny had described her as a wise and discerning ruler. I hoped she would take my words to heart, but—
"I see. Then we shall change it for the next examination!"
"A-Are you certain?"
"I like it! You are the first here with the nerve to offer me advice."
Her Majesty was in high spirits. She clearly preferred those who spoke their minds plainly over those paralyzed by differences in status. Still, the line between candor and disrespect was razor-thin. For a final exam, speaking so freely had been a gamble...
"That eases my mind. If people of your caliber can emerge, then there is hope for the provinces after all."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
"It seems a slip of a girl like me isn't well-liked in the countryside. Well, I suppose that cannot be helped..."
Was she... showing vulnerability? In rural regions where the Church held immense sway, a monarch who actively promoted magic would naturally struggle to win support.
Her Majesty slowly tipped her goblet back. One moment she burned with fierce indignation toward outlaws, and the next she bore the heavy burdens of a ruler. The common folk, the Church, the nobility, and the mages. Standing atop a kingdom where so many conflicting desires intertwined was surely no easy task—
"Country bumpkins aren't the only ones who hate slips of girls."
The instant I turned toward the voice, the sound of shattering glass tore through the room. Light vanished, plunging the hall into pitch darkness.
"Whoa?!"
"What's going on?!"
"Your Majesty!"
While most of the examinees threw their arms over their faces to shield themselves from flying glass, Elena moved on pure instinct, covering Her Majesty with her own body. I strained my ears, bracing for an attack—when a brilliant, blinding flash suddenly erupted.
"Gwaah?!"
"Gyaaah!"
Just as our eyes were widening to adjust to the dark, the searing radiance struck. Robbed of our sight, the room dissolved into chaos. I shut my eyes against the glare, but I kept my hearing sharp—just as I had done during all those nights practicing magic back in the countryside.
"!"
A sharp crash of breaking tableware echoed, followed by approaching footsteps. Someone was shamelessly vaulting onto the dining table. Reflexively, I tried to leap up after them—only to be blasted back by a burst of wind magic.
"Oof?!"
"Sorry, Bauer. This isn't your stage."
"Hey, what do you think you're—"
"Shut up, you coat-tail rider!!"
"Kyaah?!"
Another flash tore through the air. He had likely blown Elena away with fire magic. Why was magic working in this room? Why was he turning on us?...None of that mattered. Just one more step, and passing this exam would make me a court mage, so—
"Hedwig Steinbach. On behalf of House Meißner, I claim your life."
Why are you pointing your staff at Her Majesty, Hermann...?!