“Alright, time to head out.”
The day of the entrance exam had finally arrived.
Whether or not he could get into the Royal Academy would heavily dictate the course of his future. It wasn't an exaggeration to say that today would determine if Rest's life would join the "winners' circle."
“Good luck, Rest! I believe in you!”
“If it's you, Rest-sama, I know you can pass! Please do your best!”
Viola and Primula had come out to the entrance hall to see him off with encouraging words. They didn't stop at words, either; they even gave him hugs. The warm, knowing gazes of the nearby servants were a bit embarrassing.
“Thank you... For both your sakes, I'll definitely pass!”
These two had rescued him from the Honorary Viscount Ebern household. They had provided him with textbooks, helped him study, and even found him a mentor to teach him magic and combat. To live up to the expectations of those who had given him the best possible environment to learn, failure was not an option.
“...Well, do your best.”
“Don't be too nervous. Have a safe trip.”
The Marquis and Marchioness Rosemary also joined in to see him off. Albert wore a complicated, unreadable expression, while Eilische offered a gentle yet strong smile.
Albert had offered to lend him a carriage, but Rest had chosen to walk instead. At this point, Rest was still officially just a servant of the Marquis house. He didn't feel he was in a position to be pampered with a private carriage.
(It's a bit late for this now, but taking advantage of their generosity at every turn doesn't feel right. Besides, running is faster than a carriage anyway.)
“Alright... here I go!”
He shouldered his bag, having double-checked its contents several times. Leaving the mansion with plenty of time to spare, he began jogging toward the Royal Academy. It was about an hour's walk from the Marquis's estate in the Noble District to the academy. If he ran while using [Physical Enhancement], he could probably make it in under ten minutes.
“Huu... huu... huu...”
Breathing in a steady rhythm, he moved his limbs, sprinting toward the academy as the scenery blurred into a rush of wind. He wouldn't do something as stupid as getting lost; he had scouted the location beforehand, and the route was etched perfectly into his mind.
Since he had left early in the morning, the Royal Capital Main Street was still relatively empty. He slowed his pace slightly, being careful not to collide with anyone as he pressed forward.
(I've studied enough. I cleared last year's mock exams with marks to spare. I've trained with Master Dieble until he gave me his seal of approval, saying I could become a Court Mage this instant. I've even prayed for success at the Temple. I went to bed early and got plenty of sleep... It's fine. There are no problems.)
No problems. There was no way he would fail. He was certain he would pass—he had that conviction.
(It's strange, though... no matter how much I study, the anxiety won't go away. Come to think of it, it was the same during my high school entrance exams...)
Thinking back on his previous life, Rest gave a wry smile as he ran.
Because his home life had been so poor, Rest had studied desperately to get into a school that offered a full scholarship for honors students. He had pushed himself to the brink, working so hard as a middle schooler that he had developed hematuria. He had poured every ounce of effort he had into his studies.
But even after putting his life on the line, he hadn't been able to shake the anxiety on the day of the exam. Just like now.
(It's because I worked so hard... because I put in so much effort... that I'm so worried about whether I'll get the results I need.)
Feeling anxious was unavoidable. That was all the more reason to make sure he succeeded. Things had gone well for his high school exams back then... so this time, he would definitely pass as well.
“Hard work never betrays you... I can do this. I know I can!”
Rest continued to reassure himself, but he had forgotten one important thing.
The idea that hard work never betrays you was undoubtedly true. It was a universal fact. However, the gods are mischievous, and they love to test people.
Just as Rest had struggled to get into high school in his previous life, only to be stabbed to death by his father over tuition costs. Just as Rest's mother, who had worked tirelessly for her child, had lost her life to illness. In a person's life, there are moments of absurdity that no amount of effort can overcome.
“...Hm?”
As Rest sprinted down the Royal Capital Main Street, something caught his attention, and he looked up. He didn't know why; it was pure intuition.
“Ah...?”
“KYAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!”
His eyes widened instinctively as the scream of a young woman echoed through the morning streets.
“What?! Why is someone...?”
A person was falling from the sky. From this distance, it looked like a young woman. The spot Rest was passing through was directly beneath the Clock Tower, the symbol of the Royal Capital. He didn't know the story, but it seemed she had fallen from the tower.
“Hyaaaaa! S-Somebody help meeeeeeeee!”
“—!”
Accelerated by gravity, the woman plummeted toward the ground. It was only then that the other citizens noticed her, but they could only stare in shock. No one was in a position to help.
Except for Rest, who had noticed her descent early.
(Dammit... why today of all days?!)
Misfortune often follows close on the heels of success. Recalling the ancient wisdom that one must stay alert when things are going well, Rest dove toward the woman's point of impact.