The Royal Academy was comprised of five distinct departments: Magic, Knight, Civil Official, Priest, and Art.
During the entrance examinations, general knowledge was assessed through a written test common to all applicants, while practical exams evaluated the specific talents required for each respective department.
Once enrolled, students attended the compulsory subjects of their chosen track and filled the remainder of their schedules with elective courses. Promotion to the next grade and eventual graduation were contingent upon earning all compulsory credits and a set number of elective credits.
These electives were not limited to a student's own track; they were free to enroll in courses offered by any of the other four departments.
Students who failed to secure the necessary credits were held back. Any student forced to repeat the same grade for a second time faced immediate expulsion, though exceptions were made for those on an official leave of absence due to health or family circumstances.
The Magic Department
This department was home to those who aspired to become mages.
The curriculum consisted of both theoretical lectures and practical training in the arcane arts. In addition to mastering new spells, students studied the ecology of monsters, alchemy (such as the production of magic potions), astronomy, divination, ancient languages, and history. It bore a striking resemblance to a certain famous school of witchcraft and wizardry.
Career Prospects Graduates often went on to become Court Mages, mages assigned to regional knight orders, or noble bodyguards. Others became alchemists specializing in medicine or magic architects. Occasionally, some pursued lives as adventurers, archaeologists, or treasure hunters.
The Knight Department
This department was for those who aspired to become knights.
While the curriculum centered on practical martial arts, students also attended lectures on tactics and strategy. Their practical combat training extended beyond physical drills; it included war games where they commanded pieces on a board to simulate battlefield maneuvers.
Career Prospects Common paths included joining the Royal Guard, regional knight orders, or serving as a noble’s private soldier or a wealthy merchant’s bodyguard. A few chose to become adventurers or mercenaries.
The Civil Official Department
This department served those who aspired to become civil officials or lords.
Most students aimed to become officials within the Royal Palace or regional magistrates, while others were heirs preparing to manage their family estates. The curriculum was lecture-heavy, focusing on politics, economics, law, history, foreign languages, and etiquette. Students gained practical experience by processing actual documents and drafting legislation; on occasion, a bill created by a student was even adopted by the Royal Palace.
Career Prospects Graduates typically found work in the Royal Palace, as regional officials or magistrates, or as civil officials and butlers serving noble houses. Others became diplomats or merchants.
The Priest Department
This department was for those who aspired to become clerics, priests, or sisters.
Many students intended to join the temple as members of the clergy, while some set out as pilgrims. The curriculum covered theology, medicine, history, healing magic, purification magic, and barrier arts. They also received training in counter-curse techniques to combat monsters, the undead, and various hexes.
Career Prospects Graduates became clerics, priests, sisters, or monk soldiers within the temple system. Others served as pilgrims, medical officers for the Royal Palace, or town doctors. Occasionally, some became adventurers or exorcists.
The Art Department
This department was for those who aspired to become painters, sculptors, or musicians.
It was dedicated to the study of art, music, and poetry, and it was known for housing the most eccentric students in the academy. The curriculum included painting, sculpture, instrumental performance, singing, literature, and drama. Several times a year, the department held events and regional tours to showcase their work, providing students with opportunities to demonstrate their talents to influential patrons.
Career Prospects Graduates often became court artists, court musicians, freelance artists, or members of theatrical troupes. Many secured employment during their studies by finding patrons among the nobility or wealthy merchant class.
Regarding Elective Subjects
The choice of elective subjects depended entirely on the career path each student intended to follow. Although the curriculum structure was similar to a modern university, most students had already decided on their future goals by the time they enrolled and selected their classes accordingly.
Case Study: Rest Rest aimed to marry into the Marquis Rosemary House and become a Court Mage. His electives included Management Studies, Etiquette, Practical Swordsmanship, Healing Magic, Barrier Arts, and Social Dance. These were chosen to prepare him for the duties of a house head and to master magic that his mentor, Dieble, was unable to teach him. Social dance was included because it was a hobby shared by both his fiancées.
Case Study: The Rosemary Sisters Viola and Primula aimed to support Rest as his wives. Their electives included Management Studies, Etiquette, Social Dance, Healing Magic, Lady's Education, and Instrumental Performance. They prioritized the social graces and hobbies expected of a noblewoman.
Case Study: Yuri Catreia Yuri had no specific career goals. She only vaguely desired a life free from the constraints of her family. Her electives included Practical Swordsmanship, Horsemanship, Foreign Languages, Social Dance, Medicine, Alchemy, and Lady's Education. Her selection was based almost entirely on a desire to try things she had never done before. She only took social dance and lady’s education because her friends, the Rosemary sisters, had recommended them.