Chapter 57 - The Entrance Test Begins
John's knight academy entrance test started on the same day as Gail's party. The test lasted two days. On the first day, there would be a written test in the morning, followed by one sparring match in the afternoon. On the following day, there would be one sparring match in the morning and another one in the afternoon. The pass/fail decision would be made based on a total of three sparring matches. While the number of applicants exceeded 300, only around 100 people were expected to pass.
“John, how was the written test?”
“It was easier than I thought. I think I did pretty well."
"You won't fail the knight academy's written test unless you do really badly, so it should be fine. The sparring match in this afternoon is more important. Do your best."
"Yes. I'll do my best."
About a dozen applicants failed the written test, and those who passed proceeded to the sparring match that took place in the royal capital's arena.
“Begin!”
With that signal, voices shouting 'Taa!' and 'Toh!' could be heard in the arena, along with the sound of wooden swords clashing. It was a sparring match with simple armor and wooden swords.
“Is your son also taking the knight academy entrance test?”
A man with blond hair and red highlights called out to Arnold from behind in the spectator seats.
“Aberick, it’s been a while. Is it okay for you to be here?”
Arnold gave a wry smile as he looked at the man’s face.
“I just came to watch my son’s match. There shouldn't be any problem."
"Come to think of it, your eldest son is the same age as mine. Is he also taking the test?"
"Yes, he's quite skilled with a sword, even if I do say so myself. That's one of the reasons I decided to send him to the knight academy as part of his social education. How's your son doing? I heard there are a lot of people taking the exam this year."
“I think he will be just fine. He’s stronger than I was at his age.”
“Oh, really? Which one is he?”
“He’s the one fighting over there with the lighter hair color.”
“That one, huh. Hmm? What’s that? His opponent’s swordsmanship is all over the place."
"He probably learned it from some adventurers. It’s not refined swordsmanship, but he’s pretty strong.”
“You don’t seem worried at all.”
“My son will be fine. Besides, what matters is the quality of the swordsmanship, not just winning or losing. His opponent’s swordsmanship isn’t suited for knights, so he’ll probably fail.”
"You are right. Maybe the monster extermination squads would suit him more."
"Where is your son?"
“His match is already over. He ended it with one strike."
"Your son is quite skilled, huh. I guess that’s to be expected.... By the way, are you free tonight?”
“Coming over for dinner?”
“No, I’ll eat with my son. There’s something I want to discuss with you.”
“Then, let's talk over drinks. Is this something you don’t want others to hear?”
"Yeah, please keep it confidential."
“In that case, come to my place tonight.”
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"John, how was today's sparring match?"
Arnold and John were having dinner at the inn while talking about the entrance test.
"I was surprised by my opponent's fighting style, but since he was just swinging his sword with brute force, there were a lot of openings."
"You won because it was a sparring match, but in a real fight where anything goes, he can be a really tough opponent.”
"Yes, I'll keep that in mind."
"Dad's going to visit a friend now, so you go to bed first. You have another sparring match tomorrow, so don't stay up late."
"I understand."
After finishing dinner, Arnold went to Aberick's place.
"This place still looks needlessly huge...."
Arnold told the gatekeeper his name and that he had an appointment with Aberick.
“We’ve been expecting you, Lord Arnold. Please come this way. Master Aberick is waiting.”
A butler escorted Arnold to Aberick's private room.
*knock-knock*
"Master, I have brought Lord Arnold."
"Come in."
The butler bowed and then left the room.
"Your mansion is huge like usual."
"You are the lord of a territory now. Don't be surprised by something like this."
"Well, we are still using the mansion that the previous lord left. It's like a hut compared to yours."
"Did you make Aina live in that cramped place? Build a new and bigger mansion, you idiot!"
"Our territory is newly established. That mansion is good enough for us."
"Honestly, you've always been like this...."
Aberick kept grumbling for a while after that.
"So, what did you want to talk about? If it was something important, you would have contacted me beforehand, so it’s probably not a big deal, right?”
“No, it’s actually extremely important.”
“Huh? Extremely important? Then what were you planning to do if we hadn't met in the arena?”
“Well, I figured I'd meet you if I just came here….”
“You really haven’t changed since the old days.... Why did Aina end up with someone like you….”
Aberick looked exasperated.
"I was wrong for not contacting you sooner, okay? But it's really something important."
“Fine. Hurry up and talk.”
“It’s actually about my third son.”
“What? You had a third kid? When?”
“He’s almost three years old now.”
“You really are something else....”
*grumble-grumble*
"....and then?"
"His name is Gail, and he can use magic."
"Some kids can use magic from around age three. Did he conjure water or something?"
"No, he can use healing magic."
"Healing magic, huh. I guess he inherited it from Aina."
"He can also use fire, water, earth magic, and so on"
"That's amazing. You should send him to magic academy in the future. He'll be successful."
"He can cast all of them without incantations."
"Huh!? What did you just say?"
Aberick couldn't believe his ears.
"I said Gail can cast all magic without incantations."
"W-What...? That can't be...."
After that, Arnold told Aberick about the divine revelation.
"I can't believe it.... Aina's child is a Goddess' apostle.... No, I'm sure he was chosen as an apostle because he is Aina's child!"
"Ahemm... He is my child too, you know?"
Arnold cleared his throat lightly, trying to calm Aberick down.
"I should get him into the court magicians or the army........ wait, is that why you came to me?"
"That's right. If Gail's abilities are discovered, the court magician or the army will surely make their moves. Especially if they learn that he can use healing magic without incantation. Hey, Aberick, I and Aina don't want Gale to join the court magician or the army at such a young age."
"That's...."
“Please, if anything happens, stop it. Only you can do this.”
Arnold bowed his head deeply.
“You’re bowing your head to me? I guess you’re really serious, huh.”
"That’s right."
Arnold replied while still bowing his head.
“Fine, I’ll take responsibility and handle it.”
“Really!? I owe you one.”
Arnold finally raised his head.
"But what will you do after he grows up?"
"I will leave it to him to decide his own path at that time."
"You don't intend to make him your heir?"
"I have three sons, so I'll decide after confirming everyone's wishes when Gail comes of age."
"Looks like there's going to be some trouble...."
After chatting and drinking wine for a while, Arnold, who had been repeatedly told to come to the capital during the winter social season, returned to his lodgings.