197: Before Knowing the Results
The exam results were announced seven days later.
Just as the aristocratic scion had said on the final day of the exam, a grand ceremony was prepared in the royal castle’s great hall.
“I completely thought the results would be sent in the form of a letter or be publicly posted…!”
At present, Avril’s gaze was fixed to a chandelier hanging from the grand hall’s high ceiling.
It’s quite high up, but it’s so shiny.
“How in the world do they clean it?”
Avril, eager to increase the knowledge she can use to help around the mansion even by just a bit, is given an explanation by Chris.
“I’ve seen chandeliers lowered to be polished in the royal castle of the Kingdom of Branwill. I don’t know how it is done here, though.”
“Ahh… Thank you very much.”
Once again, she had allowed her thoughts to be voiced aloud.
If I rank first, the plan is that I make a request regarding the redevelopment of the mines from His Majesty Listeard and then immediately return to home. I let my guard down thinking that this journey will soon be over.
According to someone in a book, ‘The journey isn’t over until you return home.’ She told herself, I need to stay sharp, and braced herself.
By the way, Dylan was escorting her for the ceremony that day. Although they were playing the roles of a villainess and her lover, quite some time had passed since they last appeared beside one another in public like that. That along with the sense of liberation she felt almost had her smiling.
Of course, Chris, who was also being treated as a lover, was beside her. Grace, who wasn’t present, had helped Avril dress immaculately. Today, no matter how she was looked at, she should appear to be a flawless villainess.
When we were preparing for the ceremony, Lord Dylan praised me, saying, “The seed we planted about the envoy including your third lover is paying off now.” It was… entirely by coincidence, but Lord Dylan, a man who always thinks ahead, is so kind.
As she was overcome with happiness, a clear voice rang out.
“—His Majesty the King and Her Highness the Royal Princess are entering!”
On the stage set up in the great hall, Listeard and Emilia could be seen entering. The ceremony to announce the National Examination’s results was ready to commence.
It’s finally starting. All that remains is to entrust the results to the gods…!
The examinees gathered at the hall welcomed the two with applause, and the place filled with cheers. As she watched, she felt that even during her short stay, the Kingdom of Claughton had begun to change.
Somehow, this is…
“It’s as if the atmosphere in the audience hall three months ago never happened.”
“Yes, this country is very likely in the midst of a transitional period of change under His Majesty Listeard.”
Avril nodded sincerely at Lord Dylan’s words.
His Majesty expressed concern regarding factions that disapprove of foreign relations during the tea party. However, even during our stay, the situation seems to be shifting with every passing moment.
An indescribable emotion, one close to that of being moved, enveloped her body. It was very strange.
Upon arriving in this kingdom, they were immediately summoned to the audience chamber. At that time, she learned that Listeard, despite being a person that even Lawrence had a hard time dealing with, still had enemies within his country.
However, today that wasn’t the case. With the support and backing of the nobility, which grew even during their stay, the country would surely continue to rapidly change.
Certainly, the recent approach of rejecting involvement with foreign countries, allowing for the decline of tourism, and valuing only their history may have served to further strengthen the independence of the Kingdom of Claughton.
However, over a long period of time, that policy had increased the number of impoverished children. She could remember Lynn’s smile as she spoke of wanting to make it possible for poor children to live in peace.
The day when Lyn’s wish comes true may be nearby. I wonder which will come first, Lynn passing the exam with top marks or that day…?!
Before Avril, whose eyes were shining, the names of those candidates who had passed began to be read.
The number of successful candidates during the National Exam, which was held once every three years, was said to be adjusted to about 100 each time. Considering the number of examinees in the preliminary exam, the acceptance rate was less than five percent. It was a very narrow gate.
The names of those who passed were read aloud in order of their exam numbers. At the end, third place, second place, and top tester were announced.
Each time a name was called, cheers erupted from various places. Among them were the screams of candidates who realized they had failed due to their number being skipped.
As she listened, a tightness pained her stomach.
Maybe… I shouldn’t have taken the exam for such a selfish purpose…
From beside her, Dylan was looking at her. She felt as if he were telling her, “everything is alright.” She felt as if a ray of hope had been rekindled within her withering heart.
I’ve come this far, so I have no choice but to look forward.
As the exam numbers and names continued to be read in an even tone, the voice that had been echoing rhythmically within the great the hall came to a sudden halt.
“…This time, we had an examinee from a foreign country. Although this differs from our current national policy, we’ve permitted them to take the exam following our history of appointing talented individuals regardless of their origin. Furthermore, with this person’s passing, we’ve increased the number of accepted applicants. In other words, no examinee was rejected because of this person’s success.”
“!”
The moment Avril understood who was being talked about, the examinee’s name was called.
“Avril Allingham!”
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