In the blink of an eye, the third semester had arrived.

And let me tell you, there was no proper class!

Marriage preparations. Employment exams. Taking over the territory management. Exams to enter high-ranking schools.

It’s time for everyone to fight for their future.

Today, Cecily was going to knock on the door of the Royal Institute of Magic.

“Huff…”

Are you nervous?

“Of course.”

Employment exams, of course, included interviews. It’d be better to look proper.

Cecily was about to sit in front of the mirror and fix her hair when she heard a knock.

“Cecily, are you there?”

It was a familiar voice.

Cecily replied to the slightly bossy voice,” Yes, I am.”

In the next moment, a guest entered with permission.

“As expected of me, I have a good sense of timing.”

“Do you need something, Neria?”

“Hmph! I just want to encourage my sister as she takes on this difficult challenge.”

Cecily’s twin sister, Neria, stood behind Cecily as if it was the most natural thing to do.

In the same way, she took the brush from Cecily. I wanted to stop her, but Cecily just sat there calmly.

“Are you going to do my hair?”

“What? You’re not happy?”

“No, I’m really happy.”

No way!

I still hadn’t forgotten how miserable Neria looked during the sports festival!

As expected, Neria’s hands were so unstable that it made me nervous just watching.

Even so, Cecily looked so happy in front of the mirror.

All I could do was pout as much as I could.

Hey, what if they fail you because of your appearance?

[I’ll just have to do well with getting points instead.]

My, you’ve gotten so strong.

Reflected in the mirror wasn’t the Withered Grass Lady who used to be at her sister’s mercy.

***

I was in the waiting room waiting for the exam to start when he came.

“Lady Travasta, can I talk to you for a moment?”

Cecily glared at the young genius of the Royal Institute of Magic, Eivind Dahl. The other examinees around her were fidgety, though. Neither of the two seemed to care though and just stared at each other in the hallway.

“So, what do you need?”

“Well… Franky, I have no idea why I’m so disliked.” Eivind asked Cecily while scratching his temple.

“Just one last thing, do you really not want a recommendation from me?”

“No.” Cecily answered right away.

But it’s an incredibly good offer?!

After all, with a recommendation from Eivind, the future sage, she was sure to get a position.

To immediately turn down such an offer… I wonder when it was she acquired such courage.

Even Eivind smirked at Cecily’s coolness.

“Then I won’t say anything more. Good luck with your exam, Lady Travasta.”

“I don’t need your encouragement!”

Cecily declared decisively and turned on her heels.

But she immediately stopped and glanced back.

“Uhm, can I just ask you one question?”

Eivind leaned against the wall and looked a little happy.

However, Cecily’s expression was very stern as she asked.

“How did you always manage to tell Nora and me apart?”

Eivind burst out laughing, flashing a smug expression.

“Of course, it’s easy to tell when you’re in love.”

I was frustrated that I was still happy to hear that line.

“But you betrayed her.”

Cecily puffed out her cheeks and stomped back into the waiting room, and I couldn’t help but smile at her bravery.

Come on, it’s in the past now.

[It’s not over yet! It won’t be over until I find Nora’s soulmate!]

That’s… a pretty lofty thing to say, isn’t it?

Right, so now Cecily was going to prepare the perfect life for me.

I thought about that impossible future.

Look, it’s almost time for the exam!

[Yes!]

I gave Cecily a push. This was the final encouragement she’d receive from me.

---

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