The Evil Noble Desires A Beautiful Demise - Could It Be That You're Stuck In A Loop? - Episode 14

Academic City Makudamu.

The city does not belong to any country and forms an independent city-state. Excellent researchers, magicians, and scholars from various countries gather there to engage in discussions. It was called the City of Knowledge, said to be a place where new discoveries are made every day.

Kentritz Academy.

It is the continent’s premier academy, a complete meritocracy where even the royal families of great nations cannot gain admission without passing the entrance exam. The sight of numerous research towers lined up across the vast grounds takes people’s breath away. Young prodigies from all over the continent gather here, honing their skills and enhancing each other’s abilities.

It is said that the development of the continent begins here, and Salifa and the protagonists will set foot in that land.

“Kentritz Academy Front〜Kentritz Academy Front〜. Those taking the entrance exam, please get off here〜”

An announcement comes over the loudspeaker on the streetcar I was riding.

Isn’t the level of civilization in this city just too different? In the game, I didn’t really pay much attention to it, but the standard of living seems unusually high. Well, this is only the second time I’ve left the mansion, so I don’t have much to compare it to.

I look up at the many towers lined up.

Somehow, it feels nostalgic. I was overwhelmed when I saw this in the game too. Seeing it in person, it has an incredible impact. The other exam takers around me are also looking up with their mouths agape.

Well then, let’s quickly finish the check-in.

After that, I have to quickly find a place to stay for the night. It’s tough because I have to do everything by myself. Normally, if a noble from a major country comes to a place like this, they would at least have one servant with them, but since I’m being treated poorly, I don’t have any. They guided me to the imperial city, but I had to manage all the transportation from there on my own. …No, I’m really glad I made it here.

“Next, please.”

I had been standing in a long line, but finally, it was my turn. There are so many people taking the exam. As expected of the top-tier academy.

“We will take three silver coins as the exam fee. Please note that there will be no refunds even if you fail.”

I give a silver coin to the receptionist.

Has anyone who failed ever asked for their money back…?

“Please write your name and desired department here. If you can’t write it, you’ll be disqualified on the spot.”

Fill in your name and department on the submitted paper.

There were several candidates for the department, but I chose the magic department. I didn’t know which one the original Salifa belonged to, so I just picked based on my own interest. By the way, did someone who couldn’t even write their name come to take the entrance exam…? This is the world’s top academy, you know…?

“Thank you very much. Here is your exam ticket, so please be careful not to lose it. If you lose it, you won’t be able to take the exam.”

I received a thin plate with a number written on it.

It seems to be imbued with magical power, but is it for identification purposes? Looking at the board, it seems my exam number is 3333.Easy to remember, huh?

“And here are the instructions for the exam. Please read them carefully before the exam day.”

I received a rather thick booklet.

There are so many precautions… Well, I’ll read them once I get a place to stay.

“The exam is in four days. The exam venue and start time are listed at the very beginning of the booklet you just received, so please head to the venue with your exam number. Be careful, as latecomers will be disqualified on the spot.”

When I flipped through the booklet, there it was, indeed. There are so many examinees that the venue is full. I need to make sure I don’t get lost.

“If you have any questions, the answers are all covered in the booklet, so please look for them yourself. Now, next person, please.”

The check-in was completed smoothly and efficiently.

Yeah, well, having to handle this many people every day is tough, isn’t it?

I thought I might be able to meet Tiarola and the other protagonist, but with so many people around, it’s difficult to search for them. Moreover, since both of them are famous, it would be a big deal if they were to be recognized. I guess I’ll wait to reunite with Tiarola until school starts.

Well, I guess I’ll go book a place to stay.

Apparently, there is a district in this city with a lot of accommodations, and it seems that if you go there, you can generally manage to find a place to stay. I was worried about not being able to find a place during the exam season because of the crowds, but it seems that’s not the case, so I’m relieved.

I take the streetcar and head towards the Yadera district where my accommodation is. This bus is really convenient for getting around the large city.

“Yadera Block~ Yadera Block~. We recommend that all examinees get quality sleep~”

I stopped at several bus stops, but the announcements were mostly directed at students taking entrance exams. It must be some kind of local custom in this city.

Landing in the Yadera sector.

Hmm, it’s true that there are inns everywhere. I have no idea where I should stay. For now, I guess I’ll just wander around.

As I was walking, the competition among inns to attract examinees was intense.

“With a fluffy bed and breakfast included at this price! Students who can’t afford it, come to our place~”

“Wow! We have a former royal chef from a certain country here! If you want a delicious meal, this is definitely the place! There’s also a restaurant on the first floor, so even if you just want to eat, come on by!”

“Fully equipped with the latest magical tools! If you desire a comfortable life even if it’s a bit expensive, please come visit us!”

Hmm, it seems like each one has its own selling point.

I’m interested in delicious food, and I’m also curious about magical tools. There are so many other attractive selling points that it’s hard to choose.

In the end, I decided to stay at a slightly more expensive high-end inn because I was curious about the magical tools. Well, I have enough money to indulge a bit. As expected, I studied about the money in this world before leaving the mansion, and it seems the duke’s family also sends me some money, so there shouldn’t be any problems.

After completing the check-in at the inn, I enter the room.

Somehow, I can finally relax. I was constantly on the move until I got here, so I’m mentally exhausted. I’ll go to bed early today.

Before that, shall we try out your prized magical tools?

In conclusion, it was extremely convenient.

I want to live here forever.