The Spirit Said, 'You're Unworthy as My Master, Cancel the Contract!' So I’ll Give It to My Sister Who Wants It - Episode 1.10

Mistia and her companions somehow managed to find a carriage and arrived at the magic academy in the royal capital, Asteria. Since they had to walk quite a bit before getting on the carriage, Mistia was completely exhausted. Along the way, Skia suggested, “Why not fly?” but she politely declined.

Flying magic was indeed listed in the pages of advanced wind magic. However, as a noble lady, she had to be mindful of appearances. It would be unbearable to have children in the city pointing at her in the sky.

Mistia and her companions walked past classrooms at a brisk pace, heading for the headmistress’s office. Their destination lay beyond a dizzyingly large spiral staircase. Skia seemed unfazed, while Mistia, out of breath, spoke up.

“Students are allowed to take the scholarship student exam only once. The right is given only once. Normally, students exercise this right cautiously, but we don’t have that luxury this time. If I become a scholarship student, the country will protect me. The tuition fees will be free, and my uncle won’t be able to expel me so easily. …I talked big, but I’m anxious. The passing criteria depend on the professor, so it’s all up to luck. Now, which professor will be in charge of my exam?”

At the magic academy, anyone with magical aptitude could enroll regardless of status. However, due to the high tuition fees, most students were nobles. In response, the headmistress established the “scholarship student system.” She convinced the kingdom that outstanding students would benefit the nation, making it possible for commoners to attend the academy.

This scholarship system had another advantage besides tuition exemption. Since it was under the name of “national interest,” even if a guardian wanted to withdraw a student, they couldn’t do so easily. Before this rule was in place, there were many cases where commoner scholarship students were forced to drop out by their parents.

This was because some nobles, unable to accept commoners as scholarship students, threatened the parents to make them withdraw. Enraged, the headmistress quickly revised the system and established new rules.

Although Mistia was a noble lady, she found hope in returning to school because of this rule.

“It doesn’t matter. There’s no way Mistia will fail.”

“W-Why are you so confident? I can use healing and wind magic, but only at a beginner level. The requirement is probably intermediate magic.”

“Then why not try using it here?”

Skia said this effortlessly. As they walked, several female students passing by stopped as if struck by lightning. And not just one or two—it was happening repeatedly. The reason was obvious: Skia’s appearance, which seemed to have stepped right out of a fairy tale. Mistia wanted to sigh.

“I’d love to, but we don’t have time. If my uncle submits my withdrawal papers by fast horse, things will get complicated. Also, let me remind you, intermediate magic is not something to cast so carelessly. It could cause damage to the surroundings.”

“Understood, my master.”

With an exaggerated bow, Skia replied, making Mistia decide to say no more. They finally arrived at their destination. The headmistress’s office was dome-shaped and integrated with a giant astronomical telescope. The walls were lined with bookshelves, filling the air with the scent of old paper. The large skylight was closed to block out the strong midday sun.

Hanging down from the skylight was a long telescope tube. Sitting directly beneath it on an extremely tall high stool was an elderly woman. She was carefully wiping the telescope lens with a cloth.

Since the door to the office was open, Mistia cleared her throat to announce their presence. The woman immediately turned around and adjusted her small round glasses.

“Oh my, what a lovely visitor.”

With that, she hopped off the stool. Before Mistia could worry, a soft wind magic appeared, cushioning her landing.

“Good day! I thought the spirits were unusually noisy today, and here you are—my little pen pal!”

“Good day, Professor. It has been a while. I apologize for the sudden visit.”

Mistia performed a perfect curtsy, showing utmost respect. The woman, whom she addressed as Professor, was Mary Simpson, the Marchioness and the headmistress of Asteria Magic Academy.

She appeared to be in her sixties. Her neatly tied white hair, deep purple lipstick, and navy robe gave her the classic appearance of a witch.

“Students are always welcome to visit. So, what brings you here? Does it have something to do with your new companion?”

“…There is an urgent matter. I would like to take the scholarship student exam. Before my uncle forces me to withdraw.”

“Oh my, that is sudden.”

Mary placed a hand on her cheek, looking troubled. She blinked her white eyelashes as she pondered. Just then, a black cat slipped past Mistia’s feet, holding an envelope in its mouth.

“Oh, a letter has arrived. Thank you, Bell.”

Mary petted the cat named Bell and opened the letter on the spot. As she read it, her expression became even more troubled.

“I can’t believe it… the envelope contained both an enrollment application and a withdrawal request!”

“Could it be my withdrawal request?”

“Yes. The enrollment application also includes a request to take the scholarship exam.”

Bell, seemingly uninterested in the conversation, yawned and jumped onto a small tea table. Next to it was a snow dome, with snowflakes glittering as two tiny figures inside threw snowballs at each other. It seemed to be moving by magic. Mary gazed at the snow dome intently.

“Oh! I have a great idea!”

Mary smiled with a mischievous glint in her eye. Mistia had a bad feeling about this.

“You and the transfer applicant will have a duel! I’ll be in charge. The winner becomes the scholarship student. Brilliant idea, isn’t it?”

“And my opponent is…?”

“Yes. Lady Alisha Redfield.”

Mistia blinked in surprise. —Is she serious?

“Let’s gather many students! We’ll make it a ball. The duel will be the main event. It will be a splendid occasion!”

Mary spoke so cheerfully that Mistia was left speechless. Since Mistia said nothing, Mary continued making plans. Like a puppet, Mistia nodded stiffly.

“Then, let’s set the date. Also, let’s pretend I never saw these documents.”

“Huh?”

With that, Mary took Mistia’s withdrawal papers. The edges of the letter caught fire, and in no time, it burned completely. Only ashes remained, scattering on the floor.
Mistia stared at Mary in shock.

“You were first. Lucky you, making it in time! Oh, let’s keep this a secret between us.”

“Y-Yes. Thank you very much.”

Mistia felt like she was standing on the edge of a cliff. She had boldly defied her uncle, and now her withdrawal papers were gone. Moreover, Mary intended to turn the duel into a spectacle. Though kind, she could be quite ruthless.

(Who would have thought I’d end up fighting former spirits? Alisha will surely be delighted when she hears. She thinks I’m an incompetent fool who can’t use magic.)

She had avoided expulsion for now, but another problem remained. Mistia hesitantly spoke.

“Professor, would it be possible to borrow a room? Even an attic would do.”

“Of course. The attic? Haha, what a funny joke. Bell will show you to an empty dorm room. Good luck to you both!”

Mary smiled and gave Bell a knowing glance. The cat gracefully leaped from the tea table. Mistia had been serious about the attic—she had always lived in one. But, of course, a noble lady living in an attic was unthinkable.

Bell meowed at the door, urging them forward.

“Thank you again, Professor.”

Mistia turned on her heels, hurried along by Bell. Skia followed after her. Watching them leave, Mary gracefully performed a curtsy.

“Living long does bring some amusing moments.”

She mused to herself with a smile.