When I was working as a civil servant, I was found out to be a muscle-brained knight by the princess knight and got sent to the front lines - Episode 134

Episode 134

On the day of the entrance ceremony at the Royal Academy, a crowd of 2,000 had gathered. It includes 1,000 new students, some parents, upperclassmen, and faculty. The ceremony took place in the grand colosseum-style arena, which is also used for various events and public tournaments. It is one of the iconic buildings of the Tashman Kingdom’s Royal Academy, with a capacity of 10,000 people.

The new students gathered on the field, while everyone else was guided to the spectator seats. Jez, following the instructions, made his way to the designated area for new students. Upon introducing himself at the reception, he was directed to a different entrance. Apparently, those who ranked in the top ten in the entrance exams were to be honored during the ceremony.

The Royal Academy of the Tashman Kingdom—this school exists to train the next generation of a war state on the front lines of humanity. It is a place of fierce competition, a meritocracy. From the very start, Jez could feel this reality. But he didn’t think it was a bad thing. Jez had lived in this world for 16 years now, spending his time in the most dangerous northern frontlines of the Tashman Kingdom.

His hometown had already been destroyed by monsters. Strength is everything in this world. In that sense, maybe it wasn’t such a bad thing that he accidentally ranked first in the entrance exams. In hindsight, he realized he should have paid more attention to the academy’s systems, but it was too late now.

Walking towards the special room he had been directed to, Jez found himself in what seemed to be a VIP room inside the grand arena. Inside, about 30 new students had already gathered. With five categories—comprehensive studies, theory, martial arts, magic, and interviews—each having up to 10 top-ranked students. The total could be up to 50 students. However, many were like Jez and ranked in multiple categories, so the number had settled at around 30.

Scanning the room, Jez noticed several groups had already formed. This wasn’t surprising, especially since the nobles living in the capital were known to have strong connections from a young age. The largest group was led by a girl named Erin Saylor, who had earlier approached Jez. Her group consisted of eight members. The next group, from what Jez could overhear, seemed to be led by a girl named Miriam Stonewell and had five members. Just these two groups alone made up 13 people, nearly half of those present. Typical, Jez thought. The nobles from the capital are always like this.

In addition, there were four smaller groups of two or three people each, representing students from the southern, eastern, and northern frontlines, as well as a group of international students. Including Jez, five students remained on their own. Sighing internally at the situation, Jez moved towards an empty sofa in the VIP room. But before he could sit down, three students from the northern frontlines noticed him and rushed over.

“Jez-sama! You’re here! We’ve been waiting for you!”

The one who called out to Jez was Linnea Haugen, a girl from a long line of retainers serving the Norman family, whom Jez naturally knew. Her father was Gerald’s secretary. She had enrolled in the academy partly to assist Jez.

“Jez-sama, again with hiding in the corner…” 

Linnea’s voice was filled with mild exasperation, and Ida Niemi chimed in as well. She was also from the northern frontlines, and her mother was a regiment commander in the 2nd Legion. Jez had been soundly defeated in a mock battle by that commander before.

“It’s just like you, Jez-sama, but given your position, you should be more mindful,” 

The one that said so was the last member of the group, Ole Halvorsen. Though of common birth, he had been recognized for his talents from a young age and had been a scholarship student at the secondary school in Foresval, the northern core city. It was where he and Jez had been classmates.

Linnea Haugen, Ida Niemi, and Ole Halvorsen—these three were the top students from the northern frontlines who had enrolled in the Royal Academy this year and were Jez’s closest allies.

“…I’ve told you before, haven’t I? I’m allowed to carry the Norman family name, but I’m just an adopted son. I don’t deserve to be treated like this by you,” 

Jez responded curtly. It had been nearly eight years since he was taken in by the Norman family, and he was still unsure of how to behave as their adopted son. The Norman family already had direct heirs, the twins Luca and Lucia. They were still young, but destined to inherit the family. This was why Jez had chosen not to act too much like a member of the Norman family.

But seeing Jez act this way, the three of them just shook their heads with a sigh. Linnea spoke on behalf of the group and responded with a smile.

“I understand what you’re trying to say, Jez-sama. But we’ve been instructed by our lord. … And even if we hadn’t been told anything, our feelings wouldn’t change,” 

Linnea said so while nodding toward Ida and Ole, who were in agreement.

“Jez-sama, you’ve earned our respect through your own abilities. In the north, strength is justice. In that sense, you more than deserve to carry the Norman name.”

With that, the three of them simultaneously began to kneel before Jez, but he quickly stopped them.

“…Alright, thank you. But please, not here. Just treat me like a regular classmate.”

Though Jez was a little exasperated by their insistence, he didn’t dislike them. In fact, he appreciated that they saw him for who he was. It was just that Jez himself still hadn’t fully come to terms with everything. 

After some light conversation with the three of them, Jez left their company and made his way to a sofa in the corner of the room. There, a lone, unassuming boy sat quietly. The boy had a slender build, with his bangs hanging down over his eyes. 

Jez couldn’t help but think, “He looks like the protagonist of a dating sim game,” as he approached.

“Excuse me, is this seat taken?” 

“…Huh? Me? …Yeah, it’s fine,” 

The boy responded, a bit startled. He hadn’t expected anyone to talk to him, and his shyness was apparent in his somewhat awkward reply.

After confirming, Jez thanked him and sat down. 

“Nice to meet you. I’m Jez Norman. What’s your name?”

“Um… I’m Victor Alchemis. Nice to meet you.” 

This was the first encounter between the two, who would later be known as the most notorious troublemaker duo in the history of the Royal Academy. The legend began here. 

…But wait, who is this guy?