Three tests.

"--There's a lot of noise.

　--The arena was abuzz with the skills showdown between Artoo and Bon Born.

　However, a solemn voice suddenly sounded there.

　A man appeared.

　He had black hair and was around 30 years old.

　He didn't look particularly young or old.

　But he was overwhelmingly calm and composed.

　Or perhaps he should be calm and collected.

　The students, who had been making a lot of noise until a moment ago, quieted down at once.

I'm Arthur, the new captain of the selection course this term.

　When the instructor introduced himself as Arthur, the students gasped.

"Seriously? "Captain Arthur?

"The youngest captain in history, right?

　"He's the youngest captain ever, isn't he?" murmured a group of students behind him.

　I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not.

I'll tell you what. I'll explain about the knight exam.

　When Arthur said this, the students swallowed their spit and concentrated, trying not to miss anything.

There will be three exams: individual, dungeon, and team. If I think you're up to par, I'll give you the emblem.

　This was exactly what Alto had heard from the princess beforehand.

There are three emblems in total. There are three emblems in total: the emblem of effort, the emblem of responsiveness, and the emblem of teamwork. Basically, if you collect one from each of the three tests, it will be enough. However, if your strength is recognized in one test, multiple emblems may be issued. However, this is only in the system, so don't try to get three emblems at once by doing your best in the last exam. I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to do that, but I'm sure I'll be able to do it.

(It means that you need to be recognized by the captain, who is the most elite among the knights. ...)

　It's not an easy thing to do.

The first test will be tomorrow. The first test will be tomorrow, and you will have to fight each other in individual matches. The pairings will be announced on the day. That's all for today. Dismissed.

　†.

　--That day.

　A room in the royal palace.

"Plans are well underway, my prince.

"I see. That's good to hear, Count Bourne. I look forward to your success.

"Yes, my prince. However, what I'm worried about is the princess. She seems to be thinking of sending those she recommended to the knight selection course to increase her ranks.

She may be insignificant, but there's no better way to crush her.

That's right, sir. Don't worry. My son, Bong, is taking the test at the same time. I'm sure we'll crush him.

Good. I have high hopes for you. I'm looking forward to it, and when it comes, we'll add your son to our ranks.

"Thank you, ..., for your happiness! .

　It's been a week since I arrived at the magic school.

　A week after arriving at the magic school, the day of the first exam finally arrived.

　I'm not sure if you've heard of it, but I have.

　Thanks to his diligent efforts, his flame magic level had increased for the first time in a long time, and he was in perfect condition.

　After eating breakfast, Artoo headed for the arena where the test would be held.

(Wow, there are so many people here. There are so many people here.

　Last week, when he was briefed on the selection exam, there were only students.

　But today, there were many people in the audience seats.

　Most of them were the lower class students of the knight school, as well as the current knights and officials.

　The purpose of the knights and officials coming to watch was to get a preview of the students they would be bringing into their organizations next year.

　There was a bit of food and drink being served in the audience area, and it was a bit of a festival.

　As Alto was being overwhelmed by the noisy atmosphere, a clear voice came out of the clamor.

"--Alto!

　The dignified voice reached Alto's ears clearly.

"--Lily!

　When Artoo turned around, he saw his childhood friend Lily standing there.

　And when Artoo saw her, he was surprised.

　--I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one who's a fan of your work.

"You've become a ... knight?!

　I'm not sure if it's a good thing or not.

I'm sorry. I'm sorry I haven't been in touch with you since I was accepted, I've been busy training.

No, really, congratulations!

　I'm really happy for you!

I was surprised to see you at the exam.

"Yeah. Yeah, I got the recommendation for a number of reasons.

I see. I'm so glad. If all goes well, you'll be a knight in six months.

Yeah. I'll do my best.

... Sorry, the captain is over there, I have to go. I'll come back and talk to you when I get a break.

Yeah, see you later.

　The reunion between the two of them, after a long time, was fleeting.

　I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but I think it's a good idea.

I'm not sure what to make of it. I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to do it.

　--In the event that you're not sure what you're looking for, you'll be able to find out more about it here.

I'm going to have to work on my .

　The tone of his voice was high, but it didn't sound at all "refreshing".　

　The voice sounded arrogant.

　The owner of the voice was Bon Bourne.

　I'm not sure what to make of it.

Thanks ....

　Artoo replied mechanically.

"Well, did you see the matchup chart?　It looks like you and I have a match.

　Arto learned about his opponent and today's matchup from Vonn's words.

　I heard it was an individual match, but I didn't know it was between students.

The last time I saw you, you showed me some... amazing moves, but practice is the most important thing. I want you to do your best today to prove that you are not a connected man. Of course, I'm not going to lose.

(Where the hell does this confidence come from?)

　(Where does that confidence come from?)" Artoo tilted his head inwardly.

　--And that's when it happened.

　A man interrupts the conversation between the two.

"So you're Mr. Bon Born?

　An old man. He was a sharp-eyed man who didn't look flatteringly kind.

　He was dressed in a silk costume with a lion symbolizing the royal family on his chest. I knew at a glance that he was a high-ranking official of this country.

"...!　Well, well, well, Minister!

　Bon explained to me who he was.

　The elderly man who spoke to me was the Duke of Wairou, the Minister of State.

He is the boss of your father, Earl Bourne. He's a very talented man, and I have high hopes for you.

'Oh, my God!　Thank you very much!

　The minister said this, and then looked at Artoo for a moment.

　But he left without saying a word.

'You see? The Bournes have earned the trust of the court. My father is recognized by Minister Wylow. A knight needs to be trusted. In that respect, I of the House of Bourne am already close to being a knight!

I'm not sure what to make of that.

I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.

　I'm not sure what to do.

　--In the event you're not sure what you're looking for, you'll be able to find out more about it here.

　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're doing.

"Oh, King?

　Yes, the person who spoke to him was - of all people - the king of this country.

　A huge man with overwhelming dignity.

　And behind him, there was the princess Charlotte.

"Here, this is the king!　It's a pleasure to meet you!　My Bourne family has been in the service of the royal family for generations, and my father was even recognized by the minister. ...

　I've been a member of the royal family for many generations, and my father is recognized by the minister..." Vonn began to introduce himself, thinking that he was being addressed as a child of nobility and not as Alto.

　However, the king did not pay any attention to him.

So you're Artoo. I've heard about you from my daughter. I've been looking forward to seeing how you fight today.

"Huh?

　Bon was surprised to learn that the king was talking to Artoo and not to himself.

　I'm not sure if you've heard of this, but I'm sure you have.

"Oh, Princess ....

　I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but it's a good idea.

I'm also looking forward to seeing how you fight, Alto. I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.

"... Oh, thank you.

　Alto is surrounded by the king and princess, and he is tense.

"Well, good luck with that.

　The king and princess then return to the audience.

"Oh, you're the one who made the king and princess ...?

　Bon almost fainted in surprise when he learned that Alto had not only been approached by the king, but had also been recognized by the future queen, Princess Charlotte.

　Artoo, on the other hand, genuinely wondered what had happened to his earlier bravado. He genuinely wondered.