1.22.

Leticia and Sequencee reached the academy once again. Just like yesterday, the entrance was packed with students.

Leticia had a mark on her hand different from Sequencee's which proved her identity as one of the 200 candidates to have won yesterday.

They watched as today's participants poured into the Sage's Hall as they made their way down the colonnade.

'Crazy. It's even more than yesterday.'

It was already nearing the one thousand five hundred mark even though there was an hour left before today's appraisal would begin.

Sequencee and Leticia made it to the end of the colonnade and headed towards the admissions office. Leticia was to gather at the same hall in the first academy building as instructed yesterday. However, she wanted to know if Sequencee stood any chance in entering the academy, hence why it would be much more efficacious to sit in the negotiating room together with him. Otherwise she would simply opt-out.

While Leticia had her luggage dragging behind her, Sequencee was holding a blue chest. Till now, Leticia had no idea what was inside.

The office entrance was made from glass, there were numerous counters available to accommodate students.

"How may I serve you today?" A female officer approached them with a smile.

"Is it possible to find a representative to ask about enrollment into the academy?"

"Ah yes. Please hold on a moment."

She went behind the counter and then beckoned them over. The officer handed them a set of documents.

"It's just like the one yesterday except.." Leticia grimaced.

"Hm.."

The documents contained detailed information regarding the basic courses available. It wasn't limited to only becoming an enforcer, there were courses solely focused on magic, alchemy, healing and engineering.

The scholarship Leticia won was the most advanced one which would train her to become first class enforcers. She would be drilled in with more knowledge and training compared to those in the second class.

'I didn't know they had this kind of thing.'

It was known that after graduating from any academy, enforcers are automatically regarded as C-rank mercenaries if that is the path they choose. Yet, that bracket of graduates are deemed as second class enforcers in Riestallia Academy. Those that graduate as first class enforcers are automatically regarded as B-rank mercenaries, and will be given priority to becoming a member of the royal knights.

The fee between the two classes was like heaven and earth. Both are threeyear courses, one being at least three times the price of the other.

Sequencee would most probably only be able to afford the second class course at two platinum (200,000G) for an entire three year course.

'Here goes nothing..'

"Miss Lin."

"Yes, have you an idea which course interests you?"

"Is it possible to pay for the course using something other than money?"

"Hm? It's against our policy to barter."

"Demon lord horns."

"Huh?"

Sequencee dropped the casket on the counter and opened it.

"I'm saying that I'm exchanging demon lord horns."

Arine Lin's calm expression cracked.

===

"Where did you get this?"

Leticia and Sequencee were ushered into a private room where an old elf came to appraise the authenticity of the item.

"I got it from my mom."

'Is there such a skill as lie detection? Hopefully not right?'

Arine stood behind the two nervous clients sitting on the red couch. To her amazement, she realized that among the two, one of them had won the scholarship while the other did not.

"Wait this is.." the elf sage picked up the note and examined it up close. "Estia barony?"

Leticia's body tensed up.

"This.. I'll need some time to confirm the authenticity of the item. Is it alright with you that you leave it with us for a few days?"

"After it's confirmed, will it be enough to pay for the fee?"

"It will."

"For the second class enforcer course or.."

"The second class course. Though, I might make an exception for the first class course if this truly is.."

'Great.. though I'm pretty sure that I'm being scammed here.'

A demon lord horn is something you'd seldom get to find in the market. A rare material that could be said to be as precious as a Philosopher's stone.

And here the deal was that Sequencee would be giving up three of his horns just to pay for a 200,000G course.

"Of course, we will assess the value and repay the balance appropriately."

"Alright."

"Will you be able to come back in a few days? No, is it alright if you come tomorrow?"

"That would be good?"

The elf unpinned an emblem from his uniform and placed it on the table between them.

"When you arrive, show any of our academy professors this badge, they will understand right away."

"Alright, thank you."

"As for your companion, I congratulate her for securing a scholarship into our academy. May the blessing of the Goddess be with you."

===

"..."

"..."

"..."

The three of them walked out of the vice principal's office.

"Where did you get that from?" Arine asked.

"I got it from my mom."

"I know. I mean, where did she get that from? Whose horns are that? I've not heard of any demon lord being subjugated for the past century."

"I don't know either.." Sequencee quipped.

'It's my horn damn it.'

The three of them turned towards the direction of the first academy building.

'Is she following us?'

They reached the hall. The winners of yesterday's appraisal were gathered with their baggage of items on them. It looked like a party was going on as some of them were holding wine glasses of… well, wine.

"Aha, you're finally here!" Nynim who noticed Leticia hopped towards them in an instant.

"Who is that?"

"She's quite young to have won."

The acquaintances Nynim was chatting with earlier also approached them.

"So, how did it go?" Nynim asked Sequencee.

"How did what go?"

"Will you be able to enroll?"

"I have no idea. Though, I think it's probable?"

"Good for you then. Right Leticia? There's no need to be so sad.. did something happen again? Hey, you as her boyfriend, what did you do?" Nynim groaned.

"Hahaha– I see, so you two got separated huh?"

"Don't be rude."

"Right, right. My bad."

The pair of mage and swordswoman poked at them, and at themselves.

"Sequencee. Promise me you'll enter the academy," Leticia spoke looking towards the ground.

"..."

Leticia tightened her grip on the handle of her luggage at his silence.

".. That isn't up to me."

"Wow, so blunt. Can't you be a less insensitive mister boyfriend?" Nynim yapped.

"Oi, oi. Don't go on and butt in like that Nynim!" The swordswoman retorted.

"That's the truth right?" the mage in the robe said.

"But I'll do my best Leticia. That's all I can say," Sequencee resolved.

"Promise?"

She raised her head to look up at him. Her ruby-golden eyes flickered in woe. A painful sensation pressed against his heart.

"I promise."

Leticia lowered her head.

"Take care," she whispered.

"Miss Nynim, help me take care of her," Sequencee said.

"You can bet on my money I will," she laughed in glee.