Chapter 5: Cradle Academy

It seems Laphae's spirit gradually recovered.

I did a perfect job.

Of course, in reality, I didn't do anything particularly special. I just acted toward Laphae the way the other me (Night) would, and gradually her spirit returned.

Children are children; they can easily change their feelings.

—Well, that doesn't seem quite right.

Because once Laphae got to know me (Yue) better and her spirit returned, she would talk about the other me (Night) the most every day. She would repeat all the little details between her and me (Night) over and over again, without getting tired of it—she praised me so much that I even felt a bit embarrassed.

Am I really that outstanding?

Hearing my description coming out of the girl mouth, I fell into self-doubt.

I feel like the person Laphae is describing isn't me at all.

Words like gentle, caring, handsome, powerful, reliable, kind... I'm not sure I can match up with all those descriptions.

Well, maybe just the handsome part is true, even though I'm only eight years old (Night), I'm definitely the most handsome man in the world.

But apart from that, am I really the person she's talking about?

Well, whatever.

It's fine either way.

After all, seeing Laphae gradually regain her spirits makes me quite happy, and that's enough.

I let out a sigh of relief. When I got home that night, I relaxed and soaked in the bath.

"Sister!!!"

Splash!!!

I should say I welcomed the girl who leapt directly into the bath, landing in a perfect sitting position on my lap, with an expressionless face.

My younger sister, Xue'er, who is a year younger than me.

With snowy hair, snowy eyes, snowy brows, and snow-white skin, her appearance is cool and chilly, but her temperament is excessively lively and passionate.

"Sister, I'll help you scrub your back."

Hearing such a predictable statement, I remained expressionless and replied, "No need, I already scabbed it, I'm already in the bath."

"Eh? Come on, let me do it again, sister, your skin is so soft, cough cough, sister, once more..."

"Stop fooling around, get out."

Finally, Xue'er quieted down.

When it comes to this younger sister of mine, it's safe to say that I do feel a headache.

Compared to Xue'er, Laphae is much less troublesome.

But as they say, a younger sister is just as cruel in reality as a childhood sweetheart in one's imagination. So I don't really have much urge to complain—any complaints I had, I've already aired them.

"Don't move."

With a smack, I lightly slapped Xue'er's buttocks, stopping her from wriggling around.

Seeing Xue'er finally quiet down completely, I let out a sigh of relief and relaxed my spirit once again.

At that moment, I couldn't help but recall the words my father had said during dinner today.

Cradle Academy.

Today, I heard this name from my father's mouth.

It is said to be the center of the world and the highest institution that everyone dreams of entering.

Those who pass the entrance exam can enter Cradle Academy, regardless of who they are. Those who fail the entrance exam cannot enter, no matter who they may be.

Even a royal family member does not have special privileges.

The entrance exam is held on the 9th of January each year, when everyone turns thirteen.

Each person has only one chance to take the entrance exam. If you fail, you must seek another path.

Even for a kingdom, if a student who has entered Cradle Academy emerges from within, it is a cause for nationwide celebration.

And today, I heard this name from my father, who hoped that I would set my sights on Cradle Academy and improve myself.

— In fact, even if my father hadn't mentioned it, I am well aware of Cradle Academy.

It's a location frequently featured in various TV dramas — Cradle Academy.

Even a child would know what kind of place Cradle Academy is.

With this in mind, I softly asked Xue'er, "Xue'er, who holds the highest position in our country?"

"Huh? Of course, it's the king!" Xue'er blinked in confusion, seemingly unsure why I was asking such a question.

To which I asked again, "Then, in this world, is there anyone whose position surpasses that of a king?"

"I know, I know!!" Xue'er excitedly and admirably said, "The one who rules the whole world, standing above the lords of all nations, is the President of the Student Council at Cradle Academy! Elected by all the students of Cradle Academy, the President of the Student Council is the Grand Supreme Ruler of our world, wielding supreme authority, the ultimate power holder of the world!!"

Indeed, no one would be unfamiliar with Cradle Academy.

Because it is the center of the world.

It's not just the highest educational institution, but also the highest authority in the world.

A recurring plot in TV dramas is the Student Council President of Cradle Academy acting as the main antagonist, ruling the world. Then, the protagonist gathers a group of allies to resist the president's rule, eventually successfully toppling the President and taking their place, a storyline of triumph.

Or perhaps it's the protagonist's journey of striving and eventually becoming the Student Council President of Cradle Academy, a classic storyline that everyone loves to watch.

The essence remains unchanged, and most of the time, it's this kind of plot.

In any case, Cradle Academy is a place known to all, a place that everyone dreams of going to, regardless of who they are.

And my father wants me to aim for that.

This is a pretty normal thing to say.

After all, my outstanding abilities naturally invite such high expectations.

"—That being said, nobody knows what Cradle Academy tests each year. The content changes every year, so how am I supposed to work toward that goal?"

Well, there are still six years left, I can think about it later.

For now, instead of pondering about things that seem as distant as the horizon, I might as well think about what's happening on my male side—Night's side.

Thinking about what I, Night, experienced today, I couldn't help but be deeply puzzled.

Could it be that I'm naturally destined to be a nanny to girls?