I Married the Beautiful Female Protagonist In Order To Survive

9. Interview Venue

Finally, a sharp word from Flora silenced Zerola, who relented with a theatrical sigh. “Fine, fine. Since you’re begging me to go to this ‘interview’ so much, and because I like you so very much, I’ll agree.”

What did she mean, *begging* him? He’d been practically tripping over himself to follow her! If this went on, she’d become a lovesick puppy! Zer-o-la!!

If private duels weren’t forbidden within the Academy, and if the candidate weren’t already waiting, the interview about to begin, Flora would have happily pummeled him half to death!

And furthermore! President Meryl’s brain seemed entirely occupied with how to “seduce” Zerola. This not only made Flora inexplicably annoyed, but also saddled her with the responsibility of *continuing* to explain things to him!

“Here are the Royal Academy of Albion’s admissions guidelines and regulations. I don’t expect you to memorize them all at a glance, just focus on the highlighted sections! That’s basically what the Student Council uses to evaluate a candidate’s qualifications.”

“Although the main judgement rests with me, Moriarty, and President Meryl, *still*! You need to be impartial. You’re a student of the Academy too, don’t disgrace us at first sight!”

With that, Flora, her anger still simmering, slammed a stack of documents onto Zerola’s head!

Then, she walked on, glaring until Zerola spoke.

“Wh-what? What is it? I haven’t even asked anything yet!”

Flora smirked inwardly.

Hmph! A problem student like you? She knows what you’re thinking with just a glance, alright!?

Ugh, wait! Thinking like that, it almost felt as if they shared a strange tacit understanding? aaagh! Never mind! She wouldn’t think about it! This dolt was no doubt only thinking about *one* thing, better to tell him sooner rather than later, otherwise… his eyes were already wandering where they shouldn’t be!

“It’s a girl! An elf! Quite… pretty, are you satisfied!?”

Relief!

That was Flora’s only thought at the moment. She then ignored Zerola’s immediately ensuing shouts, things like, “My eyes have no stars, because you’re all they can see!” Such corny lines had no effect on her now.

Soon, the group arrived at the room specifically used to receive prospective students. This rather unconventional candidate didn’t disappoint Flora – she was asleep on the sofa.

After threatening Zerola with a look to keep his gaze in check, Flora frowned and woke the candidate. Then…

“We will now formally begin the final round of evaluation for your admission. Miss Ludwig.”

Flora spoke first, taking a seat opposite the white-haired elven girl with her companions.

“Given your rather…unique circumstances, let’s start with your background. How did you come to the Royal Academy of Albion?”

Everything about this elf defied Flora’s “common sense,” and… it wasn’t just Flora who felt that way.

Beside her, President Meryl, who was herself of the elven race, was staring at the candidate with furrowed brows and a troubled expression. Moriarty was silently scrutinizing the candidate’s strength. But it was Zerola who puzzled Flora most. The Miss Ludwig before them…though possessing a certain intensity, could be considered a standard “elf beauty.”

Yet Zerola was being incredibly serious, observing attentively, without a hint of ulterior motive.

Given all of this, Flora felt compelled to ask more detailed questions.

Though…the elf’s answer, which came a moment later, left Flora utterly speechless.

“Ugh… so troublesome… Identity? I’m an elf, alive, female… Anything else you need to know?”

“…Nothing, let us continue.”

It wasn’t that Philora was impatient, but rather… there really wasn’t anything wrong. Ordinarily, such personal information was private, and the fact that she had passed the first level of investigation to obtain candidacy meant that her “authenticity” had already been verified. The student council of the academy had no right to pry too deeply into a student’s privacy.

“So, Miss Ludwig, why did you come to our Royal Academy of Great Britain? Forgive my bluntness, but your elven identity is quite unique, so what… were you thinking to come here?”

“Do I need a reason for wanting to come? How troublesome…”

This elf, her attitude was just too unpleasant, why did she find everything such a bother?

However, the next moment, the elf’s response shattered all of Philora’s preconceived notions about her!

“As for why you ask for my reason… it’s naturally to seek out the ‘strong’~”

The… strong!? What does she mean by that!?

“There are very strong people in this academy… even if they haven’t matured yet, they are enough for me to take a look. I’m here to find them, otherwise… why would I agree to come to such a bothersome place~”

For a fleeting moment, Philora felt that the white-haired elf before her was not some “elf” at all, but rather… a monster!

However, the feeling vanished in the blink of an eye, and the elf returned to her original lazy demeanor.

“Wanting to come here and spar with strong people, that’s not out of line, right?”

“…”

Of course… not, although the purpose was quite “uncommon,” it was indeed a positive sentiment. After all, who doesn’t want to become stronger? Those academies that preach “harmonious and friendly coexistence” are merely painting a superficial facade. Such things don’t exist within the Royal Academy of Great Britain, they aren’t needed.

Here, those who want to strive to become strong and overcome others are also welcome!

The remaining questions could be left to President Mel, after all, what she needed to confirm was only Ludwig’s “purpose.” And this “purpose,” although she answered it lazily, was flawless, or rather… perfect. If she were truly evasive, that’s what would be out of the question.

However, just as Philora had made this decision and was about to give President Mel a look to let her continue, the elf…

Stopped her.

“Hey, Philora.”

“Hmm?”

A trace of doubt flashed through Philora’s mind: Had she told her her name!? But… her identity wasn’t exactly a secret, it was normal for public figures to be recognized.

“Are… you strong?”

“Miss Ludwig, what do you mean by that?”

“Literal meaning, are you… strong now?”

The white-haired elf let out a yawn, every move causing Philora to frown, “The academy is choosing me, but I am also choosing the academy. I want… to know how powerful you are now, whether you are ‘strong,’ if it’s meaningless, I wouldn’t want to stay in such a troublesome place.”

This elf!

After a moment of astonishment, Philora was immediately filled with displeasure!

Did she take the most excellent academy of Great Britain for child’s play!?

However, before Philora could scold her and directly revoke her qualification, Zelora, contrary to his usual carefree attitude, grabbed her arm and pulled her aside.

Then, he himself stepped forward, not because of “lust,” mind you.

“Say now, how can you let such a delicate beauty fight? Weren’t you just looking for someone to brawl with?”

“See if I’m up to snuff?”

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