The Academy’s Crude Pink-Haired Martial Artist

“Sara.”

“Yes, Young Lady.”

“Do I really have to tie my hair like this on a day like today?”

I shot a sideways glance at Sara, who was tying my hair into twin tails.

“Since it’s a day like today, it’s even more necessary.”

Sara replied firmly, just like usual.

“Why?”

“Because Lady Ellie looks the most… the most beautiful with this hairstyle.”

“Ugh. So you’re saying if I let my hair down, I’ll look less pretty?”

“Not at all. This hairstyle is just more stunning, but all styles look good on you. What wouldn’t suit you, the Cherry Blossom of Eustetia? If anyone dares to belittle your beauty, they must need to rinse their eyes with saltwater.”

I was just trying to retort, but got hit back with something weirder and more embarrassing instead.

It was clear she was doing this on purpose.

“Still, isn’t it a bit much today? I could just use the hair tie my mother gave me—why use one with a ribbon?”

“That hair tie was also a gift from the Lord, wasn’t it?”

“True, but that ribbon is way too big.”

“If you think the ribbon would overshadow your beauty, worry not. That would never happen. And… heh heh.”

Sara, who was putting extra effort into tying my hair today, let out a little laugh.

“After all, many people, including noble children, will gather today for the exam. I cannot imagine Lady Ellie being overshadowed, but I hope you shine even brighter. So I humbly ask for your understanding if it’s a bit bothersome.”

“Yeah! You definitely need to look pretty on a day like today. You’re already pretty, of course!”

Yurasia, who was applying makeup next to us, agreed with Sara and smiled brightly.

By the way, I didn’t know Yurasia could do makeup.

It feels like watching a younger sibling turn into a grown-up.

“On that note, how about you try some makeup too, Young Lady? You would look truly stunning. No, you will definitely be the prettiest in the Academy!”

“Are you crazy?”

“Hehe… Even though you’re pretty without it, you’ll let us see it eventually, right?”

“Dream on.”

I absolutely refuse.

Even if my father begs and pleads, there’s no way I’ll wear makeup after just wearing pants my whole life!

If I had my way, I’d prefer to solve my business standing up, but that would be utterly impossible.

Anyway.

“I’m never putting on makeup.”

“Noooo…”

Yurasia, who looked a bit down after my declaration, pouted and resumed her makeup.

Sara, who also seemed somewhat disappointed, oddly adjusted my outfit.

Well, if the Demon King was to die by my makeup, then I could consider it a bit.

Unless that’s the case, I’m never doing it.

*

“You’re more than capable, but if I may intrude, I think it’s best to review your answers before submitting the exam paper,” Sara suggested.

“Got it. Thanks.”

“Then, I’ll be waiting in trust.”

“Yep. Since it’s a rare day off, don’t just do work, lie down and rest well. Eat some treats, and don’t bother coming to see me unnecessarily. I’ll just go back with Yurasia.”

“I’ve never found it hard to serve you, but yes. I will rest well. But I will definitely come to get you when it’s time.”

Even if I told her not to come, she’d probably come anyway, so I just nodded in agreement.

“Yurasia, don’t be nervous and do well on your exam too.”

“Yes! Thank you! Travel safely!”

“Be careful, Sara. See you later.”

“Yes. May the blessings of Arisa Eustetia be with you, wherever and whenever.”

If a Chimpanzee’s blessing is involved, I’d fail too. Ugh.

After hearing that chilling curse, I shrugged it off and spat.

Yurasia tried to mimic my actions clumsily.

Meanwhile, it seemed Sara took it as a routine, smiling contently.

After that, it was time for the entrance inspection.

Yurasia handed over the black iron sword I gifted her, one ordinary sword, three daggers, an awl hidden in her shoe, and two more concealed in her sleeves, and she trembled, as if feeling empty-handed.

The academy staff conducting the inspection went pale at Yurasia’s gear, and I quietly turned my head away.

“Wow! You were waiting for me?”

“Are you going to war or something?”

“Ah… I just collected my usual stuff and… heh heh.”

Seriously, does she usually carry all that?

Yurasia sure has potential.

I should tell her a few more things that are easier to carry around.

“Lady, I will definitely rank first in this entrance exam!”

“That’s impressive.”

“I’m going to get a scholarship too!”

“Yeah. Good luck.”

I half-heartedly replied as I pondered which weapons would be easy for Yurasia to hide, and she puffed her lips out.

“…Could you not say that with a bit more sincerity?”

I chuckled at her and stood on my tiptoes to pat her head.

“Just don’t be too anxious and do well. You can do it without me even saying!”

“Hehe. Yes! I can do it!”

For someone so tall, she really has a lot of charm, like a big puppy.

I used to be like that too.

…Did I? I must have.

“Here, have some of this.”

I offered candy to Yurasia, who looked particularly cheerful while gazing at me.

“Ugh…”

Her face crumpled up.

“What? Is one not enough? Do you want more? Here.”

“That… I don’t really like peppermint candy…”

“Really?!”

I was taken aback. How could she not like peppermint candy?!

I didn’t have enough to eat when I was her age!

Kids nowadays really don’t know the value of sugar. Ugh. Tsk tsk.

“And… they said you can’t eat while taking the exam.”

“Okay, then. Don’t eat.”

I glared at Yurasia and tossed a peppermint candy into my mouth.

Tsk tsk—

Enjoying the spread of minty flavor, I surveyed the academy filled with stressed-out kids.

Some kids walked awkwardly due to nerves, others read books while walking, some looked half-asleep, and there were a few who appeared overly confident.

There were even some who were crying outright or kneeling at the fountain, throwing coins in and praying.

Such a colorful array of personalities.

Among them, I could see outgoing kids like Yurasia.

I occasionally spot those who seem indifferent, like me.

So fresh and lively.

It’s a completely different atmosphere from 400 years ago.

“Ah, kids are supposed to vibe like this.”

“Wow. Young Lady, you just sounded like my grandmother. Especially with that minty scent; it made it worse.”

“Hey, do you want to keep saying I sound like a grandma?”

And to clarify, I’m not a grandma; I’m more like a grandpa, or simply an uncle…?

I died at 34 and lived another 17 years, so thinking of myself as an older brother would be a bit delusional.

So yeah, I’d rather say I’m an uncle.

Not a grandma.

Anyway.

“Yurasia, where are you going?”

“Hmm?”

“To the exam hall.”

What? Yurasia tilted her head.

“Didn’t you receive the paper when you came in earlier?”

“I did!”

flutter flutter-

“What’s the point of getting it if you don’t read it at least once.”

“Ah. I was so flustered because they took all my weapons away…”

With an awkward smile, Yurasia read the contents printed on the paper, her face darkening.

“…Um, if it’s okay to ask—”

“I’m on the 4th floor. Classroom B.”

“I’m in 2nd floor, Classroom G…”

As expected, Yurasia and I were assigned to different exam halls.

Each exam hall accommodates 20 candidates with 10 for both front and back rows.

Once the written exam is finished, it leads to a practical test.

The practical task requires candidates in the same classroom to partner up for a labyrinth exploration.

The labyrinth, created directly by the Green Magic Tower’s master, is said to be made with illusions and summoning magic, guaranteeing that no one will die or get injured.

“Ugh… If only I were with you, I’d surely ace the practical…”

“Stop whining. You can do well on your own.”

Yurasia is a current knight, after all.

While the standard of entrance exams is uncertain, there’s no way a current knight like Yurasia would fail against just kids.

“Of course, but I thought it’d be more fun doing it with you… But since we got separated, we can compete on our clear times!”

“Yeah. That sounds good.”

“Hehe, yes! Lady, you too, keep your spirits up! Let’s have lunch together later! I’ll come to your classroom!”

With a bright smile, Yurasia waved goodbye until she was out of sight.

Following her, her lovely golden hair blended into the scenery.

“Compete my foot. She’ll get wrecked.”

It’s so cute how she insists on trying to beat me.

Such a sly girl.

chuckle chuckle- I also resumed my walk.

The minty scent blended with my breath felt refreshingly nice today.

Maybe it’s because of the lovely weather.

*

Scratch scratch-

The sound of frantic writing echoed continuously in the classroom.

Students who had arrived an hour before the exam had still not put their pens down as the 5-minute countdown ticked away.

But then came a loud noise.

Crack- Bang!

The loud noise of the door opening interrupted all the sounds.

Sera, who was on her fourth try for the entrance exam, glared at the figure who entered.

At that moment, the irritation etched on her brow vanished.

Because she could not possibly be angry at the one who walked in.

Wearing a snow-white coat that looked like a winter wonderland, with two cherry blossoms adorning it.

Those two cherry blossoms danced outside the coat, cascading over her delicate shoulders, with shy fingertips peeking daringly.

Beneath her blossom veil, her cheeks were adorably flushed, holding the essence of a young girl yet not losing her aristocratic poise.

Her barely-parted lips resembled blooming cherry blossoms.

A hint of white fangs peeked through the lovely blossoms, reminding everyone she was indeed human, and making her stand out all the more.

In her half-closed eyelids lay the essence of spring itself. Her ethereal beauty radiated a mysterious charm, reminiscent of the very spring of the world.

In the barren classroom, spring suddenly flourished.

With it wafted a gentle breeze causing cherry blossoms to flutter down.

Silently, gracefully, the girl moved gently, as if she had embraced the fragrance of the heavens.

What had once been minty was now mingled with her elegant aroma, transforming into a dizzying fragrance unlike anything in this world.

In no time, the cherry blossoms settled in a sun-drenched corner.

She shed her winter coat, revealing a breathtaking silhouette, almost unattainable, and every step she took felt like a delicate piece of art.

Not a single glass sculpture or porcelain could ever come close to the fragility and vulnerability she embodied.

And because of this,

Everyone present did not just refrain from being annoying but even held their breaths cautiously.

She was the spring of the empire and the cherry blossom of Eustetia.

Eliaernes Eustetia.

Meanwhile,

The one and only Ellie was scowling deeply, quietly muttering so no one could hear.

“Ugh, damn it. Why is this academy so big and irritating? At least they should tell you where the bathrooms are. If I were any later, I would’ve crapped myself.”

I crunched on the peppermint candy Yurasia said made me sound like a grandma.

“Oops… I didn’t even have time to wash my hands because I was so worried about being late. Ugh, wonder if I have any wet wipes in my pocket?”

---