I Want to Live a Normal Life

Episode 8: To the Royal Capital Alterion

“Incompetent, I’ll give you one last chance.”

Today, with about six months left until I turn twelve, I was summoned to Blade Arlight’s office, also known as the Stubble, and he spoke to me like this. Please praise me for swallowing the line “What is this guy talking about” so desperately. Maybe because I’ve been alone for so long, things I think might just slip out. And as usual, the stubble doesn’t suit him at all.

“I want you to take the entrance exam for Alteria Royal Academy. If you pass the exam and graduate from the academy, I’ll allow you to serve Cain even after you come of age.”

“Huh…”

“However, if you fail, I’ll cut ties with you immediately. The Arlight family doesn’t need incompetence.”

“Huh…”

“Tomorrow morning, head to the royal capital. Get ready. That’s all.”

“…Excuse me.”

Alright, I managed to get through it without saying anything unnecessary. I did my best. As for the conversation, it seems to be something like that.

“Well, it’s probably just an excuse for exile.”

Alteria Royal Academy in the royal capital Alterion is one of the most prestigious schools on this continent. This academy provides the highest level of education for four years from the age of twelve, attracting not only royals and high-ranking nobles from the kingdom but also exchange students from allied nations. Therefore, nobles who want to form connections with them are eager to send their own children to the academy.

Moreover, it is open to commoners as well, attracting talented individuals from all over the country. However, it’s impossible for someone like me who hasn’t received proper education to pass. It’s obvious they want to expel me, saying something about bringing shame to the family.

But for now, that doesn’t matter.

“Could this be a pilgrimage?”

After all, it’s the setting of the original school arc. The classrooms where the original protagonists attend classes, the training grounds, and the cafeteria, which becomes the stage for various events. This is a chance to experience them with my own senses.

Not only the setting, but there’s also a possibility of encountering the characters. The lineup of the academy’s headmaster and teachers is likely not much different from the original work, and above all, there should be one of the heroines among the exam takers. Yeah, I’m looking forward to it.

“I’m glad I didn’t escape after all.”

Honestly, I could have escaped anytime after becoming able to defeat monsters. However, since you can only register as an adventurer from the age of twelve, and there’s a risk of being wanted if the escape is discovered, I decided to stay in the mansion until I come of age. If they want to cut ties with me, it’s better that way.

Recently, there have been hardly any insults from Cain and the servants. Maybe they lost interest because I’ve been ignoring them. Some maids still grumble, but I don’t feel any emotions in particular. Humans sure get used to things. I’m still not okay with gore though.

“Oh, I should seal off the basement and the tunnel. Thank you for everything until now.”

The meals at the marquis’ house remained unchanged until the end, but thanks to the tunnel, I was able to make it somewhat fulfilling. Nevertheless, the nutritional balance is probably quite skewed, but strangely enough, I never got sick. Is it because of some reincarnation bonus, or maybe my magic is working in a good way. But still, how did the original Mine-kun endure this, who couldn’t go outside? The marquis’ family is really crappy.

“Anyway, the ‘Sword Saint’ is really strong.”

I couldn’t feel anything before, but now that I’ve trained in magic, I understand. The density and flow of magic surging through the body are completely different from those of the knights guarding me. Smooth and powerful. It would be a hassle to oppose them after all.

“At last, it’s time to depart.”

On the day of departure, the Stubble and the others held a departure ceremony endlessly and finally left. This time, Cain is also going to the royal capital, so it seems to be for that reason. While the departure ceremony was going on, I was secretly put on a carriage. Well, I don’t want any unnecessary trouble, so it’s fine with me.

By the way, did the Stubble have three wives? All three of them looked beautiful, but they didn’t seem to get along well. There’s probably a struggle for precedence based on the family’s status and the presence of male heirs. Oh, scary, scary.

Also, it seems that Cain has gained a younger brother and two younger sisters. They are still brothers and sisters to Mine-kun, right? I just found out about it. Maybe the decision to exile me was made because he got a younger brother. There’s no need to keep me around as a backup anymore.

Come to think of it, there was a scene in the original work where Cain talked about his siblings. But they were all…during the fall of Arlight.

When I got on the carriage, I made eye contact with the smaller girl, so I waved my hand slightly, and she waved back with a smile. Is she an angel?… Hmm, I don’t want those kids to go through anything terrible.

I’m aware I’m being naive. But, of course, I want children to grow up straight and healthy. Including Mine-kun. As for Cain… well, it doesn’t matter either way.

The convoy heading to the capital consists of five carriages. The escort comprises about a dozen cavalry and twenty infantry. The Stubble and Cain are riding in the most luxurious carriage with a crest at the front.

The second and third carriages are for the servants. I’m riding in the last carriage, which is for luggage. There’s a space for one person amidst the pile of luggage. If something happens, it seems I might be used as bait. Well, I don’t think there will be anyone attacking a convoy with the “Sword Saint” and guards, but… yeah, let’s not jinx it anymore.

“My butt hurts.”

Whether it’s the road or the carriage, it’s shaking so much that I activate [Magic Cloak] only on the bottom. The shaking has also reduced, so I should be fine with motion sickness. It seems it will take about two weeks to reach the capital from here.

“Still, that Stubble is so thoughtless.”

Before being exiled, I wanted to let Mine-kun visit his mother’s grave. Can’t they show that kind of consideration?… If only she could avoid such a death.

The Arlight Marquisate is located in the southern part of the Alteria Kingdom, adjacent to the Hartelia Kingdom across vast forested areas. Although the two countries often wage wars, thanks to the monsters roaming this forest, the Arlight territory has never become a battlefield.

“Until Mine-kun and the others invaded.”

In the year when the protagonists and Cain became senior students at the academy, an elite force under Earl Gargaine of Hartelia Kingdom broke through the forested area and launched a surprise attack on Arania, the capital of Arlight. One of the members of this force was Mine-kun.

At that time, the “Sword Saint” led the Arlight marquis’ army as reinforcements on the frontline against Hartelia, but upon receiving news of the fall of the capital, they changed course. However, they were annihilated on the way by Mine-kun’s explosive magic set on the road.

Furthermore, unable to withstand Hartelia’s fierce attacks, Earl Hertia also decided to abandon the capital. In this battle, Alteria lost most of Arlight and Hertia territories, leading to a significant invasion by Hartelia. In such a dire situation, the original protagonist who volunteered for the counterattack and Cain, burning with the desire for revenge for his family, stood up. That’s the flow of the original work.

“I have to change this flow somehow.”

For that, first, I have to somehow deal with the Hartelia spies and safely leave this house. Then, if I hide away in some countryside or seek asylum in another country, I think I can manage with regards to Mine-kun.

However, helping my siblings would be quite challenging. The surefire way is to destroy the original work, but honestly, when it comes to taking such risks for them… right? If I can help them, I will. I hope they’ll forgive me for that.

What I aim for is for both Mine-kun and me to live normally and happily. That’s non-negotiable.

“Welcome back, Master, Young Master.”

“Hmm, nothing’s changed?”

Two weeks later, we arrived at the marquis’ mansion in the capital as planned. In the end, no thieves or anything came. It’s a common trope in isekai stories, but it’s a little disappointing.

Stubble and Cain were welcomed by the retainers and servants stationed in the capital, entered the mansion, and as the luggage was being unloaded, I was guided to my room by the usual middle-aged maid.

“It has been arranged for you to stay in this room until the results of the exam are announced, Master Mine. Please refrain from wandering around without permission.”

“…Yes.”

The room guided by the middle-aged maid was modest. It felt like they had brought minimal furniture into a storage room or something to make it presentable. Well, it’s okay.

It seems I’m not allowed to leave the room without permission. What about the toilet?

When I asked the middle-aged maid who brought dinner, she guided me to a nearby toilet. It seems they allow going back and forth between the room and the toilet. It’s troublesome for both parties to ask for permission every time.

By the way, dinner wasn’t much different from when I was in the annex.

“The marquis’ family, huh.”