I Want to Live a Normal Life - Episode 10: Goodbye, Arlight

Episode 10: Goodbye, Arlight

“What’s the meaning of this?”

“???”

“I’m asking what this is all about!”

“Huh? I passed? Why?”

Furious, Mr. Stubble pulled out a document. I was confused when I saw it. I passed for some reason. Why? My written exam was a mess, though?

“That’s not it!”

“Huh…”

“Why did you take the magic exam?”

“???”

“Our Arlight family is a prestigious lineage known for wielding swords. And yet, someone from the Arlight family took the magic exam!? Don’t you have any pride as a member of a prestigious family?”

“…I didn’t know.”

I’ve never heard of such a thing. They should have said that from the beginning. Oh, but maybe that’s why the practical examiners were surprised. A family of sword nerds taking the magic exam, after all.

While pondering that, unexpected supporting fire came from an unexpected place.

“Father, it’s pointless to say anything to that incompetent. After all, he hasn’t received proper education. He can’t possibly understand the pride of our prestigious Marquis family.”

“…”

No, Cain probably didn’t mean to support me. He probably just wanted to diss me. But it’s like he’s saying, “Nobody told him not to take the magic exam,” right? Mr. Stubble is probably grumbling too. What am I going to do about this?

“…Anyway! It’s unacceptable for someone from the Arlight family to take the magic exam and then pass due to favoritism!”

“…Favoritism?”

“Of course! There’s no way an incompetent like you could pass the Royal Academy! Even if it’s the magic exam! Most likely, someone saw the Arlight name and gave you special treatment to pass. What a nuisance!”

“I see.”

That line seems plausible. The written exam had almost seventy percent blank. Even if I got all of them right, it would only be about thirty percent correct. And on top of that, in the practical exam, I only used magic at the level of other examinees. There’s no way I could pass without some kind of intervention.

For a moment, the face of the “Sage” came to mind, but he wouldn’t go out of his way to enroll me in the academy. There’s no reason for him to do that. Even if there were, the “Sage” doesn’t exert power or influence unless it’s necessary. He understands what it means for him to act.

So, the favoritism theory seems plausible after all. On the other hand, he probably told the Knight department, “No favoritism needed.” Since he’s the “Sword Saint,” he’s likely influential in that direction.

And he confessed that he made someone take the test even though he knew the person wouldn’t pass. It’s hilarious that he’s so flustered.

“Favoritism causing a pass is disgraceful for our family. I’ll inform the academy that I’m withdrawing my enrollment recommendation. Furthermore, it’s outrageous for someone from the Arlight family to take the magic exam! You are not suitable for our family. Therefore, I’m cutting ties with you right now. I sent a letter to the castle just now. It should be accepted today… Hey, that one.”

“Yes.”

“…?”

“This is a parting gift. Even though you’re an incompetent illegitimate child, it would be troublesome if people spread rumors about you being thrown out empty-handed. Consider it a gesture of goodwill.”

“…Thank you.”

“Tomorrow morning, leave this mansion promptly. And never show your face to our family again!”

“…Yes.”

I receive the wallet brought by the butler and return to my room. Unexpectedly being accepted but then being banished without much trouble is a relief. It would be annoying if he said something like, “If you grovel, I might forgive you,” right? Mine-kun seems a little down.

“Wow, a Marquis family scion.”

There were only ten small silver coins in the wallet handed to me as a parting gift. I couldn’t help but be surprised. In the original, I think one small silver coin was about 10,000 yen or so. I’m not sure about the actual value since it’s different from my past life, but with ten small silver coins, can you only live for one or two months? A Marquis family scion.

“Now, what should I do next?”

You can register with the guild from the age of twelve. It’s all about how to survive until then. First, let’s leave the capital and head for the Kingdom of Melnier to the west. They managed to hold back the invasion from Hartelia around the borders in the original story. There were some casualties, but there shouldn’t have been much damage around the capital and its vicinity.

Staying within the country might invite trouble from Mr. Stubble. He might say something like, “We can’t let the family’s shame continue!” or whatever. For now, expulsion seems to be the end of it, but it might not be the case in the future.

Then it’s a matter of when Hartelia’s spies will move. They probably won’t until I leave the mansion. Or will they?

By the way, the last dinner at the Marquis’s house had the same menu as usual. “A Marquis family scion.” Well, at least it wasn’t poisoned.

“Master Mine, take care.”

“I appreciate your help.”

The next morning, I leave the mansion. Only the usual middle-aged maid sees me off. They didn’t make a move after all. It would be great if I could leave the capital without any incidents.

“First, I need to gather food and camping supplies.”

The shops near the noble district look fancy and expensive, so I’ll head to the adventurers’ guild first. I can’t register yet, but the shops around there cater to adventurers, so they should have everything I need for the journey.

“Oh, this is the adventurers’ guild.”
The adventurers’ guild in the capital was splendid, fitting for the headquarters of the kingdom. Here too, the protagonist encounters the cliché event of being approached by senior adventurers. I probably just silenced them with violence at that time. Then the adventurer heroine notices. …Do protagonists need to be approached to survive? And each time, a heroine appears. I envy… no, maybe not. Yeah, that kind of life seems really troublesome.

“For now, this should do.”

I visited several shops near the guild and bought bread, jerky, dried fruits for preserved food, a thick mantle that can be used as rain gear and bedding, and magical tools for producing fire and water. Everyone at the shops was kind and gave me a lot of advice.

There were also many world-famous foods like skewers and soup at the stalls. But thanks to the stingy Marquis family, my wallet is nearly empty. Still, I think I’ve got everything I need now.

“Now, all that’s left is to leave the capital. …Oh, they’ve followed me after all.”

Since leaving the mansion, someone unfamiliar has been following me. They probably think they’re keeping their distance, but it’s obvious with [Magic Detection]. At first, it was just one person, but now there are five. And one of them who just joined is someone I know. Definitely a Hartelia spy.

“Sigh… Feeling heavy…”

For now, I need to guide them away to a less crowded area.