"Phew~~"
Walking out of the Wizard King's office, Ethan Hayes let out a long sigh of relief.
Despite appearing calm and composed, Ethan had been quite tense throughout the meeting. It was the kind of pressure that comes naturally when facing someone who could crush you with a flick of their fingers. Standing before someone as powerful as the Wizard King for hours was a nerve-wracking experience.
As the old saying goes, "Serving the king is like serving a tiger."
"Still, if he really goes ahead with my suggestions, it's bound to cause an upheaval…" Ethan muttered, shrugging. The recommendations he'd offered were sound, but implementing them would be no walk in the park.
When the commoners rise, it won't just be the nobles and royals who become discontent. Even the commoners who are elevated will start to desire more.
That's human nature for you.
The ideal of "equality for all" exists only in dreams. Open your eyes, and you'll find it doesn't hold up.
Ethan's advice wasn't driven by altruism. It was a calculated move, aligning himself with the Wizard King's current ambitions. In less flattering terms, it was the kind of advice offered by cunning ministers to fulfill their own ends.
He had declared his aspirations loud and clear: he would surpass the Wizard King, not to become shackled by the weight of justice and duty, but to live solely for himself.
"By now, the entrance exams must be over. I wonder if Asta and Yuno got into Golden Dawn and Black Bulls, just like in the original story…" Ethan mused as he wandered through the royal palace.
The grandeur of the palace was a stark contrast to the countryside. Every corner exuded opulence, with guards stationed every few steps.
Seeing Ethan step out of the Wizard King's office, the guards merely glanced at him and refrained from any unnecessary action.
Bang!
Turning a corner in the hallway, Ethan collided with someone.
Normally, he wouldn't have let his guard down like this, but the palace's security had lulled him into lowering his vigilance.
The person he had knocked down—a girl—was quick to grumble as she scrambled to her feet. When her eyes met Ethan's, she froze.
"It's you…"
Noelle stared, momentarily dumbfounded. She had seen this man at the entrance exams and remembered him vividly.
After all, two four-leaf grimoire holders weren't something one could forget.
"What's this? Gonna cry now?" Ethan teased, recognizing her unmistakable blue hair tied into twin tails. He had a pretty good guess as to her identity.
Wasn't this girl supposed to be fiery and stubborn? Why did a little bump make her look so teary-eyed?
"None of your business!" Noelle snapped, quickly turning away to wipe her eyes.
The collision wasn't the reason for her tears. She was upset about the cruel words her brother had said earlier.
Although born into the noble Silva family, Noelle was far from cherished. She was the youngest of her siblings and had lost her mother during childbirth. Combined with her poor control over her magic, she was often the target of ridicule and scorn from her family.
"Still, even so... I don't want to join the Black Bulls…" she muttered under her breath, though Ethan overheard her words.
"The Black Bulls? So that's the squad you're being assigned to?"
"No! I'd rather die than go there!" Noelle shot back vehemently, shaking her head.
"As a royal, I belong in Silver Eagles, not with those misfits!"
Ethan chuckled at her haughty attitude. This girl had immense magical talent but horrendous control. She couldn't hit her target from ten meters away.
Her family had clearly sent her off to the Black Bulls to avoid having her "embarrass" them under their watchful eyes.
"Well, wherever you end up is none of my concern. Good luck."
Waving her off, Ethan continued on his way.
He had answered the Wizard King's three questions and gained permission to study magic theory under his guidance.
But that wasn't enough.
The nine Magic Knight captains were all formidable in their own right, each possessing valuable skills and knowledge.
To maximize his learning opportunities, Ethan had requested a special status from the Wizard King.
"Royal Scholar."
This designation allowed him to move freely between all nine squads and seek guidance from their captains and vice-captains. It was far better than being confined to a single squad.
His first target? William Vangeance, captain of the Golden Dawn.
The Golden Dawn's headquarters was nearby, still within the royal capital. The squad was akin to an elite royal guard.
"Come in…"
Ethan knocked on the door and entered, maintaining an air of humility.
"Captain Vangeance, I hope I'm not interrupting. Do you have a moment?"
William, his face obscured by his mask, smiled warmly. "The Wizard King has already informed us. You're free to visit Golden Dawn anytime. It's quite rare for him to take such interest in someone. You must be exceptional."
Ethan smiled inwardly but responded modestly. "I appreciate the opportunity. I hope to learn from you, Captain. There are some aspects of wind magic I don't fully understand. May I ask for your guidance?"
Ethan's tactful words quickly eased any lingering tension from the entrance exam, where he had been the center of attention.
Despite William's hidden agenda, he was an excellent teacher when it came to magic theory. By the end of their discussion, Ethan had gained valuable insights, resolving several doubts that had troubled him.
"Captain, I…"
A familiar voice interrupted them. Turning around, Ethan saw Yuno, now clad in the Golden Dawn uniform. The golden emblem on his cloak, depicting a rising sun, signified his new status as a Magic Knight.
"Yo, Yuno. Congratulations on making it into the Magic Knights!"
"Likewise, 'Royal Scholar,'" Yuno replied with a faint smile. "Shall we test our skills?"