30 Years after Reincarnation, it turns out to be a Romance Fantasy Novel

Chapter 200

The doors of the Royal Academy had been opened.

A crowd surged forth, brimming with people eager to enter the academy at any moment. However, given the string of incidents and accidents earlier this year:

"Please present your identification."

"Kindly complete the necessary paperwork."

"Groups of more than four are not permitted."

The conditions for visiting the academy were far stricter than the day before.

Some grumbled and voiced their dissatisfaction, but under the sharp gaze of the guards, they either shrank back immediately or fled outright.

As for those who fled:

"Suspicious individual! Apprehend them!"

The guards acted promptly.

This ensured the elimination of any potential threats, demonstrating how vigilant the academy—or rather, the royal family—had become.

Seeing this, anyone with even a hint of ulterior motives for visiting the academy had no choice but to abandon their plans. After all, provoking suspicion might lead to being blacklisted not just by the royal family but also by numerous noble houses.

At that moment:

"Here, I have my identification."

"...!!"

"Oh, I also have my applicant certification. Where should I go as a candidate?"

"Ah, w-well…."

Gulp.

The guard swallowed dryly.

'Who is this woman?'

She exuded a sense of dignity rarely felt outside the realm of great noble families.

Her short, golden hair and striking beauty were certainly eye-catching, but it was the undeniable aura of sophistication that made the guard tense.

It was obvious, even at a glance.

'She’s no ordinary woman.'

Although her identification card stated she was of common birth, that couldn't possibly be true.

'She’s suspicious….'

There was nothing overtly wrong with the ID itself, but the guard’s instincts blared a warning. This needed to be investigated….

"—There’s nothing strange about this, is there? Don’t you agree?"

Whoosh!

"...Ah, you’re right. Of course."

The guard realized he had been mistaken. Right, she was a commoner—but simply an extraordinary one, radiating such poise.

With that realization, he stepped aside.

"Best of luck with your exam."
"Thank you, soldier."

She smiled warmly as she swiftly passed through the gate.

It was a benevolent smile, and the guard, dazed by its charm, could only stare after her with a dreamy expression.

"…Phew."

Not long after entering through the main gate, her face shifted, the warmth replaced by a blank expression.

It was a face as emotionless as a doll’s, and anyone who saw the rapid transformation would have been left wondering how such a quick change was even possible.

The woman then moved to a secluded area and retrieved a small cross from her pocket, pressing it to her ear.

"I’ve successfully infiltrated. However, I don’t think I’ll be able to report again until after the exam concludes."

[----.]

"Understood. I’ll dispose of it immediately."

Barely audible, faint [orders] came through, and the woman promptly crushed the red gem embedded in the center of the cross.

She destroyed it so thoroughly it turned to powder, and had anyone known that the gem was worth the equivalent of three years' living expenses for a family of four, their faces would have been filled with dismay.

But to the woman, a tool was nothing more than a tool. After ensuring the gem was thoroughly pulverized, she resumed walking as though nothing had happened.

The fragments of the gem scattered naturally with the autumn breeze.

Like grains of sand.

*****

The number of academy entrance exam candidates was staggering.

At least 30,000 people had gathered, a spectacle in its own right.

But did you know? Even this figure of 30,000 had been carefully filtered. Every single one of them had been called a genius or prodigy in their hometown.

It was, in a way, to be expected. While there were many academies, this was the Pendragon Royal Academy.

An institution that carried the name of Pendragon, supported by the royal family and the great noble houses.

Simply being admitted and graduating from here would pave a golden road to success.

A gateway to glory.

No matter what others said, entering the academy was a badge of honor.

…Though, not everyone would make it.

"If even a thousand of them pass, they’ll call it a bountiful year, right?"
"Isn’t that an exaggeration? There are 30,000 people here, all of whom were hailed as geniuses in their villages!"
"…Idiot."
"Like you’re one to talk, country bumpkin!"
"Sure, I’m a country bumpkin too, but you’re an even dumber one. No sense whatsoever."
"You little—!"
"Do you think being the best in a village of 50 to 80 people is the same as being the best in a town of 10,000?"
"……."

One of the candidates, who had been about to argue, fell silent, blinking dumbly.

"Of course, even in the countryside, there are exceptional people. Just like lions and eagles are born on the plains, sometimes anomalies disrupt the ecosystem. But that’s rare."
"Well, yeah, I guess."
"There are probably plenty of mediocre ones among these 30,000 too. Frogs in a well, you know? Some might be acting all arrogant, thinking they’re the best, but once the test starts, plenty of them will fall into despair. So, manage your mindset. Don’t start bawling because you got cocky."
"…Are you giving advice or nagging me?"

As the nameless candidate pointed out, even with all the filtering, there were still plenty of mediocre candidates.

Among them were the eldest sons of nouveau riche families who had bribed their way in, as well as spoiled noble children who grew up pampered and mistakenly believed themselves to be geniuses.

But such people would undoubtedly fail.

Even though the academy was said to have declined from its former glory, it still had never admitted those lacking talent.

And at that moment:

[Testing, can you hear me?]

Through a magical item recently popularized by the headmaster—a sound amplifier—the voice reached all 30,000 attendees.

When had she gotten up there?

A beautiful girl with striking violet hair stood atop the podium.

[Greetings, candidates. My name is Karin Alessia de Guinevere, the current president of the Pendragon Royal Academy’s Student Council. I’m a year ahead of all of you and, if you’re admitted, I’ll be your senior next year.]

"—."

The murmurs among the crowd grew.

Guinevere.

The name alone overwhelmed half the candidates, while the other half were mesmerized by the girl’s beauty or experienced a mix of curiosity and other emotions.

One thing was certain—every gaze was fixed on her.

[Ah, if you’re wondering how a first-year became the Student Council president, it’s because most of the second- and third-year students are too busy building their portfolios. The position is usually passed down to a first-year starting in the second semester. While the role doesn’t carry much authority, joining the Student Council allows you to network with professors, instructors, and promising students. If you’re admitted, I highly recommend considering it.]

Despite the attention of 30,000 people, the girl seemed completely at ease.

Blessed with a natural talent for public speaking and politics, she easily withstood the crowd’s focus.

Thanks to this, she effectively held their attention and continued her explanations, announcing critical details.

[First, the entrance exam will begin at 9 a.m.]

[Be sure to have your ID and application certificate with you at all times. To prevent cheating, we’ll be conducting periodic checks.]

[During the exam, many distinguished guests will visit to observe our future cadets. You wouldn’t want to embarrass yourselves, would you?]

[If you perform well, you might even be scouted by one of the great noble houses on the spot. So, give it your all.]

Dreams and hopes filled her words.

Though they might have sounded like empty flattery, they undeniably inspired enthusiasm.

And so:

[Finally, I’d like to introduce the other members of the Student Council who help lead alongside me. They’ll also serve as assistants during the exam, so please give them a big round of applause.]

With that, Lady Guinevere stepped down from the podium.

It seemed the briefing was over, concluding with the introduction of the Student Council.

The candidates, though not particularly interested, were at least prepared to offer polite applause.

After all, these were the people who would be assisting them. Of course, it was only natural—

"------."

…But in the next moment, not a single candidate clapped.

Everyone, regardless of gender, could only widen their eyes in astonishment, staring blankly at the appearance of a single girl.

Step, step.

Her shimmering golden hair and deep blue eyes, like emeralds embedded in her gaze.
Skin purer and smoother than white jade.
An air of mystery and an aura of magic that surrounded her.

Everything about her left those watching utterly dazed.

"Hel-hello, everyone. I’m Irene Windler. P-please, do your best on the exam."

—A fairy had appeared.

She wasn’t just beautiful; she was otherworldly, a creature of such divine splendor that it was impossible not to be mesmerized.

"I will pass this exam, no matter what!"
"This is the moment I must stake my life on!"

At that moment, over 90% of the candidates resolved to pass the exam with unwavering determination.

It was a vivid display of the power beauty could wield.

That resolve became fuel, igniting the candidates' will to succeed.

They would enter this academy at all costs!
Even if it was just to exchange a single word with her!

As they burned with newfound determination:

[Ah, it seems the faculty advisor for the Student Council has just arrived. Let’s all give them a round of applause, shall we?]

For the first time, the confident voice of Lady Guinevere faltered.

Her tone, trembling noticeably, left the candidates puzzled.

And then—

Boom!

The moment he appeared on the podium, they understood the reason behind her reaction.

"Professor Alfredo is feeling unwell, so I’ll be taking his place ‘just for today.’"

"……."

"Response."

"Y-yes, sir!"

Lady Karin Alessia de Guinevere responded as though she were a new recruit facing her first commanding officer, startled and stiff.

She even let the sound amplifier slip from her hand.

The man who had reduced her to such a state was—

"What are you looking at?"

[…….]

The moment his gaze swept over them, every single candidate averted their eyes.

His very presence was overwhelming.

The man exuded such raw dominance and menace that calling him human seemed insufficient. His intense aura radiated ferocity, and even his eyes gleamed with a savage light.

No—why was a creature that looked capable of snapping an orc or troll’s spine here at the academy?

As the candidates trembled before him—

"Let me issue a warning. I expect no irresponsible individuals among the candidates who would dare to litter the streets with trash. Especially glass. If anyone has done so, step forward immediately. If no one confesses and I catch the culprit later, I’ll—no, you’ll receive severe punishment."

[…….]

"Response."

[Y-yes, sir!!]

The candidates responded with utmost sincerity.

After all, no one wanted their spine snapped.

Then—

Drip, drip.

"……."

At the mention of glass, one woman began to break out in a cold sweat, her pupils shaking violently.

But when she hesitantly lifted her head, hoping it was mere coincidence—

"I’m watching you."

…His gaze was unmistakably fixed on her.

Thus began the academy’s entrance exam, later remembered as the most orderly and clean in its history, with candidates diligently picking up every piece of trash in sight.