Vol 0 Chapter 1 – Prologue

“Allen… I can hardly believe it, but it looks like you failed the Royal Palace Mage Exam.”

“Haah… I see.”

I don’t even know how to react.

I felt good about the written test, and I’m sure I didn’t slip up in the practical.

And yet—I failed. Life’s harsh sometimes.

But more than that…

“Professor, do you have any work for me? I’m flat-broke and can’t afford the trip home.”

“Thinking of heading back to your hometown? You could find work right here in the capital, you know.”

“I thought so too… but there are people way better than me.”

When I went over the exam with my old Academy buddy, my answers looked solid enough.

I guess my weak spot—hands-on skills—took me down. There’s always someone better. Tough luck.

“It really is a shame. You and Lady Lidia were two of the best students we’ve had in years.”

“Thanks. I’m sure she sailed through, so please keep an eye on her.”

“Of course. Now, about work—I have an old friend who needs a tutor for his daughter. The job lasts until spring, and the pay’s good. Interested?”

“A tutor, huh—”

Memories of endless teaching hours at the Academy and the university sting a bit.

…Still, this should be fine.

“I’ll take it.”

“Great. I’ll call him right now. No time like the present.”

The professor reached for the telephone on the wall.

Wait, do they even have a phone on the other end? Regular homes don’t, not yet.

I’ve got a bad feeling.

“Professor. Actually—”

“Hello? Yes, it’s me. About that tutor. I have someone ready right now. Capable? Absolutely—one of the best in my 30 years as a teacher. Yes, I see. I’ll leave the details with my familiar.”

He hung up, beaming.

“They’re thrilled. Your student will be Lady Tina, daughter of the Howard dukes. She starts at the Royal Academy this spring.”

“…You set me up, didn’t you?”

“Haha, what do you mean? A talented former student wants to hide in the countryside for an easy life. As her professor, I can’t let that happen.”

“I’m not chasing glory… It’s a miracle I made it this far.”

“That honesty is both your strength and your flaw. Don’t worry—you’ll be back in the capital before you know it. I can see it.”

Even with his confidence… Becoming tutor to a duke’s daughter sounds scary—or maybe not. If she’s anything like Lidia, I’ll just treat her the same. Should work. Probably.

^[1]Note: In this kingdom, because the royal family once married into the four great ducal houses, the daughters of those houses are called 『殿下』 (“Your Highness”). In other countries they’d … Continue reading

“Got it. I accept.”

“Good. Head out right away. The Howard estate’s colder than the capital, so bundle up.”

“Professor, could I borrow train fare—”

“Here’s today’s ticket. First-class seat. And a boxed lunch as a farewell gift.”

“…You definitely set me up.”

“Haha, a cute kid needs to travel. Life’s full of surprises, Allen.”

Even with that bright smile…

Well, it can’t be helped. I need money before I go back to the countryside.

I’ll give it my all for the next three months.

I’ll leave a note for Lidia, who’s at home now. Must be warm down south for her.

What kind of student is Lady Tina? Hope she’s nice. Either way, I’ll manage.

Looking back, I really want to slap my past self and yell, “Wake up!” But some lessons you only learn the hard way.

One hundred days to turn a girl who can’t cast basic magic into the top student at the Royal Academy.