When the Villain Joined the Knights to Avoid Doom Flags, but Somehow the Heroines Started Approaching Him - Chapter 10: The Inspection

Chapter 10: The Inspection

As royalty, there are many official duties, and one of them is overseeing the safety and security of the citizens. 

Today, Fia had come here for just that reason. 

Knights serve the kingdom, and it’s the duty of the royal family to oversee them, much like a board member who doesn’t directly give orders but ensures things run smoothly.

Now that Fia was old enough to attend the academy, she also had to start taking on responsibilities like managing some of the knight squads.

To fulfill this duty, she chose to observe the Knights’ exam at one of the testing sites in the royal capital.

“How many candidates are usually accepted into the Knights from the exam each year?”

Seated in an especially luxurious chair, Fia turned to the man beside her with her question.

He was a sturdy, intimidating figure, exuding an aura of authority just by standing there. But Fia remained unfazed, likely because she had encountered many such formidable figures as a member of the royal family.

The man—Gram, the commander of the royal capital’s Knights—responded with his usual stoic expression.

“On average, about a hundred candidates are accepted each year, including those from exams held across the country.”

“Oh, that’s fewer than I expected.”

“If you’re fine with letting more young people chase a title only to die needlessly, I could increase the intake.”

“I’ll refrain from agreeing with that. It would lead to all sorts of complications.”

The Knights offer good pay and are well-respected, making them a popular career choice.

Every year, many people take the exam hoping to join. 

However, when it comes to whether they have the skills needed to actually become knights, the answer is often disappointing.

The Knights can’t afford to recklessly put young people with potential in danger, so they only select those who truly show promise.

“…I wonder how many will find joy in passing this test.”

Fia murmured, watching the exam through the glass.

The first group’s test was about to begin, and the candidates were steadily making their way into the circular arena.

(This isn’t just a place to find capable knights, but any valuable talent…)

The faces of the young candidates stepping into the arena were all marked with tension.

It was understandable—this exam had the potential to change their lives.

But very few are impressed by someone who can’t keep their composure. 

Fia let out a small sigh, shifting her gaze to the wide blue sky above.

(If any of them manage to stand out, maybe I’ll take notice like any other girl with a sparkle in her eye… but from the looks of it, my duty as a princess won’t be so easily fulfilled here, Father.)

Seeing her thoughtful expression, Gram spoke up as if to change the subject.

“Speaking of which…”

“Yes?”

“There’s something that surprised me a little this year.”

He pointed toward the arena. 

Fia followed his gesture and saw a familiar boy with black hair among the candidates.

“Yulis Blanche…? Why is he here?”

A boy infamous as a disgrace among nobles.

Fia, knowing quite a bit about Yulis and his reputation, looked surprised to see him in this setting.

“I’m not sure what his intentions are, but he’s come to take the exam. I was just as surprised when I heard it from my daughter.”

“…Is it just a whim, or does he actually think he can become a knight?”

“That’s quite harsh, Princess.”

“Then may I ask why you seem to think highly of him? Finding a gem in the desert might be easier.”

She had fully expected him to enroll in the academy.

Since she also attended the academy, the thought of seeing him there had been a source of anxiety for her. Yet, here he was, in a place she never expected.

If he joined the Knights, they wouldn’t have to cross paths at the academy.

(Not that I think he’ll pass, though.)

Yulis had always been lazy, never wielded a sword, and maintained an arrogant attitude. 

That reputation was well-known in social circles, and Fia had heard all about it.

However—

“…Setting aside any talk of likability, I believe he’s likely to pass the exam.”

“Excuse me? Are you saying he bribed you with a fortune? You are, after all, one of the highest earners in this field.”

“I have no need for money at this point. I’ve already earned enough to cover my children’s upbringing.”

So, what exactly was going on here? 

As Fia pondered this, one of the examiners finally shouted.

“Now, let the exam… begin!”

And then, Fia witnessed it firsthand.

“Maximum output. Don’t get mad if I don’t hold back from the start, useless extras.”

The entire arena transformed into a field of silver.

“…What?”

The words slipped from Fia’s lips without her realizing it.

Fia, along with the other candidates who were waiting their turn, was completely stunned. 

After all, the exam had just begun, and yet, in an instant, one of the arenas had turned completely white.

About twenty-five candidates who had been standing in the arena were now encased in beautiful ice sculptures. 

But there was one exception.

At the edge of the arena, a boy stood with his sword planted in the ground, his breath visible in the cold air, surrounded by a faint, glowing effect.

He looked around calmly, a relaxed expression on his face.

“Hmm… Ahh, wait, did I just finish this already? I’ve only used one of the turtle’s treasure boxes so far… Can I get back all that time I spent hyping myself up? It’s embarrassing!”

What just happened? No one could quite grasp it yet. 

But it was clear who had caused this phenomenon and who had achieved this feat. Even so, it was hard to believe.

While Fia struggled to hide her shock, Gram stroked his chin thoughtfully.

“Amazing… My daughter mentioned that he was exceptional, but I never imagined it would be to this extent.”

But Gram’s words didn’t reach Fia’s ears. Instead, her mind was racing.

(I can’t believe it… But after seeing it with my own eyes, I have to accept it. To have this level of power at his age…)

Could he have been hiding his true abilities all this time? But why? 

Was it possible that all those bad rumors were deliberately spread to keep his power a secret?

She couldn’t be sure of the truth. 

But as a princess of the same age as Yulis, she knew there was something she needed to do.

“…Where will he be assigned?”

“With that level of skill, he will undoubtedly be placed in the royal capital.”

“In that case, may I assist with the management of this Knights’ division?”

“Judging by your words, it sounds like the beginning of a romantic tale, doesn’t it? That said, your elder sister already oversees the capital’s affairs. Are you sure about this?”

“I’ll find a way.”

After all…

Fia regained her composed expression, offering a serene and graceful smile.

“It’s best to keep valuable talents close. And assessing whether he is an asset or a threat would be more efficient with someone of his own age nearby, wouldn’t it?”

Meanwhile—

“…Somehow, there’s now a pile of people over in the next arena.”

“Well, since my master opened his treasure box, everyone’s eyes were glued to him. In about three seconds, it’s easy enough to stack up a bunch of defenseless people like building blocks.”

“Anyway, put away that dangerous-looking segmented sword and come down from there. A scene of a cute girl sitting atop a pile of bodies might make some boys out there shed a tear, depending on their perspective and preferences.”

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