Read Novel Full Chapter 74
Chapter 74
Ability Test, Start!
And so, finally it was the day the exams began.
Right now, I had unfastened the seal and was currently staring at the question paper of the written exam.
Well, as far as education goes, this time period was still far behind my previous life so I didn’t really find any questions too hard.
But, in my previous life………..what was normal then is considered abnormal here, and vice versa, so it was a tad difficult to match my answers to the standards of this era.
Alright, I went over it all once more but, I think my answer sheet is perfect.
All that’s left is to wait for the signal that marks the end of the exam…….
That said, we weren’t allowed to leave in the middle so I just had to sit there and wait until the end, so I had nothing else to do but sleep.
And so I closed my eyes, and quietly waited.
“And time!”
Finally the written test was over, and I handed over my answer sheet to our teacher Boris.
“Lord Rudy, how did your paper go?”
“I answered everything, and I did a full recheck as well so it should be fine. How about you, Liz?”
“Same here, answered everything as well.”
Having left the classroom, we both smiled confidently.
But as expected of my dear Liz. She wasn’t just talented with the spear, she was also smart and wise as well. Truly an incredible girl.
“And now finally, the physical test is in the afternoon……..”
“My match should be the last one, I think your practical tests will be over by then as well.”
Boys’ practical test was inspection of their swordplay and then, real bouts between the students.
As for the matches, they were all made to be random but the royalty would always go last.
With the amount of students there were, it’ll take some time before my match arrives, meanwhile, the girls’ practical test had a time limit of 2 hours. Liz should easily be able to come and attend my match.
“I will be sure to carve your gallant figure into my eyes, Lord Rudy.”
“Ahaha, thanks.”
While I’m glad Liz was going to come to watch my match, she was starting to sound more excited than even I was.
But that made her seem so much more adorable and cute that I ended up breaking into a smile as well.
“Well, with that’s all set and done, it’s time to have a meal! Lord Rudy, you must eat up a whole lot and be ready!”
“Wha!?!”
Still smiling, Liz pulled my hand, and led us to the cafeteria.
.
.
“And now, we shall begin the practical exams. First, we will start with your sword stances. One by one, come forward and do your demonstration. First………”
The teacher in charge of the practicals……umm, Ixell Leidholm, was it?
If I recall, he was part of the Empire’s knight order back in the day or so I have heard.
Anyway, Instructor Ixell began to explain the details to the noble boys that were all standing in lines.
As for the sword forms and stances, each and every house had their own style, and so all of them have their own specialities and peculiarities.
As such, the evaluation is done based on how much fatigue their style causes, the sharpness of every sword swing, as well as technique, from what he explained.
However.
“What do I do………”
Hearing the explanation, I was a little troubled.
I never really learnt any specific sword form from Marquis Fahlcrantz now that I think about it.
“Then, let us begin with the son of the Knight Commander, Edgar, come to the front.”
“Yes sir!”
While I was in deep thought, the first in line, Edgar, came up front and began present his swordplay.
As expected of the son of the Nordahl family that has produced so many knight commanders over the years, his movements weren’t marred by any hesitation and you couldn’t sense any disorder in his swings.
“Edgar, that’s enough, you may go back now.”
“Sir!”
“Next up………”
And so, one by one, each and every kid came to the front and demonstrated their own swordplay.
For a moment, I considered just copying one of these but, I wasn’t going to be able to easily recreate a style I saw only just now.
“haah………guess I just have to do what I know………”
While staring at Ronnie who had just finished absentmindedly, I muttered to myself.
“Next! Wilhelm, to the front!”
Oh, it’s finally Wilhelm’s turn.
He really sent Edgar and Ronnie to test my skills so, of course, I have a feeling he’d put up a good performance here.
With such odd expectations, I focused on watching Wilhelm’s swordplay.
Hmm……….compared to the students that came before, his sword swings were definitely sharper and his technique was a level above the rest indeed.
But.
“Not even close to Liz’s level.”
That was my genuine evaluation of Wilhelm’s skill.
If that really is his level, then there is no chance I’d lose to him.
“That’s enough!………Wilhelm, that was fantastic.”
“Thank you very much.”
He never gave any additional praise to any of the students before but instructor Ixell found his performance worthy of compliments it seemed.
Apparently, that’s how good Wilhelm’s swordplay was.
“Then, finally……….Prince Rudolf, to the front.”
“Yes.”
Holding the wooden sword in hand, I stepped forward to take Wilhelm’s place.
And as we crossed each other.
“……….try not to embarrass yourself.”
Wilhelm whispered to me with a smirk on his face.
It seems he’s still underestimating my skill. Good to know.
“Prince Rudolf, please go ahead.”
With the signal from Instructor Ixell, I swung my sword.
“Eh……………?”
“Really, was that it………..?”
Seeing me, the other students began to murmur in confusion.
Well of course they did. Because I simply continued to perform the absolute basic downward strike, horizontal slash and forward thrust, just these three moves on a repeat.
“Y-your highness……….that’s…………”
Unable to ignore that, the instructor tried to call out to me.
But, I had no intention of changing things up.
This was what the man I respect the most, Marquis Fahlcrantz had taught me. The most important basics of swordplay.
And then.
“th-that’s enough!”
In the end, while being perplexed over what to do for a while, Instructor Ixell sounded the signal to stop, and I finally lowered my sword.
“Thank you very much.”
I bowed to the instructor, and then returned to the place I was stood before.
“Hmph.”
While gazing at the group of students including Wilhelm that seemed to have mocking expression, I simply snorted and ignored.