The princess' expectations

"--Arto-san, thank you for saving the city from a runaway boss.

　Arto was summoned to a room in the royal palace.

　The one who was waiting for him there was Princess Charlotte.

I've heard that you defeated an opponent that even knights couldn't defeat with a single blow. Your power has already surpassed the level of knights, hasn't it?

No, no, no. .... I only fought in cooperation with everyone.

It's great that you are humble. You are the ideal knight.

Thank you for your kind words, sir.

"In recognition of this quest and your achievement in saving the city, you will be officially allowed to take the Knight Selection Examination. You will take it, won't you?

... Of course!

I'm glad to hear that. I'm glad to hear that. I'm sure that Alto-san will be able to pass the exam easily, but when he becomes a knight, I'd really like him to lend me a hand, so I'd be happy if he could pass with a high grade. Please do your best.

Thank you very much!

　†.

　After Artoo left the room, the princess spoke to the knights under her command.

I've sensed some disturbing movements in the prince's faction lately.

"Yes. It seems that the Countess of Bourne has also taken sides. It's already known that we're trying to get Arto-san on our side. There will probably be interference.

"However, Arto-san is strong. I'm sure she will be able to shrug off even the slightest interference.

　The princess's eyes lit up as she thought of the boy who had saved her life.

　†.

　--Artoo packed up his few belongings and headed for the Royal Knight School.

　The school is located in a town a short distance from the royal capital. He was going to be able to rent a room in the dormitory there.

"So this is the Royal Knight School. ...

　Artoo was overwhelmed by the large grounds and the majestic building.

　It's a great way to get to know your fellow knights.

　If you don't defeat them, you will not be able to become a knight.

I'll do what I can. As usual, solemnly and cosmetically.

　With determination, Arto stepped into the grounds.

He went to the arena according to the instructions he had received in writing beforehand.

　There he was to be briefed on the selection test.

　When he arrived at the arena, he saw that the students of the Royal Knight School had gathered there. There were probably about 40 of them.

　After a year and a half of training, students of the Royal Knight School are required to take the Knight Selection Examination.

　Not just anyone who goes to the Royal Knight School can pass the exam to become a knight.

　Many people fail the selection exam.

　Of course, even if you fail the exam, if you have the title of a graduate of the Royal Academy of Knights, you won't be out of work for the rest of your life.

　However, the people gathered here are the elite who gathered to become knights.

　It's a great way to make sure you're getting the most out of your money.

(... of course, but there are only people I don't know).

　I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but it's a good idea.

　It is quite rare to take the exam outside the school, so Alto was the only one who did not know anyone.

　He was not sociable enough to enter the circle of students who were already getting along well.

　So, he stayed a little bit away from the students and kept his hands to himself.

　But after a year and a half of taking classes together, it seemed to stand out when there was one person he didn't know.

Hey, you.

　The boy who spoke to me had the appearance of the son of a nobleman.

　The boy who spoke to me had the appearance of a nobleman's son, with all-blond hair, bad eyesight, and a look of arrogance on his face.

I am Bon Bourne. I'm Bon Bourne, heir to the prestigious Count Bourne family.

"..., but I'm Alto.

　I'm Alto, and I'm going to tell you my name.

I'm not sure what to say. You are the one with the connections.

　Bon spoke to Alto in a clearly coercive manner.

　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're doing.

I'm curious to know what kind of dirty tricks a no-good guy like you used to get a recommendation.

"..., haha.

　He never felt anger towards people who treated him with malice.

　I'm not sure what to make of it.

　I'm not sure if it's a good thing or not.

I'm actually good at assessing my opponents' abilities. What is your aptitude for magic?

　Bon took the liberty of using his appraisal skills on Artoo.

"The ... magic circuit is ... pfft!　No, no, no, no, no, no. Magic Circuit 1!　No way, too small fry!

　Bon began to belly laugh.

I'm not sure what to make of that.　How are you going to attack with that?

　It's a great way to make sure you're getting the most out of your money.

I'm sure you'll be able to figure out how to do it.　I'll be a shield for the nobility like a commoner.

"Haha, that's really funny.

　Alto had basically decided to ignore it. It's a good idea to have a teacher on hand when the time comes to end this useless exchange.

　But the problem was that the teacher didn't show up.

It's impossible to become a knight with only one magic circuit, of course!　You see, a knight is someone like me.

　Bon then turned in the direction of the arena.

　I'm not sure what to do, but I'm going to try.

"Fireball!"

　--Five balls of flame shot out from Vonn's hand at the same time.

　The yellow light scattered as the scarecrows were hit and their wards were damaged.

That's Bon!　You've mastered five magic circuits at once!

And your accuracy is superb!　You've hit all the targets!

　It's a great way to make sure you're getting the most out of your money.

This is the power of a person who becomes a knight. I'm not sure if I'd be able to do that, but I'm sure I'd be able to do it.

　Artoo was surprised by Vonn.

　It's not about the fact that Vonn activated five skills at the same time.

　He was amazed at Bon's bravado.

I'm not sure what to make of that.

　That was Artoo's honest opinion.

　It was true that having five fireballs was amazing, considering that he only had one magic circuit. But it was easy enough for Artoo to create five fireballs.

(... perhaps you can do quite well with my power?)

　The princess said, "Alto-san can do it easily," but Alto didn't believe her.

　He thought that she was probably just flattering him.

　However, Bon said that a person who can produce five fireballs can become a knight.

"Hey, hey, hey. If you think you're not a connection guy, prove it.

　--I'm sure you're not the only one.

"..., do I need to defeat some of those scarecrows?

"If you can. If you can, show me how you can fight with just one magic circuit.

　Artoo thought about it for a moment and decided to accept the invitation.

　The teacher didn't seem to be coming any time soon and he thought it would be easier to follow him meekly than to ignore him and get into a scuffle.

　Artoo turned to Kakashi and held up his hand.

　He activated the Fireball text registered in his "Auto Magic".

"Fireball activated.

　--And then, the next moment.

　The next moment, the students in the room all shouted in unison.

"Hey, what the hell?

　Sixteen fireballs appeared in front of Alto at the exact same time.

How many are there?

　The fireballs shot towards the scarecrow at the exact same time, all hitting him in the heart.

"What?　There are 16 of them at the same time!

　Bon was about to lose his mind.

　It's a great way to get the most out of your business.

　I'm not sure what to do.

　The number of magic circuits is the number of magic that can be activated at the same time.

　With only one magic circuit, Alto should have been able to activate only one magic at a time.

　For the students who were unaware of the existence of the unique skill of auto-magic, it was like watching a miracle.

What's going on with you, man? What kind of cheat did you use?

No, I didn't cheat or anything.

I didn't cheat.　How could I have done that without cheating?

I'm not going to be able to do that without cheating.

　I'm not cheating.

I'm sorry.　You are a commoner with a magic circuit of 1, but you are so cocky!

　I'm not sure what to do, but I'm sure I'll be able to do it.