Of course, I also packed the most nutritious lunch in the best carriage to make sure he wouldn’t be at a disadvantage against other noble children.
Raven expressed strong disapproval, saying he didn’t want to stand out, but from my perspective, he was not just a friend but a presence akin to family, so it was natural.

“Rosa, didn’t they say that Raven is the only non-vampire taking the entrance exam for the Royal Knight Order this time?”

“Yes. That’s right. Since most nobles’ children support the exam, nearly 100 people took the test. However, there’s only one person without any vampire traits, and that’s Raven.”

“He probably made an excuse using dependency magic to follow Balthazar. He shouldn’t be ignored by other families.”

Even after Raven disappeared riding the carriage, I stood there for a while in a daze. Si-oh-ne, who was beside me, patted my shoulder.

“Don’t worry, Bella. Raven already has the skills of a junior knight. There’s nothing to criticize in his swordsmanship, academic knowledge, or culture. Considering that just a few months ago, he couldn’t even read, his progress is truly dazzling.”

“If Si-oh-ne says so, he must be really remarkable. Raven must be as intelligent as me.”

“Being so talented, it’s no wonder Balthazar wants to make Raven his personal knight. Unlike others, he said he wouldn’t have a personal knight for a lifetime. It means he’s closely watching over Raven.”

Relieved, I continued with my usual busy routine, eagerly awaiting Raven’s return.

I tried to maintain composure, but it wasn’t easy.

Even during lunch and tea time breaks, my eyes kept involuntarily turning towards the direction of the Knight Order building.

Rather than being so nervous, I thought it would be better if I took the exam myself.

“Hey, can I apply for the Knight Order exam too? I heard that they also recruit magicians.”

During the afternoon class, I suddenly asked the teacher who was teaching military strategy, and he nodded.

“Of course. Although it’s called the Knight Order, it doesn’t mean only swordsmen can apply. For us vampires, magic is one of the essential weapons.”

As far as I know, my eldest brother Wilhelm had already received his knighthood a long time ago, and Luca said he had no intention of becoming a knight.

Acquiring the rank of a royal knight was solely based on one’s own will, so it was not an absolute necessity.

However, to create my own direct order of knights under my command, like my father leading the Royal Knight Order, it seemed beneficial for me to have the status of a knight myself.

Later, I decided to take the exam like Raven and focused more on the lesson in front of me.

To become a lord and to have the power to oppose the empire, there was much to prepare in advance.

‘But why is Raven so late? The sun is already setting.’ Today was the first day of the entrance exam, which would be held over three days.
I heard that, in addition to the written exam, there was a brief sparring session among the applicants, but due to the large number of participants, it seemed to take quite some time.

Anxiously, I paced around the room, waiting for Raven to return.

Then, after a while, the faint sound of carriage wheels started coming from outside.

“Raven! Welcome back! Are you okay? Any injuries?”

Rushing out to the stable, shouting, Raven, who was talking with the stablehand, looked at me with a blank expression.

Seeing his neat appearance, not resembling someone who had been taking exams all day, I felt a bit awkward.

“No injuries. Just had some sparring.”

“Speak more calmly. Still, you never know. Besides Balthazar, it might have been the first time you crossed swords with someone else.”

“It was surprisingly easy. I was amazed because the skills of the applicants were disappointing.”

Raven, who replied nonchalantly, grabbed his sword and headed towards the training grounds.

Even after a day of exams, he was back to sword practice.

Having innate talent and practicing so diligently, his skills naturally improved rapidly.

The next day, when morning came, pleasant news spread throughout Rose Palace.

It was the news that Raven achieved the highest score on the first day of the knight order exam.

“Congratulations, Raven. Getting into the knight order is now within reach.”

“When you first came to Rose Palace, I thought you were just a naive little guy, but you’ve grown quite remarkable. You might become an excellent knight surpassing even Commander Balthazar.”

Raven on his way back to the exam venue.

A few soldiers and servants who were somewhat close to him offered congratulations one after another.

As whistles and applause showered him when he was about to get on the carriage, Raven’s cheeks noticeably turned red.

“Stop with the congratulations. I haven’t passed the exam yet. I could still fail later.”

“Oh, come on. It’s not just anyone becoming the top scorer, and with the backing of the commander.”

“The others I saw at the exam site yesterday were talking about similar things. What kind of dirty tricks did that guy use to bring someone from a different race this far?”

Listening to this, I began to feel a bit angry.

Raven gained Balthazar’s trust and became my friend solely because of his efforts and dedication.

Having observed that process more closely than anyone else, I couldn’t help but get angry at those who spoke without knowing anything.

“I’ll join the knight order solely based on my skills. I’ll show them clearly to others as well. I have the qualifications for it.”