The Final Exam

Author: Unicoon
Raw: https://ncode.syosetu.com/n8138gc/11/
Translator: Lilia v4
Editor: Yuriko AYA

“Examinees, gather!”

The swordsmanship practical over, the examinees were called together.
They formed a line at the edge of the schoolyard, before an entrance that led into the forest.
Lady Ulrika and Olivia took the tail of it.

“We will now conduct the last exam: the field exam!”

The gathered examinees all looked tense.

“The content is monster subjugation! Subjugate monsters in the designated area and bring back proof of subjugation!”

Paper was handed out as the explanation went on.

“The exam site is Parateno Forest, the woods you see right behind you. The target monsters are listed on the paper you were given.”

“Hmm, hmm. An exam against monsters. Practical. That’s a good thing.”

“The monsters that live in Parateno Forest are all subjugation rank E or F. That does not mean you may let your guard down. Always prepare for the worst as you take the exam!”

“Hm? What is subjugation rank?”

“It’s the difficulty of subjugation assigned to each monster. You can think of it as how dangerous they are. It runs from rank A at the top down to rank F.”

Lady Ulrika and Olivia peered at the paper together.
It was covered in pictures of various monsters. Olivia pointed at one.

“See? The symbol written here is the subjugation rank. This monster would be rank F.”

“Rather interesting! A rank A monster must be quite strong, then.”

“Of course! It’s said you need military-level fighting strength to subjugate a rank A.”

Lady Ulrika was fascinated by subjugation ranks.
Meanwhile the examiner kept explaining the exam.

“The exam will be conducted in teams! Form teams among yourselves within the next fifteen minutes. Anyone who cannot form a team will participate alone!”

“Hoh? Teams, even though it’s an exam. Why is that?”

“I hear coordination with others, cooperativeness, and building a group are also part of the scoring.”

“In other words, making friends! That sounds fun!!”

“No… it’s not quite that light…”

“All right. I’ll make a team too!”

Lady Ulrika promptly spoke to a nearby examinee.

“You there!”

“Hey, don’t come near me!”

The girl examinee slipped away.

“Hm? I see… Then you there. Form a team with me!”

“No way. Princess Charlotte would hate me for it.”

The boy examinee left, curt.

“Muu… everyone keeps leaving me… why…?”

“It’s surely Princess Charlotte’s doing. She’s ordered them not to team with Lady Ulrika.”

“Why would she do that… Blocking me does her no good at all…”

“Because you made the princess angry…”

Lady Ulrika was left standing alone.
Then Princess Charlotte arrived.

“My? Is the country-girl Demon King all by herself?”

“Ohh, Charlotte! You have so many friends.”

“Yes. Unlike you.”

A crowd of examinees followed behind Princess Charlotte.
At the very back was Natasha, who had fought Lady Ulrika in the sword exam.

“Charlotte’s team is ten in all? Natasha’s with you too!”

“Oh? So you know Natasha. I put this girl on the team as a porter.”

“A porter? What a waste…”

Princess Charlotte twitched at that.

“A waste? What do you mean?”

“In this group, the only one stronger than Charlotte is Natasha, yes? And yet a porter. That’s a waste.”

“Ha? Stronger than me?”

Princess Charlotte glared at Natasha.

“Eek, I’m nowhere near Princess Charlotte’s feet.”

“That’s right. Natasha is always a fool anyway.”

“Natasha being stronger than Princess Charlotte is impossible.”

“Right. Listening to a country girl was a waste of time. Come, everyone!”

Princess Charlotte and her entourage left.
Only Natasha bowed, then hurried after the princess.

“What a warped team… I’m worried…”

“Um… is it true that Lady Natasha is stronger than Lady Charlotte?”

“No mistake. Natasha’s ability—”

Then the examiner’s order rang out.

“Team forming is over! Prepare to depart!!”

“What! I talked the time away! I’m still alone…”

Olivia looked worried at Lady Ulrika hanging her head.

“Well, never mind. Being alone is no problem at all!”

“I-is that so…”

Lady Ulrika switched moods in a flash.
The speed of it startled Olivia.

“Then it’s the last exam. I’ll do my best!!”

And so Lady Ulrika’s final exam began.