~Chapter 02~
2. First, Become the Cause of a Commotion
[Reward: You have obtained an Intermediate Magic Learning Ticket.]
[Reward: You have obtained an Intermediate Swordsmanship Learning Ticket.]
“…Why is this here?”
A learning ticket.
It was a cheat item that instantly grants you the corresponding skill upon use.
This shows up in the tutorial? Is this a bug?
As I reread the description carefully, wondering if anything had changed, my eyes narrowed at an added line.
[However, only system users can use it.]
“…This ‘system user’ written here… that means me?”
[Correct.]
“…So it’s basically a ticket exclusive to me?”
What is a caretaker supposed to do with magic and swordsmanship?
More importantly, caretakers could use this item?
Feeling dubious, I stared at the system window before deciding to use the tickets anyway.
The moment I tore them, they turned into particles of light and vanished.
As if being absorbed into my mind, they became knowledge.
“…This is amazing.”
Just to test it, I lightly formed a fireball in my hand and checked my status window.
The noteworthy parts were:
[Irina (Sonnet Eduke)]
[Occupation: Caretaker]
[Skills: Intermediate Magic (3rd Circle), Intermediate Swordsmanship (Aura User)]
[Trait: Game System, Adaptability]
Pretty minimal.
Still, realizing I could view my own status just like I could see Mabel’s, I came to a realization.
“…If I can raise myself too… can I earn money?”
In the game, the player couldn’t work.
According to the setting, their body was weakened by a fever.
But right now, my body was perfectly fine. I felt like I could do anything.
That changes things.
I grinned.
“If I can do anything… then there’s a way.”
Apply the “earning money while raising” route to myself!
In other words—Operation: Labor Route.
“You’re… taking the knights’ entrance exam?!”
“That’s right. Butler! I’m going to become a knight!”
A noble lady becoming a knight?
Anyone familiar with history would find that strange—but this world was different.
This was a mixed K-fantasy Western romance setting.
A convenient world made by gathering only the fun parts—if you start nitpicking “historical accuracy,” you’ll just get a headache.
Because of that, the ways to become a knight were loose and varied. The method I chose was one of them.
“You’ve never even held a sword before—how could you—!”
“Butler, I’m actually a genius at swordsmanship. And magic too.”
His eyes clearly said “what nonsense,” but I told him to shut up and hand over a sword.
Then I demonstrated some ridiculously impressive sword skills in front of him.
The training dummies were instantly reduced to pieces.
The butler and the servants watching nearby looked completely shocked.
“I’ll show you magic too.”
“Pardon?!”
Boom—fireball!
After turning it into fireworks—and cleaning up afterward—I declared I’d take the knight exam.
The butler collapsed.
“Ugh…!”
“B-Butler!”
“Please wake up!”
Well, what could they do?
Right now, I held full authority over the Eduke family.
The only concern was that instead of following the official game route—starting as a trainee and becoming a knight—I chose an original route by applying directly as a full knight.
But considering how loosely structured this world was… it was hard to predict.
“Well, it should be fine. There’s no rule against it.”
After all, Mabel became a knight in the game too.
Thinking that, I prepared for the entrance exam.
* * *
The House of Edenrosa.
A ducal family with deep ties to the imperial family—the most powerful in the empire.
Everyone wanted to work for them. To become part of their household.
So when news spread that they were recruiting new knights, it was only natural that crowds gathered.
“Knight applicants, this way!”
“We’ll verify your identity!”
“I didn’t expect so many experts to gather…”
“Some want to join, others just want to fight strong opponents.”
“That one’s from the warrior race, Vegeta… definitely here looking for a fight.”
As people chatted noisily, they suddenly noticed the surroundings grow quiet.
Sensing something strange, they turned their heads—
And saw someone breathtaking walking through the crowd.
“Is this the House of Edenrosa?”
Wavy red hair.
Sharp, cat-like eyes with jewel-like green irises.
Smooth skin that clearly showed she had been raised with care.
Dressed in men’s riding clothes, the young lady approached the reception desk.
The man stared blankly until she repeated herself.
“Is it?”
“Ah—yes! Yes, it is!”
“That’s a relief. I found the right place.”
“Um… but this is the knight application desk. If you have other business—”
“I’m here to take the entrance exam.”
“…What?”
“I’m here to join the knights. The Eduke Count family is my guarantor. This is the application form, right?”
“W-wait—”
Before he could respond, she handed over the documents and strode inside.
The people left behind began whispering.
“Who was that?”
“No idea. Some noble lady…”
“Just a spoiled girl. She’ll regret it.”
Meanwhile, one of the knights checked her documents.
Guarantor: Count Eduke Family
Guarantor Name: Sonnet Eduke
Applicant Name: Sonnet Eduke
Which meant—
“…What the hell.”
The knights’ faces turned pale.
“Why are you standing around?! Go get her back!”
“What?!”
“We can’t handle this! Call the commander—no, the duke!”
It was an emergency.
* * *
A man with jet-black hair and violet eyes clicked his tongue.
“So… you came here to complain to me?”
“…Y-yes, sir.”
The knight fidgeted, but fell silent under the man’s sharp gaze.
After listening, the man tapped his desk thoughtfully, then smirked.
“A noble lady, you say? From a count’s family.”
“Yes.”
“How did she look? Did she seem capable?”
The knights shook their heads.
“Not at all. Maybe a month or two of training at best…”
“She didn’t look serious about the exam.”
One knight hesitated before adding:
“…This may be presumptuous, but… she might be targeting you, Young Duke.”
“Me?”
“As you know… many women try to get your attention.”
“…That’s true.”
The young duke inwardly agreed.
After all, even the empire’s only princess clung to him.
He smirked.
“Honestly. Being too popular is troublesome.”
“Ha… haha…”
(Are you bragging?)
The knights forced awkward smiles.
Unbothered, he continued arrogantly:
“I never imagined someone would try to get my attention this way. Women are frightening creatures.”
If Sonnet had heard this, she would’ve said: What nonsense.
Unfortunately, no one here corrected his misunderstanding.
“How should we handle this, Young Duke?”
“…Hmm.”
And so, the snowball of misunderstanding began to roll.
Smiling arrogantly, he said:
“If she wants to take the exam, let her. Make it clear there will be no special treatment.”
“But—”
“When has the Edenrosa Knights ever given privileges based on status? Skill is all that matters.”
Then, almost cheerfully:
“Even if she passes, I have no intention of meeting her. Tell her to work hard.”
He dismissed them.
Left alone, he muttered:
“There’s nothing more useful than someone passionate about me. They make excellent pawns.”
If she’s useless, she’ll be weeded out.
If she’s talented, even better—she’ll be useful.
Either way, it benefits him.
He smiled in satisfaction.
Far in the future—
This would become the beginning of a misunderstanding so embarrassing, it would make him kick his blankets at night.
