As the new year began, Ryu and Leanne’s exams drew near.
The journey to the royal capital took three weeks by carriage, so they had to depart with plenty of time.
Thus, Leanne’s belongings had already been packed into Ryu’s magic storage in preparation for departure.
If anything was needed later, Ryu could retrieve it using the “Dimension Corridor,” so it was a relaxed arrangement.
The real issue was the exam itself.
The capital attracted the country’s top students, making it a nerve-wracking experience.
Despite Leanne’s diligent study, whether she would pass was uncertain, as explained by Cecile.
The only one who knew about the Royal Academy’s level in Landmark Territory was Professor Saiten, who had assessed Ryu’s skills. Unfortunately, he was currently back in the capital and unreachable.
The timing couldn’t have been worse.
Leanne, typically someone who accepted outcomes if she did her best and failed, was unusually nervous this time.
She worried about what would happen if only Ryu passed and she didn’t.
In that case, Ryu would give up on the Royal Academy and attend school in Sugoella’s city.
Furthermore, the prospect of entering the capital would vanish.
The stakes were high.
“Leanne, you look pale. Are you okay?”
Ryu asked, concerned about Leanne’s complexion.
“I’m fine. Just feeling a bit anxious.”
“Yeah. Exams are unpredictable. You’ve worked hard so far, and while we both want to pass, wouldn’t it be okay if we didn’t? We could go to school together in Sugoella’s capital. Oh, and when that happens, let’s show off how impressive we are by taking the top two spots!”
Ryu tried to ease Leanne’s tension with a smile.
“Yeah… I guess there are other paths even if we don’t pass.”
“Yeah. Let’s give it our all so we won’t regret not giving our best due to nerves. Hahaha!”
Ryu laughed, and Leanne couldn’t help but laugh along, feeling the tension ease.
“It wouldn’t make sense to give our all and still fail! Haha!”
The next day, amidst farewells from everyone, Ryu and Leanne left the Landmark family behind and set off for the capital.
“… There was a time when we laughed like that.”
Ryu and Leanne sighed as they were rocked by the carriage.
They had been on the road for a week already, and a whole day passed being jostled by the carriage.
“Indeed, three weeks one way feels like an eternity.”
Leanne remarked, shifting in her seat.
“Yeah, once we go a little further, there should be a village along the road where we can take a break.”
Ryu suggested, also adjusting his position.
“Farza and Jiro probably can’t believe we’re traveling back and forth in this old type of carriage that Ryu designed.”
Leanne reminisced, recalling how father Farza and Jiro had returned in a hurry in the old model carriage upon learning of the Landmark family’s attack by assassins.
Leanne had laughed hearing about it, but she knew she wouldn’t find it funny if she were in their shoes.
“At that time, both Dad and Jiro were tired of the carriage.”
Ryu chuckled wryly, when suddenly, Sugo’s voice came from outside.
“Young master, there are two carriages stopped ahead. I think it’s fine, but please be cautious.”
Sugo warned, using his ‘Hawk’s Eye’ ability to scout ahead, still not visible to Ryu.
Leanne leaned out and confirmed.
“Oh, you’re right. Looks like the rear axle of one of the carriages is broken.”
Leanne’s ‘Tracker’ skill seemed to have a similar function; it was an advanced ability that she could use.
After a while, they came upon a carriage stopped at the side of the road, with the coachman and soldiers scrambling around it.
Beside it, a noble-looking boy with long, silky blond hair and blue eyes similar to Ryu’s sat elegantly, sipping tea at a folding table and chair.
Next to him, a woman who seemed to be his attendant was asking if he wanted more tea.
“What should we do, young master? Shall we pass by?”
Sugo checked with Ryu.
“If the axle’s broken, I have a spare one in my magic storage. Let’s offer it to them. They wouldn’t be able to get one until they reach the village otherwise.”
“Understood.”
Ryu and Leanne approached the troubled group, greeted them, and offered their assistance.
“Hello. If the axle’s broken, we have a spare one here. Would you like us to lend it to you?”
The noble boy, presumed to be the owner of the carriage, either couldn’t hear or didn’t bother to look their way.
“Really!? We hadn’t prepared a spare axle, so this is a lifesaver!”
The coachman was pleased with Ryu’s offer and thanked him.
“No problem at all. We help each other out when in trouble.”
With that, Ryu retrieved a spare axle from his magic storage and handed it over, then left after bidding them farewell.
