25 The Exam Begins (2/2)

In Astral, either a male or female heir could inherit the throne, and titles could be changed in a blink of an eye. So to make sure that the child positions were kept, the obvious choice would be to eliminate the competition, meaning any brothers or sisters that could prove to be a threat.

Every reader who read the light novel, A Fairytale Romance, knew that the Empress was a selfish and ambitious woman. A cruel woman who would eliminate the lives of innocents to justify her own needs without guilt. She was one of the main people against her son marrying a powerless baron's daughter who could offer him nothing.

With all eyes on that dignified figure below returning to her seat, Maria's curiosity behind her death grew. Asking herself just how did the eldest princess of Astral die, and why was it labeled horrific? What were the details behind it?

In the next group of names that were being called, Mai's name was on the list. The girl let out a whoop, happy to be able to finally show off the results from her training with her older sister. Both Maria and Julian wished the excited girl good luck, watching her dash forward and literally jump on the stage.

”Nothing too bad should happen to Mai, right?” asked a worried Julian.

”Let's hope not,” Maria responded back. The matches down below began once the cage disappeared. Some students could not help but scream in fright whenever the caged beast came charging straight at them. Though such a case did not relate to Mai; the girl was hyped for a battle.

The Flame Claw Bear struck out with its paw, but Mai dodged it, and when it tried to land a hit with its other paw, she skillfully backflipped out of the way. The beast didn't like it when Mai dodged its attacked, kicking up its speed so much so that Maria and Julian both paled when one of its claws managed to scratch Mai's cheek.

Mai winced from the pain but was not going to let that keep her down. ”Time to finish you off with a new attack I've been working on with big-sis!” Just like the last time at the carnival, Mai's fist began charging up with light magic, and as soon as she caught sight of an opening, she charged forward.

”Starlight Punch!” She leaped into the air and landed a strong right hook in the Flame Claw Bear's face, knocking it down for the count as she stood on its body and posed victoriously. Earning a round of praise and cheers from her two friends in the audience, she shot them a peace sign.

After Mai's turn, names were once again called out, and it seemed that this time it was Julian's turn. Gazing at the poor lamb, both Mai and Maria sweatdropped once they saw him on the verge of puking and gave him a comforting pat on the shoulder.

”You got this, Julian! Give 'em the old one-two!” encouraged Mai, demonstrating a few boxing moves.

”Go out there and break a leg, but don't actually break a leg. Just give it your best shot, okay?!” Maria tried to lift his spirits. Lips curving into a small smile, Julian was happy for his friends' support.

”Okay... I'll try.” Bracing himself, Julian made his way toward the stage.