“How about it, Lady Carine?” The Third Prince, Julient, said as he held up a thick slip of paper. “This cheat sheet contains information about both the written and the practical exams. And since I was the architect of both this year, I can even provide some… advanced insight.”

My eyes locked onto the paper. Though he angled it away, my vision was sharp enough to see through it—and sure enough, there it was. A summary of topics for the written exam, and a list of equipment and materials prepared for the practical.

Steel beams... dyed cloths...

On their own, the details were simple. But it was enough to draw a rough map of what awaited. It was a massive advantage on its own.

And more than the notes, his words echoed in my mind. The architect. He had designed both exams himself. Which meant he wasn’t just handing me answers—he was offering me the blueprint.

It was a once-in-a-lifetime chance. Something I couldn’t possibly miss.

If my face allowed it, I’d be drooling by now.

I turned to face him directly, ready to accept this apology of his—until the weight of the long night finally struck me. A pressure gathered behind my nose, and before I could stop it—

—I yawned.

I forced it silent, my lips tight, but my face still scrunched in the effort.

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Julient blinked. His head tilted. Seemingly taken aback.

“My, my… what’s with the glare?” he asked, smiling lightly.

Glare?! No, wait! That wasn’t a glare, I was just—

“Hehe…” A small chuckle slipped from him. Then, all at once, it unraveled into full-bodied laughter. “Hahahahaha!”

I froze, stunned.

W-what’s going on?

When his laughter finally tapered off, he straightened, eyes glinting. “Forgive me. It seems my offer offended you.”

Before I could correct him, his hand crushed the paper in a single, heavy motion, crumpling it into a ball.

“But,” he said, his tone softening into something sly, almost satisfied, “I’m glad I was right about you.”

“That was a test,” he said plainly. “To see what kind of person you are. One who takes the easy route… or one who refuses to abandon her potential.”

…Of course, that was a test.

My stiff shoulders eased, though only slightly.

So the cheat sheet was bait all along?

I let out a quiet breath through my nose, careful not to look too relieved. Still, my heart thudded against my ribs.

Seriously, I almost fell for that.

Talk about dodging a bullet.

Julient straightened fully now, the crumpled paper stuffed in his pockets. His smile lingered, but his eyes sharpened, narrowing in focus as they locked onto mine.

“Then, Lady Carine,” he continued smoothly, “allow me to offer you something more real. A deal.”

“A deal?”

This won’t be another test, is it?

“If you can fulfill your part,” he said, his voice dropping lower, more deliberate, “I promise to reward you with something… magnificent.”

Something magnificent from the Third Prince himself? I wasn’t sure whether to feel intrigued or terrified.

“And what would my part be?” I asked.

He paused for a moment and then delivered it like a decree.

His words that night still lingered in the back of my head.

And as I stood before the gates of the academy, it echoed once more.

“Earn your place as an Honors student.”

image [https://i.imgur.com/ftefrrv.png]