friend chapter 13

I was bewildered. 

How did he know I applied here? I submitted my application right before the deadline! Don’t tell me they make exceptions for the crown prince, even if he misses deadlines? This school is corrupt.

I felt bad for Jade, but I needed to get out of here. Forget the recommendation letter. I’d get into the mage tower on my own merit. And as for clubs… right, the Culinary Development Club. Insect lunches? Why not? …On second thought, no. The Herbal Research Club it is. I decided to exercise my right to remain silent during the interview.

“Ms. Lumina Ashford?” A question flew at me almost as soon as I’d made my decision. It was Professor Ias. My vow of silence crumbled. “Your application states your motivation is to ‘receive a recommendation letter.’ Why do you need one?”

“I want to become a mage affiliated with the mage tower.”

“Ms. Ashford, you are more than qualified to join without a recommendation.” Professor Ias smiled kindly. There was a good reason he held me in high regard. I excelled in his summoning magic class. It was my specialty. After regaining my memories of my past life, I discovered Lumina’s talent for summoning magic. Although, in the novel, it was a wasted skill, overshadowed by her greater interest in romance and men. I decided to cultivate this talent. I wanted to amass wealth and prestige so I could live comfortably on my own. My life was too precious to gamble on things like romance and marriage. This was a hard-won opportunity. So, from a young age, I diligently studied summoning magic. As a result of my efforts, I’d gone beyond simply summoning objects, plants, and animals; I’d developed new applications. Although I hadn’t yet demonstrated them in class. The current curriculum only covered basic object summoning. For me, it was easier than breathing. ‘I could pass this interview in my sleep.’

Reaching this conclusion, I changed my strategy. I would actively troll the interview. I would emphasize my ulterior motives to ensure a low score. “I don’t just want any mage tower; I want the Royal Mage Tower. The pay is excellent, and tenure is guaranteed. I like money.”

The other applicants gasped softly, their eyes conveying a collective ‘What is wrong with this girl?’ I sensed my success, even flashing a villainous, wicked smile.

“The Royal Mage Tower. So, you want to work under me for the rest of your life. How touching.” Edward, who had been silent until now, murmured softly. I pretended not to hear him, pointedly cleaning my ear.

“Ha ha. Excellent. A student should have ambition. You possess the qualities necessary for a student council officer.”

“….” What exactly did being a student council officer entail? I decided to stop thinking. Whatever happens, happens.

“Everyone seems very enthusiastic. Shall we begin the special interview?” Hannah gathered the applications, a pleasant smile on her face. Her glossy brown hair flowed smoothly, giving her a gentle appearance. She was a beautiful woman with a bright aura. Her green eyes scanned us. Her expression was kind, but her gaze held an unsettling sharpness. Perhaps it was just my imagination. “We need students with exceptional magical abilities. My apologies to the students from the Business and Medical Departments, but that’s the student council’s policy this time. Are there any applicants here without magical powers?” Hannah asked, smiling sweetly.

The applicants remained silent. I vaguely recalled a student from the Medical Department. Since the Medical Department was further divided into General Medicine and Healing Magic, they could be a healing mage.