Time passed, and tomorrow was finally the day of the student's exam.
"Class is over for today. As you may have known, tomorrow is the day of your exam. I will begin the final meeting now."
I looked around the faces of everyone sitting in their seats. Half of the current professors were in control of purebred aristocrats. If the students passed, I would be relieved from their charge. So, this meeting was technically my final day of teaching them.
"Hey, Sensei, what's the grading process like?"
Teresa leaned forward, asking me what she was naturally curious about. It wasn't something that could be brushed off easily, which was why I hadn't told them anything about the test.
"The allocation is 100 points each for academic skill and practical skill, with a total of 200 points. This is how the exam will be graded."
"I can't believe it's 100 points for academic skill! Wasn't it 20% academic and 80% practical skill last year?"
Pluto chimed in with an astonished voice.
"That's right. Still, the content of the lesson is too different for each class. There's no way the exam can be uniformed."
Cliff immediately interjected.
"Don't worry, the scope of the exam is generally based on what I teach in class. You guys... should be able to get a passing grade."
"Well, does it mean Sensei made the content of the exam?"
"No, I haven't touched a single question on the exam this time. But the scope of the exam will not be out of the contents I have taught in class."
Of course, roughly around three months ago, I'd outlined the exam question of Class G and handed it to the academy, but unsurprisingly, they refused to accept it.
At that time, I was informed that the content of the exam was the same as that of Class S, and they'd also told me about the subjects and the scope of the exam. Surprisingly, there would be seven subjects: physics, chemistry, biology, medical science, agriculture, economics, and political science.
All of them were subjects that I was currently teaching in Camelot, and the scope of the exams was mostly from the subjects I had taught.
"But you know, if it's not Sensei, who is the one making exam content?"
Touching her chin with her forefinger, Teresa asked.
"Most likely, it should be the professors of Class S."
Judging from the exam subjects and scope, there was no doubt that this exam had something to do with Sylphy. I didn't know what she was preparing, but she most likely must have ushered in a member of Sagami Co. as a lecturer.
According to what I'd heard, each professor of the class had a certain amount of discretionary power and had the authority to nominate a temporary professor. Originally, it seemed the purpose of this system was to effectively teach the content outside of the expertise area, but Sieg, the instructor of Class S, must have used this system to its full extent.
"You mean we will take the same exam as Class S?"
"Yeah, that's the case."
"Wait a minute. Then what about the other classes!?"
Cliff seemed to have noticed it. This was the biggest trap of this exam.
"As long as it was the question outlined by the teacher in charge of each class, there's no doubt they would indirectly teach them about the exam content. I can see everyone getting the highest marks."
"Whaaat!? Isn't it unfair!? Or rather, where's even the meaning of the exam then?!"
Pluto pouted and criticized.
Since the content of the academic test was more or less different for each class, the tendency might have been similar until now. But, with the rise in mark allocation in academics, the more serious the class was, the more foolish it looked. To begin, each class would probably lower the difficulty level of the exam content.
"Nothing can't be done. This is a challenge Class G has to bear. You guys must have known it before the exam, right?"
"..."
With a despondent expression, everyone became quiet.
"The grading will be fair. I can guarantee that much at least. In other words, everyone in Class S is standing in the same position as you guys. Are you guys planning to make such a face even then?"
"Same position..."
After chewing on the meaning of my words multiple times, Pluto enthusiastically stood up from his chair.
"That's right! That's right! They are on the same starting line as us! That means we can surpass Class S!"
He shouted so loudly that the classroom almost trembled.
"You seem to be saying that so easily, aren't you? But I also agree with Pluto. It's outrageous to be afraid of my little sister or maid."
Cliff crossed his arms and raised the corner of his mouth.
"Me too. I also have the reason to not drop out of the academy. I will definitely not lose!"
"Mia is the same."
Teresa and Mia agreed.
"People will change one day, whether you want to or not. You're smart and rational. When push comes to shove, you will not make the wrong decision. That's to have self-confidence and go ahead. That's who you are."
"Yes, I will do my best!"
As Teresa gave a loud nod with a naive smile, I handed her graduation certificate and expressed my congratulations.
"Congratulations on your graduation."
"Thank you."
I turned to look at Mia and called her name.
"Mia Cyrus!"
"Yes!"
She stood up energetically and straightened her back. Maybe because of her upbringing, she'd often put up walls between herself and other people. But now, she was no longer such a boorish person.
By nature, Mia was a kind-hearted girl. If you got to know her when she didn't have a wall up against you, I'm sure there would no longer be anyone who discriminated against her, even if she was the blood relative of Lord Cyrus. To be frank, I was already relieved about her improvement. My only concern was her relationship with her father.
"Mia, you are a kind and considerate person. That's why, you should forgive your father."
Mia bit on her lower lip, as if she didn't expect her father's name to appear here.
And then一一
"I will try."
"It's fine with that."
Facing Mia, I walked up to her and handed her certificate and package.
"Congratulations."
"Yes, I'm grateful."
I smiled, caressing her head lightly as I always did. She turned red and looked downward. As usual, a person with a strange reaction.
I turned to the last person, Eight.
"Eight."
"Yes!"
Eight might be the one with the highest level of growth in this one year. He was now even the spiritual support of Class G, and Pluto and the others often relied on him to make decisions.
"You're sharp and resourceful. What are they for you now?"
Eight immediately looked up at my question and tapped a finger on his cheek. But then, his eyes met mine as he said.
"For me, they are like siblings."
His reply was as I'd expected. It was obvious from his actions lately.
That's why-------
"Take care of them from now on too, Eight."
"Y-Yes, of course!!"
Eight's eyes turned round from bewilderment, but he nodded strongly.
Handing the graduation certificate and the package to Eight, I stood at the podium and looked at everyone.
"Listen. You will face countless trials awaiting you from now on."
"I know, you're talking about tomorrow's exam, right?"
"Moron! Something like tomorrow's test isn't important. Whether you pass or fail, there's nothing for you to lose."
The students all frowned.
That's right. They didn't seem to understand it yet. That was a blessing in disguise, I guess.
Because that is一一
"I don't know what choices you'll make when the trials come. But don't lie to yourself. If you choose to be honest with yourself, you are on the right path. I can guarantee it. I wish you all the best!"
"I'm deeply moved by the fact that those puny little kids have grown up like this."
You... Who was the one craving after one of those little kids? A double standard guy like usual.
Ignoring the sobbing Mura, I turned my back to the students and left the classroom of Class G.