Please Be Patient, Grand Duke

The public university’s central library in Del Casa was abuzz with activity in the early morning. Admission ticket holders for the annual class examination were anxiously seated, their eyes darting around. University professors, administrative officials, and nobles vying for supervisory positions watched the test-takers intently from their respective posts. Two individuals, in particular, caught their attention: the only woman among the top-level applicants and a young man who seemed inexperienced. While the woman calmly perused her test papers, the young man appeared distressed, furrowing his brow and sighing frequently.

“I heard that the Duke’s marriage has been approved by His Majesty, and a grand ceremony will take place before summer,” one remarked.

“Indeed, rumors of it have been spreading in the capital. I wonder who started them,” his companion responded.

“Maybe she’s like Kieran Vale, who’s known as a genius. She may have been born with extraordinary talent and could be the first person to achieve a perfect score.”

“But she’s just a woman. Even if she was taught by Professor Theodore, it’s impossible to get a perfect score,” the companion countered.

“Then why bother taking the 1st grade exam? It’s a useless qualification for a woman, isn’t it?”

“Well, we’ll see about that.”

At their hesitation, Viscount Faylot raised an imposing expression and smirked.

The Ihar family had earned the Viscount Faylot’s respect and trust. Though his aristocratic pride didn’t endear him to the gentry, he was a valuable ally to the duke. And, as a result of his attempts to make amends for past mistakes, Viscount Faylot had come upon an incredible discovery.

It turned out that Canillia Vale, the youngest ever perfect score graduate of the Royal Academy who had entered 9th grade in a single attempt, was, in fact, a woman who had lived as a man and had been involved in numerous major incidents. If the duke had any sense, he wouldn’t treat such a gifted genius as a mere decorative flower.

Viscount Faylot watched Canillia, the duke’s woman, with a keen eye. The woman was not an issue; she would undoubtedly receive a first-class acceptance letter with outstanding grades. The problem lay with the young man who resembled the Grand Duke Ihar.

As he passed by Carso, who was looking at the test papers, Viscount Faylot raised his eyebrows with an unexpected expression. He wondered if it was time to alter his plans.

The library resounded with groans and the scratching of pen tips as everyone worked feverishly to complete their exams. Canillia, dressed in a plain skirt and blouse devoid of any embellishment, smiled faintly and set down her pen. It had only been fifteen minutes since the start of the exam.

The supervisors approached Canillia, who was sitting quietly.

“If you wish to forfeit the exam, you may return your test paper and depart,” they said in a seemingly amiable but subtly wary tone.

Lia widened her eyes and inquired, “What should I do if I have already finished writing my answers?”

“Have you completed everything?”

“Yes.”

The supervisors looked at each other, and then Viscount Faylot appeared among them, taking her test paper. “I’ll grade it. Thank you for your hard work, lady,” he said, turning without hesitation and heading for the grading table.

The professor in charge of grading looked uneasy at the rapid submission of the test, but as he began to grade it, his expression became more serious, and eventually, he was amazed. “It’s a perfect score,” he murmured in disbelief.

Viscount Faylot was overjoyed, as if he had already known the result, and he continued his supervisory duties with renewed energy. I knew it! he thought to himself.

Canillia had made it clear to Claude that she didn’t want any preferential treatment during the exam. She wanted to be treated just like any other student. And so, Claude had informed the examiners not to be surprised by her remarkable abilities. As she waited to hear the results, Canillia anxiously pressed her lips together and glanced over at Viscount Faylot, who was staring at her in amazement. The viscount couldn’t help but wonder if Canillia had been confident enough to secure a perfect score.

Despite his hopes, Canillia didn’t seem eager to make a scene. With a subtle smile, she simply acknowledged the viscount’s praise and left the exam hall after turning in her paper first. As she stepped outside, the sun was setting between the tall buildings that loomed over her like a cathedral. Amidst the parked cars, she spotted Claude standing by one of them. When he noticed her, he took his hands out of his pockets and opened his arms. Canillia lifted her cloak and descended the stairs with light steps. When she reached him, he caught her as she jumped into his arms.

“Ah!”

Canillia held on to him tightly, letting out a small scream as she lifted off the ground.

“How did it go?” asked Claude.

“I did well,” she replied with a grin.

“I knew you would,” he said, holding her close.

In the distance, Canillia could see the principal leading a group of people towards them after learning about the duke’s visit. Her face twitched with memories of the commotion at the royal ballroom. Claude noticed her unease and flashed a reassuring smile before driving her away in his car. With a mischievous expression, he asked, “Shall we run away?”

“It’s a celebration for your perfect score,” he added, deftly buckling her seatbelt.