Keeping the Marquis's Secret

I looked at the Marquis. He was holding back his laughter. I sighed. Anyone would laugh watching me act like this. The store owner held one of my hands while my mentor held the other.

"This girl must attend the Royal Knight Exam!"

"This thief must be taken into custody!"

Woah fellas. Don't fight over me we can share. I shook off their grips and turned to look at each of them.

"Mentor I will attend the Royal Knight Exam now."

"Store owner, I will allow you to put me into custody after I take the exam. Will it kill you to postpone it for a few more hours?"

My mentor and the ship owner nodded. I looked at the crowd which had gathered to watch my embarrassment.

"What are you all looking at? The party's over, shoo! Shoo!"

Several members of the crowd cursed at me before leaving the scene. I looked at the Marquis.

"You're having quite your fun today Marquis."

"Well Alina you seem to provide quite the five star entertainment."

I waved my hand dismissively.

"As you can see I need to attend the Royal Knight exam right now, I will think of I your request and answer you as soon as I can."

The Marquis then quickly walked up to me and leaned in close. Too close.

His eyes glistened as he whispered.

"I'm an impatient man, I wi come to hear your answer after the Royal Knight exam. You will find me by the castle entrance."

I nodded. We shook hands in agreement. The Marquis then covered his head with a hood as we walked in opposite directions. He was probably going to finish what he started with the emperor's concubine. My head began to ache as I thought of the request. A spy? Why did he need me to spy on the emperor? Our Kingdom of Avalonia seems to be quite peaceful. It is known for treating its commoners fairly despite the differences in status. Every family is given a salary of 100 Raels per month. It allows the family to be fed, clothed, and educated. Due to the emperor's kindness he had developed this Royal Knight examination which can allow even a commoner to become a noble.

Most of the earls or officials were produced from this test. But. There has never been a woman to pass it. I hope to be the first.

The exam is split into three parts. You must pass the previous part to continue on to the next. The first part is a written exam of the rules, as well as language. It is thought to be simple yet the scale of the points are skewed. The high point questions are usually very advanced. Many quit the exam at the first part due to this reason. The second and third part have always been kept a secret. As most who fail never make it out alive. And those who pass must swear an oath of secrecy to never say what they have gone through.

With this in mind I can deduce that they are physical, and mental based exams. The only thing I know is that after the third part most winners tremble for at least a week after the exam. I put my hand on the hilt of my sword as I joined the crowd of young men to start the exam. Most of them were nobles or older young men. As I looked around I seemed to be the youngest examinee as well as the only girl. I took out a ribbon from my coat pocket and wrapped my long silver-blond hair in a ponytail. As the guards opened the gates to the castle I felt my heartbeat accelerate.

"Since when did they let girls participate?"

"She won't even make it past the written exam."

"And she's a commoner? Ha! She should just go home and prepare herself for her husband."

I closed my eyes to close off the whispers. Last year the emperor had decreed that he would allow girls to participate in the exam. This act of righteousness made me want to serve him as a Royal Knight even more. I felt pain my heart as I remembered the Marquis's request.

Maybe I should just bet my life and fight him. I would rather die by his sword than betray my emperor. The emperor is said to be only 20 years old yet he has multiple concubines. These concubines were given to him as alliances with different Kingdoms. Rumor has it that he hasn't touched a single one since taking over the throne two years ago.

I looked at the garden which surrounded the pavilion in awe. There was a trail leading up to the castle ahead. The gates behind us closed. A man's voice then rang out from the front of the crowd. I stood on my tip-toes to see how he looked like. I still wasn't able to see him. God damn my short self.

"I thank you all for participating in the Royal Knight Exam. As you all may know this is not an easy road to take. With that in mind, the exam will also not be easy."

I nodded. What he said was perfectly reasonable. Only few Royal Knights have survived after being awarded their status. It is customary to be sent on an expedition after the exam. After all they must be able to survive.

"Now is the only time which you may be able to withdraw as you will not have a chance later on."

I gulped. Shit. This was more harder than I had anticipated. The man's icy and confident voice added to the reason why I was shivering.

"Hey girl, did to you hear him? This is the only time that you can withdraw."

I turned to look at a handsome man who seemed to be my age. His midnight blue hair shone under the light as his red eyes glistened. I flicked my middle finger in his direction and spit on the ground.

His amusement turned into anger. I turned my face back to listen to the man who was speaking.

I then felt someone yank my ponytail.

"Hey commoner, apologize for you vulgar action. I, Vercifus, son of the Earl Montgomery will not stay quiet on this matter."

I stomped my foot back to crush his. He howled in pain as held his foot. I turned to him.

"Bitch, I don't give a damn to what house you belong to. You are not going to take away the chance I have at making my dream of 16 years a reality. Now shut up and let me listen. Or next time I'll do more than just step on your foot."

Vercifus nodded as his lackeys helped him stand up. The men in front of me started to walk forward. I felt my pulse quicken. Excitement filled me. The exam was going to begin!

.....

Thank you for reading! Happy April Fools❤️ Seriously though stay safe????????