After the two groups got separated and occupied the designated venue, Norma-sensei welcomed us enthusiastically. Since the number of students in my class is already half the usual amount of students in other classes, the number of students here is about one third from the total amount.

This feels kinda like a private tutoring, to be honest. But I guess that's why we're called "special class students"—I even heard from Alt-nii that the special class students are often addressed as [The Special Children] or [The Chosen Children]. I guess it's true.

Norma-sensei then started to brief us the mechanism. She stated that she was very grateful that she is teaching the special class students, so she can skip the boring basic...

Normally, in the usual magic class, the teacher would have to teach the basic knowledge of magic, such as the type of magic present, what is mana, and so on. Then, they would use the simple magic detection tool to anyone who hasn't discovered their magic yet. For those who can't use magic at all, the magic detection tool won't respond at all, while it will reveal the strongest affinities for those who can use magic.

Then, the tutor would have to teach how to feel mana, concentrate mana, a few basic spells, and so on... Yes, I can see that it's boring for magicians like her, haha!

As she continued to explain about the lesson, I came to know that we would be able to have joint classes in the future with the other classes when she felt like our abilities might match. Also, there would be mandatory sessions for all of the students in my class—namely to learn some useful universal knowledge about magic, such as detecting 'evil' magic and what to do as means to protect yourself from magical ambush, etc.

"Well, that also means you'll have a few mandatory physical combat classes just for the bare minimum of self-defense," Miss Norma said that reluctantly. Her expression was a total contrast to her earlier joyous expression when she mentioned about mandatory magic classes.

"Okay, enough talking! For starters, let's display your magic skills in front of your friends! This time, I'd like to see your skills in both offensive and defensive styles. For those who can use any supportive magic, please mention it so we'll see about it. Offensive and defensive magic are still important for your self-defense, even if you don't really like them so much, so I'll have to teach you about it, too."

Both offensive and defensive styles? ...ah, I really love being the offensive side, so I'm not sure if my defensive magic is good... My ice shield should be decent, at least.

"Hmph, we'll see the real ability of Sensei's 'favored students'—I bet I can fare better than them!"

Hm?

I couldn't hear that voice very clearly, but there was a displeasing tone added, so I reflexively turned around to see who spoke just now.

Let see... 3 students here are me, Luca, and Carbuncle. One more student is Smyrna, and I quickly remembered her voice, so it wasn't her. Yup, no way she'd slander herself, haha! The other female student next to Smyrna doesn't seem to be slandering her own friend... so... it must be the two bitter boys over there.

The two boys noticed that I was looking at them in my curiosity, and they seemed like they wanted to say something.

But before they could utter any word, Luca got between my field of vision and turned around at the boys. When I could see them again, they no longer had the urge to talk and only glanced stealthily at me with bitter eyes.

I wonder what might be the matter?

Since I am mentally older than them, I can quite understand that they might be jealous or envious, so I was quite prepared to pacify them, more or less...

Being in a special class is like a burden in itself. I mean, with the small number of classmates, I feel like things would be bad if there's any discord among us! The average classes have around twice the amount of classmates, so it's less intense.

Luca noticed that I was looking at the glancing boys, so she turned around again and... wait, did I see the boys shudder a bit? Are they intimidated by Luca's identity as the crown prince?

But that shouldn't be how socializing works in this school with equality mindset.

"If you feel jealous or bitter, then just prove it before saying anything. ...Rather, just prove it with actions, no need to say anything. Actions speak louder than words," Luca said that indifferently. The boys slightly nodded and no longer paid any attention to us.

"It's fine, Luca, they're just kids! ...Wait, you are a kid, too! I almost can't tell if you're at the same age as them!"

"You, too, Lyra! Never mind me, the royal family members, especially the ones who bear the title [crown] are known as eccentric. You should've known about it too, right?"

"Well, yeah, but it's my first time experiencing that eccentric side of the royals!"

"...? Of course? After all, we become friends at 4..."

I closed my mouth quickly. As for the first time I referenced—I was referring this as "my first time in both lifetime"! There's no way I can say it aloud, though.

"Hee? That's interesting! I'd like to study about the royals, then!" Carbuncle added.

"Rather than studying about the eccentric royals which are more or less a common norm—you should just study this weird girl here. She certainly doesn't have any royal family's blood, so how could she be like that? Oh, tell me if you find something, too!"

"Why is it a common norm for some royal family members to be eccentric?" Carbuncle tilted her head.

"Well, that's—"

Eh? Luca is about to explain the reason behind it?!

I quickly looked at Luca with eyes full of interest. Luca's open mouth quickly closed.

"It's complicated, so I'll tell you some time!" Luca curved his lips into a smile—a sly one, I dare say!

I slightly pouted to show my objection. Unexpectedly, the corner of his mouth turned even sharper—his smile deepened.

Ah, really! Is the explanation simply "it runs in the blood", or is there something else? I need to know a little bit more about this!

That's it, I'm going to pester Dad to tell me about the royal family's secret no matter what! I used to yield since Dad said that it was their secret and that he also didn't know the full explanation of it, but I'm going to squeeze what I can get from Dad!

At least, I would no longer be in the dark, and Luca can't really tease me like that anymore.

Anyway, since everything's ready, we begin to display our ability in magic!

Unlike the offensive test that I took at the entrance exam, this time's offensive test used to measure power and accuracy. So, we're only required to try to hit the target mark with full power. The target's quite bulky, so our power is measured by how far we can damage the target's body.

Right after the offensive test, we have to demonstrate our defensive magic—the simplest way is by creating a layer of barrier or shield, and Norma-sensei will attack with her "power-limited" magic that will gradually grow stronger. She has made sure that it won't injure anyone—she boasted her great control of magic.

As for the order...

"Sensei, save the honorable mentions for the last!" One of the boys from earlier quickly suggested.

Norma-sensei quickly agreed and said that it was a good idea, surprisingly.

I think she doesn't want anyone to be pressured after they see someone with powerful magic first, right?

...But even if she saved me for the last—I still can't help but feel like I'd mess up! The expectation is all accumulated at me!!