On the first day the Crown Prince had caused quite a commotion, but starting from the second day he suddenly became quiet as if it were a lie.

That gave Li a bad feeling.

He was probably thinking up something troublesome again.

However worrying about something that had not happened yet was nothing more than needless concern.

The written exams lasted five days in total.

For all of them Li carried out her role as an instructor.

She would not allow something foolish like cheating.

At an academy attended by nobles, idiots like that inevitably appeared.

Some empty-headed people looked down even on instructors simply because their own noble rank was higher.

Red had simply been reckless.

But Li had no blind spots.

Neither in terms of her family’s noble rank nor in terms of physical ability.

If anyone attempted something foolish, punishment would come the instant they did.

No one was foolish enough to challenge Li’s punishment.

Except Red.

Blue had also been dangerous in a different sense.

And so, on the day the written exams ended, the members of the Rosenkreuz of the Rose Maiden Cross gathered in the clubroom.

Each person was reporting how confident they felt about their results.

Watching their happy expressions, Li looked almost like a parent doting on her daughters.

Li still could not quite bring herself to step directly into the middle of the group.

But she was satisfied.

“Li, that appearance of yours was truly precious.”

Alberta spoke while standing beside Li.

“I’m glad to hear you say that.”

Li replied with a smile.

“Li Onee-sama is justice!”

Patricia was also nearby.

“Seriously, that idiot! He’s so irritating!”

The Saint was also fuming.

In her hand she held a roast beef sandwich Li had brought as a snack.

“By the way, Li.”

It seemed Alberta had something she wanted to ask.

“What will you do for the practical exam? We will be heading into the dungeon.”

“I will be acting separately. I will be going with the headmaster to subjugate monsters.”

“That sounds more fun!”

The Saint eagerly joined the conversation.

“Doesn’t it? Not only for the exam, but I will also be going on monster subjugation missions during the dungeon training.”

“Huh? Does that mean we can’t go into the dungeon with Li Onee-sama anymore?”

Patricia joined in as well.

“There is nothing left for me to do in the beginner-level dungeon.”

Strictly speaking that was not entirely accurate.

However it was true that there was no longer any meaning for Li to explore the dungeon.

After all, she had already formed a contract with Amira, the core of the labyrinth.

Li was essentially its ruler.

“Well, I suppose it cannot be helped. But Li, we will not leave you alone!”

Alberta declared firmly.

“Uuu… Li Onee-sama, I will catch up to you soon!”

“Exactly. Monster subjugation sounds more fun anyway!”

Patricia and the Saint both agreed.

In fact at some point the other young ladies had also started listening to Li’s story.

All of them were already determined to finish the dungeon training quickly and chase after Li.

“Li, we are truly grateful to you. If we had not met you, our academy life would surely have been far more dull and lifeless.”

“That’s right! Being with Li Onee-sama is fun!”

“W-well… I’ll admit that much!”

Although their ways of speaking differed, all three of them were saying the same thing.

They wanted to stay with Li.

The rest of the Rosenkreuz of the Rose Maiden Cross felt the same way.

Their lives were fulfilling.

Something that had never existed before.

Every day brought something enjoyable.

Of course they understood that they were still inferior.

But they worked hard so that tomorrow they could become even a little better.

They had clear goals, and Li provided precise guidance.

There was no way they would fail to improve under such conditions.

The young ladies could clearly feel their abilities growing day by day.

That was why effort itself became enjoyable.

Effort was not only painful and difficult.

Through Li’s guidance the young ladies came to understand that.

Li’s casual remark, “Do your best so as not to disgrace the name of the Rosenkreuz of the Rose Maiden Cross,” unexpectedly lit a new flame within their hearts.

Not just for Li.

Not just for themselves.

But simply to spend more interesting and fulfilling days.

The place where such pure wishes were realized was the Rosenkreuz of the Rose Maiden Cross.

Even many years later, the Rosenkreuz of the Rose Maiden Cross would continue to carry on that ideal.