7 days later, the time has come for the test. The general studies test was not very difficult as I has memories of my past life and due to having memories of this character I managed the geography and history questions.
Now, it was time for the martial sparring test, rules were simple on core martial techniques and not magic or force allowed.
Force is similar to magic but do not require mana to materialize. It come from core of the body, achieved only when one has full understanding of physical senses. All members of Vortigern family must achieve force in a very young age or they are not acknowledged as a Vortigern. My brother achieved force when he was 11 but I only managed to achieve it at 13, due to the gap in training created after the accident.
Anyway, I was little worried about the sparring test as I may be in Arne Conrad Von Vortigern's body and his senses are integrated in me but I am inexperienced in actual sparring. As we started the spar, I was nervous at first but my facial expression remains neutral, maybe because I and he is merged together now. As time passed I realized my body is automatically optimizing my movement and I am in perfect sync with the body and movement. Soon, I pick up the momentum and increased the intensity of the fight. Then, the knight taking the test stopped me and told me I passed the test. I may be stronger than normal peoples and soldier but Vortigern knights were on another level. So, it was not possible for me to defeat him in the state I am right now. So, I nodded to the knight and he respectfully bowed to me.
Then came the magic affinity test, the test went extremely well comparing to normal standard but compared to Vortigern family it was mediocre. I remember my brother had much higher score than me.
After all test were done, I had dinner on my own since father and brother were discussing recent event regarding the northern tribes in the borders. Then, Sylvia helped me prepare my room. I went to the room and retired for the day.
Next day, when I was training in the family training ground, suddenly a man similar to my father's age with short brown hair approached me. He was wearing formal suit. I remembered, his name is Gomas. He is the butler of the estate and the closest aide of my father.
He respectfully bowed to me and relayed the message that my father called me in his office room. Then respectfully bowed to me and left.
I then called Sylvia and asked her to prepare the bath and cloth. She nodded and went ahead to prepare it.
After taking bath and wearing my formal attire, I went to see my father. Reaching the door to the office room, I knocked on the door.
"Father, it's me Conrad"
"Come in"
I entered the room and saw my father going through some papers in his desk with his butler. Then he put down the papers and looked my way. Through his gaze, I felt the immense presence that commanded authority, it was as if I am immovable and an invisible weight is pulling me down. I would have knelt at the spot if I were the previous me but in Conrad's body I was able to hold my composure in front of him.
Seeing me upholding my composure, I saw a relieve in his eye and suddenly I stopped feeling the intimidation.
Then he looked at his butler. He slightly nodded and left the room.
He then looked at me and said in stern voice.
"Here is you letter of recommendation to Royal Vinswin Academy. I hope you will uphold the family honour in the academy"
There was commanding tone in his word.
"Yes, father."
"And your coming of age ceremony will be held in 5 day from now on. Prepare for the event. My butler will take care of it and prepare you for the event"
He called the butler back by ringing a bell beside him.
The butler entered the room stood beside my father.
"Gomes, please prepare for the age coming ceremony of Conrad. And help him through the rehearsal he needs for the event."
"Yes, Your Highness"
After taking the letter from him, I bowed to my father and left the room. I felt relieved after what I experienced. Conrad might be used to it but it was first time for me.
Shortly after my having lunch, the butler approached me regarding the rehearsal schedule. After we figured out the schedules for the rehearsal, we went along with it for 4 days.
Finally, the day of the event came, Sylvia was helping me with my dress. It was a European style elaborate, ornate military style outfit. It included a black long-sleeved coat with golden colored embroidered shoulder straps, decorative trims in cuffs and collars, and golden color detailed design on the outfit. There was a decorative band across my chest, featuring intricate patterns. I was wearing a black pant with a black shoe and a pair of white gloves.
After much preparation, I was ready to enter the event hall and all of guest already arrived by now.
It was my first step to be officially introduced in this world. After preparing myself, I signaled the door attendant to open the door of the hall. As I entered the hall, all attention was on me. Father then proceeded on to giving the opening speech and introduced to everyone. Then everyone cheered for the age coming of mine. Father told everyone to enjoy themselves and continues to chat with other nobles. As I walked through the hall, I felt everyone gazes. Some were envy, some were coldness, some were fear but all of them respectfully greeted. I now understood why the character avoided crowds.
Yes, the character wasn't present in most of the gathering. He only attended important gathering and events hosted by Prince Daegal Piers Von Eldridge.
As the event proceeded, I meet with various sons and daughters of nobles to build networks in the higher society, well that was the main purpose of this event but some were genuine.
While having these some talks, I was approached by girl same age as mine with long, flowing blonde hair that has a slight wave to it. Her eyes are amber colored, and she has fair skin. She appears elegant and serene unlike others present in the hall. She is wearing a richly detailed blue dress with intricate lace detailing at the collar, cuffs and bodice. I remembered her, she is Catalina Feliz Mandrake. She is the daughter of Marquise Kenric Luden Mandrake. And she will be my fiance in the future. It was a political marriage arranged by my father and the Marquise due to the sudden outbreak of disease in the Marquise's territory and needing of large amount of golds. Although the Marquise was hesitant, Catalina volunteered herself to help her father in the situation.
It's around this time that the outbreak happened. Although I do feel bad for her but the cure to the disease was invented far in the future and the formula is not described the main novel but it was said the it was invented by an alchemist in the academy but not much details wee given. So, the political marriage can't be avoided even if I tried. As Vortigern was also benefited by this Mandrake with their vast trade networks and father won't stop the engagement by my pleading.
So, the engagement was inevitable. Yes, Conrad didn't treat her well in the novel. He treated her coldly even though Catalina did her best for Conrad till the engagement was annulled due to tracery of Conrad in final parts of the novel. And she is one of the female characters who never fallen for the MC. So, most I can do is treat her well.
After greeting each other and some small chitchat. We parted and the event was almost coming to an end. Then talking to most of the guest, we ended the event and I went back to my room. With the help of Sylvia, I changed into my casual wear.