I Want to Be an Extra

Embracing spring.

The winter air was frigid, and outside the window, snow had accumulated in thick layers. Inside, a heater hummed, releasing warm air to combat the cold.

“Hmm…”

Amidst the typical wintry scene, someone was preparing for the arrival of spring.

“Huh…”

Derpf, the magic professor at Beresha Academy, braved the winter chill as he reviewed the documents of new students scheduled to join the academy in the upcoming spring semester.

“Why do you keep sighing?”

Belly, who had been diligently organizing documents in a corner, raised her head at Derpf’s repeated sighs.

“Belly.”

Her name was Belly, and she served as Derpf’s slave… no, Derpf’s assistant.

“Yes, Professor?”

“I think I need a break.”

Belly bit her lip hard, trying to conceal her overwhelming joy.

‘It’s too early to celebrate. This might be a trap set by the professor!’

Her tightly clenched fist beneath the desk trembled.

How many days had it been since she last had a break? While others were enjoying the holiday season, she had been tirelessly working to return to her dorm room.

She should have listened to her friends’ warnings and quit graduate school.

Despite the tears welling up over her past mistakes, she didn’t let them show. Instead, she directed a question to Derpf.

” What happened, Professor?”

“Here.”

Derpf silently handed her the documents he had been reviewing.

“Why on earth?”

That was the fundamental question that crossed Belly’s mind as she accepted the admission form to Beresha Academy from Derpf.

Beresha Academy, located on the outskirts of the capital, was still considered part of the empire’s central territory. The current capital of the Babylonian Empire was renowned as the heart of the world, and the status of an academy varied based on its proximity to the capital.

Therefore, Beresha Academy, being situated within the capital, was one of the most prestigious educational institutions in the empire, if not the entire continent.

‘That’s why it’s only natural for me to live this wretched and miserable life as a slave!’

Despite acknowledging this, she couldn’t help but pose an unexpected question to Derpf.

“Why did they choose this academy?”

The names written on the documents were far from ordinary.

Lewin Dee Dryerf.

Laila Reinhardt.

These names represented two influential families, known as the pillars of the empire.

“Perhaps they’re reserving a spot?”

Undoubtedly, Beresha Academy offered an exceptional education. However, it was clear that these two names didn’t need to apply for admission. The distinction between Beresha Academy and the Royal Academy was too apparent.

“Could it be a reservation, then?”

“…”

Desperately, she asked Derpf with an imploring voice. But as always, Derpf didn’t provide the answer she sought.

Why?

The Babylonian Royal Academy, as the name implied, was directly overseen by the royal family. It was customary for members of the royal family to attend the academy for generations. Thus, noble families seeking connections with the royal lineage eagerly sought to send their children to the Royal Academy.

But was that all?

Numerous stories abounded of commoners who excelled at the Royal Academy and turned their lives around. While no instances matched the plot of a romantic novel where someone caught the eye of the prince, many had displayed their abilities and become the prince’s favorites.

Admission to the Royal Academy offered an opportunity that could change one’s life completely.

Numerous individuals with remarkable talent sought entry into the Royal Academy during that period.

She gazed at the professor with trembling eyes, but he had no response.

He simply rubbed his weary eyes, a testament to the accumulated fatigue.

“Haa…….”

Unconsciously, she let out a sigh.

The professor’s stoic expression, maintained even when his meticulously crafted thesis was torn to shreds after a month of sleepless nights, had crumbled.

He had no other option.

Apart from the Royal Academy, there were numerous institutions in the capital with richer history and tradition than Beresha Academy.

As a result, those admitted to Beresha Academy were mostly individuals who had fallen from such esteemed positions or commoners seeking to test their abilities.

Even if one hailed from a noble family, they would be a formidable presence within the Academy’s hierarchy. The occasional children of dukes were treated with utmost reverence.

“Professor.”

However, two individuals from a ducal family?

She recalled the not-so-distant past, her stomach churning in response.

“Can it be?”

Shaking her head, she recollected the nightmare of that time.

Dryerf and Reinhardt.

Their names resounded even within the Royal Academy, where members of the royal family attended.

Lewin Dee Dryerf’s and Laila Reinhardt’s siblings flaunted their reputations within the Royal Academy.

“And so…”

She checked their grades just in case.

Laila Reinhardt.

She achieved a perfect score on the initial examination.

If she was admitted, she would undoubtedly secure the first position.

And then…

“Hmm?”

Lewin Dee Dryerf.

He barely made the cutoff.

“Hmm?”

By a hair’s breadth, he managed to scrape through.

“Uh?”

The examinations at Beresha Academy were quite challenging.

However, for those aiming for the Royal Academy, they would not have posed too great a difficulty.

“Uh……..”

Were these exams a bit tougher?

Despite Laila Reinhardt’s perfect score.

“Professor…,” she looked at her professor with teary eyes.

But the professor had already bowed his head on the desk, uttering words like a warlock summoning a demon.

“Ah…….”

Thus, she had to accept the reality.

The reality that another harbinger of upheaval was entering Beresha Academy this year, following the events of the previous year.

‘Perhaps I should quit for real.’

She earnestly considered giving up.

Such thoughts crossed her mind, yet she failed to remember that she would have escaped the life of servitude long ago if it were possible.

***

“Young Master, Miss Laila says she can’t come as she’s grounded.”

Upon hearing Daisy’s words, Lewin peered out from beneath his blanket.

“Why?”

At that single word, Daisy’s lips twitched.

‘He becomes even lazier during winter.’

As the year drew to a close, while everyone busied themselves with preparations for the New Year, the young master remained idle.

The blanket became his identity, and he melded with it for over half the day, as if staking his claim.

“Why is she grounded?”

“Sadly, Miss Laila didn’t pass the Royal Academy exam.”

“Oh no.”

Lewin’s response lacked any emotion.

Daisy anticipated his reaction.

“Very, very sadly, she made a mistake while writing her answers,” Daisy explained.

“If not for that, she could have been the top scorer.”

“To be more precise, she fell for a trick by someone bad.”

At the sharp tone, Lewin buried his head deeper into the blanket.

“Laila, fooled by someone bad. She’s so smart.”

“Is she?”

“Exactly. It’s such a pity that she wrote down the wrong answer.”

“Therefore, it seems the Reinhardt family is considering having her retake the exam next year.”

Since it was merely a matter of miswriting the answers, aiming for another opportunity makes sense.

“However, Miss Laila strongly opposed that idea, causing quite a commotion in the Reinhardt family.”

Laila, usually unassuming, obedient, and kind, had rebelled for the first time in her life, shocking her parents, the Duke and Duchess of Reinhardt. Daisy relayed the details to Lewin.

“What do you think?”

“Is it about time for puberty?”

Daisy sighed at Lewin’s attitude, implying that it was not his concern.

“Well, that’s all about Miss Laila.”

“Huh?”

Was there something else to say?

Lewin poked his head out from under the blanket, and Daisy stared at him expressionlessly.

“Young Master, the results of the first exam have arrived.”

“Did I pass?”

“Yes, you passed by a narrow margin.”

Daisy’s gaze silently questioned if there was anything else to say, but Lewin tilted his head.

“I passed, right?”

“…”

“So there’s no problem.”

“Hmm.”

For a moment, Daisy felt the urge to sharply nod her head, as if unconsciously agreeing.

“Oh, that test was quite challenging.”

“…”

“I wasn’t feeling well that day.”

“…”

“Laila also made mistakes in her answers, didn’t she? It happens.”

“…”

“Um, and…”

“Do you have any more excuses?”

“No.”

Seeing Lewin innocently smiling, Daisy grasped her throbbing head.

“Young Master, we must consider the honor of the family, no matter what.”

“I won’t do anything foolish.”

Daisy had known Lewin Dee Dryerf for three years.

Having spent time with him every day, she had a vague understanding of his thoughts and actions.

“Young Master, even if you want to avoid attention, being close to the failing mark is more noticeable for someone from the Duchy of Dryerf.”

“Is it?”

Now that he thought about it, it made sense.

The youngest son of the Duke’s family as a struggling student in the academy!

“Wow.”

That piece of information would surely be eagerly discussed and savored in social circles.

“I suppose I’ll have to improve my scores.”

“Are you admitting it?”

“I mean, I’ll make an effort to improve.”

“I hope so.”

Daisy’s expression showed little expectation as Lewin paused before retreating back under the blanket.

“But what about Alex? He’s been disappearing a lot lately.”

Despite being busy at the end of the year, he had been absent.

Moreover, he seemed to be frequently accompanied by Eyriel and Hains.

“Daisy.”

“Yes, Young Master.”

“Is this…”

“Yes, I’m keeping an eye on you to prevent any trouble.”

Lewin narrowed his eyes.

“No wonder you haven’t been stealing my blanket recently.”

“It’s more comfortable for you to stay quietly in the room than unnecessarily causing trouble.”

“So you’re saying you’ll turn a blind eye until I go to the academy?”

“We need to make preparations until then.”

Daisy’s words held no intention of concealing anything, causing Lewin to nod.

“Well, let’s give it a try.”

“Yes, Young Master.”

Ignoring her resolute words, Lewin returned under the blanket.

***

A bit more time passed.

During that time, proving the adage that there are no parents who can surpass their children, Laila was allowed to attend Beresha Academy, everyone passed the second exam of the academy, and Lewin celebrated his birthday.

Another year had gone by.

“It’s almost time, isn’t it?”

Lewin Dee Dryerf, now ten years old.

As the snow began to melt and spring approached.

“The day I become a freshman!”

He was an individual who had been reincarnated ten times and was about to enter the basic education course at Beresha Academy.

“Hoo.”

Hains nodded with a determined expression at Lewin’s words.

“It’s the beginning of the battle.”

Daisy and Eyriel also nodded in agreement.

“Why make a fuss about a battle? I told you I’ll handle it, didn’t I? You should worry more about yourselves.”

“You always say that, young master.”

“The problem was simply that your standards didn’t align with the world’s.”

“Indeed, indeed.”

As Lewin spoke, the three murmured absentmindedly.

“Seriously.”

Lewin felt a tinge of injustice.

Academy admission was a crucial part of his life plan.

‘First of all, I need to build up my physical strength to withstand the challenges of this harsh world, and I must find the items I’ve hidden.’

Lewin, who had gathered various treasures across the continent as a hero.

Of course, it wasn’t for his personal indulgence, but rather for the betterment of the world and to prepare for the future.

‘I need to secure my retirement fund.’

Now that he had retired as a hero, it merely served as a means to fulfill his desires.

‘Regardless, there are limits to rapid growth.’

Even in the tenth life, it was impossible to skip all stages.

Rather, Lewin’s growth, accumulated over nine lifetimes, was more systematic than anyone else’s.

‘I must become stronger without others noticing.’

The Dryerf Duchy held authority over the empire’s military, attracting frequent visits from prominent figures across the continent. Lewin had to exercise caution in his growth, as it would be troublesome if strange rumors started circulating.

‘The medicines and alchemical ingredients might have been damaged.’

He had made provisions for such a situation by storing a fresh mandrake. Even if all other medicines were ruined, the mandrake was a living entity. As long as no one took it, he could undoubtedly strengthen himself. He had set up various magical devices around it, utilizing magic stones to ensure its optimal growth.

‘I’m going to be really busy.’

The holiday period during basic education was crucial. The sooner he became stronger, the better he could conceal his true power.

“Hmm.”

Following that, he would execute his plan by showcasing Laila during middle school. By the time high school arrived, he would lead his academy life while barely making an appearance. Once he completed his education, he would enjoy life to the fullest.

“Perfect.”

However, there were two variables. One was the potential resurgence of demonic entities, and the other was the possibility of the conscienceless goddess selecting Lewin as a hero once again.

‘I’ve prepared for that too.’

Lewin’s seemingly lazy demeanor was a means of gaining momentum for the future. As he lay safely in bed, he contemplated the future hundreds and thousands of times.

“So, we could do this, or maybe that.”

However, his constant formulation of plans in his mind made it difficult for others to comprehend.

“That young master is at it again.”

“Let him be.”

“The young master is right. We should prioritize our own concerns.”

“Could there be any bullying?”

“No, even as servants, no one would dare to provoke a member of the Dryerf family unless they’re insane. Our main concern should be…”

“Indeed…”

“That settles it.”

The gaze of the three individuals converged, their thoughts focused on what the future might hold.

“Is it just me, or do I envision only a bleak outcome?”

They made a concerted effort to dispel the gloomy visions that came to mind, embracing a resolute determination as they prepared for what lay ahead.