A Genius Boy Who Was Exiled From His Family Home for “Not Being Able To Use Magic” Becomes a Witch’s Apprentice and Masters All Magic in the Right Way. This Is How You Use Your Magic, You Know?

Chapter 134. Omen

Let’s recount the fates of the academy’s students.

First, Clyde, the main perpetrator of this incident, will undergo questioning as a key witness against the organization that incited this act of terror, and then face trial as a major criminal.

…However, the interrogation seems to be going poorly. It’s likely because that man didn’t give Clyde any information, not even his appearance. Also, Clyde frequently makes incoherent remarks. One can only imagine the frustration of those conducting the questioning. Instead, Hermes, who confronted him directly, provided what information he could. Although his time was short, it’s still better than nothing compared to Clyde.

Once the questioning is over, it’s time for judgment. … there’s certainly no chance of him returning to normalcy, but whatever the outcome, there’s nothing more we can do. It’s a task now left for the adults.

Additionally, the Helmut family might face a significant demotion, or even dissolution, as Clyde’s actions were too grave. The current Marquis, upon hearing this, gravely stated, “It’s our fault for failing in his upbringing,” and seems prepared to accept any punishment.

The majority of the academy’s students have returned to their homes, as the academy’s functions are temporarily suspended. In light of the incident that struck the academy and the winds of change blowing through it, many students are likely to reconsider their futures.

Will they continue attending the academy as they have been? Or perhaps they’ll leave and dedicate themselves to their territories’ development? Or—adjust their stance significantly to match the rapidly shifting power dynamics. For example,

“…We can finally relax now… It’s been exhausting talking to so many people everywhere…”

“Yes… I’m the same.”

“Indeed… You both must be tired. Well done.”

At the moment, Hermes, Katia, and Sara von Hartmann sit around a table sipping tea. Though Sara had taken refuge with a Duke’s household until now, she has formally entered under the Trakia family’s protection in a sort of study-abroad arrangement to broaden her horizons.

Discussions with her father, the Baron, have already been completed. …It seems she plans to take time to come to terms with her mother as well. Though their relationship hadn’t been good, she admits there were some things she gained from her mother’s strict education.

Hermes and Katia have decided to respect her decision. They’ve resolved to support her as a friend from now on.

Currently, Sara, along with her lord and master, sits tiredly in her chair. As they said, the three had been subjected to countless rounds of questioning.

It’s no surprise. After all, these three were the key players in quelling the academy’s chaos. Katia, who commanded the defense and played a pivotal role in defeating the monsters. Sara, who deployed a protective barrier around the school and even awakened to the conditional Magic Inscription Liberation, Liberation.

And—Hermes, who, with his overwhelming magic, ultimately drove off Clyde in a way that defied all reason.

Everyone present at the academy witnessed that scene. It’s far too many people to keep it under wraps now.

Behind the scenes, investigations into Hermes and his capabilities are already underway. Some factions are even moving openly to recruit him, but Jürgen is holding them off for now. We truly owe a lot to that Duke.

…Well, in any case.

“It might only be for a brief moment… but at least for today, we can relax.”

“…Yes.”

“Really. A lot happened, but it’s nice to sit together like this, just like before… no, wait.”

At that, Katia pauses. That’s right. It’s not ‘just like before’—someone is missing.

“Nina…”

Nina von Frodyte. Hermes had already told them she was a spy. However, he also mentioned that she hadn’t harbored any explicit ill intent. Previously, she had no choice due to her position, but now there might be some room for change.

After the incident, her whereabouts remain unknown. Most likely, she returned home like the other students, but no one is certain. …Still. Somehow, Hermes has a feeling that they’ll meet again soon. He shared this with the others, and they believed him. For now, that’s enough.

“…You’re right. To truly get things back to how they were, we’ll have to work hard again.”

Katia murmurs with determination, and the other two agree. They’ve undoubtedly protected much, but they’ve also lost some things. To reclaim those, they’ll walk forward once more.

As they share this resolve, a calm atmosphere settles around them.

“By the way, Sara.”

Katia speaks up.

“Don’t you think you’re sitting awfully close to Hermes?”

“────Huh?”

“Normally, you’d be sitting a bit farther away. But right now… aren’t you closer to him than I am? Not that I mind the seating arrangement… but it just caught my attention.”

Katia comments on their seating around the circular table, her tone mild but pointed. In response, Sara,

“…Ah, uh, th-that’s…”

Completely unaware until it was pointed out, Sara turned bright red, fumbling for an explanation. But nothing comes to mind, and she ends up staring down at the table. To put it simply—her reaction was the worst possible.

“…Oh?”

This is bad, Hermes thinks instinctively. Katia’s eyes narrow. He imagines a similar atmosphere to what he saw during their mock duel starting to form around her.

“Now that you mention it, Sara, when the academy attack was over and you went to pick up Hermes, you seemed a bit… off. Kind of like right now. Did something happen? Oh, I’m quite curious.”

With her uncanny intuition and insight sharpened through academy life, Katia zeroes in on the most dangerous part. The tension rises, and just before Sara, overwhelmed, blurts out something, suddenly…

Knock knock, a sound echoed from the door.

With that, the tense atmosphere dissipated for the moment. Knowing who it was, Katia had no choice but to drop her questioning, and responded to the person behind the door.

“Father?”

“Yes. May I come in?”

Katia gave her permission, and the door opened. …Honestly, it was a huge relief. The person who entered was Katia’s father, Jürgen. Watching the three of them with a gentle expression, Katia asked him a question.

“Are you done with your work at the academy?”

“Yes. The matters with the teachers have been resolved. It’ll take some time before the academy functions again, but… I’m sure it will be reborn anew.”

What Jürgen reported confirmed the success of Hermes and the others. They exchanged glances, sharing their joy. Smiling warmly as he watched them, Jürgen then straightened his expression.

“…With that, we’ve finished cleaning up the aftermath. Now… I’d like to talk about our plans moving forward, if that’s alright?”

The three weren’t irresponsible enough to ignore a comment like that. Seeing them adjust their posture to listen attentively, Jürgen began to speak.

“──The fight for the throne has officially begun.”

────. Without a doubt, this was the omen of the next great upheaval.

“As you know, the strongest candidate by far, Prince Aster, who was said to be just moments away from being officially named Crown Prince… was recently stripped of his claim to the throne.”

Aster’s trial had concluded, and the verdict had been delivered. As expected by many, his disinheritance was confirmed. Although he avoided execution due to his position, he was to spend the rest of his life in a heavily guarded prison. And…

“With that, the other candidates—those who had been overshadowed by Prince Aster… or rather, former Prince Aster, his siblings, and the factions that support them—have begun making significant moves.”

“…It’s going to get chaotic, Father.”

“Indeed. It can’t be helped. There was no clear ‘second candidate.’ And…”

Jürgen paused, and his next words carried a weight of solemnity.

“The Trakia family will be joining the fray as well. We’ve found a candidate who understands and aligns with our ideals. We will support them. Yes… despite all the irregularities, the time has finally come to truly change this country.”

“!”

A shiver ran up their spines. This was the culmination of everything they’d done so far… and an omen of the great battles to come.

After letting that sink in, Jürgen addressed Hermes.

“Which brings me to you, Hermes. I have an extremely important mission for you, one that ties directly into this.”

“…Yes.”

Knowing Jürgen referred to him as their ‘trump card,’ Hermes waited solemnly for what was to come next.

“…By the way, Hermes. How has your time at the academy been as a student? Did you enjoy it?”

Jürgen’s sudden, seemingly unrelated question caught Hermes off guard, but he answered honestly.

“Of course. Despite everything that happened, I’m genuinely grateful for the opportunity to attend.”

“I’m glad to hear that. …Then I’m sure you’ve come to understand the feelings of students to some extent. With that in mind—this time, I’d like you to take on the role of a teacher.”

With that preamble out of the way, Jürgen smiled broadly and delivered his conclusion.

“──I’d like you to become the personal tutor of a princess. Would you be willing?”

……………….

“…………Huh?”