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 141.1. Family

The next day, in the same palace hallway.

A single figure walks, accompanied by light footsteps.

“…As expected, this is making me nervous.”

It was Katia.

Due to various circumstances, she was headed—one day late—to meet the third princess, the candidate endorsed by the Trakia family.

Her father, Jurgen, had told her some general rumors.

A transparent royal. A princess with a complicated reputation. None of what she’d heard had been particularly good…

But still, if her father decided to support this candidate, there must have been a reason behind it.

“Erm, Herm met her yesterday, right…? I wonder if they’re getting along okay.”

That was her biggest concern at the moment.

After all, the royals were at the top of the nation’s hierarchy, where lineage-based magic reigned supreme.

Considering how poorly Hermes had gotten along with Aster—who was, in his way, very much a stereotypical royal—there was every chance he’d clash with this princess too.

If it came to that, Katia would have to intervene herself.

With that resolve in mind, she took a deep breath in front of the princess’s chambers and opened the large door—

“Master! I’ve finished all the rune language problems you gave me!”

“Oh, already? Let me check them over real quick.”

“Go ahead! So, how is it? How did I do?”

“—Impressive, almost perfect. Your understanding is truly remarkable.”

“! Heh-heh, of course it is! …You may praise me even more, if you wish?”

“Very well. I thought from the start that your magical abilities were exceptional, but your structural understanding is just as impressive. Honestly, I considered myself quite good at this area, but you’ve solved these at nearly the same speed I did when I first saw them. It’s enough to make me question my confidence.”

“～～! T-To hear it said so plainly… how embarrassing…! But rest assured, I’m not conceited. To me, you are the greatest magician in the world!”

“………………”

Alright. I’m calm.

This reminds me of something similar back at the academy, so I won’t let it get to me.

Even if the princess in question looks suspiciously like someone Katia knows—a ridiculously cute girl—

Even if she’s sitting close enough to Hermes that their shoulders are almost touching—

Even if the girl is beaming with joy from the closeness, and Hermes isn’t showing the slightest sign of discomfort—

Even if Katia is itching to scream, How did you get this close in just one day?!—

She’s calm.

Taking a breath, she speaks, in the same tone as always.

“………Herm?”

Hermes stiffens and turns toward her, almost fearfully.

Hmm? What’s with that reaction, as if he’s just heard something terrifying?

Katia is simply using her usual voice, without a trace of anger—her expression even carries a gentle smile.

Yes, she’s perfectly calm.

And with that same calm voice—just a little, only a tiny bit firmer—she continues.

“──For now, would you mind explaining what’s going on?”

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