READ NOVEL ONLINE Chapter 141.2
Chapter 141.2. Family
Thus, from Hermes’ mouth, the entire story of yesterday was told.
“……I see.”
Katia managed to squeeze out just those few words.
It was a story far beyond what she had imagined.
──And yet, she couldn’t deny how perfectly it all made sense.
I mean, what is this? A princess who looks like a miniature Rose, with hints of the same personality, a genius in magic, and on top of it all, just like Hermes, completely unsuited for any magic class?
How many traits designed to pierce straight into Hermes’ heart does this princess possess?
And on top of that, they experienced such a dramatic encounter yesterday? No wonder she’s become attached to him. Even if it’s only been a day, trusting him this deeply makes sense.
It’s easy to see how Hermes, too, would accept her. With that many appealing elements, she’d easily slip past his usual barriers for who counts as family.
With all of that in mind, Katia thought to herself:
…That’s unfair.
No, really—what even is this?
A girl who seems like the perfect fit to learn under Hermes and stand by his side. A girl even Katia couldn’t help but acknowledge as suitable. And now, that same girl was sitting snugly next to him. It stirred up something hazy inside her.
Adding to that, the girl stayed pressed against Hermes—practically clinging to his arm—while directing a cautious gaze toward Katia.
…If that’s how it’s going to be, Katia thought, preparing to speak—only for the princess to speak first.
“So, Master… Who might this beautiful lady be? You seem quite close with her.”
With her cute eyes half-lidded, the girl asked Hermes. He tilted his head slightly and answered plainly:
“? This is Katia-sama. She’s the daughter of Duke Trakia… and an old childhood friend of mine. She’s currently acting as my attendant.”
The instant she heard that, the princess’s eyes widened.
Now that she thought about it, it made perfect sense, but her mind had been preoccupied with the sudden appearance of a familiar woman by her master’s side.
And then, in a flash of insight, she connected the dots from what she had just heard.
“Katia… You’re Aster-oniisama’s former fiancée, aren’t you?”
“!?”
“Now that you mention it… You do look familiar.”
The princess lowered her gaze, continuing quietly:
“You were the one most troubled by Aster-oniisama… And since you were childhood friends with Master, could it be that when he was exiled by my brother, you were separated from him?”
“…That’s──”
“So, I was right, wasn’t I?”
The princess’s quiet words confirmed her own suspicions, making her voice drop even further.
“It makes perfect sense if you’re wary of me. The sister of the man who tore Master away from you… It wouldn’t be strange if you thought I was trying to steal him away now.”
“That’s not──”
Katia started to deny it but stopped herself. To say she hadn’t thought that way at all would be a lie. She fell silent, and the princess lifted her head.
“There’s no excuse for what my brother did. I know an apology could never be enough. But… but…!”
Her voice trembled, and tears welled up in her youthful eyes as she hesitated, clutching onto Hermes.
“Master means everything to me! He’s the teacher I’ve always dreamed of finding… I don’t want to let him go. Please…!”
“……”
Listening to the girl’s earnest plea, Katia found herself understanding her.
This princess was incredibly sharp—and undeniably a good kid.
“Katia-sama…”
“I understand, Herm.”
Katia had a lot on her mind.
But even so, for royalty to lower their head like this to a mere duke’s daughter was no small thing—especially one as young as this girl.
Katia wasn’t dense enough not to grasp the significance.
And so, she stood up and approached the trembling princess. She crouched down before her and gently placed a hand on her head.
“…I apologize, Your Highness.”
“Ah—”
“Rest assured. I have no intention of harming you, nor of separating you from Herm. Herm is my proud attendant, after all. I understand why you’d hold him in such high regard. And what happened with Lord Aster… that wasn’t your fault.”
As the princess’s fearful green eyes met Katia’s amethyst gaze, Katia gave her a soft smile.
“I’d like to support you, too. I’ve decided that now, without a doubt. May I serve you as well, Princess Liliana?”
It was the first time Katia called her by name.
Taken aback, the princess blushed and lowered her gaze.
“…Please, call me Lily.”
She spoke the words softly, her acceptance clear.
“I’d like more people… to call me that.”
“Understood, Lady Lily.”
With a light smile, Katia stood.
They’d now reached an understanding of sorts. It seemed likely that Katia, too, would come to favor this princess.
…However.
“That aside.”
Her tone shifted, becoming sharper as she looked squarely at Hermes and Liliana.
“It’s inappropriate to cling to each other like that. Would you kindly separate yourselves?”
“Wha—! You are upset about me taking him, aren’t you?”
“No, this is merely a matter of proper behavior. …Also, I still have concerns about your education under Hermes alone.”
“Eh?”
Hermes, who had been quietly observing until now, tilted his head in confusion.
“Katia-sama, do you have concerns about my teaching? If so, I’d appreciate your feedback—”
“No, I have no complaints about your magic instruction. I’ve experienced it firsthand, after all… But.”
She raised a finger toward Hermes, a slight smirk playing on her lips.
“I mean everything else. Let me be blunt—Hermes, can you properly discipline this girl?”
“……Uh…”
“Please don’t look away.”
Of course, she already knew the answer. His hesitation was all the confirmation she needed.
In serious situations, Hermes could act decisively. But when it came to minor matters, he was far too lenient, especially with those he considered family. And with a girl as young as Liliana, it was only natural that he’d struggle.
“I’m not blaming you, really. Perhaps it’s exactly what Lady Lily needs. But that’s why—”
Katia smiled as she turned her gaze to Liliana.
“I’ll take charge of everything outside of magic training. That’s acceptable, right, Lady Lily?”
“It most certainly is not!”
With tears in her eyes once more, Liliana clung to Hermes.
“Only Master is allowed to teach me! Who permitted you to decide that? And I can feel your personal grudge behind this!”
“…Of course not. Right, Herm?”
“Please save me, Master!”
“…Lily, I’m not omnipotent.”
“Master!?”
──Watching the trio’s lively exchange from a distance, the duke and a maid shared an amused smile.
“Sir,” the maid began, “I can’t help but think…”
“I’d advise against saying it.”
“…This looks exactly like a family conversation, doesn’t it? Like a doting father, a strict mother, and their daughter.”
“That’s precisely why I told you not to say it… If Katia hears that, there’ll be no end to it.”
Even so, the duke gave a wry smile, sharing the sentiment entirely.
In any case, the introductions were over.
Though challenges lay ahead, the stormiest part had likely passed.
They now knew the princess. She had a solid foundation to grow from.
And so—
“Well then, shall we begin? Let’s talk about the royal succession war.”
With perfect timing, the duke calmly declared the next step.