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 142.1. Resolve

“──Now then. Let’s begin again.”

After Katia and Liliana’s initial meeting, the Trakia family party, along with Liliana, moved to the duke’s meeting room, joined by Sara.

During this time, Sara and Liliana also met for the first time.

Unlike with Katia, their encounter was extremely peaceful—rather, Sara took an immediate liking to Liliana, treating her warmly with her natural kindness. Liliana quickly became attached to Sara in return. Katia seemed visibly displeased by this outcome.

While Sara’s charm played a part, Liliana’s friendliness was likely her natural personality, something appropriate for her age. It had simply been stifled by various circumstances until she met Hermes.

In any case, with all three of them having finished their formal greetings with the princess,

Jürgen began to speak, intending to discuss the matters ahead.

“From now on, we will formally engage in the succession war. However, before that, let’s confirm Her Highness’s position once more.”

The other four turned their gaze to Liliana.

“As you know, Liliana has until now been considered the furthest from the throne,

because she was labeled ‘unfit’ for lacking a Bloodline Magic.”

“But──”

“Exactly. As demonstrated by Hermes, lacking Bloodline Magic is actually a blessing. Now that he has become her mentor, it’s certain that Liliana will become the finest candidate for the throne, even in a kingdom that reveres magic.”

Everyone silently absorbed the logic. Then, Sara spoke.

“So… does this mean Lady Lily will now pursue the throne for real?”

Liliana took a moment to search for the right words, falling silent. Then, with a serious expression, she finally spoke.

“…No.”

Though her answer was a denial, her words came out sincere.

“I truly appreciate how far everyone has supported me. However…”

“However?”

“My mentor has shown me the way.

I’ve found a way to gain magical power…

──So aiming for the throne just feels… a bit wrong to me.”

──It was, without a doubt, a reasonable response.

In fact, if she were to declare, “Now that I have power, I will aim for the throne,”

it would be no different from those who placed absolute value on Bloodline Magic.

In that sense, her words fit well with their desire to support her.

After all, Liliana had said from the beginning: “Fighting with family is ridiculous.”

Liliana continued.

“Unlike my brother and sister…

I have yet to find it—what I would do as a queen.”

“…”

“Perhaps I’ll discover it someday. But… right now, I just don’t know.”

Liliana’s voice trailed off, clearly aware that what she was saying was unreasonable.

Watching her kindly, Hermes decided to speak.

“You don’t need to worry about that at all.”

“…Master?”

“A purpose is not something you force yourself to find. Especially since you’re still so young, Your Highness.”

He paused, offering a gentle smile.

“In fact, I think helping you discover it is part of a tutor’s job, too.”

“…!”

Those words must have been incredibly reassuring to her.

Liliana’s eyes filled with tears as she clung to Hermes’s arm.

Katia watched this with a complicated yet calm expression,

while Sara’s eyes widened in surprise—perhaps because she hadn’t been told about Liliana’s interactions with Hermes on the first day.

At least now, they understood Liliana’s thoughts.

Yet at the same time, new questions arose.

Noticing the unspoken question in Hermes’s gaze, Jürgen nodded and resumed speaking.

“I understand what you’re getting at, Hermes. You’re wondering if not participating in the succession war is an option, right?”

“Yes.”

“…Unfortunately, that isn’t possible.”

This was likely the crux of today’s discussion.

Sensing the shift, Hermes and the others focused, and Jürgen continued slowly.

“First, do you all remember? The incident at the academy not long ago—the one orchestrated by Clyde von Helmut… and the person who incited him.”

“!”

That name resurfaced.

“…Of course, Father.”

Katia answered on their behalf.

“The person Herm encountered… According to you, Father, he’s one of the figures who has long lurked in the shadows, threatening the kingdom. He belongs to an organization that opposes the current regime… correct?”

“Yes. And based on Hermes’s report, the person he faced is likely a high-ranking member of that organization.”

Jürgen’s tone suggested he had known about the organization for some time.

“The problem is that someone of such importance, who should have remained hidden, has surfaced. Concerned, I conducted my own investigation… and discovered something troubling.

It’s related to the succession war.”

“……You don’t mean—”

Before Hermes could finish, a realization struck him.

And, confirming it, Jürgen nodded gravely.

“──Yes. The organization’s members have already infiltrated the camps of both the First Prince and the Second Princess.”

Katia and Sara display expressions of shock.

As expected, Hermes also nods solemnly.

“Not just lower-level operatives. It’s probably someone close to the core of both factions. Their unnatural behavior has been spotted in various places.”

“I see.”

“You understand, don’t you? After years of lying low, they’ve begun making their move to seize control of the nation.”

Their exact motives remain unclear.