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 143.1. The Succession Struggle

“…Are you sure about this?”

A few days before the initial members of the Third Princess Liliana’s faction gathered.

A voice filled with tension and caution echoed in the office of the duke’s estate.

After speaking, the voice’s owner—Albert—locked eyes with Jurgen, the head of the duke’s family, who sat before him.

Jurgen, with a calm smile, responded in a composed manner.

“Hmm, what about it?”

“…It is a great honor, Your Grace, to have been invited to join the faction supporting Her Highness Liliana, which the Thracia family is backing, as one of her personal sorcerers. However—”

After expressing his gratitude for being scouted, Albert continued with a matter that he could not compromise on.

“You, of all people, should understand. …I am a man who once broke.”

Firmly, he unearthed the shameful memory of his past.

It was from the time when Hermes first arrived at the academy.

Albert’s ideals had been trampled by the academy’s atmosphere, his path distorted by overwhelming power. He had no choice but to bend, owing to his own weakness.

He recalled how he couldn’t tolerate Hermes’ unyielding nature, how he rebelled, refused to acknowledge him, and made a fool of himself with his disgraceful behavior.

While he believed he had become a little better now, the fact remained: the past could never be erased. It was something that neither time nor regret could undo.

Acknowledging this, Albert continued.

“Someone like me—someone who once broke, someone who cannot claim superior strength—

is it really acceptable for me to join the ranks of personal sorcerers, alongside warriors like Hermes?”

Despite facing someone far above him, Albert’s question was sincere.

Jurgen accepted his words without disdain and answered gently.

“That is precisely why.”

“!”

“This may sound self-serving, but this is a wonderful opportunity for you. As the heir to a viscount family, becoming directly affiliated with royalty is a significant achievement. Ordinarily, you should have accepted this offer without hesitation. And yet—you questioned whether you were qualified. That very act is what I value in you.”

Jurgen’s reputation as a heartless, cold-blooded duke was well-known.

But at that moment, Albert realized how far removed that perception was from the truth.

“You understand what it means for someone to break. You understand what it means to be weak. And above all, you’ve developed the spirit not to stay content in weakness. That’s something we’re sorely lacking.”

“…What do you mean?”

Tilting his head at the abstract remark, Albert saw Jurgen smile wryly.

“To put it simply, those kids… are too strong.”

Still, Jurgen clearly voiced his concern.

“They all have firm goals and will pursue them relentlessly. That’s what makes them strong, but at the same time, their way of being is… sharp. It’s admirable, yet sometimes they go beyond what anyone could have imagined.”

With a steady gaze, Jurgen delivered his final words to Albert.

“That is why I want you. You possess a grounded perspective, ambition, and most importantly—

you are someone who can speak your mind to Hermes without hesitation. Please play the role of a supporter for those who lead. …Will you accept this role?”

“…”

Albert lowered his gaze for a moment, deep in thought.

But it wasn’t hesitation—rather, it was a moment to savor the emotion of once again earning the right to stand beside them.

Therefore, as if in alignment with Jurgen’s words, Albert raised his head without a trace of doubt, nodded firmly, and responded.

“Absolutely. I humbly accept!”

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