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 144.1. Reunion

We step into the audience chamber, and the eyes of those present turn toward us.

The first to notice us are two people—a girl around the same age as Hermes, and a young man a few years older.

From their appearance and Liliana’s reaction, these two must be the First Prince and the Second Princess.

The first to approach us—was the girl.

With unwavering steps, she walked right up to us, stopping just a few steps away.

This close, her entire figure came into clear view.

Her long golden hair shone brightly, and her ruby-like eyes sparkled vividly.

Her face was stunningly beautiful, with sharp eyes that gave off a sense of strength.

“…Lyla, onee-sama.”

Liliana spoke the name, just as I had expected.

Hearing this, the girl—Lyla, the Second Princess—smiled in a surprisingly friendly manner.

“Yes, Lily. How long has it been? Months, perhaps? It’s been a while.”

And then—

“—So, what brings you here?”

The words were like a sudden, sharp jab.

There’s no way she wasn’t informed about the reason for this visit or the people involved.

This means, that by saying this, she was making a point.

“Hey, Lily. Surely—not even you—aren’t seriously thinking about joining the royal succession race, are you?”

“Ah, uh…”

“If you are… that’s a problem. A real problem.”

Rattling off her words, Lyla wore a cold, cruel smile as Liliana faltered.

“You wouldn’t want something terrible to happen, like losing your dear little life, would you?”

It was a declaration.

A vow of mercilessness and a statement that from now on, they were no longer family.

Clear, unyielding rejection. Liliana, thrown off balance from the start, had no chance to recover before Lyla continued.

“…”

“Oh?”

At that moment, Hermes stepped forward.

Even he hadn’t expected such ruthless hostility right from the beginning, making it impossible to remain neutral.

Lyla narrowed her eyes at Hermes for a moment, then seemed to conclude.

“You—oh, you’re the kid with the weird magic everyone’s been discussing. And your only companion is…the Duke Trakia? Too bad, I was hoping to see the girl with dual affinities.”

“…Why would you know about Sara-sama?”

The unexpected mention of a name made Hermes tilt his head in confusion.

Lyla, however, lifted the corner of her perfect lips into a wicked grin.

“Because—she’s being called a ‘Saint’, isn’t she?”

“—”

“To think they’d allow someone to be called that without consulting me, the one recognized by the church. If I ever meet her, I’d love to give her a good slap. Too bad she’s not here.”

…I see.

It seems she had no intention of leaving a good first impression.

Lyla turned back to Hermes and continued.

“Oh, and weird magic kid, I’ll give you some advice—for free.”

“What is it?”

“You’ve already caught the church’s attention, you know?”

Her voice was beautiful, like a song, yet every word was laced with cruelty.

“From what I hear, you’re really powerful. But once the church catches wind, it’s all over.

They’ll expose every trick behind your strength, pick you apart, and pass judgment on you.

If only you’d stayed low and kept quiet. But no, you had to act like a hero. How unfortunate!”

With a playful smile, she sneered.

At last, Liliana, snapping out of her daze, spoke from the side.

“S-Sister…!”

“Oh? What now, Lily?”

“Well—there are… questionable people in your faction, Sister. That’s why I…”

Liliana said what she came to say, despite knowing it might be a mistake.

It was her sincere attempt at honesty, though it didn’t seem to matter to Lyla, who replied without hesitation.

“—And so?”

Just like that.

“Wha…”

“Isn’t that obvious? Unlike your faction, ours is large. Of course, a spy or two might sneak in. But…”

Her voice was resolute, as if dismissing all lies from other factions.

“It doesn’t matter. The significant things are unshakable, no matter who betrays us.”

“I-I…”

“Oh, did you come all the way here just to tell me that? How touching. I’m moved. Now, how about you pack your things and head home?”

Liliana knew this outcome was likely.

But the sheer cruelty and coldness of Lyla’s rejection were more than she could endure, even if she had anticipated it.

Liliana was left speechless.

And then, from deeper within the chamber, came the sound of approaching footsteps.

“…Heh. Picking on Liliana’s small faction like that—sounds like you’re the one feeling cornered.”

A cold, dark voice echoed through the room.

The sound of hard footsteps drew nearer.

It was the other young man who had been in the audience chamber.

He had deep navy-blue hair and pale, light-blue eyes. Dark circles marked his lower eyelids, giving him a haggard appearance.

His sharp features, combined with his cool-toned colors, gave off an air of decadence.

“…Herc, onii-sama.”

Once again, Liliana uttered a name just as I expected.

Herc, the First Prince, glanced briefly at Liliana before immediately looking away.

Though different from Lyla’s hostility, it was still a clear rejection of any conversation.

Lyla, though wary of Herc, maintained her mocking tone.

“Oh, Brother. Those dark circles under your eyes look worse than ever.

Aren’t they proof that you’re feeling just as strained as I am?”

“I’m busy. Unlike you, a mere figurehead whom the church pampers, I actually have work to do.”

Herc returned her provocation in kind. Then, in a voice that sounded like he was explaining something simple:

“—The way things were before… won’t work anymore.”