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 56. The Place Where It All Began

“I was wrong!”

A week after that incident, in the study of the Frembleed household.

Hermes stood in the place where he was once exiled, for the first time in five years. Before him, his father, Zenos, was kneeling.

“I’m sorry, Hermes! To have expelled someone as talented as you! My eyes were blind!”

“……”

“But it couldn’t be helped! If Prince Aster said it, I couldn’t go against it! I never wanted to do such a terrible thing to my beloved son!”

“Father, that’s a bit of a stretch.”

Hermes replied emotionlessly.

“You understand that I can’t emotionally bring myself to return to this house, right?”

“Don’t say that, my son! Look at me!”

Groveling and apologizing, yet firmly refusing rejection. His actions made it clear he wouldn’t take no for an answer.

“I’ll guarantee you the position of the next head! You’re far more suitable than that failure, Chris! You could become the head of a marquis family or even a duke! What dissatisfaction do you have?”

Zenos’s greed was starting to show.

“Tell me what you are dissatisfied with! I’ll do anything within my power! So—”

“Alright, then just one thing.”

Predicting this reaction, Hermes made his proposal.

Sensing Hermes’s softened stance, Zenos’s voice turned syrupy.

“Oh, what is it? Don’t hold back—”

“Relinquish your position.”

Zenos froze.

“……What?”

“Relinquish your position. I will exile you from the Frembleed household and forbid you from any involvement in the future.”

“Such tyranny! That’s impossible—”

“It’s possible. It’s the same as what you did to me five years ago, only I’m not stripping you of your noble rights.”

“Ugh—”

Zenos bit his lip, and the sound of his grinding teeth filled the room.

From Hermes’s perspective, it was a reasonable decision. Considering what Zenos had done, it was lenient.

“You’d struggle without me! You’ve been away from noble society for five years—”

“That’s not an issue. If needed, I’ll seek advice from the Trakia family.”

“Are you planning to become a vassal of the Trakia family? Where’s your pride as an independent noble!?”

“Pride? It’s not meaningless, but if it causes conflicts and neglects dealing with monsters threatening the people, it’s better not to have it.”

It’s more constructive to leave domain management to a competent family and focus on monster subjugation.

While not always that simple, in this case, the Trakia family would handle it better than Zenos.

“But without me… that…”

“Enough. Why not be honest?”

Hermes cut him off with a cold stare.

“You want to take credit for my achievements and reclaim your status to boast again.”

“No, that’s not true! I care about you—”

“Yes. You care because I would bring you benefits. That’s self-interest.”

If it weren’t, Zenos wouldn’t have so vehemently refused Hermes’s condition of staying away from the family.

“Let’s summarize. If I return, you will leave the family. You can keep your noble status and I’ll arrange a new place for you. What do you say?”

“Th-that’s—!”

With a pained expression, Zenos buried his head in his hands, realizing he couldn’t get better terms.

When Zenos looked up, his face was full of resentment.

“Why… I’ve apologized sincerely…”

“Truly sincere people don’t say they’ve ‘apologized sincerely.'”

“Shut up! You owe me! Who raised you until you were seven!”

“Likewise, who treated me so cruelly after I turned seven?”

Hermes mirrored his tone, leaving Zenos speechless.

Their gazes locked in silent enmity. Hermes’s eyes were indifferent, reflecting Zenos’s emotions back at him.

To Zenos, it seemed like Hermes was mocking and looking down on him. The same gaze Zenos would have if their roles were reversed.

In the end, that was intolerable.

“Enough! Go live as a commoner!”

It was a clear rejection.

“I understand. Then.”

Hermes bowed, turned, and spoke to the person waiting by the door.

“Duke, thank you for waiting.”

“Are you done?”

“What…?”

A calm voice responded, and Zenos’ startled voice echoed as the door opened.

A slim man with well-kept purple hair entered.

“T-Trakia!?”

“Hello. It’s been a while, Marquis Frembleed.”

“What do you want!? This is a family matter—”

“The conversation is over, as Hermes decided.”

The man—Jurgen, with his usual casual demeanor, approached Zenos.

“Now, my business. I’m here to judge you. I am Jurgen von Trakia, Minister of Justice.”

“!? J-judge! What for—”

“Oh, don’t pretend you don’t know. Embezzlement, extravagance, abuse of power, illegal trade. Using Prince Aster’s power, and even hurting Baron Hartman’s daughter and blaming Katia.”

“!! Th-that was the Prince—”

“Sorry, the Prince is under investigation too. He no longer has influence, and neither do you.”

While Hermes and Katia were on the run, Jurgen was tirelessly gathering evidence.

With all this, he cornered Zenos.

“Hermes, it’s clear you won’t return, right?”

“Yes.”

“I see. Then, without hesitation. Marquis Frembleed, your crimes are unforgivable. Your land will be confiscated, and you will likely lose your title and noble rights. You might be imprisoned.”

“!!”

“If Hermes had returned, your noble status might’ve been spared considering his achievements. But personally, I’m glad it didn’t happen.”

Zenos finally understood.

Hermes’s condition was his maximum mercy.

“You didn’t realize? Didn’t think you’d be prosecuted?”

“E-Hermes! I-I was wro—”

“Enough. It’s too late to ask for help. I knew you would, so I let him finish his business first.”

Jurgen effortlessly restrained Zenos despite his slim build.

“Hermes, leave this mess to us adults. A carriage is waiting for you. You can go now.”

“Thank you.”

He glanced at his pathetic father, then turned away and closed the door.

Hermes finally said his goodbye in the place where he was once exiled.