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 59. The Apprentice’s Time

“Herm~”

“Um, Master…”

In the end, due to Jurgen’s approval, Hermes became Rose’s personal servant during her stay.

Wondering what he would be tasked with, he entered the guest room with Rose.

As expected, he was made to sit on the bed, where Rose clung to him from behind, endlessly indulging in affection.

“Surely this isn’t part of a servant’s duties…”

“I said ‘later, as much as you want,’ didn’t I? Come on, let me be affectionate. Let me replenish a month’s worth of Hermes.”

“Could you stop arbitrarily creating mysterious substances…”

“Are you blushing? How cute,” Rose teased, poking his cheeks.

Of course I’m blushing, Hermes thought to himself.

Despite being like family, they weren’t blood-related, and she was a stunning beauty who turned heads wherever she went.

Being this close, it was only natural for a 15-year-old boy to feel embarrassed and tense.

“Relax a bit. I’ll do as I please.”

If only it were that easy, he thought, feeling her skin against his back.

Knowing she wouldn’t take no for an answer, Hermes decided to do as she said.

“…”

He produced the [Emerald Tablet] in his hands.

His magic, bestowed by his master and honed by himself, is the strongest creation magic.

He began his usual analysis, focusing on understanding magic more deeply, paying attention to the letters, the circles, and the composition.

Soon, he became immersed, not noticing his surroundings.

Engrossed in a pleasant immersion, he dialogued with magic, his mind working at full capacity.

“…Researching [Liberation], huh?”

Rose stopped stroking his head and whispered in his ear, peering at his hands.

As the developer of this magic, she quickly understood what he was doing.

With a more serious expression than before, he replied.

“Yes, I recently had the opportunity to see another’s release. It’s incredibly complex. Recreating the original Bloodline Magic will still take time.”

“I still don’t understand everything about the Liberation spell… But if you’re progressing, have you found a starting point?”

“Not quite a starting point… But I got a deeper sense of why people create magic.”

He remembered that decisive day.

Facing an insurmountable situation with his current power, yet determined to achieve his goal, he grasped creation magic.

“I felt strongly that I wanted to know more about magic. The thoughts and wishes put into creating it.”

“…I see.”

Watching his expression, Rose murmured quietly.

“You’ve changed a bit, Herm. Was coming to the capital a good thing?”

“…Yes. There were unpleasant things, but without a doubt, it was worth it.”

His resolute declaration made Rose nod with a gentle smile.

“Alright, I’m motivated! Let’s research together, Herm. Teach me what you’ve learned.”

“Is that okay? I’m honored, definitely.”

Hermes responded, slightly pleased, as Rose looked at his work with excitement.

They exchanged thoughts and ideas, the earlier awkwardness fading away.

Time passed comfortably and slowly, like before he came to the capital.

──And one girl was peeking through the door at the master and apprentice.

“What the…?”

It was Katia, needless to say.

She felt anger watching Rose cling excessively to Hermes and felt frustration seeing Hermes blush.

Just now, she saw them discussing magic and building their world together, and she fell to her knees.

“…Um, Katia-sama. Personally, I find it adorable and would love to keep watching… but,”

The maid Layla spoke to her.

“From a moral standpoint, peeping is not good.”

“I know, but…!”

She couldn’t help it.

She had heard about Rose. But based on the fragmented information and the fact that she was Jurgen’s age, she had assumed Rose was his master or a motherly figure. Naturally, she imagined a typical appearance.

But in reality, Rose looked young enough to be mistaken for someone her own age, and she was a beautiful woman even Katia couldn’t help but admire.

Moreover, Rose, known as the ‘Sky Witch’, was incredibly sweet to Hermes, unreservedly affectionate, and looking happy.

Hermes, too, accepted her affection, more relaxed than usual, talking to her.

They seemed more like siblings or perhaps even lovers.

“～～”

Rejecting the conclusion she reached, the undeniable trust built over the years was evident.

Katia whispered.

“…I thought it was me…”

She believed she was the one who understood Hermes best, closest to him in age and spirit.

But the scene shattered that illusion. Though Rose was actually Jurgen’s age, she looked much younger.

“Ugh…”

Feeling defeated by the scene but unable to look away.

With a complex expression, Katia watched, while Layla spoke again.

“…If it bothers you so much, why not call out to them?”

“…Well, that…”

She desperately wanted to. She wanted to question them. But…

“It’s their reunion. You can tell from their interaction that both Rose and Herm missed each other during this month. I can’t interrupt that…”

“Thinking of others besides yourself is admirable, but…”

Thinking Katia was losing out in this situation, Layla, understanding her role, said,

“I understand how you feel, so I won’t stop you, but… please, in moderation.”

She bowed and returned to her duties.

Katia, left alone, continued to agonize in front of the door, her expressions revealing what was happening inside.

◆

“…Let’s call it a day.”

“Agreed.”

Deactivating the [Emerald Tablet], the jade light vanished.

It was a very productive time. Rose’s deeper understanding of magic provided invaluable insights, and Hermes gained some confidence.

Though they stopped due to mental fatigue, they could have continued longer otherwise.

“Herm, your understanding has significantly improved in a month.”

“I’ve seen many good examples in the capital. Understanding them makes me realize how high you stand, Master.”

“Flattering me, huh?”

She ruffled his hair with a full smile.

Hermes, less tense than before, accepted it, but then Rose paused.

“Hey, Herm, is there anything you want me to do for you?”

“That’s sudden.”

Her unexpected question confused him.

“I’ve indulged in you for a month… I’m a bit calmer now, so I thought I’d regain my dignity as a master by fulfilling your request.”

“You shouldn’t say that to the person in question…”

He always respected her but never really felt her dignity.

“Is there anything? I’ll do anything for you.”

“Then, could you…”

“Sorry, that’s impossible even if the world turns upside down!”

“Understood.”

Predictably, she rejected it immediately.

She swayed his body back and forth, and Hermes thought.

“…Then,”

He voiced a wish born from their earlier conversation.

“Would you spar with me?”

“Spar?”

“Yes. Since coming to the capital, I’ve learned and fought with magic. I feel I’ve become stronger.”

So, Hermes clenched his hand.

“I want to see how far I’ve come. How close I am to you, Master. Please, fight me.”

Rose blinked at his words, then smiled gently yet challengingly.

“Alright, I’ll lend you my chest, young man.”

Contrary to her earlier refusal to let go, she easily released him and got off the bed.

“So, let’s start. ──Hey! Jurgen’s daughter peeking from there!”

“Huh?”

“!?”

With her words, there was a loud noise behind the door. The door opened, revealing a purple-haired girl sitting on the floor.

“Herm, no, this is…”

“Okay, I’ll tease you about this later.”

Rose said to the flustered Katia, amused.

“Can you ask Jurgen? ──If there’s a place where Herm and I can go all out without any problems.”

Despite Jurgen’s reluctance, saying, “There’s no place in this country where you can go all out.”, Rose insisted, “Then let’s do it by Herm’s standards. I won’t overdo it, and I’ll set up a barrier. There’s got to be a place, right?”.

Thus, what Hermes had requested with little expectation was realized that very day.