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 104.2. Ripples

And then, Sara.

She suppressed the dissatisfaction of the B-Class students with her own effort.

Using the trust she had built with them, she spoke to each one individually.

Sometimes, she would arrange discussions between the involved parties to resolve issues.

Thanks to the efforts of these two, the friction between the two classes from the competition──at least between the A-Class students seeking instruction and B-Class students── has not arisen.

On the contrary, Katia’s influence in A-Class has grown due to her successful mediation with B-Class.

Sara’s dedication has also deeply impressed the external students seeking guidance.

Perhaps even more than Katia, her reputation has spread──

“Speaking of popularity, you too, Sara. ……So, how many invitations for meals did you receive today?”

“Uh, um, well……”

Nina mischievously asked, and Sara blushed slightly, shrinking in response.

As she mentioned, Sara── in a romantic sense, has been receiving a lot of approaches.

On that topic, Hermes tilted his head and asked, puzzled.

“To me, it’s surprising that Katia-sama hasn’t received many such invitations…… why is that?”

“Hermes, it’s complicated when you say that…… but I understand the reason.”

“Well, you see. Katia-sama is, to put it simply── too high to reach.”

According to Nina, Katia is the only duchess in her year, with unparalleled looks, grace, education, and magical ability, making her stand out significantly.

Her performance in the competition and her personality──also give off an aura of being difficult to approach.

“……I know I’m called unapproachable, too.”

“They don’t see what’s truly important.”

“Nn.”

“Oh, we got a natural comment there. But I agree. If people knew her well, they’d see how lovely she is……But well, Katia-sama wouldn’t be happy with those advances anyway, right?”

“……I won’t deny that, but could you stop giving me that look?”

Katia blushed at Hermes’s sincere remark, Nina agreed with genuine sympathy, teased her slightly, and enjoyed her reaction.

Meanwhile, they turned to Sara.

“Sara-chan, on the other hand, is very modest and kind, and always considers others first. She has incredible magical talent, yet she specializes in support magic, so she doesn’t seem intimidating. Her family’s status isn’t an issue for girls and could even be a plus, and she’s pretty with a great figure. I must admit, I’m quite jealous of her in that regard.”

“Uh, um… thank you very much.”

“So, what I’m saying is…… Sara-chan’s qualities are highly attractive, especially to the noble sons in this country.”

Noble sons, given the nation’s structure, tend to have a strong sense of pride.

Thus, they often seek partners──. To put it bluntly, they prefer someone inferior in some way.

Not unworthy, but someone who will surely make them feel superior.

In that sense…… Sara, with her excellent appearance, abilities, and humility, is the ideal person for them, Nina explained.

“……That’s somewhat blunt.”

“Yeah, I didn’t feel great saying it either. Plus, it attracts strange ones, like that prince, so it’s not entirely a good thing. Ah, sorry, did I say something off?”

Nina was talking quite a bit, but when she noticed Sara looking slightly downcast, she quickly asked, concerned.

“No, it’s okay. ……Everything you said is true.”

“……Sara-sama is an incredible person.”

“Yes, it’s not good to belittle yourself like that.”

“Huh?”

Sara’s response sounded somewhat like she was trying to be strong.

Hermes spoke from his heart to encourage her, and this time Katia immediately agreed with him.

Sara was momentarily stunned, her cheeks slightly pink, and was about to refute──. But Nina quickly continued.

“Yeah, yeah. And it’s not all bad, either. Good people like Hermes and Katia-sama appreciate you, too.”

With a kind tone, Nina placed her hand on her chest.

“Also, if I may be so bold, I’m really fond of you, too, Sara-chan. Honestly, I’d even be your knight to protect you from those weirdos. What do you think? I mean, if I’m going to do it, I’d want to protect a beautiful princess. I think I’m up to the task.”

“Eh!? No, um, that’s… not that I’m unhappy about it, I’m really flattered, but, um, how should I put this……”

At the sudden offer, Sara turned pale and shy, though she looked slightly pleased, her cheeks blushing.

Indeed, her shy expression was extremely charming──

“Aah, I just adore you. Can I hug you? No, I’m going to hug you.”

“Huh──Kya!? Um, Nina-sa──!?”

Nina, overwhelmed with emotion, hugged Sara.

Sara let out a startled cry, her voice slightly strange, as something seemed to have been hit when hugged.

……Feeling like he had seen something he shouldn’t, Hermes discreetly turned his gaze away.

And then──

“Katia-sama?”

At the same time, he noticed his master, deep in thought, with a serious expression that didn’t suit the mood.

Realizing she was pondering something important, Hermes waited silently without speaking further.

As expected, Katia raised her head a few seconds later and looked at Hermes.

“……Hermes. About this weekend──”

“? Yes, you mentioned I was to accompany you for shopping.”

It was a punishment for leaving her alone before the competition and an outing to regain her favor.

What about it── he began to ask.

“I’m sorry, but let’s reschedule that.”

“……Eh?”

To his surprise, Katia herself suggested canceling their plans.

Wondering what it could be, Hermes looked at her.

“……Well. After hearing the conversation, I had an idea, or more accurately, I realized something. So──”

With a complex expression, Katia continued.

“──It seems that those stubborn people are planning something foolish again. Since it’s a good opportunity, I think we should put an end to it this time. I’ll be devoting this weekend to that. Will you accompany me?”

Saying so, she gazed in the direction opposite to Hermes──towards the building where A-Class was located, making her request.