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 93. The Preliminary Match

The Royal Magic Academy, Academy Festival.

It is a major event at this academy, one of the few events where outsiders can attend.

Of course, these outsiders are limited to the guardians of the noble students attending this academy or guests of a high enough status… However, there are still many who look forward to this event where they can see the results of the children’s studies in the form of performances.

Among such festivals, there is an event that becomes the highlight every year.

And this year, what draws the attention and expectations of the nobles is — as usual, the first-year students—the group magic battle between Class A and Class B.

It is held in a corner of the vast academy grounds, making it grand in both scale and spectacle. Moreover, the anticipation of seeing the results of the academy’s studies directly in the form of a magic contest draws almost all the nobles attending the festival to watch as the start time approaches.

“…It’s about time.”

And, ten minutes before the start.

Hermes, who was gathering with some classmates for a final meeting, confirms the approach of the start time and stands up.

In response, the classmates also rise with tense expressions and begin to walk to the gathering place when a familiar voice calls from behind.

“Hey, Hermes.”

“──Ah, Duke.”

As Hermes turns at the call of his name, as expected, he sees the figure of Jurgen, the man with purple hair and glasses. Realizing that he must be here for the festival, Hermes responds with a bow.

As Jurgen approaches, he speaks in a friendly tone with an amused voice.

“As expected, you seem to be quite the troublemaker. Was this contest your idea?”

“No, it was the other class president… but honestly, it wouldn’t have turned out like this without me.”

Hermes admits while slightly averting his gaze, causing Jurgen to chuckle. It oddly suits him.

With a slightly troubled expression, Hermes asks what has been on his mind.

“Thank you for coming to watch. By the way, Duke, what is that enormous tool you’re holding?”

“Oh, this? It’s a magical tool for recording images. Naturally, one would want to preserve the image of their beloved daughter, right?”

It’s a perfectly reasonable statement, but something feels off about it.

Having a slight suspicion, Hermes decides to ask straightforwardly.

“And the real reason?”

“…Well, you can guess. I can’t mention names here, but your parents, you see. ‘Herm is in a magic contest at the festival!? I want to see it! I will come no matter what!’ That’s what they said.”

“…Ah.”

Since Rose visited the Trakia family, Hermes knew Jurgen and Rose had regularly exchanged letters, so it was pretty much as expected.

And, of course, it would be impossible. If the ‘Witch of the Sky’ appeared in such a crowded place, it wouldn’t just be a festival issue. She’d be barred from entry, causing a huge commotion, making it an absolute dead end.

“So, I convinced her to be satisfied with just a recorded image. It was tough, you know? These magical tools are rare and expensive, so it took considerable effort and money to borrow one. Thanks to that, my colleagues see me as a doting parent.”

“…My condolences. I apologize for my master.”

“…Well, if my prediction is correct, this record will be necessary someday, so it’s fine.”

Apparently, even the head of the duke’s family cannot escape being influenced by Rose.

However, Jurgen is convinced, and with a light sigh as if to pull himself together, he smiles lightly.

“Besides… knowing you, you’ll show something worth recording, right? Most people predict Class A will win overwhelmingly, but I don’t think so.”

“Technically, your daughter is in Class A, Duke.”

“Ah, yes, that’s a dilemma. I met Katia earlier, and she seemed unusually tense. If possible, I’d like you to support her after the festival.”

Jurgen seemed to be carrying a lot of worries, but despite that, he couldn’t hide his expectations as he finally looked at Hermes.

“Please show us something that will astonish everyone. I’m counting on you.”

“I’ll do my best to meet your expectations.”

Hermes responds with a voice carrying just the right amount of confidence. Satisfied, Jurgen smiles and heads off to set up the magical tool.

“…Alright.”

Watching Jurgen leave, Hermes realizes the start time is approaching.

“Sorry for the long conversation. We should hurry── um, everyone?”

However, upon turning around, he notices. His classmates are looking at him with a mixture of shock and awe.

“What’s wrong?”

“…Was that really Duke Trakia? The one rumored to be a cold-hearted man without blood or tears?”

Representing the classmates, Albert voices his doubt.

Indeed, Hermes knew Jurgen was perceived that way by outsiders.

Though it left Hermes with some questions, he answered honestly.

“He is kind to his family. I am also Katia-sama’s servant, after all. And while he can be quite ruthless, it’s driven by a firm conviction.”

“Even so, being treated as family by the Duke… Well, never mind. Your mysterious nature is nothing new.”

Albert’s words are met with nods from the other classmates. Somehow, it feels like they’ve oddly accepted it.

…Well, given the time, if they’re convinced, it’s fine. With this enigmatic evaluation, Hermes heads to the starting place.

◆

“Now then, let’s have a good match today!”

Thus, just before the start.

Both classes gathered at the designated place. As expected, it was Clyde, the leader of Class A, who opened his mouth first.

He looked around at us and finally fixed his gaze on Hermes. His expression carried a thin smile, barely concealing mockery and hostility.

“I’ve heard quite a bit. It seems you’ve all put in a lot of tearful effort for this match.”

…Well, rumors do spread.

After all, the training was done entirely within the academy, so it wasn’t something that could be hidden, nor did they intend to hide it.

And.

“It’s commendable to strive for a goal… but, I think being that desperate lacks a bit of dignity.”

It was clear from his words and expression what Clyde thought of their efforts.

“We are nobles. We must protect and reassure the people. What would the people think if they saw nobles struggling in the mud? They’d feel anxious, wondering if such undignified individuals can truly protect them.”

One wonders if Clyde has ever actually heard the words of these people he speaks of.

But surely, his words reflect the common sense among the nobles of this country. The members of Class A wore expressions full of confidence, nodding in agreement and smirking, while the members of Class B, recalling their past treatment, looked slightly downcast.

“You should have followed the example of Class A and acted with more composure. Continuing such dirty and fruitless efforts is a waste of time──”

However. It seems Clyde made a crucial mistake, likely aiming to lower our morale.

Yes.

“Did you all hear that? I think you, who have experienced the training, can understand. How convincing do you think the words of someone who says ‘no results were achieved’ from that training are?”

Hermes seized upon this mistake, posing the question to Class B.

Instantly, the faces of the slightly anxious Class B members regained their spirit.

Seeing this, Clyde’s face twisted in displeasure.

“What, it seems you’ve been poisoned by someone who can only talk well. Then, we must wake you from that delusion.”

“Say whatever you like. We’ll see if it’s a delusion when we fight.”

And, thinking it would be troublesome to let this man keep talking.

…Also, feeling he had to respond, Hermes spoke up.

“As you say, Class B has been working hard these past two weeks. As you put it, dirty and steady efforts. And you have not done the same.”

Hermes had heard bits and pieces from Katia.

Even when she warned them, saying ‘Class B is preparing thoroughly for the contest,’ they paid no mind and continued their leisurely, graceful academy life as always.

So then.

“Therefore, there are plenty of reasons why you will lose, right?”

With that direct statement, the hostility from Class A was directed entirely at Hermes.

“You’ll lose because you didn’t try hard. Because you didn’t prepare. Because you were lazy. Wonderful, these are all sufficient reasons for defeat. I commend your talent for making excuses.”

That is perhaps.

No, certainly, what Class B had been doing all this time.

──Now you will be the ones to taste that humiliation, Hermes conveyed with quiet anger.

“So, please. When you lose, loudly proclaim those excuses throughout the academy, in front of many nobles. Everyone will understand. No one will blame you, right?”

Despite the gentle tone, Hermes’ emerald eyes carried a rare strong emotion and tremendous pressure as he stared down the members of Class A.

Even Class A, who felt intense anger towards Hermes, faltered under this pressure.

“Wh-what, you’re quite──”

However, perhaps unwilling to back down, Clyde, though slightly intimidated, tried to retort──

“…That’s enough, Clyde.”

With a calm, perhaps even cold tone, Katia interrupted him, sounding exasperated.

“You’ll only embarrass yourself further if you continue. Also, stop provoking Hermes anymore. It’ll only reduce our chances of winning.”

“What──”

Her authoritative tone silenced them.

The only calm person in Class A, her words seemed to drain the heat from them, preventing any further words.

Turning to Hermes, she continued.

“Hermes, the preliminary match is enough.──From now on, we’ll fight fair and square.”

“…Yes.”

Hermes, too, understood he couldn’t go further.

…Besides, fighting fair and square was what they wanted.

From the beginning, they had trained to win by dragging their opponents into the battle.

Thus, led by Katia for Class A and Hermes for Class B.

The preparations for the clash were completely in place.