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 146.1. Rebellion And Policy

“Rebellion…!?”

Liliana raised her voice in astonishment.

It was also the first time Hermes had heard of it. He quickly scanned the reactions of those around him to grasp the situation. Jurgen… As expected, his expression didn’t give anything away, but it was likely news to him as well. If not, he would have at least mentioned it beforehand.

The chancellor continued speaking calmly.

“Yes. Since it only occurred recently, it’s understandable that you were unaware… About half of the northern region’s six noble families have united to form an alliance and initiated a rebellion. They claim, ‘We can no longer entrust things to the current monarchy.’”

“──”

“They are now attacking other northern families that didn’t join the alliance, aiming to bring them under their control.”

This was no longer merely a rebellion—it was veering into the territory of civil war.

“How did this even happen…”

“There’s no mystery to it. The chancellor just said it: dissatisfaction with the current administration, Liliana.”

First Prince Herc responded to Liliana’s question.

Yes, the reason was exactly as stated: dissatisfaction with the government.

…Perhaps losing Aster had repercussions here as well. It seemed that prince had been rather popular—at least, as long as people didn’t see his true nature.

“…That’s the situation.”

The king spoke.

“This is the second reason I called you all here today. That is, as my representative… I wish to decide ‘who should be sent.’”

A local rebellion was a matter of national importance. It made sense to send a member of the royal family to quell it.

Moreover, for each potential candidate, this was a major opportunity to build achievements. Whoever suppressed the rebellion would prove their competence and take a significant step toward the throne.

Naturally, the discussion of who to send would become heated—

—Or so one would normally think.

However, from the reactions Hermes had observed earlier, he had come to a different conclusion.

And that very conclusion was spoken aloud by the second princess, Lyla.

“──Why not send Lily, Your Majesty?”

“…Eh?”

Liliana let out a dazed sound, and Lyla continued.

“Both Brother Herc and I are busy with other matters, as you know, Your Majesty. In that case, wouldn’t it be fitting to entrust this task to Lily, who stepped forward as a new candidate? That is, of course—”

With a flawless, radiant smile—

“—If Lily’s faction is strong enough to suppress the rebellion of the six northern families, that is.”

“──!”

As expected.

To put it bluntly, Lyla was setting Liliana up with an impossible task.

If Liliana accepted, she would almost certainly fail, and her already low reputation as a candidate would be irreparably damaged.

But if she refused, she would be ridiculed as a princess who volunteered yet could do nothing.

Using the rebellion to her advantage, Lyla was trying to disgrace Liliana as a candidate… Or perhaps it wasn’t just coincidence that this rebellion had broken out so conveniently.

After all—

When the rebellion was first mentioned, Lyla hadn’t shown the slightest sign of surprise.

As if she had known about it in advance.

The northern region was relatively influenced by the Church to begin with. This in itself was suspicious… But mere suspicions weren’t enough to raise objections.

“…Heh. That’s a good suggestion.”

Despite the clear undertones of intrigue, one person voiced agreement.

A gray-haired man—the first prince’s advisor, Laplace.

“If either Prince Herc or Princess Lyla is sent, the other will likely oppose the decision. Of course, we will comply if ordered by His Majesty… But for now, Princess Lyla’s proposal seems the least contentious.”

He then turned to Liliana and added,

“Of course, this is only if Princess Liliana can suppress the rebellion. If it’s too much, don’t hesitate to rely on your kind brother and sister, all right?”

“…!”

“…”

Liliana glared at Laplace for his taunting remark, while Herc stared at her with cold indifference.

Ignoring the tension among the candidates, the king spoke again.

“The most important thing is whether the rebellion can actually be suppressed. It’s true that both Herc and Lyla are currently occupied. If Liliana is willing to go, that would honestly be the most helpful. Even if she can’t completely quell the rebellion, just containing it would give us some breathing room.”

With that, King Fried posed a question. His gaze was one of scrutiny—and, at the same time, of expectation.

“Therefore, I ask: Can you do it, Liliana?”

If she wished to stand as a candidate, she had to make the decision herself.

Understanding the weight of the question, Liliana hesitated briefly before turning her determined gaze toward Hermes and Jurgen.

Both of them nodded. Hermes was confident in his abilities—and since Jurgen nodded as well, there must have been some chance of success. That being the case, there was no need for hesitation.

Receiving their support, Liliana returned a grateful nod, turned back toward the king, and made her declaration.

“──I shall do it, Your Majesty.”

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