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 161.2. Attitude

“…Thinking about it, it was only natural.”

And so, everyone returned to the first room.

With a tone of reflection, Jurgen summarized the results of their discussion with the Count.

“Of course, I know you all are extraordinarily powerful, and that our incompatibility with their personnel is the real issue. And—I know Princess Liliana possesses unmatched potential.

But—the people of the North know none of this.”

Liliana’s high evaluation was limited to their inner circle.

Furthermore… rumors of Hermes hadn’t fully reached the northern regions far from the capital.

The prestige of House Trakia hadn’t, either.

Added to that was the fact that Lucius, Nina, and Johan had been completely outmaneuvered,

forcing them to retreat in disgrace. Considering all this, it was no surprise that the Northerners wouldn’t easily accept Hermes and the others.

…Well, even so.

The sheer extent of their hostility and outright condescension was beyond expectation. Taking this into account, Jurgen posed the question.

“At this rate, we’ll have no choice but to fight under Count Harvest’s command. I don’t think the Count is weak, but considering how far we’ve been cornered, as Hermes pointed out, placing our hopes on his leadership seems futile. —What should we do?”

To this, Liliana was the first to respond.

“I—I’ll take care of it.”

“…Your Highness?”

Jurgen’s voice rose in surprise, to which Liliana replied, trembling,

“Because…I haven’t contributed at all. This entire situation stems from my lack of dignity, which allowed them to treat us so high-handedly. …Matters like this are the responsibility of those in leadership.”

And with a voice that carried a somber resolve,

“I—it’ll be fine. I understand the Count’s desire for power well enough. As long as he doesn’t disregard everyone else, I’ll comply with his demands myself. Even if that includes his appointments— and even matters concerning my future consort. If I alone must sacrifice myself…”

“—Lily-sama.”

Her tone betrayed a hint of despair. But it was cut off by—

“…Sara?”

“Lily-sama, I understand how you feel. But…repeatedly devaluing yourself like that is unacceptable.”

With those words, Sara approached Liliana and placed a hand on her shoulder.

Her statement, though vague, carried immense weight.

It resonated with the authority of someone who had lived through it herself.

“Indeed. Besides— the Count would never grant us any real authority, even then.”

“Master…?”

Next, Hermes spoke.

“The Count craves power. He likely recognizes our usefulness—but also perceives us as a threat to his position. That’s why he’ll insist on remaining above us at all costs, even if it’s a poor strategic choice.”

“Exactly. Which means—”

Katia continued, concluding.

“To the Count, elevating his own position is more important than winning against the northern rebels.”

The atmosphere in the room grew heavy. Everyone instinctively straightened their posture. The commanding presence of the delicate girl destined to lead a duchy weighed heavily on the room.

“…On a personal note.”

As if in response, Hermes rose, his voice calm yet chilling.

“While the Count’s words expressed respect for Lily-sama, not once did he thank her, bow, or even come to meet her himself. Through his attitude and gaze… from beginning to end, he saw Lily-sama as nothing more than a ‘puppet’.”

Those in the room had seen it. The icy fury burned in his emerald eyes.

“If we’re to borrow his soldiers, basic respect is necessary. But if he doesn’t prioritize defeating the invaders— there’s no need for mercy.”

“Moreover, his unusually overbearing attitude is suspicious. If our assumptions are correct, collaboration is impossible.”

“Indeed. So—”

…It wasn’t as though they couldn’t understand Count Harvest’s feelings.

Despite commanding the largest forces in the North, he was stuck with the rank of Count, simmering in frustration.

The rebellion and its cause falling into his lap merely stoked his ambition.

Still, his miscalculation was this.

To Katia, he was a noble shirking his responsibilities.

To Hermes, he had disrespected someone dear to him.

And in this moment, he had made the gravest error. He had simultaneously triggered the two most dangerous individuals in the room.

With a terrifying unity of purpose, they reached their decision.

“—He’ll have to step aside. Apologies to the Count.”

“May we have your permission, Lily-sama?”

Before the stunned Liliana, the two voiced their intent.

Watching this, Sara, Albert, and Jurgen had the same thought.

Ah—he’s finished.