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 169.1. After Rest

“…I deeply apologize, Master.”

In the end, after that incident.

There were plenty of things that needed to be done, but—above all else, everyone agreed that letting Hermes rest was the top priority.

So, with a sense of mild coercion, everyone worked together to get Hermes into bed. The gaps in defense caused by his absence were adequately covered by the remaining personnel.

This included… help from the northern soldiers. They likely had their thoughts on the matter, even if no immediate conclusions were reached.

As for Hermes himself, the truth was that he had accumulated a considerable amount of fatigue. Accepting their insistence, he obediently rested and recovered enough in just a few hours of sleep to no longer be a concern.

When he awoke, Liliana was by his bedside. With an apologetic expression, she uttered the earlier words.

And then, she continued.

“It’s pitiful of me, after saying I shouldn’t rely on you so much, to end up like this. Once again, I’ve pushed the hardest roles onto you, Master… truly.”

“No, I bear some fault for this incident as well. Lily-sama, you are not the only one who should feel responsible…”

Hermes cut off his reply there, reflecting on the words Liliana had spoken earlier.

A declaration that, in a sense, marked her chosen path—her growth as his disciple. With a gentle smile, Hermes spoke further.

“…Above all else. You’ve found it, haven’t you? Your magic, Lily-sama, and the path you should follow.”

“! Yes, of course!”

Liliana’s eyes sparkled as she responded.

“I’ve thought long and hard about it, causing you so much worry… but I’m fine now.”

“…I see.”

She spoke directly, her words flowing naturally as Hermes’ calm gaze encouraged her.

Liliana shared the path she had decided to walk.

“As royalty, I’ve studied a field called ‘history’. It’s the discipline of compiling and systematizing the footsteps of people from the past, using it as guidance for the present.”

“Yes, I am somewhat familiar with it.”

“From that perspective, then—”

With an unconventional preface, Liliana continued, sharing her insights so far.

“Master is likely… a ‘pioneer’-type figure of greatness.”

“Whether or not I’m great is another matter, but… a pioneer, you say?”

“Yes. A person with exceptional talent, opening new paths with their abilities and reaching places no one else has ever attained. That’s the kind of person you are.”

“…”

“People like that… because of their nature, often aren’t understood by those around them. Their ways of life may be distorted, or they may be ostracized…”

Indeed, it was a trap he had nearly fallen into just moments ago.

And it was likely the historical pitfall his own master had fallen into as well.

Understanding this, she spoke with resolve.

“…Which is why I won’t let that happen.”

Her words were unwavering.

“I will ensure that you, Master, can continue forward without distortion or separation. I will refine the path you’ve paved. Even if I can’t catch up to you, I’ll make sure that everyone—or as many people as possible—can follow in your footsteps. That’s the future this country needs, and more than anything, I want as many people as possible to know just how amazing you are!”

With a radiant smile, she declared.

“And now… I believe this magic was entrusted to me for that very purpose.”

She activated the [Emerald Tablet], proclaiming her own way of utilizing the creative magic, different from his.

“…”

Hermes envisioned the future she spoke of.

For him, pursuing new magic would always be part of who he was, just as creating magic was central to Liliana’s essence.

So surely, as she had said, he would continue forward, even if no one could follow. No matter how lonely that path might be.

However.

If there were those who would chase after him, those who would walk alongside him toward the future of magic—

That would be… a truly joyous thing.

“…I look forward to it.”

His candid words lit up Liliana’s eyes once more.

“Yes, leave it to me! I’m no longer the kind of person who merely hides in your shadow or relies on you. In fact—”

She placed her hand on her chest with a delighted expression, took a deep breath, and said:

“—From now on, I will spoil you, Master!”

…She had said something rather outrageous.

“…Pardon?”

“As repayment and as atonement for worrying you! Besides, isn’t it a disciple’s duty to take care of their master? Even as royalty, I mustn’t neglect that part!”

“Well, that’s—”

In a way, it was childlike.

Liliana, with her rather extreme conviction, leaned in close, her youthful beauty now inches away.

“Come, Master, command me to do anything! If it’s something I can do, I’ll make it happen—whether it’s something you want, or something you need me to do! For example—”

And then, for some reason, she blushed, spread her arms wide in front of him, and said:

“—Even if you wish to use me as a body pillow, I’d be fine with that!”

…

…This conversation was escalating far too rapidly. It was time to sort things out.

“…First of all, where did that idea even come from?”

“I-I heard it from Katia. She said… your master used to treat you that way frequently!”

The unexpected culprit was Rose.

“…Is that incorrect?”

“No… apologies, but it’s entirely true…”

“Then there’s no need to hesitate! If Master was treated in such an envi—uh, such a manner, then surely as your disciple, I have the right to do the same!”

Her attempt to mask her true feelings failed spectacularly. Finally, she asked:

“Or… do you dislike me for it?”

With an extremely difficult-to-refuse upward glance, she posed her question.

“……Well.”

Perhaps her guilt over being such a burden had led her to go overboard.

While her thoughtfulness was appreciated, her methods were undeniably extreme. As Hermes deliberated on how to respond—

“—Lily-sama. You’re troubling Hermes.”

“Yipe!?”

A firm hand reached out from behind, pulling Liliana back—not without a subtle strength that hinted at additional intent. Its owner was none other than—

“There you are, Katia! I’m merely engaging in proper master-disciple exchanges. Interfering for selfish reasons isn’t fair!”

“…I think the same could be said for you, Lily-sama.”

“What’s with that pause!?”

After this somewhat ridiculous yet not unfriendly exchange—

“Hermes, you’re awake. …Are you feeling alright?”

“Yes, I apologize for causing concern.”

Hermes offered a bow of gratitude to Katia, who spoke with a voice filled with care.

With her arrival, he finally felt at ease, and rose from the bed.

“Master, wait! You still need to rest…”

“I appreciate your concern, but I’m fine. Besides—”

Though both Liliana and Katia looked worriedly at him, Hermes reassured them that as long as he refrained from fighting, he was recovered enough to be active today. Considering their current situation, there wasn’t much time to rest.

After conveying that he wasn’t pushing himself too far, Hermes spoke calmly to the two of them.

“Lily-sama, Katia-sama. There’s something I’d like to confirm. Would you guide me, please? And afterward—could you gather everyone for me?”

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