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 80. Luncheon

The next day at lunchtime.

“Finally…”

In a corner of the academy courtyard, Katia murmured in front of a hastily prepared tea set.

Yes, the first and second days of the second semester were busy with various things, and on top of that, Katia had been preoccupied with fending off invitations from male students, which made it impossible until now. But today, she could finally—

“Today, I can have lunch with Herm…!”

With excitement, she said.

Honestly, she could hardly wait, and she barely paid attention in the morning classes.

Many things she had imagined since reuniting with him and attending school together. Although most couldn’t happen because they were in different classes, one significant thing was possible.

After waiting eagerly for his arrival, footsteps approached from the other side of the courtyard. Looking toward the sound, she saw the familiar figure of a silver-haired boy.

Her face lit up, and she was about to call his name and wave—when.

“That’s why, Herm. You tend to be defensive at first. It might be unavoidable to some extent due to your nature, but if they know you won’t attack, they can do whatever they want.”

“I see, so that’s why I got beaten so quickly this morning.”

“Exactly. If you can turn defense into offense, you’ll see a big change. You have great potential, so keep it up. I enjoy teaching you.”

“I’m honored. It’s encouraging to hear that from someone of your skill.”

“Haha, you always take compliments so well. It’s a bit embarrassing, but it doesn’t feel bad… Oh, Katia-sama! Long time no see!”

“…Huh?”

She froze.

It wasn’t surprising that he wasn’t alone. She knew that two friends from Class B would also join. Honestly, she preferred to be alone with him, but she agreed to have her old friends join.

So, seeing Nina run towards her wasn’t surprising. The problem was.

“Why—”

Why, after just two days of transferring, were Nina and Hermes, who should have had no connection, so unusually close?

“What happened?!”

Her cry, filled with surprise, anxiety, and a mix of anger and jealousy, echoed.

Nina and Hermes tilted their heads in confusion. Sara, the other participant who had been quietly following them, trembled.

At that moment,

Katia decided the first thing to address at today’s luncheon.

Thus, today’s luncheon included Katia, her friends Nina and Sara, and Hermes. Hermes assumed he was there to serve, so he came fully prepared with teapots and napkins.

“…I see.”

For some reason, there were four chairs, with Katia sitting between him and Nina.

Listening intently to the details of the recent magic exercises and the close combat training from Nina, Katia breathed out with a mixture of understanding and slight resignation.

“So that’s what happened. Well, I suppose you two would get along… But, without me knowing… that’s…”

“Uh, what?”

Nina, initially puzzled by Katia’s intense questioning, moved her chair slightly closer to Hermes after understanding.

With a slightly puffed, cute, and begrudging look, she showed a complex expression of resentment and restraint. Given the information, she grasped the broader context.

“Um, Sara. Sorry if I’m wrong, but…”

“Yes. It’s probably as you think, Nina.”

Confirming with Sara and receiving a predictable response, she was certain.

“With it being that obvious… Herm, haven’t you noticed?”

“I think he can’t clearly distinguish between trust and affection. I’m not sure, but it seems influenced by his childhood experiences.”

“I see. He does have an otherworldly air about him… But, I get it now.”

After conversing softly with Sara and understanding the situation, she gave a soft, tender smile, filled with affection and a hint of awe.

For a moment, her unusual expression captivated the three of them… but she quickly returned to her usual lively demeanor.

“So, Katia-sama. Have you heard everything you wanted?”

“Huh? Yes, I suppose so.”

“Then!”

Leaning towards Katia with eyes shining with anticipation and curiosity.

“Next, tell us your story, Katia-sama!”

“Me?”

“Yes. Your story with Herm. You were childhood friends who got separated and then reunited, right? There must be a lot to tell. Please, share!”

With pure interest, Katia averted her gaze for a moment—but considering her eagerness to talk about Hermes, she couldn’t resist.

“Well, I suppose I have to.”

Though her tone suggested reluctance, her body language was eager.

As soon as she started, she eagerly shared their history.

“Then, Herm came to me. He said, ‘As promised, I’ve returned as an amazing magician.'”

“So cool! So romantic! Isn’t Herm just the coolest!?”

From there, Katia continued talking, with Nina eagerly responding.

Nina’s enthusiasm was overwhelming, causing Katia to pause and point it out.

“…Even though I’m the one talking, you’re really into it.”

“Of course, I’m a girl too. I love these kinds of stories! So, what happened next!?”

“Well, then—”

Prompted, she continued her story.

While she glossed over Hermes’ magical details, she was otherwise quite candid.

So, on the other hand, Hermes, who was listening—

“…”

“Wow…!”

He covered his face with his hands and hung his head. His cheeks, visible through his fingers, were slightly flushed.

It turned out that hearing an objective account of his own actions was more embarrassing than he had imagined.

Sara, who hadn’t heard much about it either, listened intently, occasionally glancing at him with respect, which made him even more uncomfortable.

“That’s amazing, Hermes.”

“…Thank you, but… it’s quite embarrassing.”

When he said this, Sara blinked in mild surprise.

“Even you get embarrassed, Hermes?”

“Of course… I know I show less emotion than others, but…”

Hearing his response, she smiled, feeling a bit closer to him.

“Yes. …Oh, the tea is empty. I’ll pour more.”

“Oh, please don’t—”

“No. I respect and appreciate you greatly. Both Katia-sama and you.”

Despite his hesitation, she firmly took the teapot.

“So… please let me do this. It’s the least I can do for you.”

“…”

Revealing a part of her dedication since his transfer, her calm yet serious expression as she poured the tea captivated him.

Noticing his gaze, she looked up, smiling softly in gratitude—

“Sara?”

Katia’s slightly cold voice came from the side.

Sara looked up in surprise. Katia’s expression was complex, her gaze cold.

Beside her, Nina spoke mischievously.

“Sara, you’re being a bit naughty. Katia-sama, you have to watch out for girls getting close to your important servant.”

“Oh, I-I’m sorry…!”

“…Nina, I don’t think that’s quite right. Maybe we did talk a bit too much between ourselves.”

Katia, knowing Nina was teasing, lightly dismissed it, sipped her tea, and took a breath.

She was about to move to the next topic, but then—

“…There are a lot of eyes on us.”

She noted.

Following her lead, Hermes looked up and noticed.

Indeed, many students passing through the courtyard were glancing their way.

And the reason was obvious.

“Ah… It’s quite a sight here.”

Katia, Sara, Nina. All three were remarkably attractive, drawing attention from everyone.

“Plus, there’s the added attention towards you, Herm. Who’s that boy having tea with three beautiful girls!?”

“Nina, you shouldn’t say that yourself.”

“Not many know you’re Katia-sama’s servant… And of course, you’re beautiful too, Hermes!”

“Thank you. But being called beautiful as a man is a bit confusing…”

These three were known to be close, so they were used to the attention.

Moreover, no one dared to approach, probably due to Katia’s reputation. The only duke’s daughter in the grade, she had a reputation for turning down all suitors from Class A, making others wary.

So, as long as they ignored the stares, they could proceed with their lunch—

—Or so they thought, until—

“Oh, what is this? Have I stumbled into a fairy garden?”

A melodious, theatrical voice interrupted.

Turning around, they saw a student with distinctive blue hair and purple eyes approaching.

“Ah… I see. This is a luncheon to promote interaction between Class A and Class B. Wonderful. I always hoped our classes would cooperate.”

The boy, who came closer with an air of pretension, placed a hand on his chest and spoke.

“In that case, as the Class A leader, I, Clyde von Helmut, should join, don’t you think?”

“…”

At his words, Katia’s gaze turned icy.

Nina made a face of obvious disgust.

Even Sara, slightly puzzled, took a step back.

And Hermes—

(…Who is this?)

Though he had just introduced himself, Hermes knew nothing about him and was even more confused.

But judging by the reactions of the three girls, he guessed this wasn’t a friendly person.

Prepared for anything, Hermes readied his magic and waited for the next move.