NOVEL NEXT Chapter 74
Chapter 74. The First Day Of Master And Servant
After the incident with Count Geist, there were no notable events worth mentioning.
Following that, Hermes found himself shunned by the entire classroom, leaving him with no one to talk to.
The first day’s classes ended, and that night, he returned to the Trakia household.
“I heard what happened…”
In his room, Hermes faced his master, who stood with arms akimbo.
“Well, I had a feeling you might do something. It’s not entirely unexpected coming from you.”
She seemed both exasperated and bewildered. Though she wanted to be angry, she knew this wasn’t the moment, yet she still felt the need to speak her mind.
Katia continued, her expression indescribable.
“But really! On your first day! During the very first class! I didn’t think you’d cause such a huge commotion!!”
“Well, um…”
And finally, she exploded.
She wasn’t truly angry, nor was she trying to make him reflect on his actions. She was simply overwhelmed by the unpredictable actions of her servant, not knowing how to channel her mixed emotions. Hermes understood this, making it hard for him to respond.
“I’m not blaming you for what you did. You were clearly in the right, and it ultimately benefited the class. But still! During a class, you managed to outwit and humiliate Geist-san, driving him out!?”
In the end, she cried out from the bottom of her heart.
“I wish I could have seen that!!”
“Are you calm now?”
“Well, somewhat.”
Sitting next to Hermes on the bed, Katia regained her breath.
Apparently, she had often been mistreated by Mr. Geist during her time in Class B last term.
Given that it was a regular occurrence, it’s no wonder that even someone as noble as her would wish for a bit of misfortune upon him. She might have even wanted to join in putting him in his place if she had the chance.
With a deep sigh, Katia composed herself and asked.
“Anyway, well done, Herm. How was your first day in your new class?”
“Honestly, it’s hard to say I fit in without any problems.”
“Of course.”
She sighed.
“You’re a former marquis’ son but now a commoner, and you’ve disguised your magic as ‘enhanced general magic.’ It’s obvious how they’ll treat you.”
Having been in the same class last term, she could predict Hermes’ treatment and found her guess correct.
Then she continued.
“Herm, you don’t have to conform to or accept what they say. But… I want you to understand them.”
“Yes. Sara-sama said something similar.”
They discriminate against those they see as beneath them because they themselves are subjects of discrimination.
They were once proud nobles but are now ruthlessly oppressed. Unable to bear the disparity, they protect their self-esteem in a twisted way.
“It’s only the first day. It’s too early to judge based on a one-sided impression, as I’ve learned in the capital.”
Thus, he didn’t plan to quit the academy immediately. To put it simply, he was going to wait and see.
Concluding this, Hermes shifted the conversation with a different tone.
“How about you, Katia? Your first day in Class A, any notable changes?”
“──”
Unexpectedly, Katia froze.
“Um, Katia-sama?”
“Would you listen?”
“Uh, yes.”
Looking down and showing an unusual demeanor, Katia began to speak.
“I received marriage proposals.”
In a solemn, serious tone.
“Excuse me?”
“Marriage proposals. On the first day. From multiple people. Without any formality.”
“That’s… something.”
Even Hermes, relatively unfamiliar with noble customs, found this behavior odd.
“They probably thought that sending formal proposals to the Trakia household would be crushed by my father. They should understand that at the point of being crushed… I don’t want to think about such things! Given my position, I should be allowed some time!”
That made sense. After all, it had been less than two months since her engagement with the second prince Aster was annulled.
“Besides, the way they proposed was outrageous. Some didn’t even greet me properly, skipped introductions, and bluntly stated their intentions! That clearly shows they’re only interested in my appearance and family!”
Apparently, like Hermes, Katia was having a tough time in her new class.
It was likely related to Aster’s absence.
Aster, who had wielded immense power ruthlessly in this country, probably behaved similarly in the academy.
With the collapse of the power structure’s pinnacle, Class A was likely engaged in a power struggle to determine the next leader, something Hermes had heard snippets of in Class B.
The suitors approaching Katia were likely part of this.
“But still…”
Despite that.
Judging by her exasperation, it seemed she had been approached rather forcefully.
Indeed, she was a very beautiful girl from a prestigious ducal family. It was understandable that noble sons would want to connect with her.
But knowing her as a person of noble spirit who overcame her past and continued to move forward,
“It’s not a pleasant thought.”
“!?”
Katia heard his small, brief murmur clearly and understood its meaning, blushing slightly.
Yet Hermes, unaware, turned to her.
“I mean… you’ve had a rough day.”
“Yes, it was exhausting. So, could you… comfort me a bit?”
“Uh?”
As he tilted his head in confusion, Katia suddenly leaned towards him, her violet hair brushing his nose with a pleasant scent.
And then, with a soft thud, she rested her head on his lap.
In other words, Hermes was now giving her a lap pillow.
“Uh, Katia-sama?”
“Didn’t you hear me? I asked you to comfort me.”
Still turned away, Katia lightly shook her head as if seeking affection.
Understanding what she wanted from previous experiences, Hermes reached out and gently placed his palm on her head.
This seemed to be the right move, as she relaxed and entrusted herself to him.
“……”
Recently, Katia occasionally requested such actions, usually silently.
It started after their master returned. Perhaps Rose had influenced her in some inexplicable way. Hermes wondered if his lap pillow was really that comforting.
Regardless, while he didn’t dislike it, he wished she would give some prior notice. Being suddenly approached like this by a girl his age was… even for him, it was hard on his heart.
As he gently combed through her soft, beautiful hair that resembled the night sky, he pondered such thoughts.
After a while, she quietly asked.
“Herm, how is school? Are you enjoying it?”
“Eh?”
“Knowing you, you probably want to meet your father’s expectations. But… my father, and I, we don’t want you to suppress yourself to fulfill our wishes.”
“!”
Recognizing his thoughts, she gently opposed them.
“You’ve been through so much. I think you deserve to enjoy a normal life. So…”
“Thank you for your concern.”
He said softly.
“But rest assured. My intention to observe and, if possible, change things in that class is my own. According to the Duke, I’m quite selfish.”
“That’s true.”
She giggled softly.
“If anything happens, let me know. I’ll help where I can, and you don’t need to hesitate just because you’re a servant.”
“Then, could you give me a heads-up next time you do this?”
“…I’ll consider it.”
“Please don’t sound like our master.”
Thinking she might not change this behavior much, he continued to comb her hair.
And so, the serene time of master and servant passed gently.