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 75. The Girl Classmate

The next day.

Hermes belongs to Class B, and the reactions of his classmates can be broadly divided into two categories.

One is indifference. Despite being the lowest-ranked commoner in the class, his high intelligence and mysterious nature displayed on the first day caused others to keep their distance.

The other reaction, unchanged from before, is contempt.

Especially from the boy who tried to cast a spell on Hermes during the first-morning assembly. Whispers about Hermes’s bad reputation could be heard everywhere.

To be honest, he was used to it. So he pretended not to hear and took his seat.

…However, among them,

some reacted differently.

“…Hermes…”

Sara, who sat next to him, was one of them.

“Um… is there anything I can do for you…?”

Perhaps she was worried about the incident yesterday, or she simply couldn’t ignore Hermes as he was gradually becoming isolated.

Since the other day, she had been actively talking to him, genuinely wanting to help with a somewhat earnest demeanor.

…Being offered so earnestly made him feel that it would be rude to refuse.

“In that case… there are some subjects in today’s classes that I don’t fully understand. Could you give me a brief overview?”

“Y-Yes…!”

When he said that,

her face lit up. She looked happy and moved a little closer to him.

“Well, first, in the second period—”

“—Sara-sama!”

A loud voice interrupted from the front.

Sara trembled and turned to see a large male student walking towards them.

It was the student who had cast a spell on Hermes on the first day.

He stopped in front of Sara and, despite his rough appearance, spoke relatively politely.

“It’s about next month’s school festival. There are some points I need to consult with the class president about. Could you come?”

“Um, that is…”

Seeing the legitimate request, Sara looked back and forth between Hermes and the male student. She seemed to hesitate about whom to prioritize, but—

“Please go ahead, Sara-sama. Don’t worry about me.”

Without hesitation, Hermes told her so. His request was personal, so class matters should take priority.

Understanding this, Sara apologized and headed toward the calling student.

After watching her leave, the male student turned to Hermes.

“…Commoner.”

He spat out, his face twisted in disgust and frustration, and then followed Sara.

“……”

…To be shown such blatant hostility.

Thinking this, Hermes sighed lightly and took his seat.

“—Hey. You’re quite popular, aren’t you?”

A teasing voice came from the opposite direction.

Turning around, he saw a girl in the seat next to him, opposite Sara’s. She was leaning on her elbow, looking at him with an amused smile.

She was the girl who had precisely summarized and concluded the situation with Count Geist yesterday.

With short, reddish-silver hair and deep golden eyes that seemed to draw you in. A cat-like, refined face with a friendly expression. Delicate limbs but a relatively feminine figure.

She had a beautiful appearance that attracted people and a familiar atmosphere. That was his first impression of her.

“You are—”

“Ah, I haven’t introduced myself yet. I’m Nina von Frodite. Just call me Nina. Although my family is viscount, we’re classmates. No need for formalities.”

“…Thank you. I’m Hermes, though close friends call me Herm. As for formalities, it’s a habit, so please excuse me, Nina-sama.”

“Haha, I figured. …But I see, you are Herm-kun.”

“Oh?”

She seemed to know him. When he inquired, Nina laughed lightly.

“I heard from Katia-sama once about a boy named Herm who was separated from her when they were young. Hearing your name and that you were a servant of the Trakia family, I realized it must be you.”

He understood. She was probably close to Katia when she was in Class B.

When he nodded, Nina looked a bit puzzled and asked,

“By the way, aren’t you curious?”

“About what?”

“Well, about my way of speaking. Most people find it strange at first.”

“—Ah.”

Indeed, her manner of speaking was quite unique for a noble lady.

But he was used to such peculiar speech patterns, thanks to his former royal mentor, so it didn’t surprise him much.

“I did think it was unusual, but not so much. Should I ask about it?”

“No, it’s not a big deal. It’s just a habit from my childhood due to family circumstances. I’m glad you didn’t make a fuss about it.”

“I see… By the way, thank you for yesterday. If I had continued, it would have likely been deflected.”

“Oh, that? Haha, you’re so polite. Don’t worry about it. Even I didn’t feel good about a classmate being talked about like that. I’m the one who should thank you for setting the stage.”

…Honestly, she was very easy to talk to.

Her friendly nature matched the impression he had of her. Besides Sara, it was valuable to have someone who spoke to him without prejudice, making him want to continue the conversation—

“…But Nina-sama, is this alright?”

“Hmm? What is?”

“Well, to be honest, I’m treated as a pariah in this class. I’ve heard that associating with me can have negative repercussions.”

“…Ah, that.”

Nina showed a slightly bitter smile.

“I can understand their feelings. …But honestly, I don’t care much. I’m a viscount’s daughter, but I have an older brother, and this way of speaking makes me less desirable as a bride. I’m not too concerned about honor and such. I prefer to live leisurely and carefree!”

“…I see.”

He couldn’t help but smile at her attitude.

It seemed this girl was similar to Rose in more than just her manner of speaking.

As he thought this, Nina leaned in closer.

“More importantly, I’m interested in you.”

“Interested, in me?”

“Yeah! Katia-sama, who rarely opens up to anyone, trusts you enough to make you her attendant. And even Saint Sara of Class B is particularly concerned about you. Do you realize? That makes you quite a target of jealousy. Honestly, half the reason the boys hate you is probably that.”

“—Eh.”

He felt he had heard something he couldn’t ignore, but before he could ask, Nina continued.

“Besides, more importantly,”

And she showed a different demeanor than before.

Smiling but with narrowed eyes, exuding a slightly seductive aura, she said,

“—You’re really strong, aren’t you?”

His eyes widened slightly.

“…What do you mean by ‘strong’?”

“Hmm, mostly in terms of magic? During your introduction when you transferred, you did something quite amazing, didn’t you? You blocked three generic spells from Albert and the others simultaneously without looking and returned the exact same spells. Even I can’t do that. Honestly, I doubt anyone in this school can.”

…She had noticed.

Surprised, Hermes thought only Sara had fully understood at that moment.

“Honestly, the fact that your magic’s effect was just that is also a bit mysterious. Is there more to it?”

“…”

He felt a bit of cold sweat. She was incredibly sharp.

Sensing Hermes’s discomfort, Nina hurriedly waved her hands in front of her chest.

“Oh, sorry! I didn’t mean to uncover your secrets!”

“…Really?”

“Yeah, everyone has their secrets. …Actually, my magic is also of that kind.”

She said a bit awkwardly, then cleared her throat as if to reset the mood.

“Anyway, I just wanted to say I’m interested. …And maybe I’ll see a glimpse of it soon.”

“Eh? Soon, you mean—”

Remembering today’s schedule, Hermes had a realization.

Nina regained her playful smile and said with interest,

“Yes. The first period is ‘Magic Practice’. Can I look forward to it?”