NOVEL NEXT Chapter 4.1
Stage 1-4. The Misunderstood Incompetent
“Oh… This is quite impressive.”
The party venue is located away from the main building.
The decorations are so dazzling that they make you forget you’re in a school, as it’s used for events and celebrations.
And yet, despite the grandeur, there is an elegant order to it. This is indeed the renowned Richberg Magic Academy.
“Ouga-sama, I’ve brought you a drink.”
“Thank you.”
“What would you like to do next?”
“If everything goes as planned, there’s someone I’d like to speak to…”
I glance around briefly.
Several scornful gazes are directed our way from a distance.
“…Shall I make them stop?”
“Ignore it. Most of them are people I’ll never have to deal with in life. It’s not worth the trouble.”
Besides, they’re probably just as anxious as I am.
Wondering if their abilities will hold up.
When someone’s status as a noble is higher, but they lack magical aptitude, they might look down on others to feel a momentary sense of reassurance.
I’ve been so absorbed in research to compensate for my inability to use magic that I’ve rarely appeared in public.
My father also rarely mentions our family outside, knowing it would be a weakness.
That’s likely why they mistakenly think I’ve been abandoned by the Vellet family.
“I’ll just have to prove myself. In time, they’ll be the ones with twisted faces. Don’t you agree, Alice?”
“Yes, I believe Ouga-sama is absolutely right.”
“That’s all that matters. Just have faith in your master.”
“Ouga-sama…! I’m so happy to serve you!”
Hmm, now even more eyes are on us.
If you’re that loyal, please consider my feelings a bit more.
…I’ll just consider this as part of my training for getting used to it.
Now, given how difficult it is to make connections, there’s no need for me to stay at this party any longer…
“…She’s not coming.”
I check the entrance, but Liche doesn’t seem to be arriving at all.
A simple handkerchief wasn’t enough?
But giving her a brand-new skirt would’ve been too much, right?
No, no, she’s probably just changing her clothes.
“Ouga-sama, I’ll go get us refills.”
“Ah, please do.”
While I pass the time, three familiar boys enter, grinning about something.
I can’t hear their voices from this distance, but the fear from earlier is gone.
It would be troublesome if they start making a scene now.
Nothing I can do, I guess.
“Shall we go back, Alice? Staying any longer would be a waste of time.”
We leave the venue, careful not to bump into them, and head back to the dormitory.
As we arrive, the caretaker stops us at the entrance.
“Please wait, Vellet-sama. I have a letter for you.”
“A letter? From whom?”
“From a girl named Mashiro Liche.”
“…! I see, thank you.”
I take the plain envelope and head to my room, opening it as I go.
-To Ouga Vellet-sama.
Thank you for helping me earlier.
There’s something I’d like to talk to you about.
Could you meet me in the backyard tomorrow morning before the first period begins?
Please forgive me for imposing on your kindness.
Mashiro Liche-
“Ouga-sama… what is this…”
“…Ah, no doubt about it.”
A love letter…!
Heh heh heh… I never expected her to fall for me so quickly…!
Was it my overflowing charisma that did it?
Some parts were hard to read due to being wet and dried afterward, but the message is clear, no doubt about it.