ITHTJ 17

Chapter : 17

Somehow Suspicious People (2)

So that’s why she was so shocked. Of course—how surprised must she have been that someone she hadn’t even met until recently knew about that?

The fact that Lynette had not yet fully awakened her abilities was treated as a major weakness in the original story.

What was it like before she awakened?

Did she carry around holy relics imbued with divine power to make up for her lack of it?

That’s right. That’s how it was.

Because of that, everyone had said they were endlessly cautious about that point.

And here I am, blurting it out without a shred of fear.

Well, whatever. If anything, this worked out better.

My goal was to cling to this family by making the most of my knowledge of the original story.

It’s fine. A crisis can always be turned into an opportunity.

This was like accidentally striking gold while stumbling backward.

I calmly organized my thoughts and opened my mouth.

“Because the aura commonly felt from those who possess divine power is extremely faint when it comes to the Saint.”

It wasn’t that I realized it on my own—I already knew from reading the original work… but so what?

I knew it either way. Isn’t that enough?

What mattered now wasn’t how I obtained the information.

It was how I would use it.

“I know it may be presumptuous, but the divine power I sense from the Saint is exceedingly weak for someone bearing that title. Even someone like me, who cannot handle divine power at all, could notice it.”

For a mere teacher to speak about the qualifications of a Saint.

Even I thought it was a fairly arrogant thing to say.

But it was fine. My opponent was Eclipse.

If it were any other noble, they would’ve had my head for such insolence… but Eclipse is different.

With stubborn types like him, blunt honesty worked better.

Rather than becoming an empty flatterer, I needed to be a courageous loyal retainer.

“…Your words are correct.”

Just as expected, Eclipse—his chin slightly raised—slowly nodded.

He seemed deeply focused on what I was saying.

Yes! It worked!

I cheered inwardly.

After pondering for a long moment, Eclipse spoke again.

“Not many know that fact. To be honest… I never imagined you would see through Lynette’s circumstances so clearly.”

I nodded.

It’s all right, Your Grace. I never dreamed I’d end up like this either.

After a brief silence, Eclipse continued.

“Come to think of it, didn’t you say you read all the magic-related books in the study?”

“Yes. I don’t know who selected them, but they had excellent taste. Every single one was a high-quality book.”

“…I see. Is that so.”

Was it just my imagination? It seemed like the corner of his lips lifted slightly.

“I’m glad they were of help.”

No—it wasn’t my imagination.

If I hadn’t been seeing things, Eclipse was definitely smiling. Very subtly!

That smile… wait. Don’t tell me—

Eclipse looked to be in a better mood than usual.

What did that imply?

Did he prepare those books himself?

That had to be it.

Otherwise, how could such an impassive man show emotion like that?

They were quite advanced for something prepared by a non-expert.

Naturally, I had assumed someone knowledgeable about magic had selected them.

But not so? Even though he was already busy with work, he made time to do it himself?

Just how serious is he about his younger sister’s education…?

I never imagined he’d be so dedicated as to personally review related books.

At that moment, Eclipse spoke to me as I was deep in thought.

“Bloomhire.”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

“I plan to acquire more related books soon. If you’re willing, would you assist me?”

Assist you? Me?

He seemed perfectly capable on his own—no, wait.

Idiot, have you forgotten your role? You’re a libero! You need to properly insert yourself here and go back and forth between them if you want a lifetime contract—or even an extension!

I scolded myself internally and snapped to attention.

There was no time to think—I had to respond immediately.

“It would be an honor to our house, Your Grace!”

Granted, I’m an orphan and the only one in my “house,” but still—it’s an honor!

I replied in a rush, afraid Eclipse might retract his offer.

But looking back, there couldn’t have been better timing.

What kind of timing, you ask?

What else? Flattery timing!

I couldn’t let an opportunity like this slip by.

Here I go, Your Grace. Please listen carefully to my flattery!

“My judgment cannot compare to that of a true expert like yourself.”

“Not at all, Your Grace. Every book you personally prepared was of an indescribably high level. Moreover, the list you selected took into account not only experienced readers like myself, but also the Saint’s level as a beginner.”

“Hm, hm.”

“Having read them all, I can say this with certainty. Your Grace’s discernment is exceptional.”

I spoke more calmly than ever.

What’s essential when expressing an opinion?

An earnest tone and confident eyes—that’s what.

Just moments ago, I had fulfilled those conditions perfectly.

Now all that remained was to see his reaction.

“Is that so.”

In contrast to my lengthy speech, Eclipse’s reply was short. Much like my height.

“I’m glad they were of help.”

…Was that it? Really? That’s the end?

As I blinked in silence, Eclipse suddenly scribbled something onto a document.

“If you need anything related to your lessons, feel free to request it at any time. Don’t worry about the budget.”

Excuse me? What did you just say?

Even if it was limited to teaching materials, he said, “If you need anything, ask anytime”?

Did I score points? What I need most right now is my dream butterfly powder, but…

If I asked for that back, it would look suspicious.

Having made my decision, I bent deeply at the waist.

“Thank you for your consideration, Your Grace!”

Eclipse was the type who spared no effort when it came to matters involving his younger sister.

He wouldn’t say something like that lightly.

What, what? This is easier than I thought!

To be honest, I fully expected to be scolded without mercy.

Hadn’t Lynette said so herself? Everyone who met Eclipse returned utterly crushed.

I’d pretended otherwise, but I’d been mentally preparing myself.

Yet everything turned out differently.

And in the best possible way!

My flattery worked!

Realizing my decisive punch had landed, my spirits soared.

Grinning widely, I straightened my bowed back. But then—

“Huh?”

Eclipse was gone.

The man who’d been sitting there just moments ago—where had he gone?

That was when a massive shadow suddenly fell beside me.

“…!”

No way—

Instinctively, I turned to the side.

But my expectations weren’t wrong.

“Your Grace…?”

He was standing right next to me, looking down at me from far above.

With this height difference, he could easily see the top of my head.

“Lynette rarely reads books. Studying is the same. Thanks to that, the study has always been mine.”

His neatly groomed jet-black hair swayed lightly with his small movements.

I looked up at him, completely at a loss.

My wandering gaze met his pale sky-blue eyes.

Eyes so clear they seemed to reflect everything.

“That child voluntarily came to you and asked to learn magic. It’s quite remarkable.”

Even when seated, I’d sensed it—but Eclipse had a solid, powerful build.

Standing face to face with someone nearly twice my size—perhaps more—I felt an instinctive sense of awe.

We’re both commoners by birth—why is his aura so different?!

At best, I was a fledgling witch.

Eclipse, on the other hand, was noble to the bone.

The stark contrast, as great as our height difference, made my shoulders slump.

“What about you changed her so, Bloomhire?”

“Well, um… I’m not really sure myself…”

I answered foolishly without thinking.

I should have just kept my mouth shut.

But what was done was done.

Eclipse stared at me silently, his expression still unreadable.

His neatly closed lips parted slightly, and a low voice flowed out.

“Regardless, change is a good thing. Especially for her.”

His narrowed eyes fixed firmly on me.

At a loss, I ultimately chose to bow my head.

“Dark pink… That’s an uncommon color.”