Genius 17

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Chapter 17. Commemorative Party

Having safely completed the labyrinth conquest, Hermes and his companions returned to the Duke's mansion.

For the next few days, they enjoyed leisure time at the mansion.

Some of the knights who accompanied them were quite injured, so they needed time for treatment and rest.

Moreover, there was a bustle throughout the Duke's household due to the analysis of the ancient magical artifact that Hermes and his team brought back the rewards for their monumental achievement, and various other matters submitted to the royal court.

Because of these reasons, even Hermes had no guard duties for a few days.

"Katia-sama, your tea is ready!"

He was fulfilling his other role as a servant.

"Oh, thank you... Mmm, delicious."

Katia, sipping the tea Hermes brewed, widened her eyes in surprise and gave her honest opinion.

"I'm glad you liked it. Since I didn't know your preferences, I made it according to my mentor's standards. But if it suits your taste, that's all that matters."

"Well... Besides preferences, Hermes, you're just really good at making tea. Where did you learn that?"

"Hmm? Probably from my master. I did most of the housework, so I think I reached an average level after five years..."

"It's not just average, Hermes-kun."

With a wry smile, Leila, Katia's maid and mentor, spoke up.

"Compared to our maids, your housework is flawless, and you quickly grasp the essence of new tasks. You're an ideal student. Soon, there will be nothing left for me to teach."

"I'm honored. Since you took me in, I need to be useful as soon as possible."

With confidence from Leila's approval, Hermes smiled.

"So, please let me know if you need anything, Katia-sama."

"Ahem."

Suddenly, Katia choked on her tea.

"A-Are you alright?"

"I-I'm fine... Just some tea went down the wrong way..."

"...That was Hermes-kun's fault."

Somehow, she blamed him.

"Anyway, after this, we'll be focusing on my magic research, right? I'll be there soon, so prepare in advance."

"Y-Yes, understood."

Although he didn't fully understand the previous exchange, they'll delve into Katia's magic in detail to reproduce her [Steria Tryvia], decided upon in the labyrinth the other day.

As expected of a duke's family's Bloodline Magic, the complexity of the spell formula was far beyond imagination and would likely take considerable time. But, there was steady progress in the analysis.

Moreover, observing such meticulously crafted and beautiful magic was simply enjoyable.

In what angle should we verify it today? Lost in these thoughts, Hermes forgot the tea incident from earlier and left Katia's room with a bow, sinking into the sea of contemplation.

◆

"Haa..." 

Hermes closed the door, and after a few seconds of silence, Katia, placing her cup on the desk, collapsed onto the sofa as if melting.

Naturally, her face was bright red.

"I understand how you feel, Katia-sama." 

Leila nodded with crossed arms, looking at her.

"A childhood friend who appeared gallantly when you were on the brink of despair after being abandoned by your fiancé and almost attacked by villains! He matured splendidly with the promise of childhood in his heart and repelled the villains magnificently! It's no wonder you fell for him. Even I, listening to it, felt my heart race. I'm sure the experience was overwhelming for you, Katia-sama."

"...Calling them villains is a bit much... And stop saying I'm an easy woman."

"Well, that might not be entirely wrong... I apologize."

She inadvertently blurted out her honest thoughts but quickly sensed the dark aura rising from Katia and closed her mouth.

"But truly, you found a gem, Katia-sama. Hermes is very sincere and a good kid. Quite different from that arrogant prince!"

"...You shouldn't speak poorly of the Second Prince."

"I don't care! I don't have any respect for men who treat Katia-sama as if she's disposable!"

Leila turned away childishly.

But she quickly regained composure and with a mischievous smile, said, "It's obvious to everyone. You like him, don't you? Why not just confess your feelings?"

"W-What?! That's impossible!"

Finally mustering the courage, Katia's cheeks flushed again as she leaned forward to argue.

"Is there a problem?"

"There are plenty of problems! Our status and positions are different now, and where he looks at me is surely not the same as before... And..."

"And?"

Asking again after Katia fell silent, she hesitated to speak but eventually spoke weakly.

"I... just lost my fiancé last month. How would I look if I suddenly? seemed like a fickle woman to Hermes..."

"Katia-sama, you're too cute."

"Why are you hugging me, Leila?"

"Because you're too cute."

Katia glanced at Leila with half an eye, her behavior so sudden after her earlier demeanor.

Feeling a bit ridiculous, she decided to voice all her concerns.

"And another thing..."

"Is there something else bothering you?"

"Hermes... he seems too mature."

"Oh?"

Leila released the embrace and turned to face Katia directly.

Since reuniting with him, that had been her biggest concern.

She remembered him as a child who expressed emotions openly and vividly, fitting his age.

But when she met him again after five years, he had become very calm and composed, almost detached.

While it wasn't like he had no emotions, considering how he got angry during the labyrinth incident, something about his emotional depth seemed lacking.

It was a bit worrying.

To put it bluntly, I want you to be more interested in yourself—although, that's completely selfish of me.

"You praised me for being beautiful, but it felt very casual and matter-of-fact... So, um..."

"I see. I want to see more blushing and bewildered reactions from you!"

"Well, um..."

"I want to see a cute reaction from a boy of your age, who is flustered and charmed by the allure of the most beautiful girl in the capital, Katia-sama!"

"W-Well, I don't think..."

"I won't deny that!"

I've always thought this maid is a bit too transparent about things.

"But it's the truth. Lady Katia is undeniably one of the cutest girls in the capital, even without bias! So, leave it to me!"

"...What do you mean?"

Katia looks slightly suspiciously at Leila, who proudly puffs out her chest.

"Recently, milady retrieved an ancient magical artifact from the labyrinth and presented it to the capital. This is a remarkable achievement. Surely, you will receive some kind of reward... and there will be a commemorative party."

"!"

"That's the opportunity! Allow me, who knows milady inside and out, to enhance milady's charm to the fullest with a dazzling dress-up! Then, let Hermes escort you. So that he can see milady's charm up close and personal, more than anyone else!"

Leila clenches her fist and passionately explains her plan.

"No gentleman worth his salt would remain unmoved by such efforts for a beauty like milady! Fortunately, milady will undoubtedly be the center of attention at the party, so no matter how extravagant the dress-up, there will be no objections. Yes, those decorations and dresses that were impossible until now...!"

Her desire to dress Katia to the nines was clearly evident.

As Leila predicted, the Tralkia family received several treasures as rewards for the ancient magical artifact.

A commemorative party was arranged without delay.

With no fiancé and no siblings, Katia designated Hermes, a servant, as her escort.

Hermes initially questioned if he was suitable, but considering there were no other male servants close to his age, it made sense on the surface, and he agreed after hearing the somewhat logical explanation.

Thus, Katia's intentions unfolded as expected.

However, unexpected events were destined to occur on the day of the party, as it was about to commence.