Genius 18

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Chapter 18. Essence Of The Country

On the day of the party.

"Wearing formal attire after so long..."

Hermes murmured in the dressing room wrapped in an unfamiliar sensation from head to toe.

Since coming to the Trakia household, he had grown accustomed to the servant's uniform, but it was formal. He thought it was acceptable since he was attending as a servant.

"Hermes, it's about presentation. Even though they know you're a servant, being escorted by a well-dressed man enhances a woman's charm, don't you think?"

Explained by Leila, he reluctantly agreed. If it was for Katia's sake, he couldn't refuse.

While pondering such thoughts, there was a knock on the door.

"...Are you ready, Herm?"

"Katia-sama. Yes, I'm fine."

It seemed Katia was also ready.

Considering the time it took for a woman to dress up, he was surprised as he opened the door to let her in.

There stood a fairy.

Dressed in a purple off-shoulder dress, her exposed collarbone to shoulder line accentuated a delicate charm between girlhood and womanhood. The ruby necklace at her neck and the black ribbon on her wrist highlighted her fair skin, balancing cuteness and elegance in perfect proportion.

From the neckline to the waist, a slender figure was adorned in smooth fabric, with countless small golden decorations on the expanding skirt. The color of the fabric, combined with the decorations, emitted a starry night-like shimmer, transitioning to brighter shades towards the bottom in a graceful gradient.

Her hairstyle featured a half-up with cute flower adornments intertwined. Her beauty, accentuated by amethyst eyes, seemed enhanced by subtle yet exquisite makeup.

A night fairy.

Katia's appearance, rumored to be such in some circles, now made perfect sense.

"...H-How do I look?"

"Uh, well..."

How many seconds did it take for his gaze and thoughts to be captivated?

Blushing, Katia sought his opinion. Hermes, returning to reality, hesitated for a moment.

"...I apologize."

Chuckling shyly, he spoke.

"In moments like this, one should shower praises, but words fail me. Simply put, you look beautiful."

"!"

She understood precisely what those words meant.

Katia tried to respond but found no words, blushing furiously instead.

"...That's the best reaction. Good job. All the effort in designing you tonight has paid off!"

Leila, who seemed to have gone through extraordinary struggles to create today's Katia, spoke from behind.

Amidst such a scene, Hermes escorted Katia into the party venue.

This party was to honor the Trakia family, especially Katia's achievements. He accompanied her, mindful of her role as the main guest for greetings.

As they greeted guests, the surrounding voices echoed with admiration.

"...Miss Katia. Even on second glance, what beauty..."

"She's only fifteen? And already like this? She'll surely become a peerless beauty in the future."

"I hear her education is impeccable. It's a shame she can't handle magic..."

"Wait. I've heard she's overcoming that weakness? She apparently scared away Count Eldridge, who tried to take credit for her achievements, with her lineage magic alone."

"What!?"

Rumors about her achievements with ancient magical artifacts and her confrontation with the count seemed to have spread widely.

Her evaluation was far from that of a 'defective noble daughter'. In fact, Hermes couldn't help but wonder, considering he had recently returned to the capital.

"...Was Katia-sama really underestimated in the capital...?"

"She was, no doubt. Nobles here are easily swayed, especially given her recent achievements."

Unexpected responses came from an unexpected place.

Turning around, there stood a tall, slender gentleman with purple hair tightly wrapped in formal attire. He was Katia's father, Duke Jurgen, the head of the Jurgen Ducal Family.

"Duke, your formal attire suits you remarkably well."

"Haha, such compliments are better kept for Katia."

With laughter, Jurgen tilted his wine glass, overflowing with comments.

"Have you finished greeting the king?"

"He's not attending; he's quite busy. He leaves internal matters like this to his subjects and other royal family members. It's troubling."

Jurgen muttered with a slightly dark tone.

While Hermes didn't know much about the royal family, he had heard rumors of increased monster activity.

Thinking so, Hermes was about to ask, but Jurgen changed the subject.

"By the way, I heard about it. You helped Katia overcome her magic's weakness?"

"Oh, well. I only provided a catalyst. It was Katia who had that power from the beginning."

"But without you, it wouldn't have blossomed. I'm grateful. It seems my judgment in trusting you wasn't wrong."

"..."

Recalling their conversation on the day he arrived at the ducal family, Hermes suddenly felt a sense of unease. It was the perfect time to ask.

"Duke."

"Hmm, what is it?"

"Why did you trust me so readily?"

Certainly, Jurgen knew about Hermes' childhood and his circumstances and character to some extent. But deciding to hire him on the spot seemed reckless for a duke.

"As you said that day, there was a good chance you connected to the Frembleed family. But to accept without hesitation. I was grateful, of course, but I wondered why."

"...Well. Besides simply believing in Katia, another big reason—"

Jurgen took a sip of wine. With an inscrutable smile, spoke.

"—I have a fair idea of who your 'mentor' is."

"!"

"'She' is famous in our generation. If someone can grant you such exceptional magic, she becomes the candidate."

Hermes had never disclosed anything about his mentor, not even her gender.

Thus, Jurgen's assertion about 'her' wasn't a complete bluff.

"Yeah, your expression confirms it. That's why accepting you was the right choice."

Jurgen, as the head of the ducal family, could read Hermes's thoughts from his slight expressions.

"Don't worry. I—rather, my wife—understood because of her connection with 'her'. Even in our generation, there aren't many who can immediately associate your magic with 'her'."

"Is that so?"

"Yeah. So continue as before, supporting Katia. Ah, it seems that girl over there is in trouble. Go and attend to her."

Saying that, Jurgen lightly pushed Hermes forward, then disappeared into the crowd.

"...That was surprising."

He hadn't expected someone to trace Rose from Hermes's magic alone.

Though Jurgen seemed irregular, it was better to stay cautious—Hermes thought as he headed towards Katia, as instructed.

"Katia-sama! Please, consider it even a little!"

"I'm sorry, but I can't consider it right now."

"Please, can't you do something!"

She was getting persistently begged by a humble-looking man, clearly troubled. Since this was likely the issue, Hermes approached and spoke.

"Katia-sama, your father is calling for you."

"Oh, Herm. I see, I'll go now."

Understanding his intention in an instant, Katia nodded, stood up, and looked at the man who was pleading.

"So, what will you do now? Will you repeat the same story before Duke Trakia?"

"Uh, b-before the Duke!? I-I apologize!"

The man, suddenly sweating profusely, hastily left the scene.

Katia sighed and approached.

"Thank you, Herm."

"You seemed troubled. Sorry, but—"

"I understand. It's a lie, isn't it? Father usually leaves such matters to the children's discretion."

This was something Hermes heard from Leila. Jurgen was quite feared by other nobles in social situations.

Considering the intimidation he felt on the day he arrived at the ducal family and the insight he experienced, it made sense. No one would want to engage in a battle of wits with Jurgen.

It was an avoidance tactic, but it became more effective than expected. Even if someone followed up, Jurgen could handle it.

"So, what were you talking about?"

"...Marriage proposals."

"Marriage proposals?"

"Yes. You've heard it several times during the greetings, right? Talks about engagement with my son, sometimes even directly asking me to marry him."

"Ah..."

"There were times when even people I've looked down upon came to me with proposals. How can I be with someone who doesn't believe in me?"

Katia spoke with a weary expression, clearly having been approached many times with marriage proposals. Her exasperation was evident.

However, Hermes understood her situation well. Until now, aside from the time she couldn't use magic, Katia had been praised as a beautiful, intelligent, and perfect duchess.

If the only and biggest flaw she had was now gone—

"It's inevitable that you'll have many suitors. Especially considering who you are."

"Hmph."

Despite Hermes' words, Katia pouted in dissatisfaction.

"Why are you talking as if it doesn't concern you?"

"Huh? No, I—"

"Are you saying you don't care if I consider marriage proposals?"

She leaned forward, glaring at Hermes from above.

"Well, even if by chance that happens. You might not be able to stay with me."

"Huh?"

"For someone of similar age like a servant to the nobility, while it's not forbidden, it's better to avoid rumors. If they are strict, there's a high chance it might happen. Still, you're fine with it, Herm?"

Katia asked in a somewhat sad tone. After a few seconds of contemplation, Hermes replied,

"...The treatment at the ducal family is unbelievably good. Being kicked out would be troublesome... Also..."

"And also?"

"Being separated from you again would indeed be... very lonely."

Katia was surprised by Hermes' small yet sincere words.

"I-I see. If you understand, that's good."

She turned her face slightly to conceal the softening expression and spoke a bit hastily.

"Anyway, that's how it is."

"Yes..."

"Don't worry; I don't intend to consider marriage proposals for a while. So, I plan to reject all the proposals that come today—"

"Miss Katia, Duchess!"

However, the persistence of nobles who sniffed out good marriage proposals was quite troublesome.

From a different direction, another noble approached.

"...And who might you be?"

"I am Count Karl von Hartnett! Managing an earldom in the west, please remember my name!"

Despite Katia's clearly unenthusiastic response, Count Hartnett introduced himself without considering her mood.

"I am impressed by Katia-sama's relentless efforts to overcome the flaw of not being able to use magic! Therefore, I have a proposal to discuss—"

"Another marriage proposal?"

"Yes, indeed! As expected of the wise Katia-sama! You understand it perfectly! So, about that—"

"I apologize."

Despite repeating this conversation dozens of times, Katia firmly rejected the offer with minimal words.

"I cannot consider such things right now. Therefore, I must decline all the proposals that have come today."

"P-Please, just a moment! My son is the second son, but—"

"...Let me explain."

Despite his persistence, Count Hartnett continued to push forward without even considering Katia's words.

To counter this attitude, Katia, growing irritated, decided to speak the words she had been hesitant to say.

"Count Hartnett. I had my engagement with the second prince dissolved last month."

"!"

"Do you understand the significance of that? Even with that in mind, if you want to reconsider—"

"W-Well, that is indeed true!"

However, this man's foolishness exceeded Katia's expectations.

"Even though he's the second prince, it was unexpected for Katia-sama to awaken at this age! Your talents have exceeded his expectations!"

"Excuse me, what?"

A melodious voice echoed.

Despite the crowded place, everyone could hear that commanding voice, causing the entire hall to fall silent.

Amidst this, footsteps echoed steadily as a figure approached.

Everyone made way for the owner of those footsteps, and at the center of the divided crowd, the figure revealed itself.

Golden hair that shone like the sun, eyes akin to crimson jewels that trapped flames within them.

A face that embodied the phrase 'strikingly handsome,' exuding an aura of absolute confidence and arrogance.

The luxurious clothing worn exuded magical power from every inch of it, making it clear that this person was the center of attention.

Astor Joseph von Eustia, he's a man with such an aura. He's the second prince of this country, the one who was the final trigger for Hermes' exile.

Finally, Hermes had his first encounter with him.