After "exploring" the Dwile family's villa, Ryan and I were left with no idea what to do. Initially, I thought of going back to my room and sleeping, but the problem was that I wasn't sleepy anymore—after all, I'd already slept for about ten hours. So, I decided to use that time to train. The plan was to train until 8, then have breakfast, wait for my parents and the Dwiles to wake up, and spend time with them afterward. Needless to say, nothing went according to plan.
The first problem arose during the training session: apparently, I overestimated my desire to train because I was already tired after less than fifteen minutes. The reason was that I had to train in the room assigned to me, and I certainly couldn't use magic like fire or wind there. So, I practiced water magic, which I already have a decent mastery of.
That's why I tried wind magic. I'd seen Rose use it many times, so I had a general idea of the basics. Too bad I didn't know how to control it well. When I attempted a simple beginner's spell, the enormous force it unleashed threw me backward, slamming me into the wall. Naturally, the spell itself caused significant damage, as I couldn't even control the direction. The wind scattered everywhere in the room, knocking down everything on the nightstand next to my bed.
The worst part? I could clearly sense what was happening in the room below mine—the Dwiles' bedroom. They had just woken up because, well, I'm an idiot.
When the maids rushed in to see what had happened, I came up with one of the lamest excuses ever: I said I'd fallen. They gave me a look that said, "What is this guy even talking about?" but without proof, they couldn't do much except "believe" me. Although the correct term would be "pretend to believe me because it's only 5:30 in the morning, and they don't want to investigate." But since that's a bit lengthy, let's just say they believed me.
None of this would've happened if I could've trained outside, but with too many people around, that wasn't an option. Why? Because I'm an exceptionally rare talent. There's no one else my age as skilled in magic. Usually, a person starts using magic around five years old and can control it well by ten. But I could use magic like a ten-year-old at just two, and I didn't even need to chant the incantations! Even when Gerald was exploiting me, he made sure no one was around.
At first, I didn't understand why this was considered a bad thing, but after some logical thinking, I figured it out myself: because I'd risk being exploited. If some powerful noble discovered me, I could be used by the Kingdom of Rottengar (where I currently reside) to fight against the Kingdom of Nores (Rottengar's rival), even though we're in a time of peace. At worst, I might even be targeted by the Kingdom of Nores for being dangerous—or so Gerald explained when I asked if his strictness about hiding my magic was related to potential exploitation.
I think he's exaggerating and being overly paranoid. We're at peace, and aside from warmongering nobles, I doubt anyone would break it. But he's partially right: if, for example, the king learned about me, I doubt he'd say, "You're amazing! Please marry my daughter and build a harem!" More likely, I'd face pressure to undergo intense training—or something along those lines. And if they discovered my goddess's eyes, they might let me "have fun" with many women, but only in hopes of producing another child with my powers.
Anyway, since the damage was done, I went down for breakfast with Ryan and Tom, who had also been woken up by the noise. I have to say, it was one of the best breakfasts I've ever had in both this life and the last. I even managed to make a decent impression on the Dwiles.
"So, you were practicing magic?"
"Um, magic? What's magic?"
Yeah, a really decent impression.
"Relax, Rose already told us about your incredible talent, so you can stop pretending."
"But, but... wait, they made this big deal about keeping it a secret! That's why I made such a mess earlier."
"The staff changes frequently, so of course, they told you not to reveal it. But we're very close to Rose and Gerald, so we've known for a while."
Yep, a total disaster.
While chatting with them, I learned some good news I hadn't been aware of: their 17-year-old son, who attends a magical academy, would be returning in a few hours. There's a good chance he might agree to train me. I'm not sure how Rose and Gerald will react to this, but since he's the son of their close friends, they should approve, right? So, I waited for his arrival with anticipation.
As soon as his carriage entered the range of my powers, I could sense the mana of all four people inside. I quickly guessed which one was the Dwiles' son based on their description—he would likely be the one running out of mana the fastest, so he couldn't have much of it.
But my attention was immediately drawn to another presence in the carriage. I have no idea who it could be, as the Dwiles never mentioned anyone else accompanying their son. But this person has an enormous amount of mana—more than I've ever encountered. Not even half as much as hers, actually. I'm calling them "her" because I think it's a woman, though I'm not sure.
When the carriage stopped, and Arrick—that's the Dwiles' son—stepped out, it was clear that everything his parents had said about him was true. He's a real heartthrob. Three other people exited with him—all girls, and all stunningly beautiful.
The first had gorgeous blue eyes and long, fiery red hair. Among them, she was the most elegant, and her mana was decent. But none of these traits caught my attention as much as her enormous chest—truly massive. It's not like Rose or Mrs. Dwile are flat, but this girl is in a whole different league. I don't know if she used some weird magic to enhance them, but they seem way too big for a girl her age.
The second girl, thankfully, was more modest. She had blue hair like mine and yellow eyes. If the first girl was elegant, this one was the opposite—more "normal," though I'm not sure that's the right term. Her walk and mannerisms seemed more common, almost plebeian, rather than noble. Yet, as far as I know, their academy is supposed to be exclusively for nobles.
The third girl was much older than the other two—if they were around 16 or 17, she was at least 22. She had silver hair and eyes and didn't have any striking features except for her enormous mana, which only I could sense.
"What a surprise—we have guests, it seems!" said Mrs. Dwile.
"Yes, Mom, I didn't have time to warn you, but these are two of my classmates: Nelly and Mary."
The first to introduce herself was Nelly, the elegant girl with the large chest. She immediately curtsied.
"Greetings, Madam. My name is Nelly Copeland, daughter of a count."
Mrs. Dwile couldn't hide her shock—her face went pale, and her jaw nearly dropped. I don't know much about noble hierarchies, but the Dwiles are viscounts, while she's the daughter of a count, so her family outranks theirs. But is it really that shocking? Even Mrs. Dwile, who had managed to remain composed despite her earlier annoyance, momentarily lost her poise. This must mean being a count is a big deal.
"I apologize if I seemed discourteous, Miss Copeland."
"Don't worry, no problem at all."
No problem? Yeah, right. She had a villainous smile plastered on her face that screamed, "Know your place, to be inferior."
"Uh, yes, anyway, how about we—"
Arrick tried in vain to ease the tension, but only ended up looking awkward. Thankfully, Erika—the girl with silver hair and eyes—managed to break the tension by leading Mrs. Dwile away. Apparently, they've known each other for a very long time—longer than I would have guessed.
Left behind, Mr. Dwile clumsily tried to converse with Nelly, failing miserably. Fortunately, the second girl, sensing the awkwardness, introduced herself to shift the focus.
"My name is Mary Plata. Pleased to meet you. Unlike the rest of you, I'm not a noble."
"Ah, well, nice to meet you too."
Now I understand why Mrs. Dwile is usually the one talking.
"And who are you, little one?" Mary asked, turning to me.
"Right, who are you? I've never seen you at my house before," Arrick added.
It was my moment to introduce myself. In the brief time I had, I thought about the best way to present myself. I hadn't decided, so I opted for a formal, straightforward introduction.
"Pleased to meet you. My name is Leonard Noimar, son of Rose and Gerald Noimar, close friends of your parents. They decided to stay here for a few days during the holidays. I hope we get along."
"Oh, right! I think my parents mentioned it in a letter, but I forgot."
Arrick's face clearly said, "So that's why Mom was upset—I messed up again." Unfortunately for him, he seems to have inherited his father's social skills.
"Well, I guess I should introduce myself. My name is Arrick Dwile. Nice to meet you, Leonard."
After the introductions, we moved to a more appropriate space to talk. Meanwhile, Mary and Nelly hung back, saying they needed to discuss something in private. I had my suspicions about the topic, but hope springs eternal. Using the excuse that I was bored, I snuck away from the group to eavesdrop.
"I'm not a noble, unlike you two."
"Do you really think no one noticed? It's obvious from the way you walk and talk."
"I'm sorry..."
"Excuse me? I didn't hear that."
Nelly was scolding—or rather intimidating—Mary while I watched from behind some bushes.
"Get this through your head: I'm going to ask for Arrick's hand in marriage, and his parents will definitely agree. So don't get any ideas, brat."
Mary tried to respond but couldn't, and the matter ended there. As she walked past my hiding spot, I heard her barely audible voice mutter, "I won't let you."
No, no, no—damn it! As much as I might try to deny it, I can't change reality: this house will now be the stage for a romantic comedy/drama straight out of a cliché romance novel, complete with a mean girl antagonist and a bullied heroine. And whether I like it or not, I'll be dragged into it.