Ascendance of a Bookworm

When I stepped away from Hilsure and returned to my own table, the atmosphere there had become quite awkward.

“What do you mean by having experienced mana repulsion, Myne? With whom exactly did you experience it?”

“Oh, it was with Lady Hannelore.”

“Lady Hannelore!?”

There was a sudden murmur of surprise, and everyone's gaze fell on Hannelore. Startled by all the attention, she looked at me apprehensively.

“Lady Myne, I don’t recall anything like that at all…”

“Last year, during the research on the ceremony with Dunkelfelger, we were discussing the method of inheriting divine relics together, weren’t we? At that time, I accidentally flowed mana into your divine relic, Lady Hannelore. That’s when our mana repelled each other…”

As I explained the moment I felt the mana repulsion, Hannelore nodded with a look of understanding.

“Oh, that time, yes. The mana you flowed was only a little, so I was just surprised but it had no real effect. As Professor Hilsure said, the influence of another’s mana quickly disappears, so please don’t worry.”

When Hannelore smiled gently, the surrounding tension eased, and others let out relieved, somewhat bored sighs.

“Myne, your way of explaining is too misleading. It almost sounded like you were the one influenced by the potion on me.”

At Wilfried’s words, I realized, “Ah, so from others’ perspective, it looks like Brother Wilfried influenced me.” I frantically tried to think. Even though our engagement was broken off, such a misunderstanding spreading around would trouble both Wilfried and me.

…But why isn’t Brother Wilfried worried about himself? He also drank the potion when Foster Father peeked into his memories, didn’t he!?

Then it hit me. Many people in Ehrenfest have taken this potion. It’s not just Wilfried and me.

“…I truly feel sorry that Brother Wilfried might be misunderstood by others, but there are several people around me who have taken this potion. Isn’t it natural to be concerned about how mana behaves after taking the potion?”

“Several people, you say?”

“Yes. I won’t name names, but from last winter to spring, several children from the old Veronica faction were made to take it, right? Even if it’s to prove innocence, wouldn’t you worry if it affects their futures?”

Wilfried thought for a moment and said, “Indeed, there are several such cases.”

“And also, although it’s part of their job, I thought the knights who have to synchronize with criminals must have a tough time as well.”

I think the senior knights looked displeased at this. Even though the memory-peeking magic tools only flow the user’s mana into the target, it can’t be a pleasant experience.

“Myne, there’s no need to worry so much. The effects of this potion don’t last very long. At most, the influence fades completely within about a month.”

“Is that so? Then everyone’s mana is fine.”

…About a month, huh. Well, that’s a relief. I worried for nothing.

I panicked thinking I’d been influenced by Ferdinand, but it seems it’s not a serious problem. I’m also glad Matthias and the others who were probably influenced by the interrogating knights are fine.

The day after I finished a somewhat botched concoction, we had morning lectures and then lessons for the lord candidates. There was the usual stepping stool by my desk, and Hannelore sat next to me.

“Nice to work together, Lady Hannelore,” I said.

“It’s helpful to have Lady Myne’s advice by my side,” she replied.

We exchanged light smiles when Eglantine entered the classroom, elegant as ever.

…Huh?

Her graceful movements, luxuriously styled blonde hair, and warm orange eyes were just as I remembered. But somehow, she seemed different—much more beautiful. It was hard to put into words: the radiance from within had increased, or perhaps she was more relaxed and natural. There was something striking about her presence.

“Long time no see, everyone. The model will be brought in shortly.”