A Genius Boy Who Was Exiled From His Family Home for “Not Being Able To Use Magic” Becomes a Witch’s Apprentice and Masters All Magic in the Right Way. This Is How You Use Your Magic, You Know?

Chapter 163.3. Knights

And so, the captured Count vanished, likely sheltered by the Church with whom he had connections from the beginning.

“Well then… care to explain, Herm?”

In the now ownerless lord’s chamber, the members of Liliana’s faction had gathered.

There, Katia spoke up, seeking confirmation.

“Why──did you deliberately let the Count escape?”

The other four weren’t surprised. Hermes had detected this possibility far earlier─ even before they set foot on the battlefield─ and had made the decision to “let him escape”. as Katia said.

Faced with the natural question, Hermes responded calmly.

“There are a few reasons. First, considering the forces deployed to rescue the Count, splitting our manpower carried some risks. Second, even if he escaped, I deemed the Count incapable of doing anything significant. But the biggest reason was──”

He paused, surveying everyone before saying in a single phrase:

“──to observe how ‘they’ would act.”

“‘They,’ and their actions… you mean?”

Nodding at Liliana’s straightforward question, he continued:

“Yes. As I mentioned before speaking with the Count, their─ Archbishop Johann’s magic and methods remain shrouded in mystery.”

“Ah, you’re referring to those unknown technologies or whatever they are.”

“Exactly. I’ve been speculating about it since the beginning, but their approach still has many unnatural─ even abnormal aspects.”

With no outsiders present, only the knight commander Toa and trusted companions, Hermes shared crucial information without hesitation.

“Even their decision to rescue the Count is strange. ──Why go out of their way to save him? The Count is neither particularly competent nor seemingly of any use. And yet, they took the risk to extract him. Archbishop Johann isn’t the type to act out of obligation or sentiment──which means there must be a purpose behind it.”

Of course, whatever that “purpose” might be, it likely serves as an advantage for their side.

In that light, letting him escape could be considered a misstep.

“Even so, I judged it more important to take the risk and gather hints about their methods─ about those ‘unknown technologies’. …In fact, I already have a few leads.”

“!”

This statement stirred a commotion among the group.

“Really!? Then at least share your theories!”

“…Apologies, Katia-sama. I cannot do that right now. The reason being──”

In response to Katia’s eager question, Hermes hesitated briefly before delivering a shocking statement:

“Merely discussing it here might work to our disadvantage.”

──In a room where only trusted allies were present, with Sara having set up a soundproof barrier as a precaution.

Even so, Hermes declared it with unwavering conviction.

Though difficult to believe, his serious expression, coupled with his track record,

and above all, the unshakable trust everyone had in him, made them accept his words.

“If that’s the case, Hermes, I’ll leave it to you──but…”

“Yes. Once I’m certain, I’ll share everything.”

Jurgen spoke on behalf of the group.

Hearing Hermes’ response, he nodded and moved to wrap things up.

“In any case, if there’s a reason behind this, I won’t criticize. …To be honest, I don’t think the Count could achieve much, either. Our tasks remain unchanged: earning the soldiers’ trust and analyzing the enemy. In a sense, we’ve made progress on both fronts, albeit imperfectly.”

Indeed.

The soldiers’ attitudes had been unexpected, but upon reflection, it made sense.

It was also clear that, unlike the Count, they bore no malicious intent.

They simply needed to keep proving their sincerity moving forward.

Thus, their objectives remained unchanged.

Unifying the soldiers, understanding the enemy, and defeating the Northern Alliance.

Though the day had brought many events, they acknowledged this significant step and turned toward their next mission.