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 164.1. Trust And Scheming

“…Hmm. I see.”

At the Northern Alliance’s stronghold.

In the deepest part of the fortress, there sat a chair—not luxurious, but large—meant for the master of the fortress.

Archbishop Johann, seated there, murmured quietly.

“—Indeed, Your Eminence! Those individuals are nothing but heinous villains, I assure you!”

Standing before him and speaking fervently was the former Northern Count, Aslak von Harvist.

After being ousted by Hermes and his group and finding refuge with the Church, Aslak was now using exaggerated gestures to explain his plight. How Hermes and his companions were cruel and villainous, and how he was an unfortunate victim.

“They, for no reason other than wanting to wield the Northern soldiers as they pleased, falsely accused and forcibly exiled an innocent man like me! And the Northern soldiers, who should have supported me, did nothing! I’ve completely lost faith in them. As long as people like them run rampant, good men like me will continue to be exploited, and this country has no future!”

“Hmm. And thus… you’ve decided to align yourself with us, the Northern Alliance?”

“Yes! I am now convinced that only the Church can lead this nation correctly! I know their stronghold well and can provide invaluable information to aid you!”

Harvist continued his desperate monologue, offering unsolicited details. Johann observed the former Count with quiet, copper-colored eyes. Then, with a faint smile:

“…Very well. That’s precisely why we decided to protect you. I will approve your admission into the Northern Alliance.”

“Really?! Thank you so—”

“—However.”

Just as Harvist’s face lit up, Johann raised a finger.

“Even if I accept you, others in the Union might not. Therefore… you’ll need to prove yourself with tangible results if you wish to change allegiances.”

“R-Results…?”

“Yes. Mere knowledge isn’t enough to prove your defection—or rather, your ‘betrayal.’ You’ll need to demonstrate it unequivocally by putting yourself on the line for the Northern Alliance.”

—Perhaps he thought offering information would suffice.

Believing he could switch sides without dirtying his hands, the sweat forming on Harvist’s face betrayed his unease. It was clear he was wondering what might be required of him.

“Ah, don’t worry.”

Reading his inner turmoil, Johann spoke gently.

“When I say ‘put yourself on the line,’ I don’t mean anything too severe. As long as you follow my instructions, your safety during the mission will be guaranteed. I’ll even assign you capable bodyguards. This task is something only you can accomplish. —And because of that, I promise that, should you succeed, you’ll be welcomed into the Union as an executive. What do you say?”

Those last words changed the look in Harvist’s eyes.

His ambition for honor overcame his anxiety, and he forced an expression of confidence.

“Y-Yes! I will meet Your Eminence’s expectations without fail! I pledge to contribute to the divine work of guiding this nation correctly with the power of the Star God!”

Choosing words he believed would please Johann, Harvist bowed deeply before leaving the room with a church official.

The door closed, leaving Johann alone in the room.

As footsteps receded and silence confirmed he was alone—

—Johann whispered, genuinely.

“…What a fool.”

Those words were directed at Harvist, who blindly swallowed convenient lies.

At the members of the Northern Alliance who moved as he desired.

And—at the Northern soldiers, at Hermes and his group.

It was mockery aimed at everyone participating in this rebellion, except himself.

From the information Harvist provided—or rather, confirmed—Hermes and his group, after expelling the Count, were attempting to “persuade” Harvist’s soldiers to join their side.

Ah, fools. Truly foolish.

—That’s something they could never achieve.

“I see, you don’t know, do you? Strong young magician.”

Johann murmured.

He didn’t underestimate Hermes’ power. He recognized it as among the highest he’d ever encountered.

—But that was all.

“You’re strong. Likely very wise as well. …And because of that, you fail to understand.”

Johann comprehended Hermes’ strength but did not fear him.

Because Johann had faced an even mightier magician before.

And he had defeated that magician—not through brute force, but with other means.

Thus, he spoke with confidence:

“That’s right, you don’t understand. —How foolish and thoughtless the majority of this country’s mediocre and ordinary people are. How utterly helpless they are to resist temptation or manipulation.”

And at the same time, he thought…

—That is precisely why divine guidance is necessary.

Therefore, Hermes convincing those Northern soldiers was impossible—or rather, must not be allowed to happen. Johann would ensure it didn’t.

With his warped yet unwavering conviction.

“Now, let’s begin, strong young magician. Despair at the folly of others. Feel disillusioned by your powerlessness. Abandon the birdcage, forsake this nation, and leave. Yes—”

The man declared:

“—Just like that Sky Witch!”

And thus, Archbishop Johann von Cantabel, the man who once drove Rose out of the capital,

Wearing a cold, mocking smile, began his move once again.

This time, to bring divine retribution upon another magician who had grown too powerful.

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