Chapter 15

----------------- Sophia's Perspective -----------------

Yesterday, I was so busy with the ball that I only heard the report this morning.

(Oh no, what has happened!

That child brought the magic book here and was reading it!)

I had heard from the report that Rain often goes to the study, but I thought it was too early for her to be able to read, so I didn't pay much attention.

I was optimistic, thinking, "She'll definitely grow up to love books! She'll be an excellent child!"

But this is the result of my optimism.

I ended up scolding the maid harshly.

"Why didn't you stop Rain when she picked up the magic book!"

To which she replied,

"I apologize, my lady.

When Rain-sama started reading the book, I tried to take her back to her room, but she held onto the book with her hands and feet, refusing to move. I couldn't forcibly remove her, so I brought her here with the book."

"Oh no...," I said, sinking into a chair.

(That means she's really interested in magic.

Maybe it's just a coincidence, maybe she just noticed it.

I hope it's just a coincidence.)

"However... I have something difficult to report, my lady."

"Yes, what is it?

I'll listen."

"Rain-sama can probably read already."

"What!! Don't be ridiculous!!

I haven't taught her anything yet! There's no way she can read!!

What makes you say that!?"

She answered without flinching at my stern tone.

"At first, I thought it was a coincidence when she came to the study, but the books and sections she was looking at were too accurate about this world.

While she did seem to be touching them randomly, she spent a bit more time on the important parts compared to the others."

This was also mentioned in the report.

I had thought it was a coincidence and remained optimistic.

There's no way she can read.

I haven't taught her any letters.

So, I casually said, "It's nothing to worry about."

"Furthermore, the section Rain-sama spent the most time on in this book was the preface.

Normally, it wouldn't be a big deal, but this book has important information in the preface.

It's a section that should be read carefully.

I also confirmed that she looked at the sections for the first spells of all attributes, even though her movements were scattered.

The chance of her randomly looking at six specific sections in such a thick book is extremely low.

So, I believe Rain-sama can probably read already."

...I understood what she was saying.

It's likely true.

She's a highly skilled person brought by that man with a large sum of money.

I can only say, "Impressive."

"Haa...," I took a deep breath.

"Am I fired?"

she asked, almost without changing her expression.

"No, this time it was clearly my mistake.

You are not at fault.

Thank you for your report."

"It was my duty.

I am grateful for your understanding."

Some nobles might punish her out of frustration.

But this maid spoke openly without hiding anything.

(I can trust her.)

Then, I noticed the child's eyes were open.

For a moment, I thought, "When did she wake up?" and the thought vanished.

I was startled for a moment but managed to calm myself and asked,

"Is Rain interested in magic?"

The next moment,

"Aruu,"

she replied. It seemed to me like a proper response to my question.

"Was that a yes?"

I asked, even though I didn't want to.

She responded with a sound that seemed to confirm my words.

"Ou."

Maybe it was just my paranoia. Maybe I was being too sensitive.

But given the situation, it was understandable.

But I said the worst thing.

I had just thought she might understand our words, and I said it.

I never make such mistakes.

I've survived balls and parties where seasoned veterans gather, ready to attack with every word.

But I was shaken.

Seeing the unbelievable scene in front of me, my mind went blank.

All I had was the mission to keep this child from getting involved with magic any further.

So I said,

"If this child tries to enter the study or touch the magic books, stop her.

I give you permission."

(No, no! I just said she might understand our words, and now this...

She must have understood what I just said.)

I looked at the child cautiously, and she was speechless.

She was staring at me, mouth open, completely still.

Unable to bear it, I left the room.

----------------- End of Sophia's Perspective -----------------

Maybe it showed on my face, but my mother suddenly left the room.

(Parents are really hard to understand. I don't expect to understand everything about others, but her actions are truly incomprehensible.)

I'm angry. I'm really, really angry right now.

But when I think about my past life, I calm down, thinking, "This kind of thing happened all the time."

I've experienced such unfairness countless times in my past life.

I took a deep breath.

My affection for my mother has decreased a bit, but I'm confident I can handle this level of inconvenience.

I quickly changed my mindset.

Fortunately, I have mastered one technique of each magical talent.

So, I'm not in a bind.

My original goal of prioritizing magic level-ups remains unchanged.

(First, I need to check my status since I fell asleep yesterday.

Divine Eye)

[Rain Duke d'Orion / Lv. 5]

[156/330] (Late Bloomer)

[Male / AB / 6533 / 7 / 8]

[Human / House of Orion]

[HP 39/39

MP 555/555

STR 29

VIT 22

AGI 31 (+62)]

And when I used Divine Eye to check the Magic King again,

Fire Magic Lv. 1

Water Magic Lv. 2

Earth Magic Lv. 1

Wind Magic Lv. 1

Light Magic Lv. 1

Dark Magic Lv. 1

(Oh wow! Amazing! My water magic level has increased!

It's a bit painful not knowing how many times it takes to level up, but that's a minor issue!)

I forgot my anger and rejoiced.