Chapter 1

"Licht-sama is not incompetent!!"

A firm voice echoed throughout the castle.

The name of the delicate girl defending me is Eren von Estark.

She is the daughter of the Estark family, and also my sister, but we are half-siblings, so our statuses are different.

My mother was a miller's daughter whom my father, the Earl of Estark, met and brought back when he went on a trip. Since the Earl already had a wife and children, my mother was what is known as a concubine.

Concubines, throughout history and across cultures, have been treated poorly and oppressed, and my mother was no exception. She was bullied by the official wife and the maids.

Although my mother is no longer with us, the bullying continued. I, being the son of a concubine, was seen as an enemy.

Firstly, I am not allowed to use the title "von." "Von" is a title that nobles in this country can use between their first and last names, and it serves as proof of nobility.

Therefore, I am not called Licht von Estark, but rather Licht Estark.

The official wife of the Earl, for example, apparently opposes even my use of the Estark name, saying it is defiling. However, my relatives persuaded her that it would look bad if I couldn't use the family name at all, so I was allowed to use Estark.

Now, to get back to the point, I think this gives a clear explanation of my position in the Estark family.

In other words, I am a "cursed child" to the Estark family.

My status is extremely low, and I am treated almost like a servant. Normally, it would be unthinkable for Eren, the daughter of the official wife, to protect me, but she often does so.

Today, she was arguing with the official wife of the Estark family, who is also her mother, saying, "Licht-sama is not incompetent!!"

Her mother, Minerva, said in a spiteful voice, "Eren is so kind. To protect someone who is even less useful than a 'dog.'"

"I have said it many times, Licht-sama is not incompetent."

"No, he is. As proof, 'he' can't use magic."

"..."

Eren hesitated.

—Yes, I cannot use magic.

"Our Estark family has produced the head court magicians for generations. We have served this country through magic. Not being able to use magic, is he really a child of the Estark family?"

"Licht-sama is of the Estark bloodline! He is Father's son!"

Eren argued, but the doubt about my parentage had been there since I was in my mother's womb.

She was accused of being an illegitimate child conceived out of greed for the family's wealth.

However, when I was born, the Estark family crest appeared on my shoulder, dispelling the doubts. All children of the Estark family have this crest.

—Even so, Minerva still looks at me with suspicion.

Ignoring her is the only way to survive, but she seems to want to use my inability to use magic as a reason to scold me.

"Even if you are a bastard, not being able to use magic as a son of the prestigious Estark family is unacceptable."

"Licht-sama cannot use magic, but his sword skills are excellent."

"Oh, that's good. Then he can make a living even if he is expelled from the family. He can be a mercenary."

"What do you mean by expulsion!?"

"Exactly that. This bastard is now fifteen, which means he is an adult, so there is no reason for us to support him anymore."

"But the other brothers are still in the family."

"Of course. They are my sons and your brothers."

"Licht-sama is also a brother."

"Eren, you have been supporting this bastard since childhood, but that ends today. This is a final decision. If he shows 'magical talent' by tomorrow, it will be a different story."

"What do you mean?"

"Exactly that. Before expelling him from the house, we will test to see if he really has no magical power. It's a last act of mercy."

"Will the expulsion be withdrawn if he passes the test?"

"Yes."

"...I understand."

Eren said this, held the hem of her skirt, and bowed her head, asking for permission to leave the room. Before her mother gave permission, she left the room with angry shoulders and large strides.

"Licht-sama! Let's go!"

She shouted loudly, grabbed my hand, and led me to the armory.

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