Chapter 17
Somehow, Suspicious People (2)
So that’s why he was so shocked.
Of course—how could he not be? Until recently, Eclipse and I had never even met, yet here I was, already knowing such a sensitive secret about his sister.
Lynette not having fully awakened her divine power was considered one of her biggest weaknesses in the original story.
How did she handle it before awakening?
‘Right, she carried holy relics around to make up for her lack of divine power.’
Yes, that was it. Because of that, everyone was extremely cautious about the topic.
And I, cluelessly, had just blurted it out.
‘Well… so what? Maybe this works in my favor.’
After all, my goal was to use the knowledge from the novel to secure my place in this household.
‘Doesn’t matter. If I can turn a crisis into an opportunity, I’ll be fine.’
Lucky slip or not, I needed to make the best of it.
I calmly gathered my thoughts and said,
“I noticed that the holy aura usually felt from people with divine power seemed very faint in Lady Lynette.”
Of course, it wasn’t something I had “noticed” myself—I had read it in the novel. But still.
‘The important thing isn’t how I knew. What matters is how I use the information.’
I continued:
“Forgive me if I speak out of turn, but the divine power I sensed from her is extremely weak compared to her title as Saintess. Even someone like me, who doesn’t use divine power, could tell.”
Yes, it was presumptuous—just a mere teacher daring to comment on the Saintess’s qualities.
But it was Eclipse I was speaking to.
‘Any other noble would’ve cut my head off for being insolent. But Eclipse is different.’
People like him, upright and straightforward, valued honesty more than shallow flattery.
Better to be seen as a bold servant than a sycophant.
“…You are right.”
As expected, Eclipse tilted his chin and nodded slowly, clearly focused on what I’d said.
‘Yes! He bought it!’
I cheered inwardly.
He thought for a long moment, then spoke again.
“Not many know this truth. Honestly… I never imagined you would see through Lynette’s situation.”
I nodded along, politely.
‘Don’t worry, Your Grace. Even I didn’t expect to know this much.’
After a short silence, Eclipse spoke again.
“You said you read all the magic books in the library, didn’t you?”
“Yes. I don’t know who chose them, but the selection was excellent. They were all high-quality works.”
“…I see.”
Was it my imagination? His lips almost seemed to curl upward.
“It’s good they were useful to you.”
No, it wasn’t my imagination. He really had smiled—just faintly!
‘Wait… did he personally choose those books? Oh my god.’
That would explain it. A man who never showed his emotions, smiling just because I praised the book selection?
‘So he’s that devoted to his sister’s education?’
I never imagined Eclipse would go so far as to personally check which magic books to buy. He was busier than anyone, yet still found time to prepare study materials for Lynette.
While I was processing this, he addressed me again:
“Bloomhire.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
“I plan to bring in more related books soon. If you don’t mind, I’d like your assistance.”
“…My assistance? With books? From me?”
Honestly, he didn’t seem like someone who needed help. But then I scolded myself.
‘Idiot! Don’t forget your role. You’re the utility player here. If you want that lifetime contract, you need to grab chances like this!’
I snapped to attention and replied loudly:
“It would be an honor for my family, Your Grace!”
(Though, technically, I was my entire family… but still. An honor!)
I’d rushed to answer in case he changed his mind, but then I realized this was the perfect chance.
‘This is my moment to flatter him!’
“Yes, my knowledge may be useful, but honestly, the books you selected yourself were excellent. Not only were they appropriate for an experienced mage like me, but they were also perfectly suited for a beginner like Lady Lynette.”
“Hm.”
“I read them all carefully, so I can say with confidence—Your Grace’s choices showed extraordinary insight.”
I delivered my praise with calm conviction, making sure my tone and eyes conveyed sincerity.
He simply said:
“…I see. I’m glad they helped.”
That was it. Short and simple.
But then, he scribbled something on a document and added,
“If you need anything for your lessons, request it at any time. Don’t worry about the budget.”
Wait. What?
Did he just say I could ask for anything lesson-related, without worrying about cost?
‘Did… did I just earn points with him?!’
Of course, I couldn’t ask for my precious butterfly powder back—that would make him suspicious.
Still, I bowed deeply.
“Thank you for your consideration, Your Grace!”
Eclipse would never say something like that lightly. If it concerned his sister, he meant every word.
‘Oh wow. This is going better than I ever expected!’
Honestly, I had been bracing myself for a scolding. Lynette had said most people left his office feeling crushed.
But everything had gone completely against my expectations.
In the best possible way.
‘My flattery actually worked!’
I almost floated from the sheer relief.
I straightened back up, smiling like an idiot.
And then—
“…Huh?”
Eclipse was gone from his chair.
Where did he—?
A huge shadow fell over me.
“…!”
Oh no. I turned my head.
“Your Grace?”
Eclipse was suddenly standing right beside me, towering above.
He was so tall that I felt like he could easily see the top of my head.
“Lynette never wants to read books. She refuses to study. So the library is always mine.”
His perfectly combed black hair shifted lightly as he moved.
I looked up at him helplessly. My eyes met his pale blue ones, so clear they seemed to reflect everything.
“And yet, that same girl came to you and asked to learn magic. Strange, isn’t it?”
Even seated, he had looked imposing. Standing, he was nearly twice my size—or maybe more.
‘We’re both commoners by birth… so why does his aura feel so completely different from mine?!’
Compared to me, a tiny witch at best, Eclipse was like a noble carved from stone. The difference was overwhelming.
“What about you changed her, Bloomhire?”
“M-me? I… I’m not sure…”
I stammered like an idiot. I should’ve just stayed quiet.
But it was too late—the words were already out.
Eclipse’s expression remained unreadable.
Finally, his lips parted, and a low voice came out:
“Change is good. Especially for her.”
His narrowed eyes fixed on me.
Flustered, I bowed my head.
“Dark pink… A rare color.”
