Secrets of the Silent Witch - Volume 5 - Chapter SS

Secret Episode - A New Things Unbeknownst to the Silent Witch

Bernie Jones, the second son of Count Ambard, was once a student at Minerva’s Mage Training Institution. But upon the sudden death of his elder brother, who had been expected to inherit the title, he had decided to retire from school and return home.

His aging father had a chronic disease, and he had been terribly depressed by the death of his eldest son. The doctor had told them he didn’t have very long. And when he passed, Bernie would have to inherit his position.

As a child, Bernie had wanted that title very badly. But he never expected it to fall into his lap like this. Naturally, he had mixed feelings about it all.

But I’ll do it—I’ll become the greatest Count Ambard to ever hold the title.

If he didn’t become someone he could be proud of, he’d never be able to stand in front of Monica again. Telling himself that, Bernie left his dormitory behind.

He’d heard most schools completely closed their dorms for the winter, but at Minerva’s, some students remained, and a few teachers even stayed in their research labs. Some magecraft research had to be checked on every single day, after all.

Now out of his room and with his luggage in order, Bernie decided to bid one last farewell to his teachers. He headed over to the research building.

In front was a mean-looking old man with a pipe in his mouth—Professor Gideon Rutherford, the Mage of Violet Smoke. He was talking about something with the elderly, stooping headmaster.

Bernie didn’t belong to Rutherford’s research group, so the man hadn’t done much for him. But the headmaster was there, so he approached them to say good-bye.

“And so the second problem child leaves,” said Rutherford. “An idiot, through and through. And with so much talent…”

“The problem children do tend to flock to you, Rutherford…,” replied the headmaster. “Will you be lonely?”

“Headmaster, do you really expect me to say yes? In fact, I’m feeling quite refreshed. That warped personality of his is beyond repair. I’m glad to be rid of him.”

Rutherford took a drag on his pipe, then fixed the headmaster with a sharp, narrow-eyed stare. “So? Is the demon child going back home?”

“He’ll apparently be transferring to Serendia Academy at his parents’ request.”

Bernie was shocked by the headmaster’s words. He ran over to them and—forgetting his manners—got right to the point.

“Excuse me, but is all that true? Is Dee…? Is that boy who was always following Monica around transferring to Serendia Academy?”

After hearing the news from the headmaster and Professor Rutherford, Bernie went back to his dorm, took a pen and a bottle of ink out of his things, and spread some paper out on his desk.

Once, back when Monica was at Minerva’s, there was a nasty boy obsessed with the Silent Witch, who was always going up to her and demanding a magic battle. His name was Huberd Dee.

He was feared and avoided by all, called things like the Evil Hound, the Demon of the Magic Battlefield, and Minerva’s Second Problem Child. But he was apparently leaving Minerva’s and would be transferring to Serendia Academy after the winter break was over.

And that was the worst possible place for him—because Monica was currently on an infiltration mission there!

If that evil, vulgar man ran into Monica, it would be a disaster. He could easily imagine her crying and whimpering, begging Bernie to help her.

And Bernie was too nice not to have pity on his handful of a rival.

She’d better keep thanking me for the rest of her life, he said to himself, writing the first words of his letter: “To my eternal rival.”

When Bridget Greyham, daughter of Marquess Shaleberry, arrived back at her mansion, she was greeted by Serafina, her younger sister by two years.

“Welcome home, Bridget!” she said, smiling ear to ear.

Serafina had blond curls like Bridget’s, and adorable eyes, big and wide. Her rose-colored dress, decorated with lots of lace, suited her very well.

“Yes, thank you,” said Bridget shortly, before heading to her room.

As she walked, she thought. That detective is keeping an eye on all of Monica Norton’s activities in Kerbeck… Now, for Duke Clockford’s estate. I just need to—

“Bridget, Bridget!” called Serafina innocently, following her sister like a little puppy.

Bridget, her thoughts interrupted, came to a stop and turned around. “What is it?”

“Did you have lots of tea parties with Prince Felix? Did you get to dance with him at the ball after the school festival?”

“……”

Serafina was afraid of leaving home, so she attended an all-girls’ school in their family’s domain. Even so, she idolized Serendia Academy. Every time Bridget came home, her sister wanted to hear all about what she’d done at school.

“It must have been so wonderful when you and Prince Felix danced… He was really weak when he was little. I always thought he wasn’t good enough for you. But now he’s so wonderful, and—”

“Serafina,” interrupted Bridget.

Her voice was soft, but firm enough to stop her sister from talking. Serafina closed her mouth.

Bridget glared at her with chilly, amber eyes. “You’re being rude to the prince.”

“Oh, um, I’m sorry, Bridget…”

Bridget knew her naive sister didn’t mean anything by what she said… And that was what aggravated her.

Bridget turned around and hurried to her room. Then she closed the door behind her and locked it. Alone at last, she slid down to the floor in front of the door and buried her face between her knees.

“…Prince…”

Her voice sounded like she was about to cry. It was weak and shaking.

Nevertheless, she quickly stood up and began quietly unpacking her things as though nothing had happened.