The Adored Daughter of the Disliked Duke's House: My Magic Power Increases Every Time I'm Praised, So I've Been Perfecting Cuteness Since Infancy! - Episode 7

“Is it really fun to watch something like this?”

I couldn’t help but twitch my cheek at Alverio, who wore a sneering smile.

“Lilietta is such a child, isn’t she?”

(Wh-what, you’re the one saying that~~!)

I thought it, but of course, I didn’t say it out loud.

Apparently, he turned out to be quite the scheming little brat.

When I looked around searching for his housekeeper, his expression instantly transformed into a sweet smile.

“Don’t spill the beans. I’m known as the ‘cute and kind Al-bocchan’ after all.”

My cheeks twitch again at Alverio’s lowered voice.

“Then keep it a secret from me too!”

When I involuntarily voiced my complaint, Alverio’s eyes widened in surprise, and then he frowned.

“You and I are the same age and of similar status. Do you understand what that means?”

“…What does this mean?”

“It means we might get married.”

Marriage.

(…Marriage, huh!)

Seeing me freeze for a moment, Alverio had a look of exasperation on his face.

“Isn’t it ridiculous to hide your true self and put on a facade for someone you might marry?”

Indeed, that’s true.

If there is a possibility of marriage, it’s definitely more constructive for you to show your true colors from the beginning.

No doubt about it, but…

(I-I don’t want to marry someone so scheming!)

I scream inside my mind. Of course, it must have shown on my face, but Alverio showed no sign of noticing, completely unfazed.

While fiddling with the red rose petals with her fingertips, she smirks.

“Nice to meet you, Lily. Oh, and call me Al.”

This was my first encounter with Alverio… Al.

With this “first visitor” as a starting point, my range of activities greatly expanded.

That said, I’m still mostly confined to the mansion.

It was decided that, with the accompaniment of a parent or servant, they could freely come and go in rooms other than the children’s room.

I pretended to be childishly innocent and explored the mansion.

There was also an aspect of curiosity involved.

There is also a desire to know more about this world, which is different from the previous one.

But, above all, the most important thing was to search for hints about “magic.”

The opportunity to meet new people and things in this world is a chance to learn about magic.

The other day, when I met with Duke and his son, I was able to carefully observe their magical powers.

Since the sword the duke was carrying at his waist also contained magical power, I am thoroughly examining it as well.

(As for the rest, I want theoretical backing for what I saw.)

That wish also came true within the mansion.

“Waaaaah!”

As soon as I entered there for the first time, holding my father’s hand, I couldn’t help but let out a cheer.

In this mansion, there existed a “library” completely filled with books.

It is a charming red brick building built between the main building and the west wing. It is cylindrical and three stories high.

When I entered, the center was a circular atrium, and its walls were completely filled with books.

“Are all of these books?”

“That’s right. Over there is literature, here is natural science, and over here is history…”

My father pointed and explained to me with a happy smile as I couldn’t help but jump up and down with joy.

Next to him, there was an old man with a white beard who had appeared without anyone noticing.

“Who is it?”

When I tilted my head, my father introduced the person with a somewhat complicated expression.

He is Mr. Caleb, the librarian.

“Nice to meet you, I’m Lilietta!”

“I have been eagerly awaiting the day when you would come here, my lady.”

Mr. Caleb wrinkled his already wrinkled face even more and smiled with a grin.

In that chest, a white, shining jewel can be seen.

It’s a wizard!

Since starting the observation inside the mansion, it has already been determined that about 20% of the people, those who possess magical gems in their chests, meaning those who can use magic, are present.

Surprisingly few people, despite having the talent, are unaware that they can use magic because they haven’t learned the techniques.

Among the servants, there were a few who had jewels in their chests but did not use magic, not realizing they could.

The gems on their chests did not possess much magical power and were uniformly covered in dull, unrefined stones.

However, this old man’s jewel is different.

Just like my father and mother, they are polished to a shine and sparkling brightly.

Also, the condensed magical power there seems to be greater than that of my mother.

“…Ho ho ho. It seems the young lady’s eyes can see quite well.”

At the hoarse voice, my shoulders involuntarily shook.

Until now, neither my father nor my mother noticed, so I just kept quiet about it.

Did you realize that I can see the jewel on your chest?

To my surprise, Mr. Caleb’s smile deepens.

“Your Grace, may I take care of the young lady?”

“Isn’t it early?”

Again, my father’s expression twisted. Apparently, he had intended to introduce me to this librarian later.

“It seems that the young lady has particularly keen eyes and ears. It might be best to give her the opportunity to learn the correct knowledge sooner rather than later.”

“Mm. I see.”

After thinking for a moment, my father nodded deeply.

“…Well then, could I ask you for a favor?”

“Leave it to me.”

After the meaningful exchange, my father gently stroked my head.

“Mr. Caleb is my magic teacher. Not just mine. The previous generation, the generation before that, and even the one before that duke. Everyone learned their first magic from Mr. Caleb.”

As expected.

This person is not just an ordinary librarian.

Even so.

(Previous generations, the ones before that, and the ones before them… How old are you, exactly!?)

Even if you simply calculate it, it would easily exceed a hundred years.

I felt a bit creeped out and tightened my grip on my father’s hand.

Moreover.

(The arrival of the new teacher is exciting, but…)

My father peered into my face, which had slightly clouded over.

“What’s wrong, Lilietta?”

“I thought Father would teach me magic.”

“Hahaha. I see.”

I thought that when the time came, my father would teach me magic.

However, it seems that in this household, it is a tradition to leave the children’s magic education to this old man, and I feel a bit disappointed.

(I wanted to learn that lightning magic. And also, my mother’s shadow magic.)

My father gently strokes Lilietta’s head again.

“Magic is difficult to handle. To protect your body and mind, the initial education is very important. This must be entrusted to a proper professional.”

Mr. Caleb is truly a professional.

“When you grow up more, I can teach you my magic too. For now, make sure to learn well from Mr. Caleb.”

“……Yes”

My father also seemed quite reluctant to leave, but after properly bowing to Mr. Caleb, he left the library.

It seems that they will start classes today without delay.

“Well then, my lady. Shall we?”

“Where?”

“Here, there are people watching, you know.”

Indeed, there were a dozen or so people inside the library.

“This library can be used by anyone related to the duke’s family, including relatives, vassals, and servants, so there are always people here.”

While talking, Mr. Caleb took my hand and started walking.

Through the gap in the wall bookshelf, I enter the back room.

It was also filled with books, but between those bookshelves, there was a stone door adorned with magnificent carvings.

“From here on, only my direct bl00d relatives and the direct bl00d relatives of the ducal family can enter.”

The door creaked open with a grating sound. Beyond it, there was a staircase leading down to the basement. As soon as the door opened, lights began to flicker on one by one, illuminating the path to the basement.

I couldn’t help but swallow hard.

When I entered the basement, there was a small room, and as expected, the walls were filled with bookshelves.

In the gaps, there were several doors. It seemed there were other rooms as well.

In the middle of the room, there is a large tree stump, and next to it, there is a chair. Apparently, this tree stump serves as a table.

And above all.

I can feel something mysterious coming from the bottom of the stone floor.

It resembles magic, but it is not magic itself.

It’s a warm and nostalgic, mysterious something.

As I stared intently at the ground, Mr. Caleb deepened his smile once again.

“Well, well. First, shall we have some tea?”

When the two of them sat down at the table, a tea set appeared from nowhere. Steam was rising from the teapot.

“Well then. Once we’ve quenched our thirst, shall we get started with the first lesson right away?”

Mr. Caleb stroked his white beard and stared intently at my face.

What we talk about in this “classroom” cannot be disclosed to anyone on the other side of the door.

Such magic has been cast.

That said, since it’s ancient magic, I have no idea how it works.

This “classroom” is, anyway, very old.

Even if it is said to be from ancient times, the mystical atmosphere is so palpable that one can’t help but be convinced.

“Here, no secrets are needed.”

I nodded once.

That person is someone my father entrusted me to without reservation. I can trust them without a doubt.

“Well then, first, may I ask your real age?”

The first class held in the “classroom” was more of an interrogation than a lesson. However, strangely enough, I didn’t feel uncomfortable.

I told everything, including that I have memories of my past life, that I can see the gem in my chest, and that my magical power increases every time I’m praised.

What I realized after talking about it was that carrying a secret alone is surprisingly tough.

By the time I finished telling everything, my heart felt completely light.

“I see, I see.”

After finishing his story, Mr. Caleb smiled happily and then tilted his head slightly, looking a bit troubled.

(Hmm?)

Something seems off.

“I can’t handle this.”

With a broad smile, the teacher casually said it, and I couldn’t help but fall off my chair.