Bertha’s confession didn’t surprise Jared.
He had somehow suspected it. Bertha Bart, who served Laurentz without hindering him, nor was she entirely submissive.
He had noticed that she harbored feelings of more than just affection for Laurentz, though it was too complex to simply call it love.
“I see. I think you two would be a good match. I’ll support you.”
“Thank you. But I doubt my feelings will ever be returned.”
“Why do you say that?”
Jared asked with a perplexed expression, questioning Bertha why she was so certain of unrequited love, despite having clearly stated her feelings.
She then smiled sadly.
“The Bart family is a baronial family, a lineage that has served the Herring family for generations. Our statuses are different.”
“If you’re going to say that—”
“Murphy is different.”
Indeed, she was right that there was a difference in status between a baronial and a count family. However, both were noble families, and as long-time retainers, their standing and bloodlines were surely well-established. Yet, Bertha insisted her feelings would go unreturned.
He was about to point out how her logic applied to his own engagement to Olivier Alway of the ducal family—a baronial family scion who couldn’t even inherit the family headship, and whose mother wasn’t of noble birth—but she cut him off, saying it was different.
“Why?”
To Jared’s frustrated question, Bertha replied with a wry smile, “Aren’t you aware?”
“Murphy is a Court Mage Candidate. While I have talent as a magician, that alone isn’t enough to become Laurentz-sama’s wife. My position and value are different from yours.”
“That’s not right!”
“I’m sure it isn’t. However, that’s how Laurentz-sama’s mother thinks. It’s not that she dislikes me. Her Ladyship is very fond of me. That’s precisely why I can be by Laurentz-sama’s side as a woman. But when it comes to marriage, that’s another matter entirely.”
“I don’t understand. If Laurentz’s mother likes you, why can’t you just get married?”
As they were both magicians, the chances of their children inheriting magical talents would be higher. For nobles who wished to strengthen their Magician’s Blood, Bertha would be an ideal match.
“Her Ladyship already has someone she wants Laurentz-sama to marry. She told me so the other day. She’s keeping the identity a secret until things are settled, but it seems to be a good match. If that’s the case, I want to support it.”
“And you’re okay with that?”
“Of course. Laurentz-sama’s happiness is my happiness.”
“What a blunt child,” Jared thought. He had heard that Laurentz’s mother was a difficult person, and if Bertha could manage to get along with her, she should just marry him. But for the earnest and awkward Bertha, it was likely too difficult. Of course, Jared could only think this way because it was someone else’s situation. When it came to romance, he was inept. He thought romance was more enjoyable when it involved others.
“Her Ladyship, much like herself, wishes to avoid increasing the number of consorts as much as possible. So, I believe I would only ever be a lover. However, my family would never permit that, deeming it in bad taste.”
“Every family has its troubles. But—why don’t you try telling Laurentz how you feel first?”
“That… I’m sure it would trouble him, so I cannot.”
“Is that so? Recently, I’ve learned the importance of expressing one’s feelings to someone. Even if it causes them trouble, I believe it’s better than harboring unexpressed feelings that bring you pain.”
“Jared Murphy. You’ve changed since you got engaged to Olivier Alway. You’ve become much kinder.”
Jared was taken aback by the sudden gaze, as if he were a beloved younger brother.
“Wasn’t I kind before?”
“No, you weren’t. Even when Laurentz, despite his awkwardness, seized opportunities to get close to you and provoked you, you simply brushed him off. However, you treated Crysta and Lord Lars with warm smiles and kind words. I was impressed by how clearly you changed your demeanor depending on the person.”
“You’re not complimenting me, are you?”
“Certainly not. If you thought I was, you should go see a doctor and get your ears examined.”
Jared felt a sense of relief seeing that Bertha’s earlier gloom had vanished as she smiled teasingly. “Good,” he thought. At the same time, he realized that one day, she would have to truly face Laurentz. It was fine to live with her feelings hidden, but as long as she remained by Laurentz’s side, she herself would suffer, for better or worse, if things weren’t resolved. He wondered what Laurentz thought of Bertha. Though he knew he was being a bit meddlesome, he wanted to find Laurentz quickly and stop the revenge. He wanted him to return to his usual self.
That’s why—the culprit is an obstruction.
Jared cherished his current life. He had Olivier, and at the Academy, he had friends including Lars and Laurentz. He also got along well with Bertha and Kurt. The murders of Court Mage Candidates, which were threatening to shatter such a life, were an insufferable nuisance.
“Murphy… what’s wrong?”
“Uh, what do you mean?”
“Am I mistaken, or did you make a scary face?”
“It’s your imagination. Also, please call me Jared. Not just Laurentz, but I consider you a friend, Bertha. Being called by my family name makes me feel distant.”
“Is that so? Then I will call you Jared. You’re my first male friend. I’m grateful.”
“The pleasure is mine. Come on, let’s go.”
Jared and Bertha resumed walking. They were not far from the Mage Association.
“Jared— I want to become a magician you can rely on, Laurentz-sama, so I won’t lose to you.”
“You will. What a magician needs isn’t magic power, skill, or strength—it’s feeling.”
Jared found Bertha, who sought self-improvement for the sake of the one she loved, dazzling. At least, he hadn’t desired power with such feelings. He was convinced that Bertha, with her pure aspirations, would become a far greater magician than he. He couldn’t help but feel that way. And that was precisely why he envied her a little.
