Ethan Gremory.
That was his name.
The First Year who came to Dud Manor at the start of the school year.
In the beginning, no one thought highly of him as Wizards and Witches were innately prejudiced against magically crippled people.
In their eyes, a person’s worth was directly proportionate to how strong their magical powers were.
Simply put, in their eyes, a Dud was not as valuable as the shoes they wear on a daily basis.
Even so, it didn’t take long for everyone to take notice of the handsome young man, who had accomplished one unbelievable feat after the other.
The first time was when he defeated Langston Kerr in a duel.
During that fight, he conjured something that many Wizards and Witches, who strived to reach the pinnacle of magic, had dreamed of casting.
That was none other than a Resonance.
Although Ethan only managed to do a Partial Resonance, that was enough to make his name spread in the inner circles within the academy.
Then after his incredible performance in the Clash of Manors, his value in everyone’s eyes changed.
Even the witches in the Schwartz Manor often talked about him in hushed voices. Clearly, they were considering making Ethan their lover.
They hoped that by doing so, his bloodline would strengthen the reputation, as well as unlock the secrets of Resonance for their family.
“Idiots,” I muttered. “They don’t even know how great he really is.”
As I walked down the hallway, heading to the library, I once again heard the witches talking about him along the corridors.
Since I’ve heard these talks countless times in the past, they no longer strike me as anything new.
When I finally reached the library, I saw him sitting in his favorite place.
Surrounded by many magical books, which looked bored as hell, with some of them even circling above his head like little birds asking for his attention.
I couldn’t help but smile after seeing this scene. The mark on my chest also radiated a warm feeling, which was a sign that I was near the person I needed to protect the most.
A person whom I will share my life with for better or worse.
If possible, I wanted to talk to him more.
I want to know more about his life story.
However, I resisted the urge and secretly watched him from afar. For that was my duty.
Just as my ancestors had done before me, so must I do in this generation.
‘I wonder how the Wizarding World will react once they realize that he is here?’ I mused as the corner of my lips curled up into a smile. ‘I’m sure that the first thing they would do is capture him. If he’s lucky, he will probably be locked up behind an impenetrable fortress where there is no chance of escaping.
‘If he’s unlucky then… he would probably not be able to see the sunrise the day after his capture.’
These thoughts swirled inside my head, and yet, I wasn’t too worried about it happening.
For what was the reason their clan existed if they couldn’t even protect their Liege?
“It’s quite unfortunate that I am the only one who knows about his existence…” I muttered. “But the less people know about it, the safer he is.”
An hour passed then two…
A few more hours passed after that.
Just as the sun was about to set, I saw a familiar young lady who had long, light-brown hair and eyes, walk in his direction.
For a brief moment, I felt a slight stinging pain in my chest as I saw her sit beside him and poke his cheek.
“Hey, when do you plan to have dinner?” Chloe asked. “You’ve been reading here since classes ended. Are you still not done?”
I watched as he scratched his head and looked at the clock hanging on the wall.
“Sorry, I got too engrossed in what I was reading,” Ethan replied.
“Well, it’s easy to lose track of time when you are here in the library,” Chloe commented. “So how about it? Should we have dinner?”
“Sounds like a plan.” Ethan nodded. “I’ll just read these books in my room later. Since we are forced to a curfew, there’s really nothing to do aside from reading books at night.”
He then stood up and reached towards his head, where the two flying books were circling a while ago.
Grabbing them firmly in his hands, he then made his way towards my direction.
This scene would have been perfect, if not for the fact that his “cousin” was walking beside him. 𝐎𝗏𝐞𝓵xt.𝗇𝓔t
Seriously, why does she need to always stick beside him?
As much as I wanted to talk to him for a bit more, there was always a nuisance accompanying him.
As I forced these thoughts aside, I made sure to wear my poker face, making me look boring and deadpan.
“Emma, I would like to borrow these books,” Ethan said.
“Certainly,” I replied. “Till how long do you plan to borrow them?”
“Three days.”
“Understood. Make sure to return these books by then. Otherwise, you will have a penalty of 20 Merit Points that will automatically be deducted from your account.”
Ethan smiled and nodded his head.
Hah… what would I give if he would only reserve that smile just for me?
Just as I was thinking about these mundane thoughts while handing his library card to him, he once again spoke to me, which made my heart flutter.
“I know I’ve said this many times already, but if you only smile, remove your glasses, and tidy your hair a bit, I’m sure you’ll be popular with the boys,” Ethan stated.
“Yes, yes, I heard you time and time again,” I replied. “One more word from you and I’m going to confiscate your library card for sexual harassment.”
“O-Oi! I’m just telling the truth. Also, you don’t have that authority.”
“Of course, I have the authority. I am a Librarian.”
“Assistant Librarian,” Ethan insisted.
“Still a librarian,” I replied.
Chloe, who was watching our exchange frowned and tugged on Ethan’s robe, making him look at her.
“Don’t bully Emma,” Chloe stated. “Let’s go.”
I did my best to prevent myself from telling his cousin, “why don’t you go by yourself instead?” but I held my tongue and kept the bored look on my face.
Truth be told, I’d be willing to kiss a leprechaun if I could switch positions with her. Unfortunately, that wouldn’t happen in the short term.
My Master had still not fully awakened his powers, and potential. The moment that happened, I would be able to be by his side as his most loyal servant.
Perhaps by then, I will also have an important place in his heart.
“See you later, Emma,” Ethan said as he walked away with Chloe towards the exit of the library.
Once again, I felt a stinging pain in my chest when I saw him holding her hand.
I know that Chloe was irreplaceable to him, and I am fine with that.
My Lord and Master was bound to be a great man, and it was only natural for talented and beautiful witches to be attracted to him.
This I believe with the entirety of my being.
Until that day when your bloodline would start to awaken, I will stay as close as possible but observe you only from afar.
If any foul man or woman dared to harm your life, then…
“Excuse me, I’d like to borrow these books please.”
“Same for me. I’d like to borrow these books as well.”
“Me too!”
I stared at the three bitc—witches who had secretly snatched the books that my Master had left on the table with a calm expression on my face.
These vixens who had been secretly observing my Master from afar were just one of the many delusional girls, hoping to get his attention.
“I’m sorry, but I’m just about to take a break,” I replied in a bored tone. “Please wait for Ms. Lyra to return. Bye.”
Without even looking back, I left the library with steady steps.
Now that my Master is no longer here, there is no need for me to stay and waste my time.
Even though voices of complaint were being hurled in my direction, I didn’t give a damn.
“He’ll be going to the Academy’s Dining Hall in a few minutes,” I muttered as I exited the Library.
I just hope that I could get a seat that gives a good view of the Dud Manor’s Dining Table.
That Bastard Langston and his cronies always take the best seats at this time.
Should I just slip a potion or two in his drink to make him sick for a day or two?
Nah, it’s not worth the trouble. I guess I’ll just pretend to spill my fruit juice on his robes so that he leaves early.
As I walked in the direction of the Dining Hall, I couldn’t help but smile.
If my mother were to see me right now, I’m sure that she would be very proud of me.
After all, I was the first one to discover our Lord’s existence, and it was now up to me to carry out our Clan’s mission till the end.