Chapter 19 Solving The Witch'S Problems And Getting Popular
I'm Comet Witch Mercury.
I'm the daughter of grandmother Merlin's daughter. In other words, I'm her granddaughter.
My mother is also a famous magician and currently works as a magician at the imperial court.
I've inherited my mother's talent. I'm like a genius (Yep, that's right...).
I've been praised a lot since I was little.
Oh, the future looks bright! Because I'm a genius, you know...!
I was so confident before I entered the Magic Academy.
I was temporarily left with Grandmother Merlin in Dead End Village.
It was probably my mother's plan to humble the little (that's me) who was getting too proud.
Well, I was indeed a frog in a well. I didn't know about the vast ocean.
...That there are countless beings far more amazing than myself in this world.
After being left at my grandmother's place for several years, I completely lost confidence... or rather, I realized that I wasn't anything special. My thoughts changed.
In other words,
I can't become a real genius.
So I won't aim to be a hero.
Even though I graduated at the top of the magic school and had many offers from various places,
I turned them all down. Because in the end, there are many people better than me.
Well, as long as I can live comfortably, I thought it would be okay, so I started something like a Jack-of-all-trades in the capital city.
Fortunately, I had the Appraisal Eye, so I was able to work as an Appraiser using it.
I can't become a hero, but that's fine. A simple life isn't bad either.
That's what I thought...
Until he came to me.
* * *
On the night Leaf-kun defeated the Hydra and the Nine-headed Basilisk, I was alone in my bedroom, lying down.
"Huff... That kid is amazing..."
Leaf Chemist-kun.
He's from Dead End Village, where heroes gather, and he's a disciple of the Medicine God Asclepius.
He also learned swordsmanship from the Sword Saint Grandfather Arthur and magic and skill knowledge, along with cheat items, from the Sage Grandmother Merlin.
"...Seriously, he's too amazing."
That kid is a true genius.
He's like a hero in the making, fitting for a resident of Hero Village.
I mean, defeating ancient dragons and even high-level dragon species with just one blow?
Unbelievable! What's up with that!?
"He's leveling up too fast... haha"
And then, at that moment.
'Mer-chan, Mer-chan, can you hear me?'
"!? Whose voice is this... Grandmother!?"
No way!? Why is Grandmother Merlin's voice!?
Where is it coming from...?
In the corner of the room, there was a big package.
Oh, I remember now, a package for me arrived at the guild. When I opened the package, there was a large mirror inside.
When I tore open the package, I found a large full-length mirror.
"This mirror... could it be!"
"That's right, Mer-chan. [Mirror of Illusion]. A pair of mirrors that reflect each other's images in real-time, a magic tool."
"T-to send such a legendary magic tool out of the blue..."
It must be for Leaf-kun, not for me.
Of course, Grandmother Merlin probably sent it for Leaf-kun.
She loves Leaf-kun the most. Althought I'm her granddaughter...
"Sending this mirror, are you that concerned about Leaf-kun?"
'What are you talking about? I care about you too. Not just about Leaf-kun, but also about how you might be affected by that child's actions.'
...Oh, well, at least she seems to care about me a little.
But it feels like it's just part of some other agenda.
'About Leaf-chan, how is it going?'
Yup, she sent it because she wanted to know Leaf-kun's current situation.
He really is loved by everyone in that village.
He is loved because he has talent.
Maybe... it's tough feeling inferior, but I talk about him.
'Oh my, Leaf-kun is amazing for defeating the Hydra and Nine-Headed Basilisk, isn't he?'
Grandmother said, looking impressed. She's always so sweet.
True, it's impressive, right? I really think it's amazing.
...Grandmother never praised me like that when I was in that village.
Maybe it's just a difference in talent.
'If he defeated a superior dragon species, he should be at least S-Rank now, right?'
"No, he wasn't recognized as such."
'Oh really? Why not?'
"Because Leaf-kun collected the carcasses of the Basilisks in jars. So, the guild won't acknowledge the monster unless part of it is submitted."
The same goes for the Hydra. Leaf-kun absorbed all the poison from that venomous dragon.
Therefore, it wasn't considered a defeat, and Leaf-kun didn't get promoted.
'Oh dear...'
Suddenly, Grandmother's eyes narrowed.
She emitted an intense aura that made me shiver.
'Should I... destroy the guild?'
"No, no, no! What are you saying, Grandmother! You're so strong that with just one fireball, you could wipe the capital city off the map!"
'Hoho, I know, dear. Just kidding~♡'
It didn't seem like a joke at all!
Grandmother was seriously considering it. Scary...
She was genuinely upset because Leaf-kun wasn't acknowledged.
How obsessed is she can be. Honestly...her grandchild is me, you know.
Sigh...if her granddaughter has no talent, is she really her granddaughter? Sigh...
Well, it's true that I lack talent, but still.
'Mer-chan'
"What's up...?"
'Why do you seem so down? Did something upsetting happen?'
Grandmother is showing concern for me.
Something upsetting? Well, it's happening in real time.
...I'm starting to get angry. Suddenly sending that [bomb (Leaf-kun)] to me, as if to show off the difference in talent....
"It's nothing...it just seems like a jab."
'A jab?'
"Handing over an incredibly talented child to someone like me, who lacks talent, feels like nothing but a jab."
I know, Grandmother isn't that cruel.
But it's a fact that Leaf-kun has talent, and I don't.
'Mer-chan...'
"Having a grandson must be so wonderful. I mean, I'm technically your grandchild too!"
I said, feeling calmer. How could I say such mean things to the Grandmother who has taken care of me?
Blaming others for my lack of talent is pointless.
"...I'm sorry. I owe a lot to you, Grandmother. You supported me in setting up this shop, and I'll take care of Leaf-kun for a while. Please don't worry."
'Mer-chan... I'm...'
"I'm tired, so I'm going to bed... Goodnight."
Feeling awkward, I covered the mirror with a cloth.
This way, I could cut off communication from the other side.
I collapsed on the bed, feeling a sense of self-loathing.
What am I even venting my frustrations on Grandmother for?
Neither Leaf-kun nor Grandmother deserves this.
Leaf-kun is amazing. Too amazing. And I can't help but feel jealous about it.
He gets so much love and attention from Grandmother, it's unfair.
I wish someone cared about me more...
And then, it happened.
Knock, knock.
"Mercury-san. Are you awake?"
* * *
Walking into the room was Leaf-kun.
We were having tea together for some reason.
"Whoa... this is amazing, so delicious..."
The tea he brewed was unbelievably tasty, unlike anything I've ever had before!
What is this!? Have I been drinking dirty water all this time!?
"I've never tasted anything this good before..."
"Really? That's great! I'm a Pharmacist, so I'm good at making herbal tea!"
"Haha, I see... Wait, my shoulder feels better, and my headache is gone too..."
Because I have a pretty big chest, I always have chronic shoulder stiffness, and since I read a lot, I also suffer from eye strain.
But the moment I drank Leaf-kun's tea, I felt completely better!
What is this!?
"This is called Sokenbicha." (T/N: a Japanese blended tea brand of The Coca-Cola)
"So-ken-bi-cha?"
I couldn't help but feel like maybe that name shouldn't be used too often.
The reason is unclear.
"Sokenbicha is tea, but it's also like medicine. It improves metabolism for those who drink it, and it's good for health and beauty."
"No way... for real. My skin feels smoother too."
And not only that, it feels like I've slept for dozens of hours, my eyes are so clear.
What is this... if I sold this, I could become rich in no time!
"Why would you give me this tea?"
"Because I want Mercury-san to feel better."
"Huh!? Oh, um... thank you."
It seems like at a glance, he could tell I wasn't feeling well.
There seems to be a lot of emotions showing on my face? Anyway, I have work starting from tomorrow, so I need to be careful.
"Is something wrong? If you have any worries, I'm here to listen."
...It's because you're amazing that I feel down.
But it's mean to say that to this child.
Well, this child is not a bad child.
When I was feeling down, he brewed tea for me to cheer me up.
"Thank you. But I'm okay."
"Is that so...Oh! This is the Mirror of Illusions, right!"
Seeing the magic tool from Grandmother placed in the corner of the room, Leaf-kun's eyes sparkle.
"Grandmother sent this. She asked me to check on Leaf-kun's well-being."
"Oh...can I try using it too!"
"Eh? Oh, sure."
Well, it's fine. Leaf-kun probably wants to talk after a long time.
I shouldn't disturb them, so I leave the room.
"I'm going to take a bath. Take your time."
* * *
Coming back from the bath, I tried to enter my room.
"Mercury-san is really amazing."
I heard Leaf-kun's voice from the room.
He's probably talking to grandmother.
"She knows everything, and the Appraisal Eye! That's really awesome."
'Yes, Leaf-chan. She's really talented.'
Wait, what?
Grandmother...?
"Yeah, you're right. I've said it before, but without knowing how to use the Appraisal Eye properly, it's useless. But Mercury-san knows how to use it well, that's why she's amazing."
...Did grandmother really say that?
Why has she never praised me like that in front of me?
'Yeah, she's an amazing child. But, she tend to get carried away easily. That's why I raised her strictly. But it seems like her confidence broke easily.'
Oh, I see... So, that's what it was...
That strictness was actually a form of love, huh.
'Leaf-chan, I have a favor to ask. Please praise that child a lot.'
"Of course! Because she's seriously amazing!"
'Good. Like you, I have high hopes for that child too. I want her to regain her motivation, rather than just accepting her current situation. I sent you to her hoping you would be the catalyst for that.'
...Oh, I see now.
It wasn't a reproach.
"Granny, you really love Mercury-san, don't you? You're such a doting Grandmother."
'Of course. She's my adorable grandchild, after all.'
...Before I knew it, I was crying.
Oh, I see. So not only Leaf-kun, but she also really thought about me.
"I understand Granny's intentions. I'm going to really challenge Mercury-san!"
'Oh, please, don't hold back. Leaf-chan, go wild to your heart's content. When she sees that, she'll think "I can do this!" and look up again.'
Oh geez...
I was such a fool...
Both Grandmother and Leaf-kun, I knew they weren't bad people.
It's silly to think it was meant as a jab.
They wouldn't do something like that, right?
Oh, really...I'm really dumb.
"Good night, Granny! Sleep tight!"
The call ends.
Oh no, this crying face, I can't show it. Just as I was about to go outside...
"Mercury-san"
The door opens, and he comes out.
"Look, Granny was a nice person, right?"
"Oh, y-you noticed?"
"Well, sort of."
He noticed that I was worried about something boring.
So, on purpose, to hear Grandmother's intentions, he...
Thump.
"I was asked by Granny. I'll continue to bother Mercury-san in the future! Sorry!"
Thump, thump, my heart is pounding.
What's this? What is this feeling?
My face is getting hot, and I get excited when I look at him.
I can smile. Could it be that...?
"Mercury-san?"
"I-It's nothing. It's already late at night, so go to sleep."
"Yes! Good night!"
He heads to the room assigned to him.
I watched him from behind all the time.
Thump, thump, my heart is still beating strongly.
I guess I like younger guys...
Well, anyway.
My silly worries were resolved by him.
"Thank you, Leaf-kun. ... Please take care of me from now on."
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