Chapter 40: The Angel Wears a Devil’s Face
If there is a person who holds first place in the world, then inevitably, there must also exist someone who was pushed into second.
“Adel, did you fail to take first again?”
“...I’m sorry, Father.”
Several days ago, Adel Felgrave had been on her knees on the floor of the Felgrave Marquisate’s lord’s office, facing her father—a man who had long engraved that truth into her very bones.
“I-I’ve been trying, really. I stayed up last night reading magic theory and haven’t been slacking in my training either...”
“No, there’s no need to go that far.”
Second-born by birth order. Second in magical talent among heirs. Always the runner-up in academic standings.
“Adel. There’s no need for you to overextend yourself trying to catch up to your sister.”
“......”
“You only need to do just enough. That’s the kind of child you are.”
Even the love and recognition she received from her father—was always second best.
“...I see.”