Convincing Lisa

One of the three maids in charge of looking after me was Lisa. Despite her demure demeanour, I had always suspected her having ulterior motives just like the other two.

And my suspicions were confirmed when I overheard her talking to my fifth brother. she was leaking my advancement and progress in my Magic Study.

Though I was disguising myself in the 2nd circle until I ran away to the academy. As a result, she did not obtain accurate information. The spell I employed to disguise myself was a 3rd circle spell, which is capable of expanding as you advance through higher circles.

As I stood before Lisa, a fellow second circle mage, she sent a pulsing wave of mana towards me. I was aware that she would use the chance to see if I had just made as breakthrough or not.

But I wasn't going to openly attempt a third circle spell, as my current level of circles would not allow it. Yet, I had an advantage over Lisa - my control over mana and my years of experience far surpassed hers.

With a calm and collected mind, I adjusted the mana waves leaking from my body to only display those of a first circle mage. As Lisa scanned my frequency, her smile grew even wider, revealing her admiration for my failure.

Without needing the assistance of the camouflage spell, I confidently passed through Lisa's mana pulse. The art of magic was not just about Mana Circles, but also control, finesse, and strategy.

Now it is time for some professional acting.

Gasping for breath, I struggled to get back on my feet. I acted as if I had just attempted to breakthrough to the second circle, but my efforts had been futile. I showed her the frustration boiling inside me as I stared down at my shaking hands, feeling hopeless and lost.

"Why? Just why I am unable to breakthrough?", I screamed as I hit the floor with my hand.

I turned to my servant, she asked, "Young master, are you alright? Should I call a healer?"

"But I didn't want a healer. I wanted to know what was wrong with me. Why couldn't I advance beyond the first circle? Was there something wrong with me? Was I destined to be forever stuck in this state, unable to grow or evolve?"

I could sense my servant's glee; I was convinced when I looked her face that my acting worked. she was completely certain of my failure seeing the despair and fear etched into my face.

I rubbed the floor as she drew nearer. She assisted me in standing up again. After that, I was placed on the bed. She grabbed a towel and began soaking it in water.

She began to wipe the sweat from my body and said, "Young master, you shouldn't push yourself too hard."

"Why should not I? I tried to learn new spells and make progress every day, but I was unsuccessful."

"At this pace, how am I going to survive this world? Several kids from noble houses have already crossed the second circle, but I have been stuck in the first circle for two years. Father might banish me from the house if things continue the way they are."

"Young master Without intending to offend, I would advise you to pursue higher study in politics and manage the ministry department of the estate if you think you are unable to excel in magic."

"No, you were unaware of the look my brothers give me whenever I come across them. If I can't defend myself, they'll kill me."

"What about swords?, yes; if magic fails, I shall turn to swords so that at least I can protect myself."

"Wha-what?" When I said that I wanted to defend myself with swords, her normally unchanging expression trembled.

"Young master you-?"

"Well, you may now depart. After all of this mess, I need to rest. There is no immediate need to tidy the space; you can do it later "

Even after she left my room, I was still able to sense her joy through my heightened sense as I watched her go.

'It appears that your portrayal was successful in eliciting the intended response.'

"Verily, it is so.", I responded Galadriel, who had been silent in the whole drama.