“I’m going to introduce you to our new adopted son.”

My father spoke those words as we sat down at the dinner table.

As expected, it seemed my expulsion from the family and the adoption of a new heir was a certainty, just like he had said before.

But, it was unexpected that the adopted son would be coming to the house today.

“What?”

My sister, seemingly unaware of the adoption, couldn’t hide her surprise.

“Come in.”

At my father’s signal, a young man, about my age, entered the room.

“I am Dimit Esland.”

He introduced himself.

Esland. He shared the same last name as me. This meant that the adoption process was already complete.

“Listen, I’m a genius at magic! So, just because I’m from commoner stock doesn’t mean you can underestimate me. I won’t hesitate to make you regret it.”

He asserted this confidently, standing tall.

Since he was a commoner, his parents were non-magic users. But, sometimes children with magical abilities could be born into such families.

Probably, he was one of those exceptional cases.

“Are you Norman?”

“Yes, but…”

Dimit spoke to me, looking me in the eye.

“So, you’re the one who can’t use magic despite having parents who are brilliant magicians. You’re a useless nobody.”

“Huh?”

I was taken aback by the sudden insult.

“You’re such an unfilial son. But don’t worry anymore. I’ll protect this family.”

He said this, and I couldn’t reply.

Because, my inability to use magic was an undeniable fact.

“Hey, you don’t have to be so rude.”

My sister, Nene, objected, bothered by Dimit’s attitude.

“You’re Nene, his sister? Listen, I won’t tolerate anyone defying me, not even my sister. After all, I’m the next head of the family.”

“Wh-what!?”

My sister’s eyes widened. She couldn’t say anything in response.

“So, how long are you going to stay here?”

Dimit asked me, looking at me.

“Father, you promised to kick him out of the house, right?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“What?”

My sister, who didn’t know about my expulsion, was surprised again.

“So, leave as soon as possible. It’s annoying to have someone like you, a nobody, in my sight.”

“Norman, that’s right. Leave this house now.”

From my father’s tone, it sounded like Dimit’s desire was what led to my expulsion from the family.

“Okay…”

I could only nod weakly.

◆

“Hmm, it seems things have become quite troublesome.”

Furcas the demon spoke to me after I was expelled from the house.

Incidentally, he had seen everything that happened in the house. Though, because only I could see him, no one noticed his presence.

“It can’t be helped. I’m a failure who can’t use magic.”

“Hmm, to tell you the truth, to expel a being blessed with such talent as you…I can only think that those fools are blind.”

“My talent? That’s ridiculous.”

I laughed wryly.