Vol. 3 Ch. 3: Talent and the Curse

Cyril Ashley, Marquis Highton's son, had not originally been a member of House Ashley.

Because the current Marquis Highton had only daughters, Cyril, the most capable of his distant relatives, was chosen for adoption.

Although he was of Marquis Highton's bloodline, Cyril's family was the lowest of the low—a minor branch that did not even hold a title. Even so, he had been chosen for one reason alone: he was exceptionally capable.

Cyril, who had been languishing at a commoners' school, was proud—proud that he was capable, and that someone had chosen him.

After becoming an adopted son of House Ashley with pride and joy in his heart, Cyril met the Ashley family's daughter there...

He despaired.

The daughter of Marquis Highton—Cyril's adoptive younger sister—possessed an intellect that far surpassed his own.

House Highton was known as a family of scholars. Cyril's adoptive sister possessed a vast store of knowledge befitting a "scholar," and was so brilliant that Cyril could not hold a candle to her.

──Then what had I been adopted for?

As Cyril nearly lost all sense of purpose, he desperately studied every field he could...