A Real Blabbermouth?

"Earlier, Professor Flitwick mentioned the Magical Schools Potions Championship..."

At Manus's words, McGonagall's eyes widened in surprise.

What was going on with Flitwick? Hadn't they agreed not to tell Manus about this? He had been the first to suggest lightening Manus's burden, and he had cared the most about this matter...

Had only one day passed since they started putting it into action?

And Manus already knew about the Magical Schools Potions Championship?

"Manus, in this matter, we mainly considered how packed your daily schedule already was. We also trusted your abilities in Potions, so we felt you didn't need to spend extra time on this..."

"...What?"

Manus blinked. That did not sound quite right.

If they trusted his abilities in Potions, shouldn't they have asked him to guide the students participating in this year's Magical Schools Potions Championship? Why were they instead telling him not to spend time on it?

From the way she put it, it sounded more like she meant the next Magical Schools Potions Championship that he would be participating in...

"I see."

Manus suddenly understood. So that was what Flitwick's somewhat strange reaction had been about. He had thought it was because this year's contestant was a Ravenclaw student, and Flitwick felt they were not good enough to show off.

"...What do you mean, you see?"

McGonagall froze, then learned what had happened from Manus's somewhat helpless explanation.

"Professor, you could have told me directly if you had such thoughts. I've never been someone who refuses to listen to advice."

Manus spoke with a faint smile.

They were trying to lighten his burden, not harm him. Why had they needed to hide it from him?

McGonagall thought about it and realized that did seem reasonable. Then why had they not told Manus directly in the