Episode 10 of *Secrets of the Silent Witch* opens with a flashback to the past, where a determined young boy named Bernie, the second son in his family, boldly declares his ambition to accomplish extraordinary feats and ascend to the ranks of the Seven Sages. As he steps into his classroom, he is greeted by a distressing scene: a group of boys are tormenting Monica, attempting to force a spider into her mouth. Without hesitation, Bernie unleashes his fire magic, sending the bullies scurrying away in terror, and then extends a helping hand to Monica, assisting her to stand upright.
From that pivotal moment onward, Bernie becomes Monica's guardian angel, offering her support and aid in numerous ways, including with her studies. In a twist of fate, it is Bernie who, quite unintentionally, guides Monica in harnessing her innate, unchanted magic. Understanding her fear of public speaking, he advises her to try chanting more rapidly.
Flashing forward to the present, Monica finds herself in a state of shock. She has been selected as one of the representatives for the upcoming chess tournament, a prestigious honor that fills her with both excitement and trepidation. As she and Elliott, her fellow representative, make their way to the student council room, Monica's mind wanders back to her past.
At her previous school, she had been chosen to attend the selection meeting for the Seven Sages. The prospect was overwhelming, and she sought refuge by hiding behind curtains in the room. Nevertheless, her professor insisted that the students carry her, still shrouded in the curtains, to the selection. Despite her silence, she was chosen to become a sage. The only people she yearned to share the news with were her foster mother and Bernie.
Lost in these reveries, Monica accidentally collides with a wall, snapping her back to reality. Felix and Cyril express their pride in her achievements and urge her to prioritize the chess tournament over her student council duties. Initially hesitant, Monica is swayed when the prince reveals that he, too, had participated in the chess competition the previous year and had set aside his other responsibilities to focus on the game. With this reassurance, Monica finally agrees to devote herself wholeheartedly to the tournament.
Later on, Elliott and she found themselves in a meeting with Benjamin, a third-year student on their chess team. To say he was enthusiastic would be an understatement; his lively demeanor bordered on the theatrical. The boy's hands flitted through the air, his body almost swaying in rhythm as he spoke with infectious excitement about his teammates' unique chess styles. To Benjamin, she was nothing short of extraordinary and, in his eyes, the perfect candidate for team captain. Elliott, too, nodded in agreement, but the girl vehemently refused the offer. Observing her reluctance, Elliott decided to retain his leadership role rather than press the matter further.
As she continued to listen to Benjamin's animated discussion about chess, a sudden urge overcame her—she yearned to play a game with Felix. According to the third-year, the prince's chess strategy bore a striking resemblance to her own. The thought sparked a flicker of excitement within her.
Afterward, she arranged to meet Claudia and Lana for tea, only to stumble upon some unsettling news. Her school was locked in fierce competition with students from two other institutions: The University and Minerva. As the realization sank in, she sank to the floor, tears streaming down her face. Memories of Bernie, who attended one of those rival schools, flooded her mind. She vividly recalled their last conversation.
She had been brimming with excitement to share her newfound status as a sage with him, but his reaction was far from what she had expected. Bernie erupted in anger, accusing her of mocking him and always looking down on him with an air of superiority. He had only taught her the skill of quick chanting, yet here she was, performing unchanted magic—a blatant insult in his eyes. Bernie went so far as to declare that he had never truly considered her a friend. Even as she collapsed onto her knees, sobbing uncontrollably, he showed no mercy. His words cut like knives, each insult driving her deeper into despair until he finally turned and walked away, leaving her alone with her grief.
The day of the tournament has finally dawned, and Monica wakes up to find Ryn and Nero dressed as students from her very own school. After the harrowing incident that had transpired, Louis had insisted on ramping up the protective measures surrounding her. Before heading off to the competition, Monica pays a visit to Lana’s room, where her dear friend lends her a helping hand in getting ready. But Lana doesn’t stop there; she has a clever plan brewing in her mind, one that might just be the key to solving Monica’s dilemma. With a deft touch, Lana subtly transforms Monica’s appearance using makeup, glasses, and a new hairstyle, hoping that the person Monica is keen on avoiding won’t recognize her in this new guise.
With her transformation complete, Monica joins the student council to welcome the students from visiting schools. The first group to approach them hails from Minerva, the very institution where Bernie studies. And to Monica’s dismay, he is one of the representatives. Despite being terrified and trembling, Monica musters up the courage to shake his hand and introduce herself.
Their paths cross once again when Monica exits the bathroom, and this encounter proves far from tranquil. Bernie remarks that she shares the same name as an old acquaintance of his, making it clear that he doesn’t consider her a friend. He then steps closer, inquiring if she has been attending this school for long, his tone laced with suspicion.
Monica can sense his anger simmering beneath the surface and is prepared to offer an apology. Just then, fortune smiles upon her as Nero and Ryn rush to her side, though not in the manner she had anticipated. They position themselves behind her, as if a devoted couple shielding their beloved from a perceived threat. Bernie, bewildered by the scene, hastily retreats.
Though Nero and Ryn beam with pride at their intervention, Monica’s feelings are a tad more complex. She expresses her gratitude but also pleads with them to revert to their simpler forms as a cat and a bird.
