How to Survive as That Villainess - Chapter 10
Chapter 2: I Won’t Hurt You! (3)
As I entered the classroom and continued to listen to Alec’s stories—most of which were about Seria—students started to trickle into the classroom one by one.
“Radel Karel?”
“Oh my, it really is Lady Karel!”
Each student that came in looked at me with surprise. Their reactions were as if they had heard an announcement saying, “The effect of removing the makeup was amazing!” I let out a dry laugh. It was quite amusing to see such varied reactions, from students who couldn’t keep their mouths shut to those who almost fell backward. It was a bit overwhelming that so many male students were staring at me with wide eyes, but listening to Alec’s pointless chatter—praises for Seria—helped me not to pay much attention.
“Alright, everyone, focus. We’ll start the class.”
As the professor entered, the classroom gradually quieted down. The professor, a rather beautiful woman characterized by a tear mole, glanced at me and was visibly startled. However, she quickly regained her composure, cleared her throat a couple of times, and began the lecture.
‘Is the difference that striking?’
Since I had only seen Radel with the makeup once, I couldn’t tell how drastic the difference was. I couldn’t compare since it was my own face, and I thought I’d have to ask Vivian to do it for me later as I opened my book.
I held my pen and stared blankly ahead. I could see the professor diligently lecturing. I tried to focus, but the lecture content didn’t stick in my mind. My head was filled with worries, concerns, and future plans.
The biggest problem is Seria. I wrote “Seria” in small letters at the edge of the book and circled it repeatedly. She is a problem, a real issue. Now that I’m at the academy and observing Seria from a distance, I don’t know how to deal with her or how to behave in the future.
Getting along with her isn’t an option. From the start, the first impression was the worst, and the idea of getting close to Seria doesn’t sit well with me. So I considered ignoring her, but to restore my already tarnished reputation, I needed to take other special measures.
‘What should I do…’
The more I thought about it, the more my head hurt. I wanted to just flip everything over. I wanted to shout in front of the whole school, “Seria is deceiving everyone, and I’m going to live a good life now!” Of course, it would become a lifelong embarrassing moment that would make me kick the blankets at night, but that was how desperate I felt.
“Radel!”
“…Yes!”
Startled, I snapped up from my desk at the professor’s loud reprimand. With her arms crossed and an expression of displeasure, she resembled Vivian right before giving a scolding. Oh, is she Vivian’s sister? Of course, that’s unlikely…
“It’s not good to start the first class like this, Radel!”
She was likely calling me out for not focusing in class. Since it was clearly my fault, I couldn’t argue and simply looked at the professor blankly.
“If you solve this problem, I won’t give you any further punishment.”
She pointed to the problem written on the board as she said this. That’s an easy problem… would be something only geniuses could say. I had only studied to catch up on the lessons I missed during the break and didn’t do any real prep work. So the problem on the board was one I didn’t know.
Oh no, I didn’t listen to the class at all…!
“…Radel.”
Huh? I heard a quiet voice that only I could hear and rolled my eyes downwards, glancing slightly to see Alec discreetly pointing at his book. Looking closely, it seemed to have the answer written there!
I was moved to tears. Alec, you rascal! I covered my mouth with my hand. I didn’t expect him to be such a loyal guy!
Seeing me in distress, Alec helped out of consideration, which deeply touched me. Thanks to Alec, I answered correctly and was able to attend the class without further punishment.
“Thanks, Alec. I didn’t know you were such a good student!”
As I was leaving the classroom after class, I smiled brightly and thanked Alec. Alec, embarrassed by the praise, blushed and quickly walked away from me.
“Hey, Alec…”
“Don’t follow me!”
What’s with that shy adolescent girl-like reaction? But Alec, I’m taking the same class as you… I couldn’t call out to Alec as he ran off with flushed cheeks, so I decided to head to the classroom separately.
“Radel.”
“Oh, professor.”
It was the professor who had called me out earlier. I looked at her with the most pleasant smile I could muster. The professor remained expressionless. Oddly, she had only singled me out, glaring at me throughout the class. Was I being targeted? I was only momentarily lost in thought, and it seemed a bit unfair.
“I have something to ask you, Radel.”
“W-what is it?”
The look in her eyes as she stared at me wasn’t playful. Why is she staring so intently? Not knowing the reason, I felt quite anxious.
“What do you put on your skin?”
“….Pardon?”
Hearing something I hadn’t expected at all, I asked again, thinking I misheard. The professor calmly continued.
“Your skin is so clear. Are you using something special?”
“No, I’m not.”
The professor touched my cheek lightly and continued questioning me with a serious expression. At first, I thought she was joking, but her intense gaze made it clear she was genuinely curious.
“I…I’ll be going now!”
“Oh, wait a moment…”
I dashed down the hallway to escape the professor’s intimidating persistence. She’s a weirder professor than I thought. So she was staring at me the entire class just to ask about that…?
Anyway, she was scary in a different way. I glanced back to see if she was following me. Fortunately, there were only students chatting happily behind me. Realizing I’d been running away a lot lately, I headed to the classroom for the next class.
“I’ll sit here.”
“Why, how come…!”
When I sat next to Alec, who had arrived early, he jumped in surprise.
“What’s wrong? We’re friends!”
“Who says we’re friends!”
Although we’d only met today, I liked him very much. Alec seemed to dislike it, but that’s okay—we can become closer over time!
While I was thinking positively, I heard a commotion outside the classroom door, and soon enough, there were even screams.
Is there a murder happening?!
Of course, it wasn’t a murder. It was just someone standing in front of the classroom. The protagonist receiving such a warm welcome was, of course, Seria. Still beautiful with her silky hair flowing, Seria entered the classroom like an angel. The classroom was filled with cheers.
“Welcome, Seria.”
“You look beautiful today, too.”
Surrounded by people in an instant, Seria greeted each one with a smile. I watched the fan meeting-like scene blankly before shifting my gaze to Alec.
“Aren’t you going?”
“I-I suddenly can’t breathe…”
“Oh dear.”
I looked at Alec sympathetically as he had a shortness of breath at the sight of Seria, then turned my head again at the sound of more screams and cheers.
It was Aren. Following behind Seria, Aren entered the classroom, and many people—mostly girls—rushed toward him. Admiring his popularity, which rivaled Seria’s, I rubbed my ears. The classroom was filled with screams, making my ears hurt. I must remember to bring earplugs tomorrow.
Is this my chance? I had something to say to Seria, and we happened to be in the same class. Besides, Aren, who was the most friendly fish in the pond, was next to her this time.
‘Alright, let’s go.’
Taking a deep breath, I stood up. Then, as I learned over the break, I walked slowly and elegantly. Despite walking slowly, I quickly reached Seria, who was sitting with Aren.
“Seria.”
My voice was surprisingly low, even to me. The noisy classroom fell silent for a moment, and only my voice echoed.
“Oh my gosh, right now…”
“Lady Karel just called Seria’s name…”
I could hear a few students murmuring in surprised voices. Up until now, Radel had referred to Seria with all sorts of insults like fox, bad woman, and that woman, but I called her by name. It was understandable that they were surprised, but Seria greeted me with a smile, unfazed.
“Hello, Radel.”
Seria greeted me beautifully. Instead of exchanging pleasantries, I looked at her and brought up a different subject.
“I have something to tell you.”
The classroom buzzed again with my words. It seemed everyone was speculating on what misdeed I would commit against Seria this time.
“I bet she’ll suddenly slap her.”
“I bet on insults.”
Neither of those will happen! I merely spoke to her, yet I was being misunderstood. To quiet the noisy classroom, I slammed my palm on the desk in front of Seria.
“…!?”
With a loud ‘bang,’ the classroom fell silent as a grave.
Surprised this time, Seria looked at me with wide eyes. But, my hand…! It hurt so much. Without even looking, I could tell my palm was red. Ugh, it hurt so much. I swallowed my tears and forced a smile instead of grimacing.
“Let’s make up.”
“…What?”
Seria looked at me blankly and asked again. I smiled wider, filling my expression with kindness, and replied brightly.
“Let’s make up.”
I decided to reconcile with Seria, at least on the surface, to shed my image as a villainess.
Translator
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
Memo.the.pretty
I don’t like it , when she said she give whatever she receives i had hight hopes ,I thought she was going to confront her or something at least but not solving it with slapping herself!!