How to Survive as That Villainess - Chapter 11

Chapter 2: I Won’t Hurt You! (4)

Silence. Not even the sound of breathing could be heard as the classroom fell into a stunned hush. My declaration of reconciliation was shocking enough that no one dared to speak. Surprisingly, it was Aren who spoke first.

“So, you’re saying you won’t bother Seria anymore?”

He asked as if seeking confirmation, and I nodded. Gasps could be heard throughout the room.

“You want to… make up?”

For a brief moment, a puzzled expression appeared on Seria’s face before disappearing. It was so brief that only I, who was closely watching her, could notice it. Seria quickly composed herself and smiled brightly as she extended her hand to me.

It seemed like she wanted a handshake. Honestly, I didn’t want to take it, but having already proposed to make up, it would be strange to refuse. So, I forced a smile and shook Seria’s hand.

“I’m really happy…!”

Even though she wasn’t truly happy, Seria spoke as if she were about to shed tears of joy. The perfect performance completely fooled the surrounding spectators, who looked at Seria and me warmly.

“And by the way, I’ve decided to give up on the Crown Prince.”

This was the main point. The reason Radel Karell harassed Seria was entirely because of the Crown Prince. Radel believed Seria had taken the Crown Prince from her, which was why she tormented her. Therefore, since I had no interest in the Crown Prince, I could easily say I would give him up without any hesitation.

“Give up, you say?”

Suddenly, the faces of the female students brightened. The members of the fan club who had been hesitant to approach Eden because of Radel were now screaming and cheering. Since angelic Seria wouldn’t mind anyone approaching Eden, the female students could now freely get close to him. Well, let them have a hard time.

I still remembered the feel of my wrist when he grabbed it tightly at our first meeting. The fierce look in his eyes, too. My most disliked person right now was Seria, but following her was the Crown Prince. How dare he grip my delicate wrist so tightly. It still annoyed me just thinking about it.

“What’s all the commotion! Sit down quickly. Class is about to begin.”

An elderly man with white hair entered the classroom slowly, leaning on a cane. He seemed to be the professor of magic theory. The students hesitantly returned to their seats, and I quietly went back to sit next to Alec, not wanting to get called out again.

Among the students attending the magic theory class, none could focus on the lesson. Everyone was whispering about the shocking event that had just occurred, and I, too, felt a sense of satisfaction as I imagined what would happen next.

The rumors would spread quickly. The magic theory class was one of the classes attended by all magic department students. So many students would eagerly spread the word, and I just had to stay put.

I wondered what expression Seria was making right now. On the surface, she was probably smiling, but inside, she must be feeling the heat. I looked forward to the rumors spreading and waited for the class to end.

***

The person who suffered the most from my reconciliation with Seria was probably the Crown Prince. As soon as Eden’s hidden fan club members heard my declaration, they spread the news to the entire student body. Female students who had secretly admired Eden from afar, fearing Radel, saw this as their opportunity and flocked to Eden as soon as class ended and lunchtime began. Since Seria wouldn’t be able to stop them in order to maintain her angelic image, Eden’s fan club members were completely free.

Watching Eden surrounded by countless female students, rubbing his forehead as if he had a headache, made my meal go down well.

“Wow… his popularity is no joke.”

“What, are you jealous?”

“No! More than that, why do I have to eat with you?!”

I was already used to Alec’s grumbling, so I didn’t respond and took a bite of my sandwich. When Alec, who was complaining next to me, stared at my sandwich, I gave him one, and he quietly enjoyed it. The key to a good sandwich is fresh tomatoes…!

“Radel.”

“Yes, Alec.”

Alec called me while munching on his sandwich. When I responded, he pointed his index finger at the Crown Prince and continued.

“Eden is looking at you.”

At Alec’s words, I put down my sandwich and looked up, meeting Eden’s gaze directly. As I continued to stare at him without looking away for a while, Eden carefully mouthed something.

“Help me out.”

I accurately read his lips and, with a nonchalant expression, wiped my mouth with a napkin. Then, wearing the smile I had practiced during the break, I mouthed back.

“Why should I?”

Eden’s expression grew even darker, seemingly understanding my response. I waved at him with a broader smile. It seemed he was finally realizing the necessity of the villainess. Until now, he hadn’t been bothered by girls, thanks to Radel, but now that I had declared I would give up on him, he was going to experience a lot of discomfort. Oh, I couldn’t wait.

While I wasn’t one to relish in others’ suffering, I believed in paying back those who wronged me in kind. So, I enjoyed my tea with a cheerful smile.

But the peaceful time didn’t last long…

“Found you.”

“Gasp…!”

Black hair fluttered gracefully in the wind. Red eyes focused solely on me, and in his pupils, I was in shock. While I was off guard, Kailon suddenly appeared in front of me. That persistent guy!

“Oh, Kailon…?”

Alec called out to c with a dazed expression. Regardless, I quickly prepared to run away, but I couldn’t take a step as Kailon had grabbed my collar with his relentless grip.

“Why are you doing this to me?!”

I struggled and shouted, and Kailon, maintaining his indifferent expression, gave a short reply.

“Let’s spar.”

“…What?”

I pretended to clean my ears and asked again, not because I didn’t hear him, but because I couldn’t believe it. Kailon calmly repeated himself.

“Spar with me.”

So, to interpret, it was like saying, “Let’s spar so I can send you to the other world with my sword!” Are you kidding me? How could I possibly spar with a Sword Master? It’s not about winning; it’s about whether I can withstand even one of Kailon’s strikes. I felt like the scene would unfold where I’d see his sword swing, and then suddenly, I’d be in the afterlife, so my face turned pale.

I trembled in fear, shaking my head vigorously.

“Why not?”

Because I don’t want to die! I was on the verge of tears. Upon my refusal, Kailon tilted his head as if he genuinely couldn’t understand. His truly bewildered expression made me let out a deep sigh. There was no one here to help me. Alec was out of the question, and I didn’t want to lose a precious friend. I resolved myself and tried to bite Kailon’s hand.

“…!”

Kailon flinched and dodged immediately. Maybe because he remembered being bitten last time, his reaction was very quick. Anyway, I managed to create a small opening, and I hurriedly made my escape. I thought if things kept going this way, I might die young, so I ran with all my might. Please, just leave me alone…!