How to Survive as That Villainess - Chapter 12

Chapter 2: I Won’t Hurt You! (5)

It’s been a week since I started attending the academy. Lately, I’ve been extremely tired, and the reason is undoubtedly because of Kailon, who keeps chasing after me at all hours. His obsession starts from the morning.

“Let’s spar.”

Kailon spotted me passing through the main gate of the academy and approached with his long legs. It’s nice that someone with such a burdensome handsome face is interested in me, but it’s quite troublesome since his interest is limited to sparring.

“I told you, no!”

Thanks to being harassed for a week, I’ve gotten a little used to it, but I’m still dead tired from Kailon’s persistent pursuit. I wonder what Seria is doing right now; her management of the situation is pretty sloppy. The fish has jumped out of the tank, so catch it quickly! For the first time, I found myself wanting Seria’s help.

“Stop following me!”

I shook off Kailon and ran away. Running away had become a part of my daily routine, so my running skills had improved quite a bit. I thought I might have to change my future career to a marathon runner while sprinting down the academy’s corridors, when I saw a familiar back and shouted loudly.

“Aren!”

My savior! I called out to Aren with a big smile. Aren tilted his head quizzically and turned around. As soon as he spotted me, he smiled and greeted me warmly.

“Hello… Radel?”

“Wait, help me out for a second!”

I hurriedly hid behind Aren and glared at the rapidly approaching Kailon. Aren looked back and forth between me and Kailon, confused, and asked me in a puzzled voice.

“What is going on here?”

“What kind of situation? It’s a dangerous one for me.” Instead of explaining, I clung tightly to Aren’s arm and looked up at him pleadingly. I had to act as pitiful as possible. That’s the only way kind-hearted Aren would help me.

“Please hold Kailon off.”

Aren, who had been staring blankly at me, seemed to grasp the situation and turned his head towards Kailon. Kailon’s expression remained unchanged, but he spoke to Aren in a slightly disgruntled voice.

“Move.”

“I can’t do that.”

It’s impressive to see Aren smiling confidently in front of a sword master. A capable man indeed! I silently cheered for Aren. Please, chase Kailon away so I can survive.

The two of them faced each other, engaged in a silent battle of nerves. I held onto Aren’s arm tightly and waited for time to pass. It would soon be time for class to start. Since Kailon was also a student, he’d have to give up when it was time for class.

“You should be going now, shouldn’t you?”

“Tch.”

As the students in the hallway gradually disappeared, only the three of us remained. Eventually, Kailon clicked his tongue and walked away down the corridor, and I let out a sigh of relief, releasing Aren’s arm.

“Thanks again.”

“No problem. Let me know if you need help.”

So kind! Aren seemed like an angel compared to Seria. His kindness was genuine, without any ulterior motives. I nodded repeatedly and patted Aren on the shoulder.

“If you need anything, feel free to ask me anytime.”

We had become friendly enough that I could engage in light physical contact with Aren. Although it was mostly one-sided on my part, Aren didn’t seem to mind.

“Oh, wait. The next class is magic…!”

I’m doomed. That professor is notoriously strict! I exclaimed in shock, said goodbye to Aren, and ran down the hallway. At least it seemed like today’s sparring obsession was somewhat settled.

However, besides Kailon, there was another problem…

“Student Radel, try again.”

To explain, I’m terrible at magic. Every magic student should at least be able to cast a basic fireball. But no matter how many times I chanted the spell or followed the professor’s instructions, not even a small spark would appear, and it was driving me crazy.

The white-haired professor, leaning on his staff, stroked his beard with a troubled expression. I recited the spell again, nervously watching the professor, but once again, nothing happened.

“Let’s try once more.”

I wanted to shout at the professor who wouldn’t give up on me with trembling hands. Professor, I have no talent for magic at all! Please just give up on me! But the professor seemed determined not to give up and kept insisting I chant the spell, which eventually led to a disastrous event.

Bang! It sounded like a scientist had failed a chemistry experiment. We weren’t in a chemistry class; I had just been reciting a magic spell. Then why is the entire classroom covered in ashes…?

“…Student Radel.”

“Yes, Professor.”

Fortunately, the other students were unharmed, probably protected by the professor. The problem was that the professor’s face had turned as scary as a demon’s. He spoke to me in a low, deep voice.

“As punishment for today, you will organize the library, understood?”

“Yes…”

In the end, I ended up burning down a classroom and getting punished for it. I hate magic, it frustrates me! I can manage other things, but magic was the problem. I wasn’t improving at all, and causing accidents like this made me want to give up.

“…Alec!”

When I came out of the classroom, I saw Alec standing in a daze, holding his cheek in the distance. As I waved and approached, Alec greeted me with a smile. What’s going on? The guy who used to play hard to get?

“Radel, listen! I just saw Seria, and she’s even prettier than before! Her hair looks amazing…”

I knew it. Of course, he’s one of Seria’s followers. Alec started talking excitedly as if he had just seen a celebrity. It was a bit lonely that he only seemed animated when talking about Seria, but I figured he’d stop eventually when he got rejected, so I took out the earplugs I had prepared in advance from my pocket.

“So, you know, Seria…”

“Right.”

Sorry, Alec, but I can’t listen to Seria’s stories—they’re too boring. I discreetly put in my earplugs and nodded along. After some time passed, I took out the earplugs and spoke to Alec, who had quieted down.

“Um, Alec…”

“Yeah, what’s up?”

I shyly clasped my hands together and hesitantly opened my mouth.

“I have to organize the library, and I was wondering if you could help…”

“Oh, right. I forgot I had plans. See you later, then.”

That heartless guy! He said everything he wanted to say—even though I didn’t listen—and just left without a second thought. If I had known, I would have dragged him along! Smacking my lips in disappointment, I headed towards the library.

***

“Spar.”

Oh my gosh, what a scare. I was organizing books in the library when Kailon made an unexpected visit! I was so startled that I stepped back. With my arms full of books, I couldn’t exactly run away. It seemed best to try to reason with Kailon for now.

“I can’t spar with you.”

“Why?”

“Because I only have one life.”

Kailon tilted his head in confusion. I was about to explode with frustration. Instead of hitting my chest with my fist, I held back my frustration and resumed organizing the books.

“Let’s spar.”

Ignore it, ignore it.

Every time I placed a book on the shelf and moved to another section, he kept following me. Moving to the right, he tagged along. Moving to the left, he tagged along. It was driving me crazy to have Kailon constantly tailing me, but I focused all my attention on shelving the books.

But who wouldn’t be distracted by a tall guy following them around? It felt like having a big dog trailing behind me. Finally, unable to bear it any longer, I made a request to Kailon.

“Please stay calm while I organize the books.”

I wasn’t sure if free-spirited Kailon would actually listen to my request, but I said it anyway. Hugging the books tightly and speaking with all the earnestness I could muster, Kailon nodded compliantly.

“Okay.”

“Huh, really?”

I was so surprised that I widened my eyes in disbelief. Kailon, however, didn’t seem to care whether I was shocked or not and plopped down in a chair. Although he continued to watch me, it was quite surprising that he listened to me.

“Hurry up.”

As I was zoning out, Kailon urged me on. I snapped back to reality and resumed organizing the books, my mind spinning in confusion.

‘What… is this?’

It was strange. Wasn’t he supposed to only listen to Seria? The story was still in the early to middle stages of development, but even so, it felt odd for a potential male lead to be obedient to the villainess.

While pondering this, I continued shelving books. Suddenly, a sharp voice pierced the quiet and peaceful library.

“Let go of this!!”

Is that a fight? I stopped shelving books and peeked through the shelves towards the library entrance. I saw a beautiful girl with sky-blue wavy hair and a burly male student.

“Why the hell are you rejecting me?!”

The male student, who reminded me of a gorilla, was desperately shouting while gripping the delicate girl’s wrist. It seemed he confessed and got rejected, but he couldn’t accept it and kept pestering her. The sky-blue-haired girl shook off his hand and shouted angrily.

“I don’t like you because you’re ugly!!”

It was a realistic and sad reason. I looked at the male student with pity. Hang in there, nameless student! I encouraged him in my heart.

“How dare you reject my confession?!”

The male student, rejected and insulted, pulled something out of his pants pocket. A knife. A small, sharp knife. The student’s reason had flown away in anger, and he threatened the girl with the knife. It was truly a tense situation. I take back the encouragement. What’s with this thug?

I couldn’t just stand by and pretend I didn’t see the crisis unfolding. I wanted to go out and help directly, but I didn’t have a sword. Charging at someone that big without a weapon would certainly be fatal, so I called Kailon.

“Kailon.”

Even though I called in a small voice, he quickly came to my side.

“Please help that girl.”

I didn’t want to ask Kailon for help, but now wasn’t the time to be picky. I pointed at the crisis with my finger and pleaded.

“…?”

His expression seemed to say, “Why should I?” Kailon didn’t seem interested in helping at all. I felt both frustrated and anxious, unsure of what to do. Should I just rush out there myself?

“If you save that girl…”

What stopped me from rushing out was Kailon’s voice. I turned my head to look at him. He continued speaking calmly.

“Will you do me a favor?”

A favor? I froze in place for a moment and thought. Kailon was the only one who could save the girl, and I had no choice but to agree to his request.

I tried to think of what Kailon might ask me to do. No matter how hard I thought about it, only one thing came to mind.

‘Oh, my goodness.’

I got the feeling that Kailon’s face had taken on a triumphant look. I had no choice. In the end, I could only nod my head, wiping my face dry.