How to Survive as That Villainess - Chapter 18

Chapter 3: A Well-Timed Day (4)

Inside the academy, there was a buzz about the party. It was known to be an incredible event, incomparable to the smaller parties held within the academy. The Goddess’s Party, as everyone called it.

They called it that because, before the party, the academy held a competition that was like a test of strength. The winner of the competition could choose the person they liked to be the first to dance with at the party. The chosen woman was called the ‘Goddess’ for a day, and it was considered a great honor or something like that.

Many couples reportedly formed because of this event, and even if they weren’t the winners, many partners ended up falling for each other. Still, being called a goddess sounds like it would be embarrassing enough to make someone die of shame.

Of course, having read the novel thoroughly, I already knew who would be chosen as the goddess.

“Seria.”

Yes, that pretty girl standing right over there. After taking Aren away earlier, Seria was now alone for some reason. I sat by the window and watched Seria. Although I was simply observing and not glaring, the surrounding students seemed tense and watched me carefully. I wondered when all these misunderstandings would finally be cleared up.

I sighed quietly to myself and refocused my gaze on Seria.

“Earlier… it seemed like you were with my fiancé. What exactly were you talking about?’  

“It was nothing special. We just talked about the party.”

A female student with striking purple hair approached Seria and spoke to her. Even from a slight distance, the girl’s anxious expression was clearly visible. She seemed restless, likely worried about how close her fiancé appeared to be with Seria.  

The contrast between Seria’s gentle smile and the nervous student was pitiable. Talking to someone else’s fiancé isn’t a crime, but stealing someone else’s fiancé is a different story.
Seria was a woman of enchantment, and that student needed to keep a close eye on her fiancé.  

You never know when Seria might snatch him away.

I turned my gaze away from Seria because the professor entered the classroom carrying a thick book. It was the professor who taught the history of the Sirius Empire, but for some reason, he had a look of confusion on his face.  

“Okay, everyone. The scores from the test we took last time have been released.”  

For a moment, the only sound in the classroom was the gulping of nervous students. The notoriously difficult questions that didn’t consider the students at all flashed through my mind. The difficulty was top-level.  

I lost count of how many curses I uttered in my mind while solving those problems. I wondered if I should feel proud to have discovered another talent in swearing.  

“Ahem, the results are surprising.”  

The professor cleared his throat and then picked up the paper with the scores written on it with trembling hands. He seemed to have a tremor. With an expression of disbelief, he slowly opened his mouth.  

“The student with the highest score is Radel Karel.”

The lively students, who always clapped and cheered when the name of the top student was called, suddenly turned to stone. It was as if they were not even breathing, let alone clapping. Even I couldn’t believe it and kept thinking about it in my head.  

‘Me…? Is it really me? My name is Radel Karel, so it must be me.’  

Wow, unbelievable. I guess cursing while solving those problems paid off. I sat frozen in place, unable to move. History is a subject you just memorize, so I just crammed it all in. At this moment, I wanted to praise my brain.  

While no one else in the classroom moved, a steady clap came from the front.  

“Wow, congratulations!”  

Seria turned to me with a smile as bright as flowers blooming in spring. Her eyes curved without malice, and her mouth formed a charming smile. Seria applauded me generously. I looked at her awkwardly and forced my lips into a smile.  

“Thank you.”  

Thanking Seria made me want to hit myself, but since we had reconciled, I endured the tremble of my lips and smiled broadly.

The students around me hesitated for a moment, then started clapping after seeing Seria and me. Another heartwarming scene was playing out.  

I was relieved that the lecture began before my face started twitching. I massaged my face and relaxed my lips. Oh, how exhausting.

“Ah, I have a proposition for you, Radel.”  “Yes, what is it?”  
After the lecture, the history professor approached me, still holding that thick book. Was the proposition about carrying the book for him? I tilted my head, waiting for him to continue.  

“Would you be interested in helping with the student council work?”  

“What?”  

The student council. Isn’t it a place for top students at Sirius Academy? I remember Seria being offered a spot and declining to show her typical heroine humility. I couldn’t believe it and asked the professor again.  

“Me? Why me…?”  

It was truly baffling. Offering a student council position to a villainess whose grades weren’t that great? It seemed like they wanted me to help, not join completely, but still, I couldn’t understand. There had to be many students more qualified than me, so why…?

“Your conduct has been exemplary lately, so I recommended you. There’s no need to feel pressured. It’s just about helping the student council for a little while.”  

The professor, with a gentle smile, persuaded me. The student council is good. It’s a valuable experience. It would greatly improve my image, and there wouldn’t be any harm to me. However, Eden was in the student council. Because of that, I had to think carefully. I clasped my hands together politely and asked the professor for some time to think about it.  

“Very well. Think about it carefully, as it will be beneficial to your grades as well.”  

“Yes, I understand.”  

After giving the departing professor a proper bow, I strolled down the hallway. Being suddenly asked to work for the student council, I let my imagination run wild for a moment before shaking my head. Just imagining it was suffocating. If I were to help, there would be times I’d have to stay late… Being alone with the crown prince. The awkwardness already made my body tense up. 

But it was also a great opportunity. Eden held the most significant power among those who protected Seria. Turning that Eden to my side would be a complete reversal of the situation. He was a man who once harbored murderous intent toward me, but perhaps there was still a gap I could wedge myself into. 

“Hmm.”  

I had observed the other male leads, and almost none of them showed a significant obsession with Seria. In fact, Kailon seemed more fixated on me. Although it was limited to dueling, it still meant there was a possibility.

It’s worth a try. The opportunity to be alone with Eden, who dislikes me, could only be created if I joined the student council. In the end, I would have to endure the awkwardness. I sighed deeply and moved to find the professor.

***

I regretted my decision in less than five minutes after entering the student council room.

“…….”

In the quiet student council room, Eden was going through the piles of papers. The other student council members were nowhere to be seen. I never dreamed that I would really be alone with him. I carefully closed the door, but the rattling sound echoed through the silent space. Damn.

“Radel Karel…?”

“Ah….”

His fierce gaze enveloped my entire body. I thought that someone could kill with their eyes alone. We had barely made eye contact, but his reaction was terrifying.

“Why are you here?”

Eden placed the papers he was reading on the desk and stared at me. It seemed like he was waiting for an answer, but the atmosphere was so heavy and oppressive that I couldn’t easily speak. When I didn’t respond, Eden tapped the desk with his fingers. The rhythmic sound lingered in my ears.

“Do you have business here, or have you come all this way to pester me again?”

“No, not at all!”

I spoke up urgently, worried he might misunderstand. I didn’t know why I was so nervous. Was it because he was the next emperor, or because he was my enemy?

Was it because of the hostility I felt toward him?

I chewed on my lips before finally managing to speak.  

“I’m here because the professor recommended me to help with student council work.”  

“Really?”  

Eden stood up from his chair. The creaking sound was audible. Sounds that wouldn’t normally be heard were distinct in the quiet space. Eden casually ran a hand through his shimmering golden hair and began to approach me slowly.  

I flinched and took a step back. Feeling something against my back, I glanced around and saw the door. The firmly closed door amplified my unease. Why did I close it? I should have left it open for an easy escape.  

“I heard you’ve given up on me.”  

He came closer step by step. With nowhere left to run, I pressed myself against the door, trying to maintain some distance between us. But Eden quickly closed the gap with his long strides.  

“I’d like to confirm it with you directly.” 

We were so close I could hear his breathing. This was not a romantic situation at all, given that he was glaring at me. Still, I couldn’t help but feel nervous. I hoped I wasn’t in big trouble here. His deep, dark blue eyes stared at me intently.  

I swallowed hard and thought to myself. Don’t back down here. He’s a big deal, but I can handle this situation. First, I had to respond to what Eden had said to me.  

Wearing the gentle smile I had practiced, I spoke clearly.  

“I have given up on you, Your Highness.”  

I spoke as if I didn’t care at all, and as if I had no regrets, causing the crown prince to frown slightly.  

What is this? Does he still not believe me?  

“From now on and forever, I will not love you.”  

I said it with an even bigger smile to make my point clear. It was an absurd situation, smiling brightly while telling him I didn’t like him. Eden’s face showed a hint of confusion.