How to Survive as That Villainess - Chapter 19

Chapter 3: A Well-Timed Day (5)

As the sunset filled the quiet space with a red glow, a chilly autumn breeze came through the open window, causing me to shiver slightly. I wanted to rub my arms with my hands, but I couldn’t move because the blue eyes focused solely on me made me self-conscious.

“I see.”

After a brief silence, his words were simple. His voice was calm, but his face seemed to show a hint of confusion. Well, it’s understandable. The bothersome woman who had been following him around, claiming to like him, was now shouting that she dislikes him to his face. I would be dumbfounded too.

His clouded eyes briefly scanned me, as if assessing the truth of my words. I met Eden’s gaze steadily without wavering. Relief appeared on his face.

“Well, if that’s the case, we can work without any issues.”

The Crown Prince said that and then walked back to the desk where he had been working. Only then could I finally release the tension from my entire body. Along with the muscle aches that still lingered, the release of tension made my legs feel weak.

With trembling legs, I barely managed to move and then stopped abruptly. The student council room was quite spacious, and I didn’t know where I was supposed to sit or what I was supposed to do. I didn’t want to speak to him again, but I had to work. Therefore, I had to speak to the Crown Prince, who was focused on reading the documents, once more.

“Where should I sit?”

No answer came to my question. Without looking at me, the Crown Prince pointed to the desk right next to him with his finger while keeping his eyes fixed on the documents. It seemed he wanted me to sit there. What’s with that attitude?

I had many complaints but lacked the courage to rebel, so I staggered over to the spot.

“Hmm, what should I do?”

There was a stack of documents piled high on the desk. It seemed to contain information about the upcoming party. I glanced over the documents following Eden’s lead. Wow, does it include the budget? Seeing the unexpectedly enormous amount, I could predict how grand the party would be.

“Your Highness, what should I do now?”

Eden narrowed his fine brows and fixed his gaze on me. It seemed he was annoyed with my persistent questioning. I felt frustrated too, but how could I act on things I didn’t know? I added, feeling wronged.

“I didn’t hear anything from the professor.”

“…Organize the documents piled over there.”

The conversation ended there. Eden returned to his work as if he had no interest in me. I understood he was busy as the student council president, but I couldn’t help feeling annoyed at his indifferent attitude. Since things had come to this, I decided to focus on the work. I stretched my arms and flexed my fingers, then began organizing the documents one by one.

The vast amount made my head spin, but I thought this tedious work was better than studying, so I kept my hands busy. Oh, I might be suited for this. Seeing the documents sorted out more smoothly than expected, I even felt a sense of satisfaction.

After not too long, I finished organizing everything. Overjoyed, I looked at Eden with a broad smile.

“I’m all done!”

Eden turned his head and looked at me with surprised eyes. It was such a rare expression that I was taken aback, and as we looked at each other, Eden asked in a doubtful voice.

“Already?”

I smiled proudly and tapped the documents on the desk with my hand. Eden, looking at the neatly organized documents, was lost in thought for a moment and then slightly raised the corners of his mouth.

“You’re more useful than I thought.”

“This is simple!”

Hearing unexpected praise and seeing Eden’s smile boosted my confidence. I crossed my arms and spoke confidently, and Eden’s smile grew wider as he watched me. It was a sinister smile this time, sending a chill down my spine.

“Good, then take care of those documents over there, too.”

I turned my gaze to where Eden was pointing and saw another pile of papers stacked up. Ugh, wasn’t I supposed to go home after finishing just this? With my face painted in shock, I picked up the pile of documents and let out a silent scream. If I had known this would happen, I would have worked more slowly. Come to think of it, Eden was quite adept at working people hard. Even after becoming emperor in the distant future, he drove his vassals relentlessly… Am I his practice target?

“I want to go home.”

“I’ll let you go once you’re done.”

You damn bastard! I gritted my teeth. I didn’t have the strength to rebel, but I could glare. I shot Eden with a look filled with hostility. That awful Crown Prince! Earlier, he seemed like he was going to send me away, and now he was keeping me here because he found me useful?

What a shameless person! With tears in my eyes, I busily organized the documents. I felt a sense of self-reproach, wondering if I really needed to work this hard when I wasn’t even an office worker. In the end, I could only return to the mansion after the sun had set.

Surely, that man will become a tyrannical boss in the future.

***

“You have dark circles under your eyes.”

“Thanks to whom do you think?”

What bad luck. Seeing this man’s face first thing in the morning. It was fine that he walked up leisurely to talk to me. But then this man handed me a pile of documents as a gift…?

“What is this?”

“The party schedule and the list of items that need to be prepared for that day.”

“You want me to check all of this?”

I swore inwardly at the look in his eyes that seemed to say, “Isn’t that obvious?” But since I couldn’t actually curse, I expressed my dissatisfaction instead.

“Aren’t you working people too hard, Your Highness?”

I spoke with genuine irritation, and the Crown Prince avoided my gaze. Well, there’s no helping it. After all, I was the one who volunteered to help with student council work. Hugging the documents to my chest, I let out a deep sigh.

“Come to think of it, you don’t call me by my name anymore.”

Eden, perhaps trying to change the subject, casually brought up another topic. It was quite arrogant and shameless of him. The royal arrogance was evident, making me realize that the man beside me was indeed the Crown Prince.

But calling him by his name…

Originally, Radel always called the Crown Prince by his name. It was natural to call someone you liked by their name. However, I found Eden uncomfortable, to say the least, so I tried to avoid calling him by his name.

“Why, do you want me to call you by your name?”

“No, it’s fine.”

I was willing to call him by his name if he wanted, but Eden immediately declined. Relieved, I held the documents comfortably and started reading them.

“Ack!”

It happened in an instant.

Something caught my foot, causing me to stumble, and I let out a short scream. Already exhausted and not in great shape, I helplessly fell to the floor. I felt like a frail heroine, but unfortunately, I was a villainess.

“Who on earth…”

Still seated on the floor, I glanced up slightly and recognized the familiar curve of the eyes. Seeing the smiling face looking down at me made me shiver with a chill.

“Se…ria?”

In shock, I widened my eyes and stared at Seria. Seria, who was smiling innocently, quickly covered her mouth and bent down to meet my gaze.

“Are you okay, Radel? I’m sorry, I was a bit distracted for a moment…”

It was a performance worthy of applause. The tears streaming down her face made her earlier smile seem like a lie.

“Ha…”

For a moment, I was at a loss for words. As I stared blankly at Seria, students began to gather around, whispering and watching us. What is this embarrassing situation?

“What should I do… I really can’t get up.”

Feigning concern with exaggerated sincerity, I clenched my fist, tempted to hit her, but held back as a thought crossed my mind. If I get angry here, I’ll say goodbye to my good image forever. I bit my lip and took a deep breath. Yes, hold it in for now. Losing my temper here will only hurt me.

“Seria.”

Smile, smile. A smiling face is the best. I smiled as broadly as possible. I heard gasps from the people around me. I saw some flushed faces here and there, but why that happened wasn’t my concern. My ankle hurt terribly, and my embarrassment was at its peak. I wanted to defuse the situation with a smiling face and get rid of this insincere one.

“Are you alright?”

Oh, surprisingly, it was the Crown Prince who offered me a hand first. I guess he was human after all; he didn’t just stand by. As I hesitated for a moment and considered taking Eden’s outstretched hand, a dark figure suddenly appeared before me.

“Radel.”

“Ah, you startled me.”

Kyle, who had seen me from a distance, suddenly rushed over and popped up in front of me. I made a wary face, thinking he was about to suggest sparring even in this situation, but his unexpected actions made me open my eyes wide.

“Take it.”

Kyle extended his large hand in front of me. It was such an unexpected gesture that I blinked and stared at Kyle. The usually indifferent Kyle, who never cared about others, was now offering me his hand?

I felt bewildered. In front of me were two men extending their hands, and I had to choose only one. Eden or Kyle, that was the question. For other girls, this might seem like a delightful dilemma.

It didn’t matter much whom I chose, but I wanted to take the hand of someone I felt more comfortable with. So I quickly grabbed Kyle’s hand.

Kyle pulled me up with strength, and I stumbled into his arms.

“Let’s go.”

Kyle said in a very succinct way, suggesting we go to the infirmary. I nodded weakly and looked back.

I did feel a little sorry for Eden, who was left without anyone to take his hand, but I also found it slightly satisfying. After working me so hard, he deserved it!

Of course, I lacked the 2% of courage needed to say that out loud.

I turned my gaze away from Eden, who was opening and closing his hand, and looked forward.

I wanted to see what expression Seria was wearing, but I decided against it because I felt it might be unpleasant. I couldn’t forget the smile she had while looking down at me earlier. She seemed scarier than I had thought.

My ankle aches. It seems I twisted it when I fell. As I limped along with Kyle’s support, I could feel the students in the hallway, who had been chatting, glancing at us.

Their disapproving stares pierced through me. It seemed they didn’t like seeing me with Kyle, a well-known figure at the academy. Furthermore, since our shoulders were touching, the female students’ gazes naturally grew even sharper. Even though I had no choice but to accept his support, it was quite a special treatment.

‘Why, why is Lord Kailon with someone like Lady Radel…?’

I saw a female student staring at me with a face full of shock. She probably thought she was speaking quietly, but her voice was louder than expected. The girl trembled in fear, hurriedly covered her mouth, and lowered her head. She seemed to think I would retaliate, but I had no intention of doing so. I already knew my reputation was in the gutter, so it didn’t really hurt me. I walked with my head held high and glanced at Kyle, who was silently supporting me.

“Kyle, my leg hurts.”

I was grateful to Kyle for coming to help, and his actions were touching, considering it must have been a hassle for him to assist me. That’s why I showed a hint of childishness, but Kyle stared at me blankly and, as if realizing something, let out a short sigh.

“Oh, I understand what you mean.”

“What…?”

I had just said it hurt. You could say I was being a bit dramatic, but Kyle seemed to interpret it as if I had said it with a purpose.

“What are you doing right now!”

Kyle swiftly lifted me up, attempting the classic princess carry often seen in heroine stories. As expected of someone who exercises, the arms holding me were firm. Startled, my hands unknowingly landed on Kyle’s chest, and I could feel the tautness of his muscles through my fingers. While I was impressed, thinking, ‘He’s in better shape than I thought,’ I blushed even more under the increasing number of stares.

“K-Kyle…”

This is embarrassing. Though it was more comfortable than being supported earlier, the shame made me unable to lift my head. Only a heroine like Seria, who could be so shameless, would be unfazed by this. If a supporting villainess like me experienced something like this, I’d die of embarrassment!

I was really grateful for Kyle’s consideration. Seeing this unusual side of him made my heart flutter just a little. But now, I felt so embarrassed that it seemed like my heart would burst.

I wanted to ask him to put me down, but his firm refusal meant I had to cover my tomato-red face with both hands. 

I hoped we’d reach the infirmary soon! 

It was only after we arrived at the infirmary door that I could finally breathe a sigh of relief. With fewer students around, the ordeal of testing my patience was over. I carefully lowered the hands that had been almost glued to my face.

“I’ll open the door…”

Bang!

I intended to open the door for Kyle since he couldn’t use his hands while carrying me. However, I was left speechless when Kyle kicked the door open with force. What a macho man! His powerful demeanor made my eyes sparkle. Now I understood why he was so popular—he looked so cool!

“Oh my, what a scare!”

The infirmary teacher, startled by the suddenly opened door, dropped the sandwich they were eating. It was a delicious-looking tomato sandwich, but it became unrecognizable as it hit the floor. It looked like they had barely taken a bite… I felt sorry for it.

“Sit here.”

Kyle gently placed me on the soft bed sheets, not on a chair, and knelt on one knee, staring at me intently, as if waiting for something.

He seems to be looking at me with slightly bright eyes. No, that can’t be right. It must be my imagination. Kyle with bright, sparkling eyes…

“K-Kyle… thank you for bringing me here.”

I felt uncomfortable under Kyle’s gaze as he stared at me for quite a while. I wondered if he was expecting a thank you, so I sincerely expressed my gratitude. Saying thank you felt insufficient, though. I wanted to do something else for him, but nothing came to mind.

While I pondered this for a moment, I noticed Kyle’s soft black hair. As I carefully stroked his strikingly beautiful hair, he lowered his head slightly.

It felt like petting a dog, no, a giant puppy? It was like the feeling of stroking a large dog.

What am I doing here…?

“Kyle, by the way.”

I stopped petting him and spoke to Kyle. He lifted his head and looked up at me. I blurted out the question that had been lingering in my mind.

“Why did you help me?”

Kyle is one of the many knights who protect Seria and save her when she’s in danger. Yet, at that moment, he noticed me first and rushed over to help.

Even though he tends to act on his own, I didn’t expect him to do something so surprising. I can’t figure this person out at all.

“If you’re hurt or sick…”

As I tried to gauge Kyle’s thoughts, he hesitated a bit before speaking.

“You can’t… spar?”

Why did that sound like a question? Kyle furrowed his brow slightly, seemingly unsure. After pondering deeply, he stood up.

“Kyle…?”

His face remained a poker face, but a hint of confusion lingered in his eyes. Kyle left the infirmary in a hurry, leaving me behind.

No matter how much I think about it, I can’t understand why he acted that way all of a sudden. Oh well, I should just let it go. Thinking about it only gives me a headache.

“Are you done talking?”

“Yes.”

The infirmary teacher, having apparently finished cleaning up the dropped sandwich, scratched the back of their head and approached. Wearing a doctor’s coat, they looked quite dependable. The young infirmary teacher yawned loudly and asked in a languid voice.

“Where does it hurt?”

“My whole body.”

My ankle hurt the most, but the muscle aches made my whole body throb. I rotated my shoulders, pretending to be tired, and the infirmary teacher chuckled.

“Your whole body aches at such a young age.”

“I’ve lived a tough life so far.”

Saying that, I lay back. The feel of the soft sheets enveloped me. A pleasant breeze wafted in through the window, carrying the scent of autumn.

“Hey, student. You need to get treated before you fall asleep.”

I was lying down, lost in thought for the first time in a while, when the infirmary teacher interrupted. They pressed firmly on my ankle, bothering me until I sat up abruptly. It didn’t hurt much, but it was annoying.

“It’ll get better if you just leave it alone.”

I didn’t come here to get treated; I came to skip lectures and rest. I wanted to sleep off the gloomy feeling caused by Seria, but the infirmary teacher, determined to fulfill their duty, wouldn’t leave me alone.

“Is that something a student in the infirmary should say?”

Saying this, the infirmary teacher suddenly stood up and left for somewhere. What? I peeked to see where they went, and they returned with an ice pack, which they placed on my ankle.

“You said you twisted your ankle, right? Hold this there.”

“Ah, it’s cold, so cold!”

An ice pack in autumn felt freezing. It was a bit dramatic, but it was cold enough to make me shiver. Plus, it seemed I had gotten minor scrapes when I fell, and the melting ice water stung. It hurts!

“Oh dear, you have a lot of wounds too.”

Saying that, the infirmary teacher took out medicine and a bandage from their coat pocket and firmly placed them in my hand. What am I supposed to do with these?

“I’m sorry, but something urgent came up. You can apply the medicine yourself, right?”

“Of course.”

I gave a reassuring smile, but the infirmary teacher looked at me skeptically. Feeling a bit guilty, I pretended to open the cap.

“Make sure you apply the medicine.”

Seeing the infirmary teacher off as they left, repeatedly emphasizing the need to apply the medicine, I collapsed back onto the bed. I tossed the medicine far away and fidgeted with the bandage in my fingers. I hate the sticky feeling of ointment. Debating whether to at least wrap the bandage, I was overcome with laziness and threw the bandage aside as well. I’m sleepy; I might as well sleep.

I closed my eyes. Without even thinking about covering myself with a blanket, I fell asleep as if I had passed out.

***

In the deep, deep depths of the ocean, a child was curled up and crying. The space, empty and filled only with darkness, was cold and chilly. I didn’t know why I was there, but for some reason, I felt as if I were protecting him, and I approached the crouched child. The sound of the child’s sobs became clearer.

‘Who are you?’

As I got closer, it became evident that the child was engulfed in fear and loneliness. Shivering slightly, I placed a hand on the boy’s shoulder. His body, cold as ice, seemed fragile enough to shatter at any moment.

‘Hey, show me your face.’

I felt like I needed to see his face. I wanted to ask why he was crying, why he was curled up there. I patted the back of the boy, who was weeping mournfully, to comfort him. His thin arms and legs were covered with wounds and bruises. Were these marks of being beaten? Was this child being abused?

I felt melancholy. On such a small child, where could one even find a place to hit? Feeling sorry for the boy, I hugged him tightly.

“‘Don’t worry, I’m on your side.’

I didn’t know why I said that. The words just came out on their own. As I was startled by what I had unconsciously said, the boy turned his head slightly to look at me. His eyes were as clear and transparent as jewels, and meeting them made my mind go blank.

‘Uh, but you look like…’

The boy resembled someone I knew. Who was it? It was someone I could easily remember, but I just couldn’t recall.

Suddenly, my head hurt as if it were going to split open. I clutched my head and tightly closed my eyes. As I hoped for the pain to subside, I heard a gentle voice from somewhere.

“Radel.”

When I opened my eyes upon hearing the voice, I found myself in the infirmary. Oh, that’s right. I was sleeping here. So everything I saw earlier was just a dream? It was such a vivid dream. The touch, the feeling, everything felt so real that it gave me chills. Since inhabiting this body, I don’t think I’ve ever had a dream, and the first one I had was so sad.

“’Are you alright? You’re sweating a lot.”

“Aren…?”

Aren, who was sitting on the bed and looking at my face, wiped the sweat beaded on my forehead. His touch, as if handling something precious, made me lie still. So it was Aren who called me; somehow, I felt relieved.

“But what’s with this hand?”

I didn’t know why Aren was in the infirmary, but what caught my attention was our clasped hands. When I pointed to the hand I was holding with my index finger, Aren, as if startled, hurriedly let go.

“This is because it seemed like you were having a nightmare…”

Aren said bashfully. I found his unusual reaction amusing, though I felt fine. I considered teasing Aren a bit more but decided against it. I felt strangely weak. Was it because of the strange dream?

Yet, for some reason, I couldn’t remember the boy’s face. The feel of his cold body and the chill of that space were still vivid. I even remembered the clothes of the crouching child, but somehow, his face was like a blurred mosaic in my memory.

They say you forget half of a dream as soon as you wake up, so I shouldn’t worry about it. It was probably just a meaningless dream.

Recently, I’ve had so many difficult things going on that even my dreams tormented me. To forget it quickly, I stretched broadly.