How to Survive as That Villainess - Chapter 21

Chapter 3: A Well-Timed Day (7)

Betrayed by Alec, my fragile heart shattered into pieces. I resolved to not let him off easily the next time we meet. With that firm decision, I was dragged away by Huan.

“What, are we doing it here?”

We arrived at a garden filled with the scent of flowers. Since it was my favorite place in the academy, I couldn’t help but admire Huan’s good sense. It was so tucked away that not many people came by, and there was little noise, making it the perfect spot.

“Why, don’t you like it?”

“No, I like it.”

I smiled broadly at the flowers. Seeing me enjoy the flowers, Huan scratched the back of his head, feeling shy. Ignoring Huan’s reaction, I eagerly picked and braided the flowers. Since Lady Corse had taught me before, I could easily make a flower crown. It didn’t look particularly pretty, but…

“What are you doing?”

“Well, I can’t dance because of my sprained ankle. So let’s just play today, okay?”

I couldn’t dance or run, so I pleaded with a hopeful tone. Huan just stared at me as I sat there.

I guess it won’t work? I couldn’t read his expression, so I didn’t know what Huan was thinking.

“Alright, then.”

“Huh?”

After pausing for a while, Huan plopped down beside me and began to fiddle with the flower crown I made. I was surprised that Huan, whom I expected to be upset, readily agreed to my suggestion. Oh my goodness.

“Are you sure we can just play today? We really don’t have to do that deadly tap dance, right?”

“Wait, what’s the deadly tap dance?”

The prickly Huan was accommodating me. Did the sun rise in the west today? Why is he acting this way? The sudden kindness made me worry more than it surprised me. Did he hit his head or have a fever? Could it be both…?

My expression of shock gradually turned into one of concern. I reached out and placed my hand on Huan’s forehead. Thankfully, he didn’t have a fever. That left the possibility that he hit his head somewhere; should I send him to the infirmary?

“What-what are you doing? Get your hand off!”

“Hmm, it seems like the usual Huan…”

His head is normal. It seems like a change of heart. Since we’re now teacher and student in dancing, he must have felt there was no need to be hostile. As I made a second flower crown, I observed Huan. He was blushing just from touching me. Watching him fan himself and avert his gaze was quite amusing. In this light, he seemed like a cute friend.

“But aren’t you bothered by the rumors?”

“They’re not true anyway, so why should I care about other people’s opinions?”

I finished making the second flower crown and placed it on Huan’s head. Why does it suit him better than me…? Anyway, Huan adjusted the flower crown and looked at me with surprise. Did I say something that shocking? I looked at Huan, and his next words made my eyes widen.

“You’re someone else, aren’t you.”

Pause. As if someone had pressed the pause button, my body froze. My hands, which had been gathering flowers, stopped in mid-air, and my eyes kept darting around as if lost. Did he find out? I’d never been suspected before, no matter what I did, but am I really caught now…?

“What are you talking about?”

My voice didn’t come out right because I was flustered. I clasped my hands together tightly, hoping they wouldn’t shake. Am I trembling…? I don’t know why I can’t act at times like this. Fortunately, Huan took off the flower crown I made and just stared at it. Oh, my heart is pounding…

“The way you act, the way you speak—everything’s different. Just a few months ago, you were a harsh woman who only cared about herself, and now you’re making flower crowns. How can I not be suspicious?”

Ugh, that’s an accurate point.”

Huan spoke without hesitation, pointing out my weaknesses. A cold sweat ran down my back. I knew Huan was perceptive and observant. I should have been more careful; regret washed over me.

“But I think the way you are now is fine.”

“Huh?”

“I don’t know why you decided to change, but you look much better now.”

The way he spoke shyly, like a bashful young boy, was adorable. He’d surely get mad if I said that, but I had to stifle a laugh at his endearing demeanor.

“Huan, I never thought you’d see me that way…”

“Please, stop grabbing my hand so suddenly!”

When I held his hand tightly while trying to suppress my laughter, Huan recoiled. His reaction was always the same, but it was amusing every time I saw it. I must make sure he doesn’t realize I enjoy his reactions.

“Oh, but remember, we’re only taking a break today. Starting tomorrow, you need to take the lessons seriously.”

“If you’re anxious, how about we make a promise? Come on, pinky swear.”

“Don’t try anything.”

Oh well, I tried to sneak in some contact with a pinky swear, but he’s too quick-witted. I clicked my tongue in disappointment and stretched out in the grass. Come to think of it, the party is coming up soon. I still have to go to the student council today, and I need to find a partner—so much to do.

“Hey, Huan, have you found a partner? I still haven’t…”

“What are you talking about? You’re my partner.”

Startled by Huan’s unexpected statement, I sat up quickly. What do you mean, dance master? While Huan spoke as if it were obvious, I was left speechless in disbelief.

“So, you mean, Huan and I are…”

“Partners.”

I’ve never heard of this before! Did I promise without remembering? My memory has been failing me lately… As I stared blankly at Huan, he let out a deep sigh.

“With your dancing skills as they are, how could I trust sending you with someone else?”

“Oh, that’s a bit hurtful…”

“With skills like that, huh? Was I really that bad?”

Well, as a total beginner, my dancing must look very inadequate to Huan. The phrase “like that” might be the kindest way he could put it.

“Ugh, but to be partners with Huan.”

It sounds exhausting just thinking about it. How much criticism will I get at the party? Probably half of our conversation will be nitpicking and criticism. Ugh, the stress already! Seeing my horrified expression, Huan looked troubled and lowered his gaze.

“Do you not want to?”

“No, no. It’s just so sudden.”

I wouldn’t dislike it. I’ve saved the trouble of finding a partner, and having such a reliable friend accompany me to the party isn’t something I’d object to. I’m just afraid of the scolding.

“Who decided Radel is your partner?”

“Dia Reios?”

Dia suddenly appeared. I hadn’t seen her in a while, but she didn’t feel unfamiliar. Her hair was tied up in a ponytail, making her look quite pure, which surprised me. Her personality is quite quirky, though.

Dia Looked at me, smiled brightly, and waved as she approached. I was startled and opened my eyes wide as I spoke to her.

“Dia, how did you get here?”

“I asked that ordinary guy you hang out with.”

Oh, she means Alec. Hmm, she labeled Alec as ordinary. It’s a bit sad to be called ordinary instead of by name, but somehow it made sense. Sorry, Alec…

“Anyway, Radel is going to be my partner.”

“What kind of novel nonsense is that?”

Huan sighed as if he were tired of it, rubbing his forehead. Dia approached and hugged me tightly, smiling casually. Dia smelled like roses. Do you use the same shampoo as me?

“We can’t be partners since we’re the same gender.”

“Rules like that don’t need to be followed.”

Dia was adamant about being my partner. I was afraid she might even suggest dressing as a man to become my partner. She’s so popular… I want to tell her to go to one of the guys who like her, but it doesn’t seem like the right time.

“I’m a better match for Radel than a nag like you.”

“Ha, that’s ridiculous. I’m the more suitable partner.”

No, stop it. You two.

I don’t know why they’re fighting. They’re arguing intensely without considering my opinion at all. Suddenly, I felt tired of it all. I’ll just keep making flower crowns; maybe by the time I’m done, their fight will be over.

In the end, I didn’t see who won the fight. Even after making several flower crowns and the time for class to start arrived, the two of them kept arguing and arguing.

I watched them for a moment, then shook my head. Oh dear, they’re hopeless.

Leaving the two bickering like children, I gathered up my flower crowns and left the spot. Since the garden was a bit far, it took me a few minutes to reach the classroom. I ended up being late and hesitantly approached the professor.

“Radel…!”

The magic theory professor was trembling with his wand, ready to scold me, but when I placed the most elaborate flower crown on his head, he was delighted. Seeing him blush slightly with happiness filled me with pride.

“Do you like it?”

“I can’t concentrate on the lesson.”

The professor looked quite cute teaching with the flower crown on. All around, students were struggling to suppress their laughter and couldn’t focus on the lesson.

If only I had a camera, I would’ve taken a picture because the professor looked very fitting with the flower crown in many ways.

Oh, if only I had a camera…!

But this wasn’t the 21st century; it was a fantasy-filled world within a novel. I’d heard of things like magic spheres, but I hadn’t seen one yet. I decided I’d have to ask Vivian to get me one later.

“Hey, Radel. Could you give me a flower crown too?”

The magic theory professor must have been showing off because other professors came to me asking for flower crowns. Since it wasn’t a difficult request, I gladly shared the crowns I had made during lunchtime.

Now there was only one left.

While pondering who to give it to, I made my way to the swordsmanship training hall.

“Wow, a girl!”

“It’s the first time a girl has come here besides Dia!”

I entered the swordsmanship training hall, known for having the highest ratio of male students in the academy. As expected, there wasn’t a single girl in sight.

All I could see were men practicing swordsmanship with their arm muscles on display, men exercising shirtless… Is this heaven? They were so focused on their swordsmanship training that all of them had well-toned bodies from their rigorous training, giving me an unexpected feast for the eyes. I cleared my throat a couple of times. Hmm, my eyes keep drifting toward those muscles.

“Eek!”

Under my blatant gaze, one of the shirtless male students let out a pitiful scream and covered himself with his arms. Ah, what a shame… no, this was not the time for that. Clutching the flower crown to my chest, I looked around.

“Um, excuse me…”

“A girl talked to me! It’s my first conversation with a girl!”

Huh. Dia is part of the swordsmanship club too, right? Do they not consider her a girl

As I stood there, flustered, Male Student 1, who was on the verge of fainting from excitement, began slapping Male Student 2’s arm hysterically. I fixed my gaze on Male Student 2, thinking it must hurt, but he seemed frozen, not moving at all. In fact, he wasn’t even breathing…

“Hey, Robert isn’t breathing!”

“Take him to the infirmary quickly!”

What a mess. The pitiful Male Student 2 was carried to the infirmary on Male Student 1’s back.

What have I done? I only looked at him, and he fainted. I didn’t know I had this kind of power.

“Wow, girls are scary.”

No, it’s you guys who are weird. I’d had enough after just three minutes of being here. I just wanted to deliver the flower crown and leave, but the person I was looking for wasn’t in sight.