How to Survive as That Villainess - Chapter 22

Chapter 3: A Well-Timed Day (8)

Ultimately, for the safety of the swordsmanship club members and my own peace of mind, I decided to stay far away. I thought they would be scared because I’m Radel Karel, but it seems my image has improved more than I expected.

Far from being afraid, everyone seemed thrilled by my visit. Even while practicing swordsmanship, I could feel them glancing this way. Of course, it’s awkward because they freeze up like stone statues whenever I look back at them.

They seemed to have no immunity to women since they were always around other men. It felt like a female celebrity had come to visit the military, and before I knew it, I plopped down into a prepared chair.

They were all so focused on me that I couldn’t tell if they were practicing swordsmanship or dancing with swords, but they turned out to be unexpectedly pleasant and amusing people, which lifted my spirits.

But why isn’t he coming?

Looking at the one remaining flower crown, Kyle immediately came to mind. I wanted to give him the flower crown to show my gratitude for helping me today. However, Kyle wasn’t at the swordsmanship training hall when I arrived. Come to think of it, Dia wasn’t here either. I guess she’s still fighting with Huan. Those two are something else!

“But isn’t that girl Radel Karel? The infamous villainess…”

“What does that matter? A girl has come to this bleak place, so we should treat her as a valued guest!”

“Can’t argue with that.”

One of the male students, who had been conversing, seemed convinced and started walking toward me. I tensed up, wondering if I was bothering them and if they were going to kick me out.

“Is there anything you need…?”

Unexpectedly, the male student spoke to me kindly. Did he come because he felt sorry for me sitting alone? Such a nice person…!

I had been treated roughly everywhere lately, so this kind of kindness was rare. It’s the first time I’ve experienced such kindness besides from Aren!

“Could you get me something to drink…?”

Honestly, I didn’t need anything, but the student’s eyes were so bright and eager. It felt like I would be rude not to ask for something, so I made a random request.

The male student nodded several times in agreement and then walked away.

As I fiddled with the flower crown for a while, it seemed a dispute was happening a short distance away. The commotion made me look up, and I saw male students arguing while holding a tray with cups of water.

“I’m telling you, I’ll take it!”

“What are you talking about? Leave it to me.”

“Both of you just practice. I’ll take it over.”

Anyone could have brought it over…

While it was nice to be treated as a special guest, being served was quite overwhelming. The male students were engaged in a tug-of-war over the tray. It was surprisingly amusing to watch, and as I was watching, the entrance of the swordsmanship training hall became noisy.

“Lord Kailon!”

Kyle, famous even among the swordsmanship club, was greeted with cheers as soon as he entered. He seemed annoyed, but the other students kept talking to him regardless. He didn’t respond, though…

“Oh, you’ve received a lot today as well.”

I glanced over and saw Kyle’s arms full of chocolates, snacks, gifts, and what appeared to be flowers. It was the quintessential haul of a popular person. I was surprised at how much he had received.

“Here, take it.”

I was wondering how he would deal with all those gifts, but Kyle handed them over to the other male students without hesitation. Then, he stretched, as if carrying everything had been tiring.

Wow, he gives all that away to others, isn’t it a waste? Although it seemed like he received them unwillingly and had no regrets about giving them away, it still felt like a waste.

Well, Kyle never showed any obsession or desire for anything other than swords or sparring. So, those kinds of gifts must be a nuisance to him. Hmm, maybe I shouldn’t give mine away either. Watching that scene made me feel like my flower crown would end up on someone else’s head, and I didn’t like that.

“Radel?”

After handing over even the gifts secretly put in his pockets by the female students, Kyle trotted over to me. His quick approach startled me. He really is fast.

“Shoo.”

Kyle shooed away the male students who were following him closely and then plopped down beside my chair.

“What’s up?”

“I have something to give you…”

I said that, but I didn’t have the courage to give it to him. I didn’t know I was this timid! I’m not sure why I’m nervous in front of Kyle. I thought we’d gotten closer lately, but surely he wouldn’t throw away my gift, right?

“What is it?”

I closed my eyes and placed the flower crown on Kyle’s head as he tilted his head in curiosity. It suits him better than I thought. Why are the male leads here all prettier than the girls…? I might start getting jealous.

“It’s a gift.”

“A gift?”

“Yes, a gift.”

It felt like I kept repeating myself. Kyle gently touched the flower crown on his head. Since his expression hadn’t changed, I couldn’t tell if he liked it or not.

‘Does he not like it?’

Kyle, who usually received expensive chocolates or jewel-encrusted accessories, wouldn’t appreciate a simple flower crown. But it’s the thought that counts! I forced a big smile and asked.

“How is it? Do you like it?”

“Yeah.”

Kyle replied without hesitation, but his expression remained blank. Does he really like it, or is he just answering out of obligation?

“Hmm…”

I studied Kyle’s face but eventually gave up. No matter how hard I looked, I couldn’t tell if he was happy or indifferent. His poker face is really something.

“Uh, here’s the water you asked for.”

“…Are you okay?”

The water I requested earlier finally arrived. It seemed the dispute had been resolved, but the student who brought the water looked terrible.

He was covered in scratches, like a warrior returning from a battlefield… What on earth happened to him?

“I have some ointment; would you like to use it?”

“I had picked up the ointment I threw away while in the infirmary. I brought it along to deceive the nurse, but it turns out it’s quite useful…”

I rummaged through my pockets and took out the ointment.

“Here, come over. I’ll apply it for you.”

“Ah, thank you… Eek!”

The student, who had been approaching with a flushed face, suddenly turned pale and became completely stiff. I reached out to him in confusion, but he shouted in fright.

“I’ll apply it myself!”

“Ah, sure. Do as you please.”

I watched the student leave hastily with a sense of confusion. His behavior suddenly became strange. Is he also feeling unwell? He was quite worrisome.

“Kyle, you’re going to practice now, right? I’ll finish this and head back.”

“Already?”

Kyle’s body slumped. It seemed he was dejected because he couldn’t practice. I downed the water in one gulp and decided I needed to leave quickly. Seeing Kyle so dejected made me entertain the ridiculous idea of having a spar with him.

I’m crazy…! To risk my life just because he looks pitiful. I needed to postpone a sword fight with Kyle as much as possible. My life is precious. Besides, I’ve been so busy lately that I haven’t been able to exercise. If I fought Kyle in my current state, I’d be done for, so I hurriedly stood up.

“Well then, I’ll be going.”

I exited the sword training room faster than Kyle could suggest a spar. I could see the students behind me feeling disappointed, but I ignored them and went on my way.

***

After Radel left, the sword training room buzzed with activity for the first time in a while. It was all thanks to the flower crowns Radel had left behind. After a fierce competition for the tray, Peter, who had emerged victorious, approached Kyle and spoke to him.

“Wow, Kyle, that flower crown looks amazing on you!”

Although Kyle had glared intimidatingly when Peter approached him earlier, now he strangely looked pleased. It was almost as if flowers were floating around Kyle.

“Wow, I’d love to try it on too!”

Peter, known for his bravery but lack of discretion, reached out to the flower crown Kyle was wearing. The surrounding students tensed, watching the situation unfold.

“Peter.”

“Yes?”

“If you touch that flower crown, you’ll regret it.”

Peter, seeing Kyle draw his sword, realized he was serious. Feeling the threat, Peter cautiously withdrew his hand and began to act as if nothing had happened.

“Peter, that fool. Doesn’t he realize that Kyle is still wearing that flower crown?” 

“He’s incredibly dense.”

Normally, Kyle would either pass on gifts he received immediately or stuff them away somewhere. But seeing him wear the flower crown he received for so long meant he must have liked it. Even though his expression didn’t change, the students who had observed Kyle for a long time could tell that he was in a good mood.

“Radel Karel is something else.”

Student 3, who had been watching the entire situation, was left speechless in shock. Not only did she bring down his long-time friend Robert with just a glance, but she also managed to make the perpetually gloomy Kyle so happy. She was far more impressive than he had imagined. In that moment, Student 3 vowed to make a good impression the next time they met.

“What’s going on here? Why is it so chaotic?”

“Dia, who looked like she had just come from a fight somewhere, entered the swordsmanship training hall and said one thing. It was truly a mess. Peter was standing there dazed and frightened for some reason, while another student was staring at the sky, as if making a resolution. The most bizarre thing was Kyle, who, despite wearing a disheveled flower crown, looked pleased.

“Kyle, what’s with that weird flower crown?”

Dia asked Kyle as she prepared for sword training, with an almost dismissive tone. She wasn’t really interested in the flower crown; she just wanted to provoke Kyle because he looked so pleased.

“Radel gave it to me.”

“Oh my, what a splendid flower crown!”

Suddenly, Dia’s interest in the flower crown surged. Seeing Dia, who was suddenly in a good mood along with Kyle, the students in the swordsmanship club felt a sense of dread. Dia, who was usually so difficult, looked happy!

“So, Kyle.”

“…?”

“Give it to me.”

Thus, the flower crown scramble began, following the tray scramble in the swordsmanship club.