episode_0034

After the last duel.

Within the academy, Emilia’s standing was constantly wavering.

“Did everyone see the duel yesterday?” “Princess Venity was overwhelmingly pushed back, you know?” “The level was just different.” “So much so that I even felt pity for her.”

Noble lineage, reigning genius, a talent destined to lead the era. Emilia’s once lofty reputation was rapidly crumbling, making the evaluations she had received until now seem meaningless. The content of the duel had more than enough impact to deliver a great shock to the students.

“It’s unbelievable.” She was a girl always regarded as an object of admiration. From her beautiful appearance to her overbearing aura and the skill that proved her arrogance. She exuded an irresistible charm that anyone would fall for. She was truly a flower blooming on a cliff.

However.

“Only you guys should know this.” “After the duel, the Princess burst into tears, and her pants got wet…” “Shh! What if others hear you?!”

Rather, because of her once lofty reputation. Her miserably defeated appearance remained even more vividly in the children’s minds. Emilia, who was crushed by force in front of the entire student body, burst into tears, and ultimately even lost control of her bladder. It was a truly disgraceful fall.

“Everyone, watch your mouths.” “If you’re caught carelessly blabbing, it’s instant beheading.” “If you dare to mock a lady of a ducal family, your entire family could be massacred.” “So, act accordingly.”

Of course, they couldn’t say it out loud. As the name Venity remained an object of fear, a hushed atmosphere circulated among the students. Especially in front of Emilia herself, they acted even more cautiously. The expulsion that was scheduled to be enforced was postponed. Even when Emilia and Duke Snakers suddenly started sticking together, a strong suspicion lingered, but no one showed it. Because their lives were more precious than the momentary pleasure of gossip. The children kept their mouths shut to survive.

“I ruined everything.”

Yet. That didn’t mean what had happened would disappear. Even with utmost caution, an awkwardness could be felt, and Emilia wasn’t so dull as to not notice it. Although she acted confidently. The girl’s insides were festering.

“I’m sorry, Ruthka.” “I just wanted to do better… and I almost put you in danger too.” “I’ll handle this myself.”

The Princess cried where she couldn’t be seen. As if her usual mask—dignified, arrogant, and captivating—was all a lie. Emilia stood precariously.

“……Tsk.” The boy didn’t like this situation. Leaning against the window, he quietly clicked his tongue. His distinctive blue eyes held a subtle light. His dark blue hair resembled the color of the sea. It was an appearance that immediately brought someone to mind. The boy’s name was Ruthka Venity. He was the Princess’s twin brother and an elite who had also entered Class A. He was gazing at his sister with sunken eyes.

“……” The girl sat weakly at her desk. Although a hint of fatigue was discernible. Even amidst that, perhaps trying to act strong, she maintained a venomous demeanor. It was a pitiable sight.

“Annoying.” Ruthka mumbled softly. Perhaps suppressing his anger, faint wrinkles creased his brow. A chilling air filled the surroundings.

“Please, Ruthka.” “I’ll handle this myself, so… don’t step in.”

At first, he thought he would quietly observe. He thought it was her own doing. It was she who kept provoking the monster that was minding its own business.

However.

“How foolish.” But his heart wasn’t at ease. Knowing why Emilia was so obsessed with being the top student. As a younger sibling who shared the same wounds, he ultimately couldn’t help but take his sister’s side. Because she was the only family he had left in his life. Therefore, Ruthka didn’t like the current situation. The students subtly watching them, Emilia helplessly swayed, and…

“D-Duke-nim… aren’t we s-short one person?” “It’s quite alright, Lady Regia.”

Duke Snakers, acting as he pleased. Ruthka quietly glared at the snake. His narrowed eyes were particularly sinister. Had he come again today? A faint voice drifted over. He saw his sister’s shoulder flinch. It was a tremor that appeared particularly pathetic. Ruthka unknowingly blocked the approaching steps.

“Princess Venity.” “Step back, Juda Snakers.” “Hmm?” “I will no longer tolerate you acting as you please.”

The snake gazed at the boy as if intrigued. A terrible aura pricked his skin. Just standing in front of him, a chilling sensation ran down his spine. It felt as though his legs would give out at any moment. But he didn’t show it.

“I will protect Emilia.”

Because he believed he had to protect her.

“This is troublesome.” The snake, who had been standing still, mumbled. His lips were curved in a smile, contrary to his words. It then drew a sinister arc, holding a bitter smile. As if amused.

***

“I will protect Emilia.” So saying, the blue-haired boy blocked the way forward. I gazed at him with an intrigued look.

“Oh my… isn’t this Duke Venity?” Of course, he was someone I knew. Ruthka Venity. Emilia’s twin younger brother, and also an extra who played the villain in the mid-game. He was a guy who obstructed the protagonist’s path quite significantly.

‘Strange.’ Why is he appearing already? He’s usually a character who appears after a few episodes, so why did he step forward on his own? I quietly pondered.

‘Could it be.’ Does he think I’m tormenting Emilia? It seemed there was a slight misunderstanding. Our relationship was based on a legitimate transaction. In exchange for me protecting Emilia’s weakness, Emilia would answer my call whenever I needed her. It was something mutually agreed upon.

‘I understand his concern, but…’ Still, I have to do what I have to do. The mid-term exam is scheduled for just two days later. With an important episode right before me, I needed at least one more person who could move. Emilia was the one who had promised me that role.

“I personally have some business with Princess Venity, so… would you mind stepping aside?” I smiled as kindly as possible. It was meant to convey that I was a harmless person, but judging by his reaction, it felt like it had the opposite effect. Ruthka’s pupils noticeably trembled. The boy swallowed dryly once, then asked.

“……And if I don’t?” “Well now.” “Wouldn’t something quite unfortunate happen?” I calmly added the last words. Before I knew it, Ruthka had his hand on his sword sheath, as if ready to draw at any moment. I mumbled as if troubled.

“Oh dear… I’m not sure why you’re doing this.”

My voice echoed leisurely. It was a line I had uttered quite seriously, but with my characteristic trait mixed in, it had become a playful tone. Ruthka, wary of me, muttered.

“Step back. I’ll truly draw it.” “You may draw it whenever you wish. However, everything that happens afterward… you, Duke-nim, will have to bear the responsibility for.”

“You’re full of confidence.” “You’d be sent flying with just a simple gesture anyway, so how about you hold back a little?”

“So… I’m not even worth a punch, am I?” “You’re stating the obvious.”

“Ha.” The boy suddenly let out a dry laugh. I don’t know what exactly irritated him this time, but his brow was furrowed.

“Hmm.” It was a genuine piece of advice from my side. Penalties received at Gallimard bring greater disadvantages than one might expect, so it’s best to live carefully. I did my best to admonish the blue-haired golden child.

“Now, aren’t you a good child?”

“I’m curious as to how far you look down on me.” “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“You’ve been repeating ‘I don’t know’ since earlier; may I take that as a form of provocation?” “It’s just that I’m a bit slow-witted, you see.”

“That’s a poor excuse. For the top student in written exams to be slow-witted.” Or perhaps not? Or maybe I just provoked him a few more times because his reaction was amusing? As a dopamine addict with chaos-stirring cells in my very bones, it was a hard temptation to resist. Eventually, the atmosphere escalated to the brink of exploding.

“As expected, I can’t leave things like this.” “Oh dear… if you’re truly going to draw your sword, I suppose I should offer my condolences in advance.” Thus, a volatile situation. What broke the precarious standoff was none other than a voice from behind. Blue hair came between the two of us.

“Both of you, stop it!” The villainess lady intervened, albeit late. A pathetic voice echoed. Following her frail plea, the chilly atmosphere gradually dissipated. Ruthka dropped his hand from the sword sheath.

“Emilia…?” Emilia strode unhesitatingly towards her brother. And then.

Slap! She slapped his cheek before he could even react. Pain flushed one side of his face. Ruthka, dumbfounded, straightened his head. In front of him stood his sister, her expression frozen coldly.

“……Why?” The boy mumbled blankly. It was a monologue, purely seeking an explanation. The villainess pushed her brother away.

“Ruthka.” “Emilia.” “I told you. This isn’t something for you to get involved in.” “But…!” “Mind your own business.”

“Because I can handle it myself.” The girl added briefly. Perhaps because he wanted to help but received such a harsh response in return. Ruthka stiffened, having lost his words.

Regardless. Emilia immediately turned her back and approached me. The villainess naturally stood beside the snake.

“I’ve already made a deal with the Duke.” “What?!” “I’ve agreed to offer my first time. My body is no longer mine, it is entirely for this person.” “What idiotic thing have you done…?” “It was for all of us.”

Click! I lightly snapped my fingers. So that the current conversation wouldn’t reach the ears of other students. The deal I had with Emilia. Since it contained details about her weakness, it seemed beneficial to keep it hidden. The conversation continued calmly.

“So don’t interfere anymore. And don’t antagonize the Duke either.” “Wait, at least explain…!” He demanded an explanation, but Emilia immediately turned her back. There was no vitality in her blue eyes. Instead, only a heavy sense of guilt burned black. The girl took a step.

“Let’s go outside.” “I will follow the Princess-nim’s words.” I obediently followed her. As I calmly walked, I felt a gaze on the back of my head. Until we completely left the classroom. The boy remained frozen in that spot for a while.

***

“There was no need to cast him off so harshly.” By the time we had moved some distance away. I brought up the topic casually. At my questioning words, Emilia paused, then mumbled in a weak voice.

“I didn’t want to displease you.” “Hmm?” “Although I called it a transaction… ultimately, you’re the one holding the initiative in this relationship.” “You were worried, weren’t you? That I might arbitrarily break the deal.” “……Yes.”

She must have been afraid of the weakness I held. The girl, who had been momentarily silent, hastily added as if something occurred to her.

“It’s not that I specifically distrusted you.” “I understand.” “It’s just… it was a habit since I was young. The environment made it so I couldn’t trust anyone.” “Don’t mind it. I haven’t taken offense at all.”

I smiled reassuringly to put her at ease. As someone who knew the circumstances of the Venity family, I only felt sorry for both of them. The twins who appeared as villains in the original work. I hadn’t yet decided what to do with them. But I seemed to have harbored at least a minimum of pity.

“Hehe.” I quietly extended my hand. The villainess standing dejectedly. I stroked her blue hair. Carefully, and gently.

“If you don’t betray me first, I won’t betray you either.” “……I’ll trust you.”

A warm body temperature permeated my palm. Did the warmth that was fully conveyed perhaps resemble her childhood? I slowly opened my mouth.

“It seems you didn’t explain the deal to your brother.” “There’s nothing particularly good about him knowing.” “If your brother doesn’t know about his sister’s sacrifice… it must be very frustrating for him.” “It’s better that he doesn’t know. I don’t want to burden him. Besides, it’s a problem I caused in the first place.” “Excellent.”

Emilia was multifaceted. While she usually suffocated those around her with a confident and overbearing aura. In unseen places like this, she would reveal her somewhat delicate side. Which one was her true self? Inferior arrogance and humble desire. Which of the two formed the girl’s foundation? It was difficult to judge yet. I merely left the choice to tomorrow.

“Shall we put aside other matters for now?” “Yes… The mid-term exam starts in just two days. You came today for the group assignments, didn’t you?” “As expected, you’re quick-witted.” I nodded. As I offered a thumbs-up in praise, Emilia spoke in a subtle voice. She seemed to have put her mask back on already.

“At least in this written exam, you won’t be able to beat me. I truly studied hard this time.” “Oh dear… I haven’t prepared at all, so this is truly a crisis.” “Just prepare to be pushed down to second place.” “You’re full of confidence, aren’t you?” “Because I worked hard.”

Had she regained her spirit? As soon as the topic of the exam came up, the girl revived as if she had never been discouraged. Her competitiveness truly is something to behold.

“I’m sorry, but… I need to be the top student.” Her unique arrogant aura couldn’t be hidden. Following her innate vanity, the villainess lady twisted her lips into a bitter smile. I quietly accepted her provocation.

***

The villainess who boldly dreamed of being the top student in the written exam. She did not know. What future awaited her.

“Princess-nim.” “Yes.” “Princess-nim.” “……Just say it.”

I poked the dejected girl. With a beaming smile on my face, I was lingering around her.

“Are you alright?” “I’m fine.” “Are you alright?” “I said I’m fine… don’t say it twice.” “My apologies.” “Yes.” “My apologies.” “I told you to stop…?”

Emilia’s brow subtly furrowed. I followed up my light tap dance with a final, highlight twerking.

“Second place in the written exam is good too.” “Seriously. Stop it.” “Second place in the written exam is good too.” “I said stop it!!!!”

Yes, she wouldn’t have known. That I would win by an overwhelming point difference. I continued happily teabagging for a while.