How to Survive as the Academy’s Villain

Chapter 120

“…”

“…”

A beautiful girl with platinum blonde hair and a cold beauty with silver hair sat facing each other in silence, sipping tea. If anyone else saw this scene, they would have quietly left without a word. Because…

“In the end, nothing has changed.”

The one who broke the silence was the platinum-haired girl, Princess Francia, and the one frowning was Diana.

“Tsk.”

“For someone who spoke with such confidence, the results weren’t very good. Isn’t this what you call a loss?”

In response to Princess Francia’s question, Diana regained her composure and nodded.

“Yes, it’s a loss.”

“I heard that merchants usually identify whose fault it is when a loss occurs.”

With the continued questioning from Princess Francia, Diana’s lips twitched as she answered.

“Yes, the standard practice is to identify the responsible party.”

She then added in a cold tone.

“But it’s a bit hard to pinpoint the responsibility this time, isn’t it?”

“Pardon? What do you mean by that…?”

“Because an unforeseen variable intervened.”

“A variable?”

“Yes, who would have expected the board to suddenly appoint an acting dean? Not even our princess here knew.”

“….”

Diana’s words seemed to mock Francia’s inability to foresee this, but Francia remained silent, not responding to the provocation.

“However, if you insist on assigning blame for this transaction…”

“No, there’s no need for that.”

Cutting Diana off firmly, Princess Francia continued.

“Let’s end our transaction here.”

“End it here?”

“Yes, here.”

With a resolute gaze, Princess Francia’s eyes did not waver, prompting Diana to nod with a deep smile.

“Very well. If that’s what you wish, we’ll conclude it here.”

Declaring the end of their transaction, Diana placed her teacup down with a cold gaze.

Thud.

“But…”

With a faint glint in her eyes, Diana spoke in a low voice.

“Won’t you regret this later?”

“Regret?”

“Well, knowing you, you probably won’t. Forget I said anything.”

Diana chuckled softly and stood up.

Screech.

“Well then, I’ll be going. No point in us staying here any longer.”

“Yes, go ahead. I won’t see you off.”

“Understood, Your Highness.”

With a slight bow, Diana left Princess Francia’s dormitory.

And then.

Bang!

“Damn that bitch…”

“L-Lady?”

As soon as she stepped outside, Diana kicked a pillar and cursed, startling her butler, Clark.

“Ugh.”

Diana sighed deeply and spoke in a cold tone.

“Investigate Princess Francia and her surroundings thoroughly. Find out what she eats, what she wears, and what she fears. Leave nothing out!”

“Yes? Oh, yes, ma’am.”

Clark, her butler, was taken aback but, having served Diana for many years, wisely refrained from questioning her orders.

“That insolent woman, I can’t stand her from her gaze down to her very presence.”

Muttering to herself, Diana expressed her intense anger and hostility towards Princess Francia.

“And find out what kind of magic Kamon Vade used at the end.”

“I will obey.”

Clark bowed deeply and hurried off.

Watching him leave, Diana muttered in frustration.

“Is he just lucky, or is there something hidden? I’ll find out everything and crush him.”

Thud, thud!

Diana Fren walked away with heavy, angry steps.

And.

“…”

From a distance, Princess Francia, who had been watching Diana’s retreating figure from a terrace, also frowned and murmured.

“She really doesn’t suit me. Best to avoid getting involved.”

Leaving a brief remark about Diana Fren, Princess Francia then recalled the duel scene she had witnessed and spoke to herself.

“What? She said that wasn’t her holding back? So Kamon really could win against Kyle? That’s absurd…”

Reflecting on Chelsea’s words, she shook her head.

“Sigh, it’s really not easy.”

The two girls who had temporarily joined forces against a common enemy now turned their backs on each other.

* * *

After about three days of recuperating in the academy’s infirmary, I finally received the news that I could be discharged.

Late at night, with darkness blanketing the room, I lay on the bed with my arms behind my head and muttered softly.

“Sigh, I’m leaving tomorrow.”

It was a short time, yet it didn’t feel that brief.

So much had happened…

‘Time flew by without me realizing it.’

Then.

“Hm?”

Sensing a presence outside the slightly open door, I turned to see the end of a long hair strand swaying slightly.

“….”

What’s this?

Is someone here?

With that thought, I got up and approached the door.

Knock, knock.

I turned my head at the sound of knocking on the window and saw Jamie’s tired face outside.

‘Ah, it was Master.’

Her voice came from outside the window.

“Kamon, open up. Why did you lock the window?”

“Why are you coming through the window when there’s a door?”

“They won’t let me in, saying you need absolute rest.”

“Then…”

Why not just leave me alone?

Why do you keep coming?

Just then.

Boom!

“A stray cat sneaking in again, I see,” said the Red Mage Beatrice with a sardonic smile as she appeared in the middle of the infirmary.

“What do you want, Red Brat? Why do you keep coming here?” Jamie shot back.

“I’m the dean. What about you? Didn’t you see the sign saying he needs absolute rest?”

“I’m his master!”

Watching them argue like children, I couldn’t help but shake my head.

‘Is this the conversation of the strongest contenders in the world? They sound like three-year-olds bickering.’

The Red Mage and the Yellow Mage, both holders of the prestigious titles only the continent’s top mages could attain, continued their childish squabble, each trying to outdo the other.

“Can you both please just leave quietly?” I pleaded.

“Why should I? No way!” Jamie retorted.

“As the dean, it’s my duty to look after the student’s health. Of course, if he becomes my disciple, I’ll ensure even better care…”

“Hey. Do you want to die, Red Brat? Stop flirting like a stray cat.”

“Why don’t you step aside, old lady?”

“What? Old lady?”

“You’re not exactly young. At least three…”

“Shut that mouth of yours!”

Neither side would back down, growling at each other like cats and dogs.

‘Sigh, absolute rest, my foot…’

Instead of resting, I was subjected to stress and irritation.

“Let’s settle this once and for all. Kamon is my disciple. Don’t do something you’ll regret, Red Brat. Got it?”

“Everyone knows he’s your disciple. But who says you can only have one master? Even in magic towers, students often have multiple mentors.”

“Hey, that’s…”

“What? Feeling scared, Jamie?”

Beatrice’s mocking laughter filled the room as she taunted Jamie.

‘She looks so poised and dignified, but she’s surprisingly childish.’

“Sigh, forget it. I’m not falling for such provocations. Kamon already said I’m his only master. Right?”

“Is that true, Kamon?” Beatrice asked, turning her gaze to me.

“Uh, me?” Startled by the sudden attention, I mumbled, “Oh, I feel dizzy…”

After enduring a long and torturous period of bickering between these two absolute powers, I finally found peace.

“Ah, I’m finally free!” I exclaimed, stretching as I stepped out of the infirmary.

At that moment…

“Hey, Kamon!”

“What do you mean by free? Were you locked up?”

I turned to see familiar faces.

“Huh?”

Standing before me were Bren, Elliot, and Lois.

“Well, I was kind of locked up in the infirmary. They didn’t allow anyone in, saying I needed absolute rest.”

“Kamon, are you really okay now?”

Their usual noisy chatter made me smile.

“Were you waiting for me here?” I asked.

Elliot nodded.

“Of course, we were all worried about you.”

“Yeah, Kamon, are you sure you’re okay?” Bren asked, still looking concerned.

“Yes, I’m fine now.”

I felt a warmth in my heart at their unexpected actions.

Then, Elliot asked with a puzzled expression, “But what was that you yelled about being free? Were you bored being cooped up?”

“Probably because he was stuck alone in the infirmary,” Lois suggested.

“Yeah, being alone there must have been boring… Or did you enjoy yourself?” Elliot joked, putting an arm around my shoulders.

“Hey, be careful! What if he’s not fully healed?” Bren scolded.

“Come on, Bren. Guys grow stronger by getting hurt and healing. No need to baby him.”

Lois shook his head at Elliot’s bravado. “If that’s the case, why were you so cautious back then?”

“What?”

“When everyone was bad-mouthing Kamon after the duel, you didn’t say anything.”

“That’s because…” Elliot paused, then grinned. “Real men are strong and silent.”

“Sure, whatever you say,” Lois muttered.

As they joked and laughed, I asked the question that had been on my mind.

“But how did you guys know I was getting out today?”

“Ah, Cecilia told us. She wanted to come too but couldn’t get away from her schedule,” Bren explained.

“The president wanted to come here?” I asked, surprised.

“Yeah, she was really bummed she couldn’t,” Elliot said.

“Why would Cecilia come? She’s already so busy…” Lois murmured.

Elliot seized the moment to tease him. “What? Are you upset that Rosen Ravenia didn’t come?”

“Ugh, what are you talking about, Elliot? Why bring up Rosen here?” Lois snapped.

“Heh, if you miss your fiancée so much, go visit her,” Elliot teased, making me laugh again.

“Ha ha ha.”

“Why are you laughing, Kamon?” Lois asked.

“It’s just funny,” I said, still chuckling.

“Yeah, it’s hilarious,” Bren agreed, laughing along.

Elliot turned to Lois with a grin. “See, even Bren thinks so.”

“Hey, Bren, you too?”

“I mean, it’s funny,” Bren said, unable to stop laughing. “It’s written all over your face, Lois. You miss Rosen.”

Elliot joined in the laughter. “Exactly!”

At that moment…

“Hm? Did someone call me?”

“?!”

“R-Rosen?”

Everyone turned in shock to see Rosen Ravenia standing there.

“Rosen, why are you here?”

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