How to Survive as the Academy’s Villain

Chapter 175

The remaining subjects, including magic studies, were not a significant issue.

Although I didn’t get top scores overall, I managed to achieve above-average results. Unlike the second semester, I did well across all subjects, finishing the last semester of my first year neatly.

[Don’t forget, it’s all thanks to me!]

Of course, it was a bit annoying seeing Airsya showing off proudly by my side.

‘So, what do you feel like eating today, Lady Airsya?’

[I want some fruit shaved ice. Sweet, tangy, and refreshing!]

Seeing the Blue Dragon so excited, I chuckled and nodded.

‘At this rate, I might become a VIP at Lupinus Café.’

Kamon Vade, a male student who practically lived at the café, visiting every other day to indulge in various drinks and food.

Of course, I wasn’t the only frequent visitor. Although the café was usually a favorite among female students, lately, a few male students had also started gathering there as if it were their own hangout spot.

“Oh, Kamon!”

Elliot, waving energetically, was seated with Lois, who sat next to him with a face like he had lost everything in the world.

Where’s Bren today?

“What are you two doing here?”

“We’re having a drink to celebrate the end of exams. Lois here just finished his tactics exam, and he’s been like this ever since.”

“And Bren?”

“Hm, I think he’s still in the middle of an exam? Something about a cooking practical…”

“Cooking?”

When I asked, Elliot, seemingly happy to chat, continued with an enthusiastic tone.

“Yeah, cooking. Turns out, Bren’s family is pretty famous in the Empire for their culinary expertise. They’re the ones who created that ‘Egg in the Hell’ dish.”

“Egg in the Hell?”

The name sounded vaguely familiar, like something I’d seen at a trendy brunch café back when I lived as Kang Hyunsoo in the 21st century. Elliot quickly explained.

“Yeah, it was really popular across the Empire for a while. I heard Princess Francia is a huge fan, and it became quite the trend in the royal palace.”

“Oh, really?”

[That’s the one, Kamon. I want to eat Egg in the Hell too!]

Hearing Airsya practically bouncing beside me, I sighed quietly, shaking my head.

‘Alright, calm down.’

Anyway, I could just ask Bren later to make me some “Egg in the Hell” or whatever else he could cook.

Meanwhile…

“Haaa…”

Lois, sitting there sighing like the world was ending, made me chuckle.

“What? Did you really fail?”

“Haha, I guess your engagement with Rosen is over, then. Poor Lois.”

Lois came from a surprisingly prestigious family. His mother’s side was linked to the current Duke Romanoff, and his own family held a marquisate. Just the fact that he was promised in marriage to the Ravenia family made it clear that he was part of the royal circles.

That must be why he took me to ‘Hoguanten,’ a high-class restaurant where it’s impossible to get a reservation.

But right now, the Lois in front of us was…

“I don’t know. I thought I prepared well, but the exam was completely different from what I studied for. Everyone’s panicking. I messed up too!”

Clutching his head in despair, he looked like a fool repeating the same mistake over and over.

“Come on, failing one exam doesn’t mean your life is over. Pull yourself together.”

At Elliot’s sharp reprimand, Lois glared at him with bloodshot eyes.

“It will be the end of me!”

“The results aren’t even out yet. If the exam was that hard, others probably did just as bad. It might not be a fail.”

I tried to comfort him, but…

“I don’t know whether I passed or not, and that’s driving me crazy. Argh!”

“Whatever. It’s done now. Thinking about it won’t change anything. Lois, how about we hit up Hoguanten again once the semester’s over?”

Elliot, trying to cheer up the distressed Lois, spoke more gently than usual, but it only made things worse.

“Hoguanten? Damn it. Rosen already told my father, so it’s all blocked. I can’t even afford tomorrow’s meal, let alone a restaurant reservation! Damn it, no way. I can’t let this happen!”

Screech! Tap-tap-tap!

Suddenly, Lois jumped up and dashed off somewhere in a hurry.

“Hey, Lois! What’s up with him? Why’s he acting like that?”

“Leave him be. It’s best not to bother him when he’s like this.”

I shrugged in response to Elliot’s surprised question.

[Acting like this over one exam? Tsk tsk, he’s lost his nerve.]

Airsya shook her head, echoing Elliot’s thoughts, and I gave her an incredulous look.

As if she wouldn’t act the same way if I took her favorite food away.

Just then…

“There you guys are. Kamon, Elliot!”

Bren appeared right on cue, having finished his cooking exam. He looked at us curiously and asked.

“By the way, I saw Lois running off earlier. Did something happen?”

“No idea, I think his engagement was called off.”

“Huh? Just like that?”

“He’s worried he failed his tactics exam. He’s convinced he’s going to get disowned and lose the engagement.”

“What? Then what should we do?”

Bren looked genuinely concerned at the severity of the situation. Elliot, now speaking more seriously, continued.

“There’s only one conclusion we’ve reached.”

“…?”

“Let’s study hard on a regular basis. Look at me, whether I fail or not, it doesn’t affect me at all,” Elliot declared confidently.

I couldn’t help but shake my head at his bold statement.

‘That’s not really your problem, Elliot.’

Unlike in the original story, Elliot had somehow managed to avoid getting eliminated from the competition to become the heir of the Fren Merchant Guild.

Although his standing was still quite weak compared to Diana’s influence.

‘Would it be to my advantage to make him the true heir of the Fren Merchant Guild?’

Diana was a character too complex to easily categorize as either a hero or a villain. Sometimes she acted like a villain, while other times she helped the protagonist, Kyle, in saving the continent from crises.

But one thing was clear:

‘A slightly foolish but kind-hearted Elliot is much better than an unpredictable madwoman.’

If I could successfully back Elliot through this whole ‘Vishran Hot Springs’ event, he might gain the upper hand in the competition for the Fren Guild’s succession.

Of course, all of this hinged on…

‘The student council allowing them to be included in the expedition in the first place.’

While these thoughts were running through my mind…

[Kamon, what are you waiting for? Ask Bren to make ‘Egg in the Hell’!]

Airsya’s insistent voice rang in my ears as she threw a fit.

***

“Alright, let’s include them all.”

“Hold on, Cecil. That would make the group too large.”

“Does adding a few more people to an already big group really make a difference?”

“Well, yes, but still…”

Despite Rosen Ravenia’s opposition, Cecilia smiled brightly and continued.

“Kamon absolutely has to come. The only reason my father agreed to the hot spring visit is because Kamon’s presence was part of the condition.”

“What? The Duke Romanoff wanted to see Kamon?”

“Yes.”

At her innocent nod, Rosen’s expression subtly changed.

‘This might be turning into a bigger deal than I thought.’

Of course, Rosen had several reasons for putting Kamon in the advance party at Cecilia’s request. Kamon was the one who initially proposed the project, and with his abilities, he was more than qualified for the expedition.

But among those reasons…

‘I half did it as a joke to tease him, but this is getting serious.’

With Cecilia declaring that Elliot, Lois, and Bren would all participate, and with Duke Romanoff specifically requesting Kamon’s involvement, Rosen could predict that the upcoming expedition to the *Vishran* hot springs would not be a simple vacation or leisure trip.

“So, this is the final list?”

“Yes. This is the fairest selection, picking the top students from each grade. And for Kamon’s requested members, we’ll add them as external support from the student council.”

Thus, the final list for the *Vishran* hot spring expedition was confirmed.

Representatives from each year were chosen, primarily the top students. And then there was one more.

“You’re really taking him too?”

“…Yes. He was the one Kamon recommended last time.”

The most unusual and exceptional entry on the list was Sol Crensh, one of the Monster Trio.

“Still, he’s…”

“He might have a poor track record, but we’ll judge him based on this expedition. He’s being included as a temporary member.”

After Kamon had casually mentioned the Monster Trio’s interest in the student council, Cecilia hadn’t forgotten and had decided to include Sol Crensh as a temporary member.

“Well, if that’s what you want, Cecil, I can’t argue.”

“Thanks, Rosen.”

Although it started with the student council, the two, who once used to clash and compete, had grown so close that they were now inseparable.

***

“Did you call for me, Dean… no, sister?”

Responding to Beatrice’s summons through the silver pendant, I arrived at her office. She greeted me warmly, waving.

“Oh, you’re here?”

“Yes, what’s the matter? I’m busy with finals right now.”

“Busy, my foot. You’ve already finished everything. The remaining classes just need you to show up.”

“….”

Beatrice, who seemed to have me all figured out, smiled and got to the point.

“The reason I called you as the semester ends is simple.”

“Have you obtained some new information?”

“Yes!”

She nodded energetically, then pushed some documents toward me with a sly smile.

“What’s this?”

“It’s the preliminary investigation results for the *Vishran* hot springs at Duke Romanoff’s estate, where you’ll be visiting soon.”

“…?”

Hearing her suddenly mention the hot springs, I tilted my head in confusion, but Beatrice continued in a low voice.

“They found traces of my master there.”

“What?”

“So, during this trip, investigate thoroughly whether those traces are real. And if they are, find out where my master might be now.”

Her firm tone made me tense up immediately.

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