How to Survive as the Academy’s Villain

Chapter 176

The sacred ground of the Romanoff Dukedom, also known as their treasure, the *Vishran* Hot Springs.

And now, traces of the former Red Mage “Anne” had been discovered there?

After hearing this from the interim dean Beatrice, my mind was consumed by various thoughts.

In the original story, *Anne* wasn’t a character that was well fleshed out, and the Romanoff family only appeared in passing, never playing a significant role.

But in this world, where the novel had become reality, the name “Romanoff Dukedom” carried immense weight.

And if traces of *Anne*, who had been presumed dead after disappearing long ago, were found there…

‘There’s a high possibility that some unknown conspiracy or secret is hidden there.’

Of course, I didn’t need to dive too deeply into negative thoughts. After all, I needed to find Beatrice’s master, *Anne*, to break the curse etched onto my body.

Even if I found myself getting tangled in some conspiracy or secret, it was likely unrelated to the original story.

‘This could also give me more freedom to act.’

“Actually, the Romanoff Dukedom had a connection to my master in the first place,” Beatrice added.

“Really?” I tilted my head in confusion.

If that were the case, shouldn’t they have already gone there to search for her traces earlier?

Sensing my confusion, Beatrice chuckled softly and said, “I know what you’re thinking, but I had my own reasons for not moving sooner.”

“…?”

She then began to explain why she hadn’t been able to act directly.

“The *Vishran* Hot Springs became famous about 30 years ago, and back then, my master was sent there for some matter.”

“Your master was connected to the *Vishran* Hot Springs?”

“Yes, I believe so. But I never thought it had anything to do with her disappearance. I might have looked into it later, but the Romanoff Dukedom declared it a sacred site and sealed it off from the public. So there was nothing I could do.”

“What about sneaking in?” I asked.

With her power as one of the three great mages, it seemed like she could easily infiltrate the place if she wanted to.

“Of course, I’ve been near it before. But the barrier there is quite strong.”

“A barrier?”

“Yeah, even I couldn’t sneak past it without being detected. I think it might have been set up by my master.”

If the barrier was difficult for Beatrice, the current Red Mage, to penetrate, it was highly likely that her predecessor, *Anne*, had set it up herself.

If not, it could mean someone in the Romanoff family possessed similar strength…

“That’s why this *Vishran* expedition is the perfect opportunity for us, wouldn’t you agree?” Beatrice smiled brightly.

I nodded instinctively. Although a series of coincidences had led to this moment, it wasn’t a bad result at all.

‘Under the guise of exploring the hot springs, we now have the perfect chance to investigate thoroughly.’

However, there was one thing I needed to keep in mind…

“Is this the list?”

Since this situation wasn’t connected to the main storyline, there was no way to predict what might happen or how things would unfold.

“Yes, it’s the list from the student council. Why? Is there something you want to change?”

Beatrice, looking almost like a secret mastermind, suggested that she could adjust the roster if I wanted. But I shook my head quietly. There was no need for that.

As I thought it over, I checked the list again.

From the first year, there were myself, Bren, Lois, Chelsea (the class leader), and Sol Crensh, one of the Monster Trio.

For the second year, the roster included the president Cecilia, the vice president Rosen Ravenia, and the class leader Arian Marquis.

And for the third year, Elliot and Lucas Fenelli, the top student of their class, had been added at my request.

Many of the names on this list didn’t hold much significance in the original story and, in fact, some had barely even appeared before.

Plus…

‘I can’t expect the usual protagonist plot armor this time around.’

Without proper preparation, there was no telling what kind of unforeseen danger we might face, like the crisis during the “Novice Challenge.”

So…

‘I’ll prepare as much as possible in the time that remains.’

“Please ensure everything is thoroughly prepared, sister.”

“Huh?”

“The expedition, I mean. Please make sure we have everything we need.”

My firm tone made Beatrice nod awkwardly in agreement.

“O-Okay. Sure.”

***

“Isn’t all this preparation a bit much, considering it’s just a student council expedition?” asked Isabel, the chief administrator, raising an eyebrow.

Beatrice shrugged and responded nonchalantly, “They requested it, so we’re just giving them what they want.”

“But still…”

“This is the first project the new student president has embarked on with determination. If I, as the interim dean, don’t support her, who will?”

“Understood.”

With that, Isabel stepped back and bowed before leaving the office.

Watching Isabel depart, Beatrice muttered to herself, “Hah, I’ll just give them all the support they want. It’ll be a hassle if they come back and complain later.”

Recalling Kamon’s visit after the “Novice Challenge” ended, Beatrice smiled faintly and mused aloud, “The more I see him, the more interesting he becomes. Should I really just steal him away?”

It wasn’t a coincidence that Kamon, on his way back to his dorm, suddenly felt a shiver down his spine.

***

Finally, the final exam season ended, and the Flance Imperial Academy entered its long-awaited break.

“It’s finally over.”

“Man, I’m exhausted. I’m just going to lock myself in my room and sleep through the whole vacation!”

“I think I’ll go on a trip this time.”

“Phew, it’s nice that the exams are over, but I’m still scared of the grades we’ll get soon.”

“Next semester, we’ll already be third years. Time flies.”

As everyone gathered, each person shared their plans as they prepared for the long break ahead.

And then…

“The first vacation in your first year is the best, but you guys are unlucky,” Elliot said with a shake of his head.

Lois and Bren quickly retorted.

“It’s only like two weeks.”

“Yeah, two weeks out of three months isn’t even that long. Besides, it’ll be fun since we’re all going together.”

At their counterargument, Elliot smirked and rebutted, “Only two weeks? You don’t realize how precious that time is.”

“What did you do during your first-year vacation, senior?”

“Me? I spent that time leading a merchant expedition on my father’s orders…”

As Elliot continued his nostalgic “back in my day” speech, Bren and Lois’s expressions began to stiffen. Their interest in the conversation seemed to fade quickly.

Meanwhile, someone approached me.

“Kamon.”

“Hm?”

It was Sol Crensh, one of the Monster Trio who had been selected for the expedition team. He bowed slightly toward me.

“Thank you for keeping your promise.”

“Huh? I didn’t really do anything. You should thank President Cecilia.”

“Of course, I will, but I wanted to express my gratitude to you first.”

This was the same guy who had previously come to me demanding a favor, only to be soundly defeated. Now, surprisingly, he was showing proper manners.

“We simply made a fair deal. There’s no need to thank me.”

“True, but a favor is a favor. I’ll repay you when the time comes.”

“Well, alright then. Do as you like.”

Feeling slightly uncomfortable with his repeated gratitude, I shifted the conversation and moved away.

[Have you acquired a loyal subordinate?]

‘What subordinate? It’s just that our interests happened to align for once.’

[Hmm, with your sly and devious ways, I wouldn’t be surprised if you managed to lead followers using such methods.]

‘You’re talking nonsense again.’

As I exchanged pointless banter with the envious spirit Airsya, a cheerful voice called out.

“Is everyone here?”

It was Cecilia, the student council president, arriving with her usual bright energy.

“Not quite, not everyone has arrived yet,” I replied, bowing my head slightly.

Although Elliot, Bren, Lois, and Sol Crensh from the Monster Trio were present, I didn’t see Chelsea, Arian, or Lucas, who were also on the list.

At that moment, Cecilia smiled and said, “No, everyone important is here.”

“Huh?”

“The rest are coming with Vice President Rosen separately. Shall we head out first?”

She gestured toward the prepared carriage as she spoke. Sensing something was off, I couldn’t help but feel there was more behind this arrangement.

‘Rosen wouldn’t normally let Cecilia act so independently.’

Still…

‘Well, it doesn’t really concern me.’

Since it wasn’t something that required my intervention, I followed Cecilia’s lead and boarded the carriage along with the others.

Then, just as we were about to depart…

“By the way, Sol.”

Cecilia called out to Sol Crensh, who responded with a tense and overly formal stance.

“Yes, President!”

“Stay behind and leave with Vice President Rosen when he arrives. Let him know we’ve already departed.”

“Huh? Oh, yes, understood.”

‘So, this wasn’t prearranged.’

As that thought crossed my mind, Cecilia’s voice rang out again.

“Alright, let’s get going!”

And with that, the carriage began moving, taking us toward the Romanoff Dukedom.

“…”

“Looks like they’ve already left? Are we splitting the expedition into a lead and a trailing group?”

Arian Marquis, the top second-year student, asked as he looked toward Rosen Ravenia. Rosen, with an expression of frustration, turned to Sol.

“Tell me again, what exactly did President Cecilia say?”

“She said they’ve already left and asked us to follow after them.”

“What was she thinking…!”

Rosen, momentarily overcome with irritation, raised his voice before taking a deep breath to calm himself.

“Huff… So, they left already?”

“Yes, about two hours ago. I’m just passing on the president’s orders,” Sol replied, still looking tense and formal.

Rosen glanced at the remaining members on the list, now gathered before him.

“Oh, our dear vice president got played by the president, huh?” came a teasing voice. Lucas Fenelli, the top third-year student, was smirking at Rosen.

“Let’s just hurry. Two hours isn’t much; we’ll catch up quickly,” Chelsea, the first-year’s top student, urged, with Arian agreeing.

“Yeah, Rosen, let’s get going.”

With firm encouragement from Chelsea and Arian, Rosen finally rubbed his forehead and nodded.

“Fine, let’s go. But I swear, I’m going to have words with Cecilia when we catch up.”

With that, Rosen led the trailing group as they too made their way quickly toward the Romanoff Dukedom.

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