How to Survive as the Academy’s Villain

Chapter 88

“You all came here just because of that?”

Diana, seated on her golden throne, spoke with a very bored expression.

“It’s a good story for everyone, isn’t it?”

The man who replied with a friendly smile was none other than the former student council president, Alex Axelion. Familiar faces surrounded him.

“We just wanted to help you, senior.”

“Yes, that’s right.”

With the oily flattery of the Monster Trio and a shivering ordinary student next to them, there stood Rond Galera, the one who had handed over Alex Axelion’s photo to Kamon under threat.

“Alright, take this.”

Diana tossed something towards the Monster Trio and Rond Galera.

Thud, jingle!

“Thank you, senior.”

“T-thank you.”

Holding the pouch they received, they repeatedly expressed their gratitude while staring at the golden glow inside. Diana Fren gestured with her chin as if tired of the whole affair.

“You’re done here, so you can go now.”

“See you next time.”

With a faint smile, Sol Crensh, the leader of the Monster Trio, replied softly to Diana’s dismissal.

“There won’t be a next time…”

Diana shook her head, but the others cautiously exited without further response.

“Is it really necessary to treat them so coldly? After all, they’re students of the same academy.”

“So, should I have bowed and handed over the money, Alex?”

“Haha, that’s not what I meant. I was just joking.”

Alex laughed heartily, shrugging it off, while Diana’s eyes narrowed.

“So, did you come to see me because of their instigations?”

“Well, not exactly…”

Alex shrugged, slightly trailing off as he looked at Diana.

“I just felt it was unfair to let this go.”

“Ah, you mean you want revenge on Kamon for the humiliation you suffered? And you chose me as your weapon?”

“Hey, weapon is a bit harsh. I’m just asking a favor from a junior I know well.”

“No matter how I think about it, I’m certain that getting closer to you, Alex, is a bad idea.”

“Whoa, Diana, don’t say that. Even I’d be hurt by such bluntness.”

Exaggerating his expressions and actions, Alex’s reaction made Diana smirk.

“Sure, sure. Why not?”

Diana remembered the day Alex had come to her with a photo, shaking it in front of her.

– Diana, how far can we push Kamon Vade with this?

The photo depicted Princess Francia handing a ring to Kamon.

“Anyway, our deal is set with this. If I need a favor from the Axelion family in the future, you must comply, senior.”

“Of course. If the next head of the Fren Merchant Guild asks, I’ll always listen.”

“It sounds like you’re saying you’d backstab me if I don’t become the guild head?”

“Hey, no way. I’m a man of loyalty.”

“I hope that loyalty lasts.”

Despite Diana’s consistent coldness, Alex continued to jest.

“Hey, Diana, haven’t you heard the saying? ‘The North always keeps its promises.’”

“Yes, and I also remember ‘The North never forgets its enemies.’”

“Haha, I can’t win in a verbal battle. Alright, I’ll be on my way.”

“I won’t see you out. Take care.”

As she watched Alex leave, Diana spoke up.

“Alex Axelion, and everyone who came here today, assign someone to follow each of them. Report every detail of their actions to me.”

A voice came from the empty space in response to her command.

“As you wish, my lady.”

* * *

“Kamon, are you alright?”

“No, not at all.”

“I-I see. If you need anything else, just let me know. I’ll get it for you somehow.”

“Thanks, Bren.”

I expressed my gratitude to Bren, who had brought me food, and glanced through the curtains. Outside, numerous students surrounded the commoners’ dormitory, holding signs, stones, and some even dangerous weapons. Of course, they couldn’t do anything because of one person standing at the entrance.

– …If you take one step forward, you will face the consequences.

The maid supervisor, smiling broadly, kept the crowd at bay, forcing them into a silent protest.

“I’ll be going now.”

“See you later, Bren.”

“Yeah. Elliot and I will come by this evening. And Lois…”

I shook my head at Bren’s cautious tone.

“I already know, you don’t need to say it.”

I was well aware that Lois was the one leading the protest outside.

“See you later.”

Creak.

As the door closed, I let out a deep sigh.

“Hah, why is everything getting so complicated again?”

Since being kicked out of my family and arriving at the academy, I had faced many challenges and incidents. But none had put my life in as much direct danger as this one. A love triangle scandal involving the two most popular people in the academy…

Both Princess Francia and Lady Cecilia had defended me, saying the information was incorrect.

“But that made things worse.”

Now I was seen as a sly villain who had manipulated two innocent girls with my smooth tongue, turning them into helpless victims trying to protect their love.

“Who’s the real victim here!”

I was used to being unfairly treated, but this was too much.

Still…

“At least I won’t be expelled or killed outright.”

With that thought, I tried to stay positive.

I sat on the bed, sipping the remaining juice, trying to remain hopeful. If I held out long enough, people would eventually forget.

Then, suddenly.

Knock, knock!

“…Huh?”

A sudden knock startled me, making my heart race.

‘Damn it, who now?’

I thought the maid supervisor had taken care of visitors at the dormitory door.

Who could be so brazenly…

Knock, knock.

“Kamon, it’s Chelsea.”

“What? Chelsea?”

“Professor Jace sent me. I know you’re in there, so open the door.”

“Oh, okay. Just a moment!”

Chelsea’s unexpected visit made me hastily get up and move towards the door.

Slowly, I opened it just a crack and peeked through to see Chelsea Artin standing there with her aquamarine hair.

“What the hell, it’s really you?”

At my exclamation, she looked at me through the gap with deep, somber eyes.

“So, why did Professor Jamie…”

“Are we really going to talk here?”

“Ah, sorry. I’m in a situation here. Come inside quickly.”

I opened the door fully and glanced around outside, trying to ensure no one was watching.

“There’s no one. I checked on my way here.”

“Oh, thanks.”

As Chelsea entered, I quickly closed the door behind her.

Creak, thud!

“So, what’s up with Professor Jace…”

“Are you eating here?”

“Huh? Oh, well, you know it’s not safe for me to go outside right now. So I’m eating here.”

“…”

Chelsea silently stared at the food on the desk.

“Anyway, what did the professor want? Is there an issue?”

“Everything’s done.”

“What?”

“He said everything you asked for is finished. He wants you to come see it as soon as possible.”

I immediately understood what Chelsea meant.

‘It’s finally done.’

The task of merging the ‘Orb’ with Princess Francia’s ring was complete.

With this, the problem threatening my survival was resolved, bringing a rush of relief.

“Great, so I can go right now?”

“…”

“Chelsea. The professor is in his lab, right?”

Watching my slightly excited expression, Chelsea pointed towards the window and muttered quietly.

“Are you sure it’s safe to go out now?”

“Ah.”

Her words brought a harsh dose of reality, and I quickly calmed my excitement and shook my head.

“No, not now. Can you tell the professor I’ll visit later tonight, Chelsea? After midnight…”

I spoke with a bitter smile.

* * *

“So I have to keep wearing this?”

“Obviously. Do you want to die?”

“No, but…”

“To keep the blocked mana routes open and continuously release the built-up mana using the ‘Orb,’ you need to maintain contact with it.”

Jamie’s firm tone made me look at the ring in my hand.

“…”

The milky-white orb, once the size of a fist, had shrunk to a much smaller size, fitting like a gemstone in the middle of the princess’s ring.

“Why are you staring at it like that? Because it’s a gift from your lover?”

“Excuse me? What are you talking about?!”

“Haha, rumors are all over the academy about you and the princess being in a relationship.”

“That’s not true. Why are you saying that?”

“I don’t know the details. But wasn’t the one you had a special relationship with the newly elected president, Lady Cecilia…”

“Professor!”

“Haha, your reactions are priceless. Anyway, visit me once a week from now on. I need to check if there are any issues.”

“Got it.”

“Now, put it on. We need to make sure it works.”

Urged by Jamie, I put Princess Francia’s ring with the ‘Orb’ on my right middle finger.

Then…

Voooom!

A gentle light emanated from the ‘Orb’ set in the ring, spreading through my body.

A warm sensation coursed through me, accompanied by a strange tingling feeling.

“Ugh…”

Unable to help myself, I let out a strange sound, which made Jamie nod seriously with a smile.

“It’s working.”

“Ugh, is it supposed to feel like this?”

“Maybe?”

“Maybe? What kind of vague answer is that?”

“This is my first time with this too, so I’m not sure what the exact reaction should be. But the fact that the mana in your body is responding means it’s working.”

“Really?”

Jamie’s confident explanation made me ask with doubt in my eyes.

She smirked and continued.

“Yes, but we should examine it closely.”

Snap!

With a snap of her fingers, the same binding ropes from before reappeared, wrapping around me.

“You’ve experienced it once, so you can handle it, right?”

“What? Wait, hold on. Suddenly?!”

But my objections were ignored as expected.

“Ugh…ahhh!”

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