Origin (2)
After the last duel, Emilia's position within the Academy was constantly being shaken.
"Did you guys see the duel yesterday?"
"I heard Lady Vanity was overwhelmingly defeated."
"He was on a whole different level."
"It was almost pitiful..."
Noble lineage, a reigning genius, a talent to lead the era.
The praise Emilia had received so far paled in comparison to the speed at which her lofty reputation was crumbling.
The content of the duel had left a huge shock on the students.
"No way."
She had always been an object of admiration.
From her beautiful appearance to her overbearing aura, and her skills that proved her arrogance.
She had an irresistible charm.
She was a flower blooming on a cliff.
However.
"This is just between us."
"Lady Vanity burst into tears after the duel, and her pants were all wet..."
"Shh! What if someone hears you!"
Because of her lofty reputation,
The sight of her crushing defeat remained even more vivid in the children's minds.
Emilia, crushed by force in front of the entire school, bursting into tears, and eventually even wetting herself.
It was a shabby fall from grace.
"Everyone, watch your mouths."
"If you get caught gossiping, you'll be beheaded."
"How dare you make fun of the Duke's daughter? Your whole family could be killed."
"Be careful."
Of course, no one dared to speak ill of her openly.
The name Vanity was still a source of fear, so an atmosphere of secrecy lingered among the students.
They were especially careful in front of the person involved.
The planned expulsion was put on hold.
And when Emilia and the young master Snakus suddenly started hanging out, there were strong suspicions, but no one dared to voice them.
Their lives were more precious than the momentary pleasure of gossip.
The children kept their mouths shut to survive.
"I ruined everything."
However,
That didn't mean that what had happened would disappear.
No matter how careful they were, there was an awkwardness that lingered, and Emilia wasn't so dull that she wouldn't notice.
She was acting like nothing had happened,
But the girl's insides were festering.
"I'm sorry, Ruska."
"I just wanted to do better... I almost put you in danger too."
"I'll take care of this myself."
The princess cried where no one could see.
As if the usual mask of aloofness, arrogance, and allure was all a lie.
Emilia stood precariously.
"...Tsk."
The boy didn't like the situation.
He clicked his tongue quietly, leaning against the window.
His unique blue eyes held a faint light. His thick blue hair resembled the color of the sea.
It was an appearance that immediately reminded one of someone.
The boy's name was Ruska Vanity.
The princess's twin brother, and an elite who had also entered Class A.
He was staring at his sister with downcast eyes.
"..."
The girl sat listlessly at her desk.
She looked a little tired,
But even then, she was trying to act strong, maintaining a venomous aura.
It was a pitiful sight.
"This is annoying."
Ruska muttered under his breath.
As if trying to suppress his anger, a faint wrinkle formed between his brows.
A chilly air filled the surroundings.
-Please, Ruska.
-I'll take care of this myself... so stay out of it.
At first, he had thought of just watching quietly.
He thought she had brought it upon herself.
She was the one who kept provoking the monster that was better left alone.
However,
"Stupid girl."
That didn't mean he felt good about it.
He knew why Emilia was so obsessed with being at the top.
As her brother who shared the same wounds, he couldn't help but side with his sister in the end.
She was the only family he had left in life.
That's why Ruska didn't like the current situation.
The students who were subtly wary, Emilia who was being helplessly swayed, and...
"Y-Young Master... D-Don't we have one person s-short?"
"It's alright, Miss Regia."
The young master Snakus, acting as he pleased.
Ruska quietly glared at the snake. His narrowed eyes were particularly menacing.
So he had come again today.
A vaguely audible voice. He saw his sister's shoulders flinch.
It was a tremor that seemed particularly pathetic.
Ruska unconsciously blocked the approaching figure.
"Lady Vanity."
"Step aside, Judas Snakus."
"Hmm?"
"I won't stand idly by while you run wild anymore."
The snake stared at the boy with an intrigued look.
A dreadful aura pricked at his skin.
Just standing in front of him sent chills down his spine. He felt like his legs would give out at any moment.
But he didn't show it.
"I'll protect Emilia."
Because he thought he had to protect her.
"This is quite a predicament."
The snake, who had been standing still, muttered.
Contrary to his words, the corners of his mouth were upturned.
It formed an eerie arc, holding a bright smile.
As if he found it amusing.
***
"I'll protect Emilia."
The blue-haired boy said, blocking my way.
I stared at him with intrigued eyes.
"My, my... If it isn't Young Master Vanity."
Of course, I knew who he was.
Ruska Vanity.
Emilia's twin brother, and the extra who played the role of a mid-game antagonist.
He was the one who had also stood in the protagonist's way quite fiercely.
'This is strange.'
Why is he appearing now?
Normally, he wouldn't show up for a few more episodes. What made him come forward on his own?
I quietly racked my brains.
'Could it be...'
Does he think I'm bullying Emilia?
It seemed like there was a slight misunderstanding.
Our relationship was based on a legitimate deal.
I would protect Emilia's weakness, and in return, she would answer my call whenever I needed her.
It was something we both agreed on.
'I understand his concern, but...'
Still, I had things to do.
The midterm exams were scheduled for two days later.
With such an important episode coming up, I needed as many people as possible on my side.
Emilia was the one who promised to play that role for me.
"I have some personal business with Lady Vanity... Would you mind stepping aside?"
I put on the friendliest smile I could muster.
It was to let him know that I was a harmless person, but judging by his reaction, it seemed to have the opposite effect.
Ruska's pupils visibly shook.
The boy swallowed hard and asked,
"...What if I don't?"
"Well..."
Wouldn't something rather unfortunate happen?
I added the last part nonchalantly.
Ruska was already resting his hand on the sheath of his sword. As if he was ready to draw it at any moment.
I muttered, as if troubled.
"Goodness... I don't understand why you're acting this way."
=Seriously, what's with him?
My voice echoed leisurely.
Although the words themselves were serious, due to the influence of my characteristic, they came out sounding playful.
Ruska, wary of me, muttered.
"Step aside. I'm serious."
"You're welcome to try. But you'll be held responsible for whatever happens afterward."
=If we get caught fighting by the professor, you're on your own. Don't drag me into this.
"You're quite confident."
"It's just a matter of time before you're on the floor with a flick of my wrist. Wouldn't it be wiser to back down?"
=The professor could slap you with penalty points with a click of their pen. Wouldn't it be wiser to act rationally?
"So... you're saying I'm nothing but a fly to you."
"You're quite perceptive."
=Of course, you're nothing compared to the professor.
"Ha."
The boy suddenly let out a chuckle.
I didn't know which part he found amusing, but there was a crease between his brows.
"Hmm."
It was sincere advice from the bottom of my heart.
The penalties at Galimar were no joke, so it was better to be careful.
I did my best to admonish the blue-haired brat.
"There, there. Be a good boy."
=You're a model student, aren't you? Let's calm down and talk this through.
"I wonder how far you'll go to underestimate me."
"I have no idea what you're talking about."
=Seriously, I have no clue.
"You've been repeating the same answer since earlier. Should I take that as a provocation?"
"My apologies. I'm a bit slow."
=W-Wah... W-Wahwah is s-s-slow!
"What a poor excuse. The top student in writing is slow-witted?"
Wait a minute, did I just egg him on a little?
As a dopamine addict with a mischievous streak, it was hard to resist the temptation.
In the end, the atmosphere escalated to the point of near explosion.
"I can't let this stand any longer."
"Oh my, oh my... You're really going to draw your sword? I should offer my condolences in advance."
Just as the situation reached a critical point,
It was a voice from behind that broke the tense standoff.
Blue hair slipped between the two of us.
"Both of you, stop it!"
The villainess belatedly intervened.
A pitiful cry rang out. The chilly air dissipated somewhat at her frail plea.
Ruska lowered his hand from his sword hilt.
"...Emilia?"
With determined steps,
Emilia walked straight towards her brother.
And then.
Slap!
Before he could react, she slapped him.
Pain bloomed across one side of his face. Ruska looked up in a daze.
His sister stood before him, her expression cold.
"...Why?"
The boy mumbled dazedly,
As if genuinely searching for a reason.
The villainess pushed her brother away.
"Ruska."
"Emilia."
"I told you. This is not your fight."
"But...!"
"Don't worry."
I can handle this myself.
The girl added curtly.
He had wanted to help, but perhaps because of her harsh rejection,
Ruska was left speechless.
Regardless,
Emilia immediately turned her back and walked towards me.
The villainess naturally stood beside the snake.
"I already made a deal with the young master."
"What?"
"I promised to give him my first time. My body is no longer mine. It belongs to him entirely."
"What kind of stupid thing have you done...?"
"It was for all of us."
Click!
I lightly snapped my fingers.
So that our current conversation wouldn't reach the ears of the other students.
It was about the deal I had made with Emilia, about the weakness I held over her. It was better to keep it a secret.
The conversation continued calmly.
"So don't interfere anymore. And don't antagonize the young master."
"Wait, at least explain...!"
He demanded an explanation, but Emilia just turned her back on him.
Her blue eyes held no life. Instead, only a heavy sense of guilt burned black within them.
The girl walked away.
"Let's go outside."
"As you wish, my lady."
I obediently followed her.
As we walked calmly, I could feel his gaze on our backs.
Until we were completely out of the classroom,
The boy stood frozen in place.
***
"You didn't have to be so harsh on him."
Once we were some distance away,
I casually brought it up.
At my questioning tone, Emilia flinched and mumbled in a weak voice.
"I didn't want to offend you."
"Hmm?"
"We may call it a deal... but in the end, you're the one holding all the cards."
"You were worried? That I might break off our agreement?"
"...Yes."
She must have been afraid of the weakness I held over her.
The girl, who had been silent for a moment, quickly added as if she had just thought of it.
"It's not that I didn't trust you."
"I understand."
"It's just... I've been like this since I was young. I grew up in an environment where I couldn't trust anyone."
"Don't worry. I'm not offended at all."
I smiled reassuringly.
Knowing the situation of the Vanity family, I felt sorry for both of them.
The twins who appeared as villains in the original story.
I hadn't decided what to do with them yet,
But I felt at least a sliver of sympathy for them.
"Here, here."
I gently reached out my hand.
The dejected villainess. I stroked her blue hair.
Carefully and gently.
"As long as you don't betray me first, I won't betray you either."
"...I believe you."
The warmth of her body transferred to my palm.
The sensation felt strangely nostalgic, perhaps reminiscent of our childhood.
I opened my mouth, unable to hold it in any longer.
"It seems you haven't told your brother about our deal."
"There's no need for him to know."
"Wouldn't your brother be frustrated, not knowing about his sister's sacrifice?"
"It's better if he doesn't know. I don't want to burden him. Besides, it was my fault in the first place."
"How noble of you."
Emilia was a complex character.
Usually, she suffocated those around her with her haughty and overbearing aura.
But here, when no one was watching, she revealed her vulnerable side.
Which side of her was her true self?
Inferior arrogance or shallow lust. Which one formed the foundation of this girl?
It was still difficult to tell.
For now, I would just leave the choice to my other self.
"Anyway, shall we set aside the other matters for now?"
"Yes... the midterm exams start in two days. You came today because of the group assignments, right?"
"As expected, you're quick-witted."
I nodded.
As I gave her a thumbs-up as praise, Emilia spoke in a subdued voice.
It seemed she had already put her mask back on.
"At least in this written exam, you won't be able to beat me. I studied really hard this time."
"Oh dear... I haven't prepared at all. This is a crisis."
"Prepare to be pushed down to second place."
"You're brimming with confidence, aren't you?"
"Because I put in the effort."
Perhaps it was because she was energized.
As soon as the topic of exams came up, the girl who had been down in the dumps seemed to have come back to life.
As expected, her competitive spirit was something else.
"I'm sorry, but... I'll have to take first place."
Her innate arrogance couldn't be hidden.
Driven by her natural vanity, the villainess smirked.
I quietly accepted her provocation.
***
The villainess, who had boldly dreamed of topping the written exams.
Little did she know
What kind of future awaited her.
"Lady."
"Yes."
"Lady."
"...Just say it."
I poked the girl sitting dejectedly.
With a cheerful grin on my face, I looked around.
"Are you alright?"
"I'm fine."
"Are you alright?"
"I said I'm fine... Stop repeating yourself."
"My apologies."
"It's fine."
"My apologies."
"Stop it...!"
Emilia frowned slightly.
Ignoring the tap dancing that followed, I finished with a final twerking highlight.
"Second place in the written exam is still good."
"Be serious. Stop it."
"Second place in the written exam is still good."
"I said stop it!!!!"
Right, she had no idea.
That I would win by a landslide.
For a while, I continued to teabag her with glee.
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