The Villain Bought the Female Lead - Ch. 139

The Lazy Spearman Fertigle disliked standing out.

Fertigle avoided busyness and enjoyed solitude.

He detested being occupied and sought a leisurely pace.

That was the image of him portrayed in the novel Liam had read.

Fertigle only appeared near the end of the festival episode, which began in the second semester of the protagonist’s first year. Even then, he found fighting too bothersome, right up until the moment he swung his spear.

Preferring to avoid crowded and noisy places like festivals, Fertigle initially intended not to show himself.

Yet, despite his reluctance, he made a sluggish appearance, <yawning> widely as he arrived at the scene.

It wasn’t hard to understand why someone who loved sleep and peace eventually showed up:

– Why is this festival so long… today’s the last day, right? Let’s wrap this up quickly so I can get some rest.

He said this as he appeared before Arterion’s group.

– If everything’s settled, Clemens won’t bother me anymore, right?

The <Clemens> Fertigle referred to was a fellow second-year student and a candidate for student council president.

With an eye for talent and ambition to match, Clemens had long recognized Fertigle’s hidden power and had persistently approached him.

However, Fertigle never showed his true abilities, so Clemens began to disrupt his sleep daily to confirm her suspicions.

This relentless nuisance prompted Fertigle to move reluctantly, pick up his spear, and stretch his legs for once.

This led him to clash with Arterion’s group, who were regarded as the strongest first-year students.

Fertigle delivered a match for the ages, showcasing a <neck-and-neck> battle.

Even considering that Arterion was still inexperienced with the red aura he had recently learned, Fertigle’s skill was undeniable.

Arterion wasn’t alone; he had the sturdy shield-bearer Lauga and the capable magician Fallon by his side, which only underscored Fertigle’s extraordinary spearmanship.

Ironically, after revealing his true strength, Fertigle suffered even more from Clemens’ interference, achieving the opposite of his goal. Yet, his abilities became crystal clear to all.

“Ugh, thanks to you guys, I’m wide awake now… maybe I should move somewhere else.”

With a light leap, Fertigle descended from the tree.

His movement wasn’t particularly striking.

Except for its remarkable delicacy.

Even with a long spear slung across his shoulder, he landed without disturbing so much as a dry leaf.

Displaying such extraordinary skill, Fertigle still let out a massive yawn, looking entirely nonchalant.

Opposite him, Cayman stood ready, exuding fighting spirit against a formidable opponent.

In stark contrast, Fertigle’s eyes lacked even a hint of determination, conveying only his laziness and annoyance.

He spoke languidly.

“Hmm? Now that I look closely, you’re one of those freshmen… wait, it’s the second semester now, so I guess that term doesn’t fit anymore.”

Fertigle glanced at Liam, who, surprised to be acknowledged by a prominent figure, asked cautiously:

“Do you know me?”

“Roughly…? Well, I know your swordsmanship a bit more than yourself personally.”

“My swordsmanship?”

“It’s the same school as my spear technique. The movements are quite different now, given how much time has passed since they split off, but seeing such a rare technique caught my eye…”

Despite his drowsiness, Fertigle explained patiently.

Liam’s swordsmanship followed a consistent set of skills, which seemed to trace back to an original form.

Although Liam wanted to inquire more about this, Fertigle’s sleepy demeanor made him feel guilty about pressing further.

Fertigle added.

“It’s good to see energetic first-years but keep it down where I’m around. I hate noise… yawn, anyway, I’ll take that as an apology and be off…”

Ignoring Cayman entirely.

Fertigle turned and started to walk away but paused momentarily to say one last thing:

“Oh, and… while we’re on the topic… that black-haired, sharp-eyed guy—tell him to tone it down. He’s so noisy.”

“Black-haired, sharp-eyed… you mean Vargan?”

“Yeah, that one… he’s been the loudest in the Academia lately. If he could quiet down, I’d finally get some peace…”

As he spoke, Fertigle continued.

“If my sleep keeps getting interrupted, even I’ll lose my temper… so, please.”

With those final words.

Fertigle disappeared in an instant.

Not even extending his senses could locate him.

Leaving behind only a few drifting leaves in the wind.

***

“So that’s what happened…”

“And? What do you expect me to do about it?”

Vargan’s dismissive response left Liam speechless. Staring him down, Vargan added.

“It’s surprising you encountered Fertigle, but do you really think his warning will make me change my behavior?”

“… I didn’t say that.”

“If altering my actions because of his remarks prevents me from achieving my goals, are you going to compensate for the loss?”

“Wait, that’s not what I meant—”

“Then stop wasting my time with nonsense, Liam.”

“…..”

Liam looked around for a moment.

He had mentioned what happened with Fertigle and told him about Cayman’s true identity.

He observed Vargan’s unchanged expression and was curious whether Vargan had already factored Fertigle’s existence into his plans.

Liam debated asking directly.

The story that followed would probably be something that only possessors could know, and if others heard, problems might arise…

“Liam! You’ve been visiting the lab often these days. What’s up?”

“Oh, Emily…”

Three women appeared with incredible timing.

Emily, his childhood friend, appeared with Alicia and Frieda, whose fox ears twitched in the light breeze.

Faced with Emily’s cheerful greeting, Liam couldn’t bring himself to continue his conversation with Vargan.

Emily, now standing before him, asked.

“You always seem to be talking with him when you come here. Have you two gotten closer?”

“Uh… not really…”

“If you’re here to spout nonsense, go back to training, Emily.”

Vargan dismissed her questions brusquely, brushing off her presence like dust. While Emily protested, Vargan turned to Alicia.

As his eyes met Alicia’s, a faint, pleasant smile appeared.

“Alicia, tonight I’ll assess how well you’ve mastered aura manipulation. Be ready.”

“Yes, Master. I’ll prepare thoroughly.”

“Also, your curse magic…”

Vargan and Alicia.

Liam and Emily, that was how the conversation split.

Meanwhile, left alone, Frieda quietly observed Vargan.

Recently, under his orders, she had subtly leaked information about Francesca to Clemens’ inner circle.

Frieda now approached Vargan to deliver her final report.

Watching for a chance to interrupt, she sought to read Vargan’s expression as he conversed with Alicia.

‘He doesn’t seem any different from before…’

Frieda was utterly astonished upon hearing the unbelievable news that Vargan had arranged a festival date with Alicia.

The notion naturally drew the focus of Frieda’s two sharp eyes, trained on Vargan, a genius of remarkable talent and appearance from the distinguished Schugenhart family.

Was there a hidden motive? Or was it genuine affection for Alicia?

It was impossible to tell. Despite Vargan’s exceptional ability to control his expression and behavior, Frieda painstakingly observed, hoping for even the smallest hint.

… but even Frieda, skilled in deceit and acting, failed to glean anything until Vargan and Alicia finished their conversation.

Instead, she seized an appropriate moment to approach Vargan quietly.

“Vargan! I have a few things to ask and share — do you have a moment?”

Frieda’s melodic voice carried a hint of coquetry.

There was no need to make it a secret.

She simply wanted to have a private conversation with Vargan, which naturally led to a change of location. Making a sudden exit together was hardly inconspicuous.

Vargan agreed, leading Frieda to a private room in the laboratory.

Left behind, Emily, one of the three remaining, watched Frieda’s retreating figure, wagging her tail, and let out a faint laugh.

She didn’t know what they were discussing, but it was obvious Frieda was flirting. She was really going all in.

“She sure is something,”

“What is?”

“Just… in many ways. Nothing you need to know.”

She glanced at Alicia, gauging her reaction.

Alicia was unlikely to get upset over trivial matters like this, though Emily couldn’t help but recall the case with Erica, which had made Alicia visibly downcast… wait.

“Alicia… you’re not bothered at all?”

“Huh? Oh… not at all. What are you referring to?”

“Uh?”

Emily blinked, taken aback.

When Vargan spent time with his fiancée Erica, Alicia would typically show subtle signs of unease. This time, however, there was no such indication.

Awkwardly waving her hands, Emily laughed it off.

“Oh, nothing at all…”

As this conversation unfolded.

The door to the private room shut behind Vargan and Frieda.

***

Inside the private room, Frieda wasted no time in making her report.

She delivered her information quickly and concisely, just the way Vargan preferred. It wasn’t long before she finished relaying everything.

“… thanks to that, we were able to leak information to Clemens’ closest aides.”

“Well done.”

Vargan replied, pulling out a prepared pouch of silver coins from his pocket. He always compensated Frieda after issuing orders.

Yet, for some reason, Frieda stared blankly at the pouch extended toward her, showing no intention of taking it.

“I don’t believe I shorted the amount.”

“Oh… no, it’s not about that.”

“Then what is it?”

“Um…”

Frieda hesitated, pretending to deliberate before lifting her gaze to meet Vargan’s.

Her hands hidden behind her back; her tail swayed lightly like a willow branch.

“Vargan, would it be alright if I asked for something else instead?”

“It’s outside our usual agreement, but I’ll allow it. As long as it’s reasonable. What do you want?”

Her right foot tapped gently against the floor.

She averted her eyes.

Her voice tentative.

“Do you remember what I said that night?”

“Which night?”

“The… night you first discovered these ears and tail of mine under the moonlight.”

Frieda’s tail curled slightly as she smoothed it down with both hands.

It was just before Vargan and Erica’s engagement anniversary.

Frieda, having secretly watched Vargan train alone, had been caught.

Vargan nodded.

“I remember.”

“Then… do you also recall what I said back then?”

At the time, Frieda had told Vargan.

She was interested in him.

And she had suggested they go somewhere together.

To which Vargan had replied.

– I already have prior appointment.

“Back then, you couldn’t because you had an outing planned with Erica. I… didn’t show it, but I was genuinely disappointed.”

Frieda said, her voice was growing quieter.

Yet, with a bittersweet smile, she lifted her head, refusing to give up completely.

For a fleeting moment, Frieda felt the soft thrum of her heart.

It seemed that, amidst all the pretense, a genuine tremor had arisen within her.

She finally voiced her request.

“This time, during the festival, could you spare some time for me…?”

“I’m sorry.”

But Vargan’s response came before Frieda could even finish her plea.

Before he could sense the delicate tremble in her voice.

“I already have prior appointment.”

His rejection was as sharp as a blade.

Delivered without the slightest hesitation.