The Villain Bought the Female Lead - Ch. 61
“Um, excuse me, Erica…!”
After the student council meeting.
Diphelia caught Erica, with whom she hadn’t exchanged a word today. More accurately, it wasn’t just today but recently. Regardless, the awkwardness was the same.
“Huh?… oh.”
As if infected by Diphelia’s awkwardness, Erica’s usually cold expression transformed. They both stopped when called, but neither said a word, leaving them in an awkward silence.
Diphelia mustered up her courage.
“… do you have time later?”
Before Erica could respond, Diphelia quickly continued.
“If you have time, I’d like to do some homework together in my room…!”
Diphelia’s grip on the wooden wheelchair she was sitting in tightened, showing how much effort it took her to say that.
Seeing her earnestness, Erica’s previously tense expression softened unconsciously.
“Sure, let’s do it together.”
“Erica…!”
Diphelia’s face lit up with joy.
She seemed grateful to Erica for giving her the opportunity to mend their relationship.
Erika, seeing her reaction, turned her head in embarrassment. She felt unnecessary guilt, thinking that she could have approached Diphelia first but had let things get this far.
Though they couldn’t completely shake off the awkwardness, they started talking as they headed to the dormitory.
Both of their dorm rooms were in the same Building B.
Diphelia’s room was filled with various plants. The windows were larger than those in other rooms, allowing plenty of light.
The room had a unique scent, a mixture of flowers and greenery.
“I’ll make some tea. Please wait a moment.”
“It’s okay….”
“Don’t you want any…?”
“Oh, no… I’d like some.”
When Diphelia’s voice faded as if disappointed, Erica hastily changed her tone to show that she appreciated the offer. Diphelia’s smile returned, and she hummed softly as she prepared the tea set.
Erica sat quietly, watching her. Due to Diphelia’s limited mobility, Erica looked for something to help with, but Diphelia’s cane, like a living creature, assisted her.
There was nothing Erica could help with.
“Erica, you like lemon tea, right?”
“Yes…. I’ll enjoy it.”
Diphelia brought the tea set and handed a cup to Erica, who accepted it.
“I’ve also prepared some sugar cubes. Here you go.”
“Oh, thank you.”
Erica’s expression noticeably brightened.
She loved sweet things and always added sugar to her tea.
Swish.
Stirring the sugar into the hot tea with a teaspoon to dissolve it, Erica cautiously sipped the tea, and her previously emotionless eyes sparkled like shooting stars.
“I’m glad you seem to like it.”
“… ah.”
Belatedly realizing her expression had softened, Erica tried to shift the attention by complimenting the tea’s taste.
Watching her, Diphelia looked pleased. She found Erica’s attempts to hide this side of herself endearing.
“……”
For a moment, Diphelia was lost in thought.
She had something to say but found it difficult to bring up.
Sensing the mood, Erica put down her teacup and waited for her to speak. Diphelia decided to start with something else.
“… shall we start with Professor Fabian’s assignment? It seems like it will take the most time.”
“Yes, let’s do that.”
It seemed she wanted to talk about something more personal after the atmosphere was more relaxed. Erica understood and went along with it.
Professor Fabian’s assignment was about familiars.
As they took out their books and looked up relevant information, they exchanged opinions and filled in each other’s gaps.
Both were diligent students, so even with just one assignment, their conversation flowed naturally.
Eventually, they summoned their familiars.
Instead of the usual small bird, Diphelia called upon a white rabbit, and Erica summoned a black crow.
They focused more on the summoning circles than the familiars themselves. The circles were geometric patterns filled with various formulas.
Pointing to a part of her summoning circle, Erica explained.
“… so, it’s because of this formula that it can move. It’s similar to my warp magic, but it can’t move while in a physical state.”
“Oh, I see…! As expected of Erica. I understood immediately, thanks to you.”
Diphelia nodded repeatedly with a bright smile. Erica’s explanations were precise and clear, making them easy to understand.
To hide the strange feeling creeping up on her, Erica turned her head. She reached out to her familiar, perched on the summoning circle.
The familiar naturally settled on her hand.
“What a cute familiar…! What’s its name?”
“……”
Diphelia, thinking the mood had relaxed, asked, but Erica seemed reluctant to answer. For some reason, she didn’t seem keen on revealing it.
“It doesn’t have a name… right?”
Taking a guess, Diphelia sensed that it wasn’t correct.
After a pause, Erica spoke.
“… Blackie.”
“Whoa, Blackie! What a great name! Its shiny black feathers are its charm, and you’ve captured that perfectly.”
“… really?”
“Yes! I think it’s a great name.”
“That’s a relief….”
Erica gave a faint smile, seeming neither displeased nor particularly happy. She stroked Blackie’s neck with her finger.
Watching this, Diphelia cautiously broached the main topic. She decided it was the right time.
“Come to think of it, Erica, your fiancé’s familiars are mostly black too, right?”
“Yes. Most of Schugenhartz’ familiars are of the dark attribute.”
Erica glanced at Diphelia.
Her expression was quite serious. It seemed she was about to reveal the main reason she had called Erica.
Though she didn’t know if it was related to Schugenhartz, it couldn’t be that significant….
A sudden recollection of a past memory.
Diphelia handing something that looked like a letter to Schugenhartz and then running away flashed in her mind.
There shouldn’t have been any other connection….
“This… might sound strange, but please don’t take it the wrong way… understand, Erica?”
Diphelia prefaced nervously, making Erica feel more uneasy the longer she went on.
With trembling hands hidden below the table, Diphelia took a deep breath and continued, her somewhat heavy breathing made the situation even more strange.
Erica nodded absentmindedly and Diphelia let her words flow, swallowing with difficulty.
The words that barely came out of her mouth were.
“I want to know more about Vargan…!”
… did she hear that wrong?
The saint delivered another blow without giving her time to think.
“Ah, don’t tell Vargan about this…! Got it?! You absolutely can’t tell him!”
With that, Erica’s head went blank as she faced the epitome of confusion.
‘… hmm?’
***
“8:17 PM. D-23 Arena. Winner, Vargan Troa Schugenhartz. Winner, Vargan Troa Schugenhartz.”
As the repetitive mechanical voice played in the background, I was on my way back to the dormitory with Alicia.
I could still hear the sobbing of a man left in the arena, but it was no longer my concern.
“Master, congratulations. With an additional 10 Cattia, you maintain an undisputed first place with 60 Cattia.”
“Don’t bother congratulating me on something so obvious.”
I stopped Alicia, who was more excited than if it were her own achievement. Normally, people would feel annoyed if their words were interrupted, but Alicia couldn’t hide her happiness, smiling brightly.
Well, let’s verify.
“You observed the match earlier, right? It was a fight lasting less than five minutes, but there were things to learn.”
“Yes, I watched closely. Lord Felix’s swordsmanship is of the renowned Hiod family. I analyzed the differences and the points I found most effective.”
“Calling the swordsmanship renowned is laughable. Couldn’t you see it was overrated?”
“It wasn’t as good as the swordsmanship of my instructor, Bram, but entering with a rank of 10 must have its reasons. The thrusts were particularly noteworthy.”
Oh, she was not easily fooled by such traps anymore.
She was starting to understand the essence of skill.
“Not bad.”
“Thank you for your generous words.”
Leaving Alicia, who gracefully bowed, I continued walking. She quickly followed with brisk steps.
Our eyes met, and she smiled kindly.
… it seemed she had regained her confidence and self-esteem that had been declining recently.
“Master, may I ask two questions?”
“Go ahead.”
I answered nonchalantly, accustomed to the situation.
Her gaze briefly flicked to the bracelet I was wearing and back, as if she hadn’t seen it.
“That… bracelet, is it from Erica?”
“It’s from my mentor, Helion. It’s not just an ornament but an artifact that restricts mana output. I’ll start using it the day after tomorrow.”
I glanced at Alicia, who was staring at me intently, and signaled her to proceed with her next question.
“Ah, yes…! And… today is already the 27th. This month will soon end, so shouldn’t I also participate in the ranking matches to earn Cattia?”
“Do not. Wait at least until the 30th. A <suitable opportunity> will be arranged soon. If there’s no significant development by then, I’ll allow it. Until I give the order, no ranking matches.”
“Understood. I’ll wait for your command.”
Alicia didn’t ask what reaction I was anticipating.
I couldn’t tell if she understood that I wouldn’t explain even if she asked or if she simply followed my instructions without question, but she nodded alone with a pure expression.
Creak.
Arriving at the dormitory door, Alicia walked ahead to open it. She carefully closed it to avoid making noise.
As usual, I proceeded to evaluate Alicia’s progress.
“Walk after lifting all resistance.”
“Yes, understood.”
She cast an illusion on me with her maximum mana output.
Previously, she could only use visual black smoke in her battle with Arterion, but now she could manipulate smell, sound, and touch as well.
Buzz.
The mana’s vibration resonated.
I smelled the scent of morning mist, and the surroundings transformed.
A quiet lake in a forest. Touching the clean water droplets on a leaf, I felt a cold sensation. Then, a drop fell from my finger, creating ripples. I heard the sound.
She indeed had a talent for curses.
Curses were among the spells heavily influenced by the user’s nature, making basic usage difficult without aptitude, but Alicia could do it.
Of course, if she hadn’t been capable, I wouldn’t have taught her. Seeing her skills taking shape reminded me of this.
Another characteristic of curses was that… the likelihood of their use increased if there was a blood relationship. In the Schugenhartz family, except for the second son and the mother, everyone can use curses.
Only I and the eldest son pursued it actively, though.
“That’s enough. This will suffice.”
At my command, Alicia dispelled the illusion. She looked at me with slightly anxious eyes.
I flicked her forehead.
“Ouch!”
“There’s no problem, so don’t worry.”
She was overly concerned despite not casting a threatening curse. She should know I wouldn’t just stand by if she did.
“Next.”
“Yes…!”
… after confirming Alicia’s progress for a while, it was time for her to leave. She bowed deeply and closed the door.
“Good night, Master. See you tomorrow morning.”
Tomorrow was April 28th.
Every April 28th was a day that required caution for Vargan. It was better to avoid conflicts and quietly passed the day by sleeping early.
“Alright, go.”
As the door closed.
Alicia didn’t lose her bright smile until the door fully shut, and I was out of sight.
Known for her outward expressions, Alicia’s worry-free and confident face showed she hadn’t noticed yet.
Good.
Her not realizing the significance of the day spared me some hassle as well.
On April 28th, I must minimize the use of magic.
It was natural to delay Helion’s training.
And avoid the usual practice.
Especially outside, I must stay vigilant to prevent unconscious magic use.
Because.
Creak.
I couldn’t let anyone see the villain Vargan coughing up blood.