I Became The Novel's Biggest Antagonist

As if making a dramatic exit from a grand performance, James strode out of the classroom, firmly grasping Angel's hand—almost like a hero rescuing his beloved from peril. Unaware of the gossip that would soon spread through the academy, he walked confidently beside her, still holding onto her hand.

Angel glanced down, slightly taken aback.

His grip was warm and strong, enveloping her smaller hand completely. It wasn't just the size difference—she could feel the sheer, immeasurable strength behind it.

James hadn't grabbed her hand with any grand intention. In fact, it was the first time he had done so. Normally, he would simply tug or grasp someone's arm to help them up, just as he had done with Cattleya before to forcefully make her follow him.

It wasn't anything special—he treated other women the same way. He had done it with both the Spanish and French princesses. It was his way of subtly asserting control, sometimes just to get a reaction out of them. Over time, it had become a habit, something instinctual when dealing with women he wasn't particularly close to.

"By the way, Angel," James spoke, finally considering something he probably should have worried about sooner, "can you get kicked out of the academy for skipping too many classes?"

Thinking back to the many lectures he had either deliberately skipped or been thrown out of, he felt like he should have been expelled ages ago.

"Maybe," Angel replied thoughtfully. "I've skipped a lot, but I've never been kicked out."

"That's because you're from a rich and influential family," James said matter-of-factly.

Angel turned to him, curious. "What about you, James?"

"Hmm, tough question," he said, before smirking. "If I had to guess, I'd say Cattleya's covering for me. Her grandmother is the headmistress, after all. I suppose she's doing her job well."

"Cattleya Starlight?"

"The one and only." James nodded, leaning back slightly. "I made a deal with her, but she's sure taking her sweet time delivering what I asked for. Maybe it's time I start making good on my threats." He added with a smile.

Angel heard him but didn't seem to care—she didn't even acknowledge the mention of threats. That was something James had always liked about her. She didn't bother with things that didn't directly concern her. He could talk openly about his plans to find the Vault, and she wouldn't bat an eye. Hell, he was pretty sure he could reveal his true identity—Ivan Zakharovich Kozlow—and all she'd do was ask a few questions out of curiosity. Not that he was about to test that theory. There was always the slim chance she'd turn around and spill it to the world, all while keeping that same innocent expression on her face.

"So, you joined Ocryphia because of something Cattleya Starlight has?" Angel asked.

"Something like that," James nodded. "Her mother works for [Horizon], and I need something from them."

Specifically, he suspected Horizon had a Relic of Seraphiel in their possession. That was what he'd asked Cattleya to get for him. The more of Seraphiel's relics he had, the stronger his protection against greater forces—Fate itself included.

They walked in silence for a bit until they reached a secluded alcove. Without hesitation, James let go of Angel's hand and flopped onto the stone ledge, stretching out comfortably.

Angel stood there for a second, staring at her now-empty hand before settling down beside him. She pulled out a lunchbox and began preparing to eat.

A few moments later, the doors of the lecture hall across from them swung open, and students spilled out. James' classmates.

As they walked past, their gazes inevitably landed on him, sprawled out in his usual spot, looking as lazy and indifferent as ever after skipping yet another class. At this point, they had to wonder—did he even know what shame was?

Once again, he was with Angel Elysphira. His classmates could hardly believe it—of all people, James had somehow managed to befriend her.

Before they could dwell on it further, a new commotion drew their attention.

"Why are you ignoring me?"

The voice belonged to Ludivine, her expression twisted into a frustrated frown. She was addressing Leon Cromwell—or rather, Gorn—who walked ahead without sparing her a glance.

Leon finally stopped, turning to face her with an unreadable stare. Ever since he had become Leon Cromwell, this woman had been relentlessly pestering him about what had happened in the forest—and about the way he had left her behind. He had ignored her up until now, but at this point, he figured it was easier to just ask outright.

"What do you want?" He said curtly.

"I—I mean, you never answered me…" Ludivine hesitated under his sharp gaze.

"Why should I?" Leon frowned. He was still trying to piece together the relationship she had with the previous Leon Cromwell—or rather, Ivan.

"Well, you know… we did a lot together in the forest," she muttered, a little embarrassed. The truth was, she had no one else she felt comfortable with so she wanted to get a good relation with him.

Leon's eyes widened in shock. He had heard the rumors—that Leon Cromwell and Ludivine were a couple—but he had dismissed them as baseless gossip. Could it actually be true?

No. There was no way his beloved Lord Astaroth had fallen for a mere human.

'There must be something Lord Astaroth wants from this woman…' Gorn concluded. It was the only explanation that made sense.

His gaze flickered toward James, who was lounging nearby, watching the exchange with amusement. When their eyes met, James gave him a slow, lazy smile. To Leon, it was as clear as a command: You got it.

Warmth spread through him and Leon nearly teared up. To receive his Lord Astaroth's approval—what greater honor could there be?

"Alright, let's talk," Leon said abruptly.

Before Ludivine could react, he grasped her hand and pulled her along.

"...!" She froze, stunned into silence.

Leon, however, paid no attention to her reaction. With a small, almost eager smile, he dragged her away. Whatever his Lord Astaroth wanted, Gorn would make sure he obtained it from this human—no matter what.

Obviously, this blatant display didn't go unnoticed. Every single one of his classmates stood frozen in shock.

It was Ludivine Richmont, after all. And she just so happened to be… Lucas Whiteford's crush.

Lucas, who now glared daggers into Leon Cromwell's back. He had been patient up until now, but it seemed it was time to remind Leon where he truly belonged.

But before he could take a single step forward, a voice rang out from his left.

"Cattleya Starlight."

It wasn't directed at him, but at the woman walking ahead—Cattleya.

She froze, stiffening at the sound of his voice. Slowly, she turned to see James smiling at her.

"I was looking for you," he said, narrowing his eyes slightly.

Cattleya tensed.

'What does he think he's doing—right here, in front of Lucas?!'

"W-What do you want?" She asked, her voice louder than she intended.

She didn't appreciate the way he called out to her so casually—as if they were close—and in front of Lucas, no less. This was only going to cause problems. She was supposed to be engaged to Lucas.

James tilted his head slightly. "What do I want?" He repeated clearly mockingly. He didn't need to spell it out. She knew exactly what he wanted.

Cattleya clenched her fists. She wanted to scream at him—tell him she was already doing her best! That this wasn't easy for her.

Before she could say anything, another voice rang out.

"Hey. Who do you think you are?"

Lucas had stepped forward, his stare now fixed on James.

He might have been obsessed with Ludivine, but that didn't change the fact that Cattleya was supposed to be future his wife. And he couldn't stand to see anyone, especially another man, talk to her so freely.

This? This was the final straw.

James barely spared him a glance. "Hm?"

Lucas narrowed his eyes. "Stand up when you speak to me."

James met his gaze head-on, truly unfazed by his threatening tone.

"No."

The rejection was instant.

The classmates around them practically gasped in disbelief.

Lucas' expression darkened. "Acting like this just because you have Elysphira backing you, huh? Without her, you'd be on your knees begging me right now."

"Begging, you say…?"

James narrowed his red eyes, a dangerous glow flickering within them.

Cattleya flinched.

James' smile had vanished.

This was bad.

"L-Let's talk!" She blurted out, stepping in hastily.

She knew James too well. Knew what he was capable of. If he wanted to, he could wipe the floor with every student in this academy. And the worst part? He would.

He seemed a good laid back man at first glance but she knew better—when James snapped, he acted. No hesitation, no second thoughts. If she didn't step in now, Lucas was about to regret everything.

Lucas frowned, eyes darting between them. This wasn't like Cattleya. He had expected her to support him, to be pleased that he was standing up for her. Instead, she was cutting the conversation short.

James finally shifted his gaze to her.

A beat of silence.

Then, just like that, his smile returned.

"Much better."