The Villainess Whom I Had Served for 13 Years Has Fallen

Love can become a benefactor or a nemesis with just a fine line.

-Kyaah, darling!

-Why~ my baby.

-I missed you.

For some, ‘love’ leaves the most meaningful memories in life, but for those whose ‘love’ doesn’t continue, a ‘confession’ can lead a good relationship into a new phase.

Just like the Young Lady did.

“…”

In front of the fountain at the Academy.

Holding an iced coffee in my hand, I sat on a bench, watching couples pass by with a faint smile.

“They’re in their prime.”

Once upon a time, I also dreamed of such a rosy life. Now, I’m just giving relationship advice to others.

There are so many things I couldn’t enjoy as a Possessor.

‘Idiot.’

Seriously, I’m someone who can’t enjoy things.

‘…’

Let me say this upfront: I’m a coward.

A coward who doesn’t express emotions unless I’m certain. I speak carelessly, but if I judge that the other person has no feelings for me, I hide away. That’s who I am.

To be honest, I wasn’t someone qualified to teach Shuen about love. I’ve never been in a relationship, and I’m too scared to even try to seduce someone. So, who am I to teach anyone….

‘Still….’

I might at least be able to give advice on a love whose ending is already determined.

After all, I’m a man crazy about a woman who hates seeing beautiful girls cry. That should be enough of an excuse.

“…”

Had I been zoning out on the bench for about ten minutes? A sharp woman’s voice came from behind me. It was an arrogant and self-absorbed tone.

“Commoner! You were thinking up some fresh nonsense again, weren’t you!”

“…You’re here?”

“Ohoho…! I just arrived! Making a commoner wait is a noble’s duty, after all!”

“You came 20 minutes earlier than our agreed time.”

“Ugh…! Be quiet!”

Shuen, who had arranged our meeting to match our mutual day off, glared at me with a crossbody bag slung across her chest.

Shuen bent her waist at a 45-degree angle, subtly flaunting her chest. Whether she was aware of it or not, her imposing figure made me let out a dry laugh as I patted the spot next to me on the bench.

“Have a seat. I’ll lay out a handkerchief for you.”

“Oh… How thoughtful for a commoner. Thank you.”

“A noble’s rear end is precious, after all.”

“Truly, the mouth of a commoner is so vulgar…!”

Shuen blushed and lowered her head.

“So, did you come fully prepared?”

“Wh-What preparation would I need! I only came to hear what kind of fresh nonsense you’re going to spout!”

“Puhaha! I’m honored. Then, please listen carefully to my fresh nonsense. It’ll be entertaining, I assure you.”

Shuen nodded primly and grabbed a notebook from her bag, her actions betraying her claim of disinterest. The sight made me chuckle.

“Shuen, your reactions are truly amusing.”

“Don’t laugh!”

What I planned to talk about today wasn’t anything grand. It wasn’t about the Academy’s survival or a debate on the kingdom’s political landscape.

It was about her personal story.

Yes, it was about her love story.

As I looked at the numerous couples sitting in front of the fountain, I recalled what Shuen had said.

-That’s right. I like Senior Mikhail.

-As expected.

-Are you going to mock me? A noble liking a commoner? No matter what you say, I will definitely end up with Senior Mikhail, so say whatever you want.

-No, I just asked because you make it so obvious.

Letting out a small sigh, I looked at Shuen, who was fidgeting with her fingers, and opened my mouth.

“You said you like Mikhail, right?”

“…”

“And you said you want to be with Mikhail.”

“That’s right.”

“Then why are you so embarrassed? You confidently declared at the convenience store, ‘I will end up with Senior Mikhail!'”

“Don’t mimic me!”

“Puhaha! You’re as entertaining as ever.”

Smiling faintly, I began to share the thoughts I had organized in my mind.

“Let me make this clear: I have no intention of helping you end up with Mikhail. Honestly, I think the chances are slim.”

“You’re cursing me, aren’t you.”

“That’s right. I’m recommending that you don’t confess to him.”

“Who said I would!”

I gazed softly at Shuen, who was pouting, and asked.

“You seem like you might do it soon. Am I wrong?”

“I don’t know. Don’t ask me.”

Seeing Shuen hold back her words, I let out a dry laugh and shook my head.

“Mikhail dislikes receiving attention. Especially public confessions. He absolutely hated it when our Young Lady did that.”

“Ughhhh…”

“I wouldn’t think that someone as aware of noble honor as Shuen would have such romantic fantasies. But there are often people like our Young Lady.”

“Ughhhhh…”

“If you get rejected, how will you handle it…”

Shuen clenched her fist and looked down at the ground. Watching her, I teased.

“Am I wrong?”

“O-Of course not!”

“I was just worried that Shuen might, just might, become the kind of fool who confesses in front of a crowd.”

“Do I look like that kind of fool to you!”

“Yes.”

I looked at Shuen and said.

“I thought you might gather people around the fountain and say, ‘Everyone, please bless us,’ before confessing to Mikhail with a ‘bam!'”

“…”

Shuen, having been hit where it hurt, remained silent.

“I’m glad Shuen isn’t that kind of fool.”

Shuen’s pride was thoroughly shredded.

I shared various pieces of advice with Shuen. After all, advice was all I could offer.

This was a love that wouldn’t come to fruition anyway. Giving her false hope would only make things more miserable. Choosing my words carefully, I spoke to Shuen.

“The most important thing is to make Mikhail like you.”

“…Make him like me?”

“Right now, Mikhail doesn’t even know your name, does he?”

“…That’s true.”

“You haven’t even introduced yourselves, and you’re not close. If you confess out of the blue, won’t that cause problems?”

“…I hadn’t thought that far. I just assumed that since I’m incredibly charming, success was a given…”

“Oh dear…”

I looked at Shuen with pity and shook my head. It seemed her entire mindset needed a complete overhaul.

Judging from the flow of the novel, Shuen would soon have a chance to interact with Mikhail.

In an assignment where Academy students could choose their projects, they’d pick the same one. Naturally, they’d get to know each other and establish familiarity.

As this happened, Shuen’s feelings would grow, and Mikhail would start to see a familiar woman’s image in her…. Yes, Mikhail would begin to overlap Shuen with the image of the Young Lady.

Obsession.

Affection.

Being swayed.

Then, ‘boom.’

It would shatter.

I offered Shuen a direction that might hurt her a little less as she passionately jotted down my words.

“Confessions are best made when you’re alone together.”

“Got it!”

“And don’t do it in front of the fountain.”

“I said I got it!”

I prevented her from being humiliated in front of a crowd.

“And instead of mentioning that you’re a commoner, it’s better to show sincerity. Half-hearted sincerity is something Mikhail rejects outright. Writing down what you want to say on paper and reading it out loud might actually leave a better impression.”

“…”

“At the very least, he won’t insult you out of guilt.”

“You’re a devil!”

“Haha… My apologies.”

The direction I suggested wasn’t the best, but it was a different path from the novel that had led to the worst outcome. And as someone who had already experienced the worst, it was advice I could give.

Taking a deep breath, I spoke to Shuen.

“This might be the most important thing.”

“…Gulp.”

“Lastly…”

“Lastly!”

“You can use me.”

Shuen looked at me with trembling eyes.

“What do you mean by that?”

I smiled brightly as I replied.

“Who do you think Mikhail hates the most?”

“…”

“The person who can form the biggest connection with him and provide endless topics of conversation.”

“You…”

“That’s right. It’s me.”

Once someone becomes a target of hatred, it’s not easy for that hatred to fade.

“It’s simple. Shuen, hate me.”

“What?”

“Then things will improve, even if just a little.”

Her relationships with others.

The future she holds.

If there’s someone to blame, it’s easier to let go.

“I’m not as kind as you think I am, Shuen.”

A villain was needed.

***

Strange rumors began circulating at the Academy.

Someone was intentionally stealing practice supplies.

If it were just training scarecrows or mana detectors, it might not have been a big deal. But the missing items were all tools that carried hefty price tags, ones difficult for students to procure.

Things like wands that enhance magic efficiency or distillers for potion-making. In this ironic situation where items with the common trait of being “resellable” were disappearing, the rumors pointed to one man.

The new convenience store employee was said to be stealing.

Ever since the notorious man arrived at the Academy, incidents began occurring, and students started viewing Ricardo with suspicion.

-Right?

-Yeah, for sure. Last time, I came back to the classroom because I forgot something, and I saw that guy entering the Academy.

-Shouldn’t we report him?

-Not yet. We don’t have solid evidence.

-Just wait till we catch him. I’ll make him compensate for all the practice sessions I missed because of him.

“…”

Sitting leisurely at the counter, Ricardo smiled as he waited for the right moment.

“It’s about time.”

The assignment involving Mikhail and Shuen.

Catching the Academy thief.

Of course. The thief wasn’t me.