Surviving as a Villain at the Academy chapter 134

134 – So even though we are not in that kind of relationship. (8)

Rumors spread rapidly throughout the entire kingdom. It was only a matter of time before the rumor that started in Sacrum spread far and wide.

Being a hub for all kinds of logistics, not to mention the Valencia Holy Festival happening this time around.

Truly, the entire kingdom was stirred up by the clandestine relationship between the saint and me.

“…I apologize!”

And for some reason, maybe due to that, as soon as Adrian woke up, he was listening to what had happened from others and then bowing his head to me.

“No. There is no need for you to apologize to the saint. I just said it was something that had to be done… Well.”

“Sigh….”

She let out a sigh. The false pretense was a plan we had abandoned from our side, so I guess that’s why things turned out this way.

And since it was a result of not properly managing her own body, Adrian couldn’t lift his head to me even more.

“I feel ashamed, truly.”

“What can we do about what’s already happened? It’s not the time to be despondent, Saint.”

“…You’re right. What should we do from now on?”

She sought advice from me. I briefly mentioned the story I heard from the Pope to subtly inform her that the Pope was also an ally.

“In fact… The Pope has given me some words.”

“The Pope…?”

“Yes. Since it’s come to this, your favor may decrease a bit, but the Pope clearly wants us to eradicate the corruption within the kingdom.”

“Ah.”

“I also thought that was the better option. What do you think, Saint?”

She seemed to be pondering for quite some time. She must be contemplating whether this is the right thing to do.

“Is this… a surefire method?”

Is the contemplation coming to an end? Adrian asked me with a slightly reddened face.

“He suggests giving plenty of leeway. To those who are hostile to the saint.”

“So, a complete…?”

“Yes. We just need to show that you and I are often seen together. That’s the message for the people of the kingdom.”

“Could there be a riot? No, it’s not just that issue, but it seems like the seniors would suffer tremendous damage as well….”

“I’ll be fine. I’ve already heard all sorts of insults before, and even if someone tries to harm me, there’s no one who can easily approach me. And well… if I were to suffer greatly from something unexpected, you’re here, aren’t you, Saint.”

“Y-yes. Then…”

“We have to act. The conscious man and woman.”

“I-I’m not sure if I can do that well. I’ve never been involved in such a rumor, never tried such a thing, never felt such emotions.”

“It’s okay. You don’t really have to act that way, just subtly play along.”

“How so?”

I reached out to her hair, which seemed lost. As if removing dust.

Adrian’s face turned crimson. His face already seemed slightly warm, but now it was completely flushed.

It felt like there was no immunity to the male gender itself. Well… when you think about it, it made sense. Apart from those who trained with her in the kingdom or those who taught her, there would be no male peers who had contact with her…

Working in the Papal Office essentially meant dealing with middle-aged knights.

“Ah, um….”

Watching her shyly lower her head, I chuckled.

“It’s troublesome if you get so embarrassed, Saint. You have to throw out a clear bait for the other party to bite into.”

“I-I know, but it’s, it’s too embarrassing….”

“What can we do. The situation has already turned out this way. Endure it, and dare to plan to punish those who defile the kingdom.”

“Hoo, haa…”

At my words, she tried to shake off her embarrassment with deep breaths.

With a still flushed face, she said to me, “Yes!”

“Well then… The event may be over, but the festival is still ongoing, isn’t it?”

“Yes. It might last quite a while.”

“Then, let’s do this. Put on a suitable disguise, pretend to enjoy the festival…”

“Reveal ourselves appropriately?”

“Yes. Well, any coincidence will do. I’ll handle it somehow, and all you need to do, my lady, is stick by my side discreetly. Just that alone will spread an enormous rumor.”

“Indeed… It’s a situation that will surely attract the inquisitors.”

“Initially, they might not take the bait. They can’t keep up that behavior when rumors are circulating widely, can they?”

“So what then?”

“Continue the act. To the point where they might think, ‘They truly love each other.'”

“Then they will surely take the bait.”

Her face sharpened again.

“Yes. And they will request an interview about you, my lady. That will be the moment.”

“The time for retaliation, right?”

“Exactly.”

I smiled at Adrian.

“It seems we can really make the inquisitors take the bait.”

“That’s right.”

“Always… I have nothing but gratitude for you, Senior Prahl.”

“Well, what can you do. Since we’re involved, we must be thorough. I’m not sure how I ended up meddling in the politics of the Holy Kingdom… But after this is over, my lady will be even freer.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. Then you will be able to freely pursue love as well.”

“Isn’t that a bit challenging, though?”

“Do you have a reason?”

“…I don’t know. Anyway, I think I need some time to sort out my thoughts, so Senior Prahl, you should rest too.”

“Understood.”

Adrian looked at me with a slightly puzzled expression and issued an exit command to me.

* * *

Adrian still gazed at the spot where Prahl had left with a fierce expression on her face. The conversations they had just had lingered in her mind.

Act as false lovers.

The plan that had subtly filled the void of affection she had not even realized she harbored for Prahl in the past, now seemed to be unfolding unexpectedly.

When she collapsed from exhaustion, it seemed that seeing Prahl’s face was not just a figment of her imagination.

Struggling with embarrassment, feeling guilt, yet also… she was pleased. A mix of emotions filled her heart.

To play the role of a false lover to someone already in love, even if shameless, she had to do it.

But what could she do? She couldn’t help but feel the rising joy despite berating herself. Emotions didn’t always align with one’s intentions.

Especially now, as a girl experiencing her first love. It wasn’t an emotion easily controlled, so she found it difficult to regain her composure amidst the conflicting guilt and joy.

Eventually, she gave up on trying to make sense of it all.

“Just let things be as they may. Let’s get some sleep.”

And on that day, Adrian had a dream.

He saw himself, more mature than ever before… and a child with golden hair nestled in his arms. And next to them, the figure of Frah.

It was such a happy dream that tears seemed to well up for some reason.

* * *

Watching Asti tossing and turning in my room, I couldn’t help but feel a bit sorry.

“Asti.”

“Did things end well with Adrian?”

“Yeah. It seemed more efficient that way.”

“But, Frah. Is helping the Saint also part of your ‘plan’?”

“Yes. The Celestial Realm needs to be intact so we can seek their help later. At the very least, if they are whole, human conflicts won’t escalate as much.”

“Wait. Human conflicts?”

“…Right. A major war is brewing in the near future. Heaven and Hell will wreak havoc in the human realm, dividing people into followers of Heaven and Hell, leading to endless human conflicts.”

“So, the Celestial Realm…”

“Yes.”

“So, you plan to establish your own power?”

You could say that. After the Saint’s task is done, I might shift towards the Empire.”

“It won’t be easy. There are many in the Empire who don’t favor you.”

“True. I’ll have to persuade them. Anyway… I can only apologize to you.”

“Regarding the involvement with the Saint?”

From Noble mtl dot com

“Yeah.”

“I don’t mind. Just prioritize me. After all, in human history, humans weren’t meant to be subservient, right?”

“True, but conscience…”

“Didn’t I mention before? Trouble is coming your way. So, I’m just trying to accept it.”

“…Still, I’m sorry.”

“If you’re that sorry, would you sit here for a while?”

“Sure.”

I sat on my bed as she requested.

Then, Asti leaned into my embrace.

“Hold me. Not for anything else, just, hold me close to your chest.”

“Alright.”

I held Asti tightly as she leaned into me, looking into her face.

“Like this?”

“Mm… a bit lacking. Since we’ve kissed before… just a kiss would suffice. It would be a bit disappointing if it ended like this.”

“Whatever you want.”

Looking at Asti’s slightly flushed face, I kissed her.