Surviving as a Villain at the Academy chapter 147

147 – End of the Vacation (1)

It was time to leave the empire now. With about a month left in the vacation, it was the perfect time to return. A month to come, a month to handle things, a month to go back.

I dedicated the vacation entirely to the empire, but it was worth it… After all, it was necessary, and I obtained the longed-for Sword of Restraint, Salus.

Due to Michael’s presence within the empire, I couldn’t have a proper conversation with Salus, but once I returned to the empire, I could truly test Salus’s power.

In any case, my power was clearly superior to Ruslan’s now. But it didn’t matter. Ruslan was Ruslan, and I was me.

If Ruslan didn’t become stronger than expected, I would have to stir up various incidents and throw challenges his way. Once I returned to the empire, Chapter 3 would begin.

Chapter 3.

That’s right. The main villain of this chapter is me. Meaning, I had to obstruct Ruslan. It was far from the original plot, but it provided me with considerable freedom.

So… I could even throw things at Ruslan that he wouldn’t face at this point. Trials are hidden everywhere.

The fact that this world is a mess means that there are more dangers lurking around than one might think. Even if I pull back the threats I’ve set in the future a little, it shouldn’t be too difficult.

Throwing Ruslan into such trials when his skills are insufficient might be risky… but I can cover for that.

The point is, I need to strengthen him as much as possible. At least to my level.

It’s ironic how the situation turned out like this. The original Prahl didn’t have to worry about such things.

Well, it’s only natural that I became Prahl. Even my small actions as Prahl have already distorted the original narrative.

I don’t regret it. Even if I could turn back time, I’d probably act the same. So, what I need to do now is… train Ruslan to at least be useful to me.

…That alone is quite complicated, but what can I do? I have to do whatever it takes to survive.

—

Roughly a month passed, and I found myself back on the Empire’s soil.

Upon our return to the Empire, we were received by the Emperor for various matters. It seems the Imperial envoy received significant credit for resolving major events in the Holy Kingdom.

I heard that through Adrian, the Holy Kingdom had proposed various rewards, so the Emperor couldn’t help but be pleased.

“You’ve done well.”

Starting with those words, the Emperor addressed the envoy. The relationship with the Holy Kingdom had become even stronger, and individuals within the Holy Kingdom who had secretly opposed the Empire were exposed due to this recent incident… The Emperor generously rewarded us.

After being received by the Emperor and visiting the mansion for the first time in a long while, I couldn’t help but notice the strange looks from the servants.

Especially towards me and Asti.

The servants already knew that Asti and I were always together, and receiving a public confession from the Saintess amidst all this… It must have been perplexing for them.

Of course, some of them even joked, saying things like, “Our young master is talented. Will it end up just the two of them as the masters?”

Hearing those words, all I could do was slightly cover my face with my hand. Asti seemed to be enjoying the situation, laughing as if finding it amusing.

“Wow, the rumors have spread all the way to the Empire now?”

“They were bound to. It hasn’t been that long, just a month. Sakrum is where traders from all over the continent come. Naturally, rumors spread quickly there….”

“Not surprising at all. It must have been fun at the Academy.”

“Why?”

“Wouldn’t there be wild rumors spreading again? Both about me and the Saintess. She probably will stick to you like glue.”

“Aren’t you bothered?”

“Why would I be? Of course, I’ll stick to you diligently too. Even if that’s the case, we must maintain the order.”

“Something has changed a lot. In the past, you used to get annoyed if I was with another girl.”

“Who got annoyed…?”

“Think about your actions so far.”

Asti’s face reddened slightly at my words.

“Well, back then, you didn’t give me confidence. You have to take the initiative at least once. You kind of gave up halfway.”

“Gave up?”

“Yeah! You know very well how many girls are into you. If you reject them all and they end up resenting you, what will you do? Initially, they’re not even the kind of girls you can reject. Regardless of what happens, they are the ones you have to stick with till the end, right? So, you have to embrace them!”

Asti raised her voice slightly.

“That doesn’t mean I’m dating them.”

“Hah. Even if you don’t think that way, they might be overflowing with such thoughts. You know that, right? If you’re clueless, they’ll take advantage, so it’s very, very important for you to be aware.”

“…That’s true.”

“And given your personality, if you can’t ruthlessly push them away, like you did with Aris.”

“….”

I had nothing to say. Because what she said was true.

“Regardless, it’s something to endure… What do you have to do from now on?”

“Now… I need to enhance Ruslan’s skills further. But, probably you and I will have a lot to do. After all, without trials, people cannot grow.”

“Indeed, what we do won’t change much. How about this, since it came to this, how about you personally challenging Ruslan? Under the guise of training.”

“That’s not a bad idea… But that alone has its limits. Just think, how many people with tangled interests are attached to Ruslan, teaching someone else. You have to become strong on your own. I just provide the environment.”

“Ah, by the way, isn’t it about time to bring it out? Salus. Seeing that even Mikael’s gaze isn’t felt, it seems okay.”

“I was already planning to bring it out. Oh, how my mind has been ringing over the past month…”

Muttering slightly, as if waiting, Salus said to me.

-Then you should bring it out quickly.

“Your existence must be hidden.”

-Why?

“If those who might become my enemies someday realize that I have such a powerful sword as you, wouldn’t that be nice?”

-…I see.

“So be it. I feel sorry for not bringing you out for a while. But your existence will have to remain hidden for a while.”

-That’s a bit disappointing.

Salus’s voice was full of regret.

“Even so… I don’t plan to hide as tightly as in the Holy Empire. Here, since Mikael’s gaze doesn’t reach.”

-Really?

“Yes. It’s fine to be with me now.”

-Alright. Then…

Suddenly, a bright voice. Salus soon revealed herself. Not as a sword, but in human form.

Shall we say it was her appearance as a girl from Umbra? It was different from the appearance of a mature woman, exuding a liveliness. It resembled the appearance seen in the spiritual world.

“Is it okay to stay like this now?”

“Yes.”

Salus stretched, smiling happily as if content.

“Ah, this is the scenery outside. It’s so moving just to see a different view than the one I’ve seen all my life.”

It seemed as if she was touched by the realization that she was now able to explore the world.

“Is it that nice?”

“Yes. I’ve been confined all my life. Feeling that I can stand on my own two feet now and go anywhere is such a happy feeling.”

“Well, it’s good to be happy… But don’t wander around too much alone. I’ll show you around here and there.”

“I understand that much. I can’t just wander around everywhere. It would be difficult just to explain my presence around you, wouldn’t it?”

“True.”

“Since you’ll be considerate, if there’s a view you want to show me later, that will be enough. Besides your lover, there won’t always be someone sticking by your side, right?”

At her words, Asty and I nodded.

“…Got it.”

“The Academy seems like it would be interesting to visit. If there’s anywhere fascinating, a place you can explore alone, take me there. That alone would be enough for me.”

“Alright. Thank you for being considerate.”

“Don’t mention it. Between us. We should be companions from now on, right?”

She smiled brightly.

“See, we’ve already gained one more companion.”

From Noble mtl dot com

Saying that, Asty glanced at me slightly. If I hadn’t given Asty a definite answer, if I hadn’t expressed my feelings to her, she probably would’ve been furious with me.

“No, our relationship with her…”

“Frauh. I can assure you, it won’t take long.”

“What are you talking about now?”

“You don’t need to know. Salus.”

Asti thought Salus wouldn’t understand anyway, but Salus pondered for a moment and replied, “Hmm, so Asti is saying that I will soon fall for Frauh?”

“…You surprisingly got it.”

“How could I not? It’s your main topic of conversation. I’ve always been interested in you. Just because I’ve lived for centuries doesn’t mean I have experience. Of course, I’ve indirectly glimpsed someone’s life through the lives of spirits, but that doesn’t mean I’ve lived that life myself.”

“You’re right.”

“Anyway, it may sound like a distant story… the feeling of love. I’m curious. If I ever realize it later, I’ll be sure to let you know.”

Salus said with a grin.