Chapter 2
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 2
Chapter Title: Villainess (2)
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The next day.
After classes ended, I headed straight for the faculty office.
"Eric! Where to today?"
"Got some business at the faculty office, so head back without me."
"Huh? How long will it take?"
"A while. I need to see the Principal."
"I'll be at the library. Come find me when you're done!"
Scarlet walked off down the opposite hallway.
I arrived at the faculty office and went looking for the Grade Head Teacher.
I stated my business at his door and waited a moment before he stepped out.
This is why model students have it good.
Even during exam season when he's swamped, there's no anger or irritation in his gaze as he looks at me.
"What brings you here?"
"Teacher, could I possibly meet with the Principal?"
"Of course! Naturally..."
I was the top of my year and had never caused any trouble.
The teacher's face hardened mid-sentence, as if he'd just remembered something.
"Ah, right. He's been away on a trip since last week. Won't be back until next month."
"Is there no way to contact him?"
"You know what kind of person the Principal is. He's on a top-secret mission—impossible."
"Still, there has to be some way..."
"Why are you being like this? You weren't before. If it's no, it's no."
The teacher's brow furrowed slightly, as if I was starting to wear on him.
I apologized profusely and quietly took my leave.
Haa... Well, if the Principal were around, Scarlet wouldn't get caught up in that incident to begin with.
I let out a small sigh as I recalled the elderly 8th Circle Archmage revered by mages across the world.
With the easiest option blocked, I hurried to try the next one.
I arrived at the Magic Department Head's office and immediately requested a meeting.
After a short wait, a young woman with purple hair emerged from the office.
I cut straight to the chase without delay.
"Contact the Principal? Even I, his prized disciple, can't manage that."
"Is there really no way?"
"When Master's away on a mission, not even His Majesty the Emperor can reach him."
Her response dashed my hopes with firm finality.
After a moment's thought, I asked on a whim.
"What about the Silvermain Archmage? Any way to reach him?"
"You think? He's incredibly elusive. I want to meet him myself."
The Magic Department Head frowned at me.
"I heard the Silvermain Archmage is close with the Principal. Isn't there some way?"
"Master might have a way, but I'm too young for that."
She emphasized her age out of nowhere.
"I only became his top disciple and the Magic Department Head after publishing my 7th Circle magic theory. How could I know someone always on the battlefield?"
"Your actual circle is 6th, right?"
"6th Circle in practice, but 7th Circle in my head!"
She was far too casual for a teacher instructing students.
But her brilliance in theory surpassed any magic faculty member.
Of course, none of that mattered against an Archdemon.
Realizing this path was a bust too, I slipped out amid the teachers heading home and dashed into the streets.
I arrived at City Hall and emptied my saved allowance into a communication magic tool.
"Just to confirm again, no refunds even if the recipient isn't available?"
"Yes, I know. Just activate it already."
I brushed off the clerk's words and sat in the chair by the desk.
An opaque orb about the size of my face.
The clerk confirmed I was seated and activated the device.
The opaque surface cleared to reveal a familiar scene.
"Huh? Why is this working... Eric?! What's got you using an expensive comms tool?"
"You're still there. Got something to ask."
Luckily, he hadn't clocked out yet. There was Father, seated in the count's study.
"Why not a letter? Never mind—the time is short, so out with it."
"Do you know anyone in the central court? Someone strong to invite for the practical exam next week?"
Father responded calmly despite my abrupt question.
"Hmm... No idea what's going on, but I could manage someone like Sir Roan of the Imperial Knights..."
"Imperial Knights won't cut it. Needs to be the Imperial Knight Commander, a Swordmaster, or at least a 7th Circle Archmage."
"What? I don't have connections like that..."
Father's eyes trembled sharply at my words.
Against an Archdemon, half-baked experts were useless.
We needed at minimum the Imperial Knight Commander or a 7th Circle Archmage to buy time.
To defeat it outright, a Swordmaster or 8th Circle Archmage.
"If you're that desperate, I could contact your brother or Scarlet's parents..."
"No! Brother's just an Imperial Trainee Knight—who's he gonna call? And Scarlet's parents only just entered central society."
"Hoo... I'm sorry. I can't even grant my own son's request..."
Father ran a hand down his face with a deep sigh.
Our family was a countryside countship in the imperial south—no influence in the central court.
Even though I'd asked too much, he was the one blaming himself.
"I'm sorry. I said something weird. I love you."
"If it's urgent, I'll see what I can do..."
Despite his words, his furrowed brow and downturned mouth showed no sign of lifting.
"It's fine, really. I just wanted to meet someone that impressive."
I knew our family didn't have that kind of pull.
With Father's soft heart, he might overextend himself.
"No time left—gotta go."
"Alright! Letter if something comes up!"
Connection time remained, but I stood to hide my thickening voice.
In my past life, I'd been an orphan loner. This life, I had proud, warm parents.
Before regaining my memories, I'd taken it for granted. Now I knew.
How lucky I was to have them.
"Letter... cough Please send this to Volkan Silvermain, the Archmage."
Throat tight, I cleared it and handed the clerk the letter.
"He's always chasing demons—can't track his location. Needs a confirmed spot to dispatch."
"That's fine. Please do it."
On a faint hope, I sent the letter.
Then hurried back to the academy before curfew.
That night, I pulled an all-nighter with books but found no way to warn of the Archdemon.
"Eric! We gotta go take the exam... Huh?"
"Yeah, let's head out."
I stepped out the door, and Scarlet's eyes locked on my face.
"What happened to your face?! Don't tell me you didn't sleep at all?!"
"Uh... Lots to study."
I averted my gaze to the mirror on the wall.
Dark circles hung low, hair a dry mess.
I'd spent the night rationally pondering ways to predict the Archdemon.
Still no answer.
"Exams matter, but sleep's key to doing well."
Scarlet looked at me with concern.
"Haha... The guy who always loses to me giving advice?"
"Hey! I worry, and you make a fuss!"
She playfully swatted my arm and walked ahead.
I barely remember how I did on the written exam that day.
The moment the bell rang after school, I moved to my next target.
Inside the academy grounds.
I entered the massive church towering five stories high.
Amid bustling priests, I went to the reception desk and requested a meeting with the Head Priest.
In the church meeting room, I sank into a plush sofa.
The Head Priest greeted me with a kind smile.
He brought tea, then sat across from me.
"So, what brings you to see me? Some worry on your mind?"
"Well... Just in case..."
"Speak freely, no need to hold back."
I hesitated, sipped the tea lightly, then continued.
"For the practical exam... Could we invite the Saintess?"
"Huh?"
His eyes widened at the unexpected question.
"Heh heh, there must be a reason you're asking. Why?"
"It's..."
I fiddled with the teacup, agonizing.
Want to see the Saintess? No. Not enough for a practical exam with one week left.
Because an Archdemon's coming? Too absurd. Even a top student like me would get scolded.
Time passed, but the priest waited patiently without pressing.
Still, I couldn't find a suitable answer.
"It's just... It's off-campus. What if dark wizards attack?"
"I don't know what's troubling our Eric, but it'll be fine. So many people are working for you all."
The priest stood and took my hands in his.
"What feels hard now often fades with time. Don't worry too much—keep a light heart. We're always here for you."
"Even... a Cardinal or the Head Holy Knight...?"
"I'll reach out. But they're always busy. Hard to summon on short notice."
I couldn't ask more of him.
"This tea's gone cold. Let me brew fresh..."
"I'm good. Gotta prep for tomorrow's exam. Thank you."
I downed the rest in one gulp, bowed to the priest, and left the church.
The sweet tea he'd brewed left a bitterly astringent aftertaste.
"What? Can't invite other Archmages? Does that make sense? Why's a kid like you suddenly like this?"
"All the Swordmasters are busy. Invitations need a year's planning. What about next year's finals? I know a junior colleague..."
"The Third Imperial Knight Commander will attend graduation anyway. You're top of the year, so... Huh? For the practical next week? Of course not!"
There were plenty of powerhouses in the world, but an Archdemon mocked them all.
Few could stop it... or even stall it.
Five days until the practical.
Impossible to summon one here in that time.
I faced the reality I'd been avoiding.
"Pretty view. Makes sense—it's the protagonists' date spot."
I climbed a ridge overlooking the academy grounds and gazed at the stars lighting the sky.
A year from now, the heroine and Second Prince would date here.
Confirming the hidden dungeon from the original story existed, I looked up.
Since regaining past-life memories, I'd screamed it inwardly dozens of times but never aloud.
With no one around, I whispered softly.
As expected, nothing appeared before my eyes.
"Status Window. Stats. System. Shop... Sigh, what am I even doing."
Next Monday's practical: The Archdemon appears and drags Scarlet into a subsapce.
There, defying the world's laws... she'll lose her Archmage talent.
Yeah, she doesn't die—just loses the talent.
Then gets shunned by family, resents the heroine, becomes a wreck...
But if I help, we can avoid that ending.
"Maybe..."
Maybe it's all my delusion?
Maybe there's no original story, no Archdemon.
My antics end as a blip, and I return to model student life, happy academy days.
Maybe... maybe...
Tormenting thoughts swirled.
Closing my eyes brought my parents' faces.
My sharp spatial awareness annoyed me now.
Mother smiling at me. Father forcing a grin, but his twitching lips gave him away.
And Scarlet holding my hand beside them.
Did I really try my best? Do everything possible?
No. One way left.
I descended the mountain and ran to City Hall.
Closing time—nearly deserted.
The clerk was turning off lights and locking up.
"Wait!!! Just one letter!!!"
"Huh? We're closed... Oh, you're that student from yesterday?"
The middle-aged clerk who'd helped with the comms tool recognized me.
Catching my breath, I handed him the letter I'd written last night.
"Can't come tomorrow morning—academy. Please send this anonymously to the Papal Court."
"Normally no... Sigh, you're like my son. Fine."
He grimaced, sighed, and took the letter.
"Even anonymous, if they come investigating, you reveal you sent it."
"I know. Please."
"Come tomorrow afternoon to sign the anonymous dispatch consent. Got your name and house from yesterday's comms."
"I will. Thank you."
I thanked him again and made curfew back to the dorm.
Consequences come after survival.
No more hesitation—I'd use every means.
Monday next week: Letter warning of Archdemon terrorism sent to Papal Court.
I lay in bed, forcing shut sleepless eyes.
Sunset darkened the room as Scarlet entered.
She pulled out the bear doll hidden under the bed and hugged it tight.
Deep breath.
From her pocket, the letter from the dorm matron.
Hugging the bear harder, Scarlet sat on the bed and read.
I heard finals are coming up soon.
You were second in midterms too, right?
The world only remembers first place.
I believe our genius daughter will pull it off this time.
Love,
Mom
No pleasantries—just one-sided words and done.
Trembling hands slowly crumpled the letter.
Deep breath. She thought of the one always a step ahead.
Eric would... If I ask him to check it...
His soft heart—he'd do it.
Third place was no contest.
If only Eric checked, first was easy.
She recalled the day her magic talent was first assessed.
Family beaming as she was confirmed with Archmage talent.
That joy vanished after second place in entrance exams and every test since.
She shook her head clear, tucked the letter in a drawer, and lay down.
"I can win. Even without him looking."
She vowed it, but that night dragged on endlessly.