Chapter 34

After the previous duel, Emilia’s position within the academy began to falter noticeably.

- Did you all see the duel yesterday?

- I heard Lady Vanity was utterly overpowered.

- The difference in skill was just too great.

- Honestly, it was almost pitiful...

The noble bloodline, the reigning prodigy, a figure destined to lead her era—all the praise Emilia had once received now seemed hollow, her once lofty reputation crumbling rapidly. The duel’s outcome had left a lasting impact on the students, a shock they couldn’t shake.

- It’s unbelievable...

Emilia had always been a subject of admiration, her beauty, regal demeanor, and undeniable skill giving her an allure few could resist—a flower blooming at the edge of a cliff. Yet, the very reputation that had made her so revered now magnified the blow of her defeat. In front of the entire student body, she had been overpowered, reduced to tears, and humiliated beyond redemption.

- Keep your mouths shut.

- If you talk about it and get caught, it’s straight to the guillotine.

- Mocking a duke’s daughter could get your entire family wiped out.

- Watch what you say.

No one dared to speak openly, and despite the whispers, the Vanity name was still feared, so a tense silence pervaded among the students. They especially avoided mentioning anything near Emilia.

The expulsion order that had been hovering over her was suspended. And although there was an air of suspicion when Emilia and Prince Snaikers began spending more time together, no one dared to comment. Their lives were more precious than the momentary thrill of gossip, so they kept their mouths shut.

- I ruined everything...

Still, the consequences of what had happened didn’t just disappear. No matter how cautious they were, she could sense the discomfort, and she wasn’t so dull as to miss it. Though she tried to act strong, inside, Emilia was unraveling.

- I’m sorry, Ruska.

- I just wanted to do better... But I almost put you in danger, too.

- I’ll take care of this myself.

In secret, Emilia cried. Her usual haughty, mesmerizing mask seemed nothing more than a lie. She was barely holding herself together.

"Tch."

Watching it all, Ruska’s dissatisfaction grew. Leaning against the window, he clicked his tongue quietly, his blue eyes glimmering with barely contained frustration. His dark blue hair echoed the color of the sea.

Ruska Vanity—Emilia’s twin brother, another elite of Class A—stared at his sister with a somber gaze.

She sat at her desk, looking weary but trying to keep up her usual fierce expression.

Pathetic.

"Maddening."

Ruska muttered under his breath, furrowing his brow. A cold, simmering air surrounded him.@@@@

- Please, Ruska.

- Let me handle this myself... don’t get involved.

Initially, he’d thought he’d stay out of it. It seemed like her own doing. She had, after all, poked the beast, but watching Emilia spiral wasn’t as satisfying as he thought it’d be. He understood why she had been so obsessed with becoming top-ranked. Sharing the same wound, he couldn’t help but want to support her.

Emilia was his only family, and thus, Ruska found the current situation unbearable. The students’ sidelong glances, Emilia’s vulnerability, and above all...

"Prince... we’re still one person short in our group, aren’t we?"

"No need to worry, Lady Regia."

The brazen Prince Snaikers.

Ruska fixed his gaze on him, narrowing his eyes. His sister’s shoulder gave a slight tremor as the Prince’s voice reached her—her reaction strangely pitiable.

Before he realized it, Ruska had moved to block the Prince.

"Lady Vanity."

"Step aside, Yuda Snaikers."

"Hmm?"

"I won’t stand by and watch you do as you please any longer."

The Prince’s expression became one of entertained curiosity, the sinister intensity in his gaze prickling Ruska’s skin. His legs felt weak as a shiver ran down his spine, but he forced himself to stay composed.

"I will protect Emilia."

He had to.

"That’s inconvenient."

The Prince, who had stopped in his tracks, muttered, a sly smile creeping onto his lips. His smile sharpened, carrying a sinister edge, as if he was genuinely entertained.

---

**Elsewhere**

"Emilia is my responsibility."

The blue-haired boy stood before me, declaring his intent to defend her. I watched him with interest.

"My, my... Prince Vanity himself."

I knew exactly who he was.

Ruska Vanity. Emilia’s twin brother and, in the original story, a mid-level antagonist. He’d been a tough obstacle for the protagonist to face.

Strange.

Why is he here so early? He usually doesn’t show up until a few episodes later. I can only think he’s misunderstood something.

He must think I’m bullying Emilia.

It seemed there’d been some misunderstanding. My relationship with Emilia was a mutually agreed-upon exchange. I would protect her secrets, and she would assist me whenever I needed her. A fair deal on both ends.

I understood his concern, but...

Business was business.

Emilia continued coldly.

"So, stop getting involved. And don’t antagonize him."

"Wait, at least explain...!"

Ruska tried to object, but Emilia turned her back to him. Her blue eyes glowed with a strange lifelessness, the weight of guilt consuming her.

"Let’s go outside."

"As you wish, Lady Vanity."

I followed her without protest. As we walked, I could still feel his gaze piercing my back. Ruska stood there, frozen in place, watching us until we left the room.

---

As we got further away, I spoke up.

"You didn’t have to be so harsh with him."

She paused, then muttered in a low voice.

"I didn’t want to displease you."

"Hmm?"

"I may call it a deal, but we both know you’re the one in control."

"Afraid I’d go back on my word?"

"...Yes."

She feared the leverage I held over her. After a moment of silence, she added hastily, as if realizing something.

"I didn’t mean to say

I distrust you."

"I understand."

"I’ve just... been taught to rely on no one since I was young."

"It’s fine. I’m not offended."

I offered her a reassuring smile. Knowing her family’s circumstances, I found myself feeling sympathy for both of them.

Emilia and Ruska Vanity—the twins who appeared as antagonists in the story. I hadn’t yet decided what to do about them, but I was beginning to feel a sense of empathy.

Gently, I reached out and placed my hand on her head, lightly brushing her blue hair. She stood still as I patted her head softly, as if lost in thought.

"As long as you don’t betray me first, I won’t betray you."

"I’ll trust you."

---

Little did the proud villainess know what was waiting for her.

"Lady Vanity."

"Yes?"

"Lady Vanity."

"...What is it?"

I nudged her gently, a lighthearted smile on my face as I watched her reaction.

"Are you alright?"

"I’m fine."

"Are you alright?"

"I’m fine... don’t ask twice."

"I’m sorry."

"Okay."

"I’m sorry."

"I said stop!"

Emilia’s brow furrowed in irritation. I continued to push her buttons, smirking as I reminded her of her recent exam results.

"Second place is still good."

"Just stop already!"

"Second place is still good."

"I said STOP!!!"

I doubt she’d expected me to win by such a landslide.

And so, I continued enjoying my little victory dance.