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T/N: Today Id like to thank my repeat Cookie Donor, Tina! Thanks so much for the sweets~!

As we walk into the building, everyones eyes turn to us.

They stare openly, resentfully, but no one opens their mouth to speak. In halls so crowded with people, the silence feels unnatural and ominous.

I can tell what theyre all thinking just from the looks theyre giving us, Gilles says as his eyes flit from side to side, taking in the scene.

And hes right. All the heated gazes on us convey much more than mere words could.

Its like they are watching as the plague descends on them, like were some sort of pestilence. I wonder if they are trying to take the moral high ground by not saying anything? Though I find their disdainful stares to be just as discourteous as speaking out would be. Maybe even worse.

Hey, Alicia? When you called those people trash. that was actually the second time, right? Though, the first time you called them trash, and the second time you said they were worse than trash, so your taunts aimed at those girls were actually more extreme.

At Gilless words, my shoulders stiffen unconsciously.

Eh? Did I call someone trash before that? I dont remember I reply with my eye wide, my face a mask of surprise and confusion. Gilless eyes also grow large in response.

When did I say something like that?

Im usually pretty good about remembering what I say, and calling someone trash seems like a pretty serious insult, so I feel like I should definitely remember doing that.. But no matter how hard I think about it, I have no recollection of doing so.

It was that time when we were both kidnapped. The thugs you offed. You called them trash.

Oh. I dont remember.

Makes sense. You were amazingly focused on the battle at that time, Gilles murmurs earnestly.

I remember actually killing them, but it seems that what I said back then has completely fled my mind. What a convenient lapse in memory..

Ali-chan~ calls out a bright, playful voice as Curtis-Sama comes up from behind me. Long time no see. How have you been?

Fine. And you seem to be doing well yourself, as per usual, I say, and then do a double take as I search the area behind him. Are you alone?

Curtis-Sama grins like a cat whos caught a particularly interesting toy within his claws.

Oh? Disappointed that Duke isnt with me?

No! Its just. rare to see your by yourself, Curtis-Sama.

Ah! Well thats true~ Since I am usually accompanied by at least a couple cute girls.

Indeed. Perfectly lovely, but empty, air-headed girls by the boatload, I say smiling sweetly up at him.

For a moment, Curtis-Samas face stiffens, his casual expression looking forced, but then he regains his composure and smirks at me.

Whats this? Are you jealous?

Absolutely. Not, I insist, my own smile growing wider and possibly more pinched than it was previously.

Being jealous of Curtis-Sama. What a completely ludicrous idea.

As a villainess, Im entitled no, required to badmouth other women. Plus, Im nearly certain that Im smarter than any of the girls that tend to hover in Curtis-Samas vicinity. So, that means Im justified to pay them such insults.

If I was less intelligent than them, I wouldnt be so shameless as to say something like that.

Surely you wont lecture me about looking down on others, right? I let the words slip before I even think about.

Curtis-Samas and Gilless eyes widen a bit.

No. Since its true that theyre dumber than you, Ali-chan. Their magic level and academic ability are both lower than yours, Curtis-Sama says, flashing me with a flirtatious grin.

How unexpected. No, wait. Maybe it isnt? Ah, I dont know anymore.

Is Curtis-Sama in Liz-sans faction or not? I really have no idea what hes thinking..

You really think so? According to the rest of the school, Im some idiotic good-for-nothing that puts zero effort into anything I bother to do, I say cheekily, the corners of my lips twisting up ever so slightly as I maintain steady eye contact.

Curtis-Samas smile turns bitter.

I might not be from one of the five great noble families, but Im still capable of distinguishing between intelligence and idiocy.

Im not a noble, and even I can tell, Gilles tacks on.

Now its my turn to smile bitterly.

You know. Ali-chan? Curtis-Sama starts, his gaze turning serious for once.

What? I ask, surprised by his sudden change in mood.

Liz is smart. but her thoughts are too short-sighted.

Yes, Im aware.

..I see. But, Liz is the saintess, right?

This time when Curtis-Sama speaks, his voice is low. So low that only I can hear it.

At his words, I jerk my head back and stare at him.

Just by looking into his eyes, I can see that he wasnt really asking me if she is or not. He seems certain that Liz-san is the saintess.

How do you know that?

Anyone would know if they took a second and observed the kings behavior towards Liz. Plus, her magic is a dead giveaway. Being able to use every attribute. Unless shes the saintess, that would be way too abnormal.

Some state secret, getting exposed so easily, I mutter under my breath.

Shes pure and innocent, someone who thinks the whole world is beautiful and good.

Yes, Im also aware of that, I say, rolling my eyes, but he doesnt seem phased at all. He just leans in, bringing his mouth up close to my ear.

For a moment, he doesnt move. Doesnt say anything. He just breathes. Then finally, sucking in a deep breath, he speaks, his words softer than a whisper.

..The king is making use of your bold, utilitarian nature. And, this is just my own speculation, but I expect that someday hell tell you to become the shadow saintess.

The moment hes done speaking, Curtis-Sama slinks away. Hes gone before Ive even had a chance to fully process his words.

My mind is so full with trying to decipher them that I stop dead in my tracks. I dont even have enough capacity to continue walking.

Become a shadow? While Liz-san acts as the face of the figure known as the saintess, Ill be nothing but some trick of the light behind her?

Alicia? What did Curtis say? Gilles asks, peering up into my face with an expression both curious and concerned.

Become the shadow saintess.. is all I mutter in reply.

At my words, Gilless expression darkens.

Since his mind is so extraordinarily quick, it seems that he was able to understand just from that.

A shadow? I definitely dont want to be that.

I want to stand center stage. I want to shine as a magnificent villainess in front of everybody! Not act as some sort of morally questionable understudy. Why should I have to become something so pathetic as the saintesss shadow?

Though, that was merely Curtis-Samas own speculation. Its not like anythings been decided yet.

Curtis said that?

No, not exactly. he said that the king might say that one day though, I clarify.

Gilles doesnt seem comforted by this new information. Somehow, his expression looks even stormier than it was previously.

I knew that I was being used. I knew that, and I was fine with it.

However, trying to force a villainess who deserves nothing less than the spotlight at center stage into the background, now that I refuse to accept.

Ill concede to being used for anything but that. If he wants to take advantage of my actions, so be it. Since Im doing what I want to do and currying favor at the same time, theres no downside for me. But I will not be shoved to the shadows.

What are you two up to?

As Gilles and I lapse into silence thinking about the implications behind Curtis-Samas words, suddenly an all-too-familiar voice calls out from behind me.

I whip around towards the person who had spoken. And there, standing just outside the window, is Duke-Sama.

Its been a while, he says warmly, reaching out a hand and lightly stroking my cheek.

Ah, give me a break. First thing in the morning and my heart is already making a racket. Looks like Im in for another tiring day today.

.If I were to slam the window shut as hard as I could right now, I wonder how hed react?

What do you think you are doing?

Isnt it about time that you remove your hand? .Please? If you dont, youre bound to realize how warm my face is right now. That is, if you havent realized already.

At my question, the right side of Duke-Samas mouth quirks up, his eyes turning playful and teasing.

Expressing my love.

I dont need it, I mumble quickly. Immediately.

My face is rapidly growing hotter by the second.

Ahh! I ended up asking something stupid. Again. I really walked right into that one.

What can I do to win against Duke-Sama?

I really hate how it feels like Im always losing in some way or another against him. And as a villainess, its also embarrassing to lose to a man.

I throw my hands out the window and roughly run my fingers through Duke-Samas hair making it stand every which way.

Oh. His hair really is so smooth and soft. What an unbelievable texture.

What? Duke-Sama says, gaping.

Yes! With this, we can at least call it a tie, right? I was able to completely surprise him! Not bad, me.

Im expressing my love, I declare, triumphantly, smirking back at him.

For a single second, Duke-Sama freezes, continuing to gape at me. But then his shoulders relax, a huge, happy grin slowly spreading across his face, his eyes almost seeming to twinkle.

So there is love?

Is it just me, or does that happy grin look much more like an evil little smirk now? Is there really a need for you to stare that hard at me?

Eh? No, umm.

I was just trying to give Duke-Sama a little taste of his own medicine I never thought hed turn those words around on me like that.

This is bad. Duke-Sama has the upper hand again now. When will I ever be able to win against him?

Seeing my slightly flustered look, Duke-Samas lips arch up in a satisfied smile.

Ugh, I let him get under my skin! Things could not get any worse! I cant believe I let him see me looking flustered! I quickly get my heart back under control.

If it means receiving your love, Alicia, then Id do anything, Duke-Sama says, peering straight into my eye, his own eyes and expression earnest and sincere.

In response, I can feel my eye widening unintentionally. And for that one moment, it feels like time has stopped.

This is the first time in my life that anyone has said anything like that to me. Even in my past life, no one ever acted like this. Or at least not with me!

Before, when he was always teasing me with that devilish little smirk, his feelings had seemed weak at best. but when he looks at me like that?

..Why? Why now? Why is he suddenly acting so serious? Is this some new, diabolical type of teasing that hes just come up with?

Bam!

Abruptly, theres a whoosh as something flies right past my face with considerable force.

It would seem that Gilles had had enough of this conversation. Just now, he slammed the window shut so hard that the glass rattled, sounding like it might break.

Flirt all you want, I really dont mind. But could ya at least give it a rest first thing in the morning? Gilles says loudly to Duke-Sama through the glass.

Duke-Samas smile becomes slightly strained at those words. Gilless returned smile on the other hand looks oddly buoyed by Duke-Samas discomfort.

..Its a real, genuine grin. The type you only have when youre just barely managing to hold back from bursting out in laughter.

Maybe this is his own form of teasing? Could he have wanted to try bullying Duke-Sama a bit?

Usually Gilles cooperates with Duke-Samas every whim, but perhaps I can say that hes still my ally? When push comes to shove, hell take my side and help me instead?

With this, our battle can be considered a draw, right? Hopefully I can be forgiven for borrowing a little of Gilless help.

But Duke-Sama is still too formidable of an enemy for me to face alone! Someday Ill be able to take him down on my own for sure! ..I hope.

..Speaking of which, I wonder if I like Duke-Sama?

Or, I mean, of course I like him. but are these feelings love?

They say that first love tastes like lemons. but I honestly have no idea what they mean by that. Plus, who even said that in the first place?

Ugh, love is so confusing.. It might still be a bit too early for me to be considering such things.

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T/N: So? Was my forecast correct? Cloudy with a chance of Duke? XD Hopefully you all (the Duke anti-fans) werent too creeped out by the hand on the face gesture XD And hopefully you all (the Duke stans) werent too disappointed there wasnt more hahahaha

As for the rest of you in-betweeners what do ya think of Curtis and his own mysterious forecast?