|| Next Placeholder

Everyone in this academy hates me, dont they? I say to Gilles as we sit together in the old library. The two of us are alone without another soul in sight.

It makes absolutely no sense to me why no one ever comes here. I mean, I just love the tranquil, cozy atmosphere that this library gives off.

Its so pleasant that Id stay here all day if I could! The smell of the pages and parchment, the gentle light streaming in through the windows, it just feels so nostalgic. It has to be my favorite place in the academy.

..Yup, Gilles agrees nonchalantly, glancing over at me and nodding. Everybody hates you.

Though its not all bad since I still have you, and Duke-Sama, and Mel, and Henry-Oniisama on my side at least, right?

Yeah.. Though thats the main reason that Dukes popularity has been plummeting these days.

How does he know that? Im so curious where he gets his intel from.

Theres rumors going around that Duke and Henry are just confused, that you drove them half mad and thats why theyre hanging around you.

Hmm. Thats not exactly wrong.

If things were as they should be, Duke-Sama wouldve been stuck to the heroine like glue, but he somehow ended up falling for me instead.

..I cant believe I was right and that Duke-Samas popularity really did take a hit from liking me though. Not that he probably minds. On the contrary, I bet hes overjoyed by it. Since he wants to be free, then reducing others expectations for him can only be a good thing.

Even though were only five people, everyones so hung up on our every move.

Well, its cause were basically the bad guys,' I say, the corners of my mouth sliding up.

Ahh, Im a little too happy about this. I always thought allies were unnecessary, but if they are this effective for increasing my impact as a villainess, then Ill welcome them with open arms.

I used to think that a villainess should be proud, aloof. Independent! But if I surround myself with equally hateful people, then thatll just serve to make me more infamous.

And if things keep going at this pace, Ill easily be able to engrave my name on history!

Plus. Duke-Sama is this countrys prince. If I can be known as the evil witch that corrupted a prince, then Ill be able to create an even bigger stir.

Behind our backs people are saying that we belong to some deranged shadow organization or that were the embodiment of pure evil.

Ooh! I like the sound of that! I say, letting my excitement leak into my voice.

Though, rather than deranged, I feel like eccentric might be more accurate. Well, objectively speaking, from an outsiders perspective maybe we really do seem deranged.

But the embodiment of pure evil? What higher praise can there be than that!? Ive been yearning to hear those words for so long. And to think, theyve been saying them behind my back this whole time!

Black Devil.

Huh?

Thats what theyre calling you.

Really? What about Liz-san?

White Angel, Gilles practically spits out the words.

..He really cant stand her, huh?

But anyways, Black Devil and White Angel? What is this, the 80s? Can their naming sense possibly be any lamer? Couldnt they have picked something more. sophisticated? These names are truly abominable.

Theyre rather. tacky, wouldnt you say? I say while wrinkling my nose.

Gilles smiles, the corners of his mouth slicing high into his cheeks.

..Yikes. Now this is the expression Id expect from a black devil. Its almost as if a pitch-black shadow has descended over his features.

How can a smile be this terrifying?

Even all the books on the shelves seem to have fallen silent, cowering at that devilish look. Not that books make much noise to begin with.

There is a small group thats calling you a black angel though.

Black angel? I ask, brows furrowing.

Yup.

Then, are those people calling Liz-san a white devil?

Dont know, Gilles says, shrugging.

I understand Liz-san. but why would anyone be calling me an angel?

Seriously, referring to me simply as a plain old black devil would be fine with me. Or, if theyd at least drop the angel part, I wouldnt really care regardless of what they called me.

There isnt a single angelic thing about me. Even my features lean more towards the demonic side. Whereas Liz-san fits the term angel perfectly. Whether its her personality, her face. or in particular that perfect smile of hers.

Ugh, this sucks.

With my hand clutching at my forehead, I let my frustrations leak out like a sigh.

It feels like I fell all the way from cloud nine down to the bitter pits of purgatory. Bring me back those high spirits from a couple minutes ago!

Why are they calling me an angel?

Dont worry, theyre not saying it outright.

Then how do you even know about it, Gilles?

If theres a will, theres a way, he tells me cheekily, grinning a bit evilly up at me.

The only thing I can say is, as expected of him.

In the background, a war is waging between Lizs faction and yours.

..Why do you look so delighted by that?

I just feel happy whenever I think about how your supporters are growing, Gilles says, the corners of his eyes crinkling in pure, innocent joy.

Gilless words seem to pierce my heart, burrowing in deep.

Im being supported by strangers. people whom I dont know and who likewise dont know me.

Though, the people in your faction would never just come out and admit that they support you.

.Well, obviously. Theyre overwhelmingly outnumbered by Liz-sans faction. Anyone with half a brain wouldnt show off their allegiance under such disadvantageous circumstances. But seriously. Where do you get all this information from? I demand, scrutinizing him.

Gilles gazes at me a moment and then sighs as if hes given up.

From Henry.

From Henry-Oniisama?

.Hm. That was unexpectedly easy. I thought hed hold out for at least a little bit longer. I guess after all these years weve really come to understand each other well. Because Gilles knows how stubborn I can be, he decided to give in now rather than later. We make quite the pair.

You know, Im involved in quite a lot of things that youre unaware of, Alicia, Gilles tells me proudly, smiling at me in a way that seems to contain a hidden meaning behind his words.

Involved in a lot of things? Like what I wonder? Were together practically every second of the day, so it feels weird to think that theres still sides to him that I dont know about.

..Though, now that I think about it, he did seem to hit it off well with Professor John the other day, maybe hes gotten involved with research or something?

And why is he looking at me as if hes won? In my eyes, it almost looks like all the books on the shelves seem to be giving Gilles a round of applause, extoling his triumph. Not that they actually have hands to clap with.

|| Next Placeholder

T/N: First of all, HAPPY MOTHERS DAY EVERYONE!!!! To all you mothers out there, I hope you had an absolutely wonderful day

Also, Im sorry for the lack of chapters this week. I had plans literally every day so I had no time to translate. Im hoping to not have many weeks like this! Partly because I feel bad for you guys, but also because thats just too much for me lol. My introverted side is screaming that it wants to stay home~~~ haha.

I have no chapters saved up, so this upcoming week is also going to be rough, but Im going to do my best to upload the promised four chapters! Ive seen some comments hoping for action, and I have to agree with you. Im ready for some intrigue, and this chapter kind of feels like a setup. There is war and discontent brimming under the surface and I cant wait for all that energy to explode!