The Legendary Villainess Who Vanished on the Guillotine, in Her Second Life She Wishes for Peace as

Chapter 18: The second prince is a good person — Part 1

At this time in mid-June, a very important event is looming for me.

Yes, it’s the final exams.

After the weekend and on Monday, Alania Academy, which has entered test week for two weeks before the actual test, began to be filled with a tense atmosphere.

Even Alondra, who sits next to me, has opened a math reference book instead of reading a magic research book as usual.

This talented girl hopes to attend the Magic Research Institute. Although Alania Academy is where elites (nobles) gather, it is very rare for a student like her to have such a career path desire since many female graduates immediately get married.

“If only I could just study magic research, it would be so much easier.”

This is Alondra’s catchphrase. Although she has no interest in anything other than magic research, she must also study other subjects to attend a higher education, so she always feels sluggish during test week.

However, what’s amazing about Alondra is that she manages to stay in the top 10 with the minimum amount of necessary study time.

“I’m really depressed at the thought of having to study for entrance exams next year. It’s counterproductive to reduce my research time for magic.”

“Alondra will be fine. I’m sure she’ll pass.”

As I laughed while flipping through a math reference book, Alondra looked at me with a puzzled expression.

“Speaking of which, Leticia, why do you study? Now that you’re engaged, you don’t have to try so hard anymore.”

It’s true that I’m no longer aiming for a job.

But I don’t think I need to limit my intellectual curiosity.

I never studied in my first life, but when I tried it, I found it surprisingly enjoyable.

When I realized that I had a desire for knowledge, I felt like scales fell from my eyes.

What I learned through studying never betrays me. I know that not only can the knowledge I learned in school be put to use, but the experience of studying itself can also be nourishing. I know this now.

For example, efficient ways of doing homework, creating an environment that makes it easy to concentrate, the importance of taking breaks when tired, and the feeling of achievement when one works hard and sees results. All of these things are what I gained in my second life.

“Well, it’s okay as long as it’s enjoyable. Who knows what will be useful in the future, right?”

“Fumu. That smile…it’s definitely like that of a self-proclaimed studious person.”

Alondra laughed in amazement and returned to studying her reference books.

I have to work hard too. Lately, there have been too many things going on and I haven’t had much time to study. Maybe I’ll try to focus in the library today.

After class and during the after-school hours, I walked down the hallway toward the library.

The red of the setting sun was starting to color the surroundings. Now that most of the students had already gone home, there were hardly any people passing through the hallway.

“Hello, Miss Leticia. How are you doing?”

When I stopped and turned around after hearing a voice from behind, I saw the second prince of this country, Elias Rico Holguin-sama, with his well-defined facial features that reminded me of his brother, Prince Agustin, and a beautiful yet gentle smile.

His silky platinum blonde hair shone in the evening sun, and his sapphire blue eyes emitted a dazzling sparkle that seemed to draw one in.

Just like Camilo and Prince Agustin, he also gathers a lot of popularity and is a superstar in this academy.

“Good day, Elias-sama. It’s been a while.”

I was happy that he remembered me, and I smiled.

Elias-sama, who always ranks first in tests, is an excellent student who is highly respected by the teachers, just like Prince Agustin.

When we were in the same class in our first year, he used to find my studiousness amusing and often talked to me.

I remember when we were debating about the content of a lesson, he suddenly made an accurate observation, saying “You could actually rank first, you know?” which caught me off guard.

At the time, I managed to brush it off and convince him otherwise, but I decided that he was someone with exceptional intuition and sharpness.

The two of us started walking together. Perhaps Elias-sama also has some business at the library.

“It’s been a long time. How are you doing?”

“Well, not great, to be honest. I haven’t been able to focus on my studies lately because a lot has been going on.”

I managed to swallow those words and gave a wry smile. Elias-sama tilted his head slightly and immediately let out a sound of understanding.

“By the way, I heard that you got engaged to Camilo. Congratulations. He asked me to keep it from my older brother.”

I was so surprised that I awkwardly opened my mouth.

Oh, right. That’s what happened.

Elias-sama and Camilo are in the same class. They’re not only cousins but also good friends, despite being completely opposite in personality. They’re known for getting along well and often being together.

“Thank you…”

In the end, all I could do was blush and express my gratitude.

Elias-sama, whom I looked up at, seemed to deepen his smile even more.

“Hehe, I was surprised when I heard it. Where did you two meet?”

“Uh, well… in the library.”

If I didn’t think about my first life, that’s how it would have turned out.

Thinking that I was embarrassed and stumbling over my words, Elias-sama continued teasingly.

“Oh, that’s nice. It feels like destiny.”

Elias-sama, who calmly laughed, didn’t seem to question the fact that Camilo and I didn’t seem to match.

Fair and friendly Second Prince.

When I was attending the Academy in my first life, he often cared about me.

He frowned in a troubled manner, saying he was sorry for his brother’s neglect. Even though he was a prince, he apologized without caring about his status, and I ended up feeling even more sorry and laughed, telling him not to worry about it.

Elias-sama is very attentive, kind, and has a very sharp sense.

As he is also popular at the Academy, he is not someone I should get too close to as someone who doesn’t want to stand out now.

Despite that, there was a decisive reason why we had become good friends.

Elias-sama passed away in an accident while attending higher education abroad after graduation. I want to prevent that tragic future from happening.

When I attended the Academy in my previous life, Elias-sama gave me a lot of encouragement.

I may not be able to prevent accidents abroad, but I might be able to convince him to reconsider studying abroad.

(…Oh? Speaking of which, Camilo has regained his memories and is also close with Elias-sama. Maybe we can work together.)

That idea was filled with so much hope that I couldn’t help but hold my breath.

That’s right, why didn’t I realize it sooner? I have to confirm with Camilo next time…!

I made up my mind in my heart and decided to bring up a topic myself to cover up my agitation.

“Elias-sama, are you planning on getting married?”

“I think I’ll get married someday, but…I don’t really feel it yet.”

The average age for marriage in this country is around 20. Since Alania Academy graduates at the age of 18, many students become aware of marriage during their school years. However, it seems that Elias-sama is not in a hurry.

Of course, that’s understandable. He’s not only a wonderful person but also a prince, so he can find any wonderful bride he wants.

“I’d love to have a fateful encounter like yours, wouldn’t you?”

“Uh…! Please don’t make fun of us, Elias-sama.”

My cheeks felt as hot as if they were being bathed in sunlight, and the more I imagined how red they must have turned, the more embarrassed I felt.

As my desperate protest was received with a smile, we arrived at the library.

Without saying a word, we entered the room, and Elias-sama whispered to me so that only I could hear.

“Oh, are you studying with Camilo?”

“Huh? No, we’re not…”

It was an off-target observation for Elias-sama. I denied it, of course, but his beauty from above didn’t lose his smile.

“Well, I see it as a rendezvous. After all, you guys met in the library, right?”

“But even so…it’s not like that. I came here to study alone.”

“That sounds suspicious.”

With a grin that could be described as sneaky, Elias-sama followed along with light footsteps. I gave up early and decided to accept the friendly exchanges with the amiable prince.

Well, that’s okay. If I confirm that I’m starting to study alone, he’ll probably give up.

That’s what I thought.

“Hey, Leticia…Elias?”

There was Camilo, sitting on that chair when we met again in my second life.

As soon as Camilo recognized me with widened eyes, I could hear Elias-sama behind me letting out a small cheer.

“I knew it!”

“That, that’s not it!”

Elias-sama had an overflowing grin of delight that I had never seen before, and I had to respond while blushing.

Ugh, why! Why does it have to happen now of all times!

“Haha. I was just joking, but I guess I’m interrupting. I saw something good.”

“Ugh, hey, Elias-sama! Please don’t tease me like that…!”

I was so desperate that I neglected to be considerate of my surroundings. I tried to speak quietly, but I had no spare attention to look down at my feet.

Camilo shouted something. At the same time, I stumbled over a stepping stool in front of a bookshelf and leaned my body heavily.

Just as I thought I was going to fall, Elias-sama made a quick move and caught me in his arms.

Realizing my major blunder, I immediately lifted my head to apologize.

So I never even thought that my glasses had shifted due to the impact of my stumble.

Elias-sama, with his beautiful sapphire blue eyes wide open, froze for a good ten seconds while Camilo came over to separate us.

Then, when we looked at each other again, Elias-sama muttered in a hoarse voice,

“Princess Leticia…?”

I felt a sigh escape from right above my head.

…Uh, yeah.

This is probably one of the biggest blunders of my life!