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

Chapter 9: Jealousy follows popularity for the Plain Glasses Girl

The day after my engagement was announced, as I was about to reach my class in the hallway, I was surrounded by a group of three female students.

I had switched to my summer uniform today, and they were all wearing short-sleeved white blouses as well. Despite their refreshing outfits, their faces were clouded with anger.

The other students passing by in the hallway could feel the tense atmosphere. I lifted my head and faced their cold glares.

“You’re Marquis Benito’s daughter, right? Let me ask you straight out: is it true that you’re engaged to Camilo-sama?”

Marquis Lavoie’s daughter, Beatrice-sama, glared at me with heavy anger in her eyes. She tossed her beautifully curled, luxurious blonde hair over her back and crossed her arms, raising her chin.

Then, Louisina-sama and Melania-sama, who were flanking her, also raised their eyes as if in response.

“Answer the question.”

“We won’t tolerate any lies.”

…Okay, um. I see how it is!

I had completely forgotten about it amidst all the chaos, but the incident where I had a disagreement with Prince Agustin and was rescued by Camilo had been witnessed by other students. Moreover, I fainted in the backyard and was carried by Camilo.

The rumor probably spread in half a day. After all, [Camilo-sama] is a figure of admiration throughout the Academy, with countless fans.

And I had known since my first life that these three were the top fans.

“Would you like to say something? Just being around someone as plain as you makes me sick.”

As Beatrice-sama, who didn’t hide her disgust, spoke, I felt a painful feeling and lowered my eyes behind my glasses.

Truth be told, in my first life, Beatrice-sama and I were friends. Louisina-sama and Melania-sama too.

We, who had no intention of studying at all, always hung out together and had silly conversations. We talked about who was dating whom, the forbidden love affairs that stirred up the social events, or how pretty the sweets at that shop were.

And what the three of us always said was, “Camilo-sama is wonderful.” I didn’t understand the feeling of getting excited over someone’s good looks, so I always just nodded along.

I spent my Academy days without thinking about anything, just having fun, but looking back now, Beatrice-sama had a tendency to look down on others. As we were born into prestigious families, we should be the most respected and it was natural for us to enjoy everything in a glamorous way.

I really wanted to be friends with her in this life, but I guess Beatrice-sama would not want that to happen.

“…No. It’s ridiculous to say that I’m engaged to Camilo-sama.”

I said carefully, trying not to make my voice sound strained. Even though we are no longer friends, it felt very painful to lie to my former friends.

Beatrice-sama narrowed her eyes suspiciously and continued to glare at me.

“Is that so? There’s a rumor going around that Camilo-sama has made a declaration to Prince Agustin.”

“That was just a joke Camilo-sama made when he happened to pass by me yesterday after I had incurred Prince Agustin’s displeasure. I am sure you understand that someone like me could never be a match for him.”

There was silence for a while. During that time, I continued to be stared at by Beatrice-sama and had to nervously wonder if my lie had been uncovered.

“Well, indeed, as you say.”

Beatrice-sama threw a mocking smile at me. Louisina-sama and Melania-sama exchanged glances and their giggles overlapped, soothing me.

“Someone as unremarkable as you couldn’t possibly be engaged to Camilo-sama. Can you forgive me for making such a terrible accusation?”

“Yes, of course.”

“Ah, good. Then excuse us.”

The three of them turned around with a slight smirk and left.

I realized that I would never be able to be friends with them in this lifetime. That realization made me feel like I had swallowed lead, and I couldn’t move from that spot for a while.

Afterwards, the rumors died down in a few days. It seems that Beatrice-sama had spread the content I mentioned, and those who heard it immediately understood and believed it because of my appearance.

They must have thought that I, with such an unremarkable appearance, could never match Camilo.

It’s amazing how being overwhelmingly plain came in handy like this. Ah, I’m so glad I wore these plain glasses.

Despite everything that had happened, I was able to continue my daily life as usual. However, it seems that Camilo hadn’t forgotten what he said when he decided on our engagement.

Just like a recreation of that day, Camilo appeared in front of me as I was studying in the library.

Camilo was also dressed in summer clothes. He seems to be against wearing ties during the summer, perhaps because he feels hot.

“Leticia, how are you feeling?”

“I’m completely fine now. Thank you for worrying about me.”

“I see, that’s good… But you’re still studying today too. If I want to meet Leticia, it seems like coming to the library is the best option.”

As soon as Camilo said that, he piled up several books and sat in the seat diagonally across from me.

I looked around involuntarily, but there was no one else in sight except for us. I breathed a sigh of relief, but then Camilo suddenly began to chant a spell, which surprised me.

A pale blue membrane began to cover our surroundings. By the time I realized that it was due to an advanced barrier magic, we were surrounded by a pale blue color on all sides.

“Is this…”

“It’s a no-go barrier. With this, no one can see us or hear us. Furthermore, they won’t even feel like approaching this place.”

It was a much more difficult magic than I had imagined, so I was even more surprised and showed a foolish expression.

With a magic of this level of power, there probably isn’t anyone in the country who can handle it. I’ve never heard of a student who can master it.

“Isn’t this too much? No, such powerful magic should require a qualification because if it’s misused, it could lead to serious consequences…!”

“Well, you see, I regained the memories of my first life, right? And with those memories, all the magic I learned at that time came flooding back. That’s how I improved so quickly.”

“What…?!”

I unintentionally let out a high-pitched scream and hastily covered my mouth with my hand.

Oh, but I guess they can’t hear me anymore.

Come to think of it, Camilo was already a skilled dragon knight in his first life. If he regained his memories, it’s not strange for him to reproduce his old abilities.

“I-Is that so…?!”

“Well, it’s quite surprising, I know. This magic does require a qualification, but since I’m not using it for ill purposes, it shouldn’t be a problem. I’ll get the qualification when I meet the age requirements.”

Camilo calmly spoke without showing any sign of disturbance despite the absurd situation.

Certainly, he may be right that it’s not a situation that would cause any inconvenience. But still, I can’t help but feel the difference in our mentalities. He accepted it so easily, despite only regaining his memories a few days ago.

“To explain what I said the other day, I set up a barrier.”

“What did you say the other day…”

Come to think of it, Camilo did say, “I’ll talk about the reason for keeping our engagement a secret next time.”

Since it’s officially known that we have no relationship, it’s difficult to even talk about it without taking some kind of action. Besides, the contents of the conversation are classified information that cannot be heard by anyone.

I look back at Camilo again. Even though he shouldn’t be able to see my eyes well, he stares back at me with a very serious look that has a hint of pale green color.

“I’ll listen. Can you tell me?”

Camilo squints his eyes as if looking into the distant past and slowly opens his mouth.

“The truth is, when I was dying in my first life, I wished for your happiness in the next life. Then, I heard a voice that said, ‘why don’t you make her happy in this life?’

Before I knew it, I was facing an unknown woman in a pure white space. She called herself the ‘Goddess of Time.’ “