Villainous Lady, The Obsession Begins

I alternated between pointing at my eyes and the eyes of the No. 1 and No. 2 fathers with my index and middle fingers.

‘I’m watching you.’

After that, I circled my finger around my ear.

‘If anyone tries to mess with him from behind.’

Lastly, I quickly gestured toward my neck with my hand.

‘Everyone dies…. No, I won’t let it go?’

Even though it was childish and flashy, one-dimensional intimidation using power was the most effective way to deal with these kinds of people. As if proving that, the fathers answered quickly, their faces turning pale.

“I, I’ll be careful!”

I wrapped my right arm around Palos’ shoulder and also made a final request to the principal.

“Principal, I respect your authority and have no intention of interfering with personnel matters. However, I will not tolerate anyone touching my people.”

“Don’t worry. He’s the apprentice of the Grand Magician, right?” 

Right. Before I knew it, the eyes of the people seated in the banquet hall were focused on this side.

‘I guess the advertising at the back worked well.’

Having achieved my goal, I smiled again.

“You’re right, Principal. So there won’t be anyone daring enough to do that now.”

As I lowered my gaze, Palos looked at me blankly for a moment, then flinched and bowed his head.

‘What?’

However, he wasn’t looking at me, but at something behind me. Perplexed, I turned around for a moment and saw Esadien clearing his throat.

“Ahem, ahem.”

“….Ah.”

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I pretended not to notice urgently, but I had already seen the eyes that were staring at Palos.

‘What, are you killing my baby?!’

I tightened my grip on Palos’ shoulder as I saw the familiar sight of blue hair running away in the distance, with No. 1 and No. 2 tailing after them without hesitation.

“Minuelle.”

“Ramande! Did you just get here?”

I had wondered why I hadn’t seen him. It seemed like even punctual Ramande had been busy enough to be late for his scheduled time.

“I’m sorry. I’m a bit late.”

While apologizing, Ramande had a sour expression as if chewing on a bitter taste. I wondered what was going on, and to my surprise, there was a mole running behind Ramande. The mole was named Lafesch.

“It’s okay. Was something wrong?”

“No. I feel bad just by bumping into her.”

And with that expression, Ramande did not even try to hide it and greeted Esadien with a smirk.

“By the way, there is also a person like that here. How have you been, Your Highness?”

“…Long time no see, Priest.”

“As a member of Karinen, it’s very uncomfortable for Your Highness to keep approaching Minuelle.”

Esadien’s eyebrows raised sharply. Seeing the blood vessels popping up above his temples, I couldn’t help but be amazed.

‘You were trying to express your emotions, but it’s actually quite a bit better than before…..’

Ah, no. Since I decided to ignore it, let’s just not look at it.

“Since when have you been a member of the Karinen?”

“Let’s see. It’s been ten years since then. I’m one of the people her mother and father accepted, unlike anyone else.”

I led Palos and quietly stepped back from the two. There was no need to stay in between them and end up getting caught like a shrimp.

Palos tugged on my sleeve and asked.

“Who are they?”

“The blond prince is my ex-fiancé, and the blue-haired priest is my childhood friend.”

“I see.”

I noticed that he kept looking back at the two of them, as if he was worried about something.

“Why?”

“Oh, it’s nothing. But… do you know that sister too?”

“Hmm?”

At the place Palos pointed out, Lafesch was greeting Brasidas with a nervous face.

“Ah, hello. Grand… Magician?”

“Oh? Hello.”

Brasidas showed clear interest and responded.

At that moment, I tightened my grip on Palos’ shoulder, feeling nervous.

‘How did they meet again here? Does Brasidas intend to take in Lafesch as his disciple?’

“You are a lady with a large container of magical power. However, you don’t seem to have learned magic… It’s a shame you didn’t practice since you were young.”

“I, I still want to learn now.”

“The application period for this year’s admission has ended, so why don’t you apply next year?”

Phew. I let out a small sigh and relaxed.

‘It looks like Palos has more potential than Lafesch.’

However, Lafesch didn’t give up easily.

“Would you consider taking me as your disciple?”

I tilted my head slightly.

‘Lafesch….. Did she ask Brasidas to make her his disciple in the original story?’

Despite being somewhat unclear, it was Brasidas who extended his hand first, but for some reason, the current situation was the opposite.

“Hmm, I already have a disciple so I’m afraid I cannot take on another one. For the time being… I have no plans to take on any more until my current apprentice can handle the responsibilities of a full-fledged magician”

That ‘for the time being’ would be at least 10 years, I suppose.’

Brasidas smiled at Palos, who was standing on this side. It was a smile that seemed to say
“Oh, my disciple”.

Lafesch seemed to realize for the first time that Palos was his disciple. She stared at Palos with wide eyes, then began to glare at me fiercely.

‘Wha- what?’

In the blink of an eye, Lafesch approached with a threatening tone, asking,

“Did Minuelle recommend this kid?”

“Recommendation? No way. Our Palos took the test and entered fairly.”

“Lies. Did you cheat? Are you trying to obstruct me?”

“No…wait, Lady Celeste. It seems like you’re mistaken about something. We’re not close enough for me to know what you want.”

“……”

Although Lafesch had nothing to say in response, her intimidating gaze remained unchanged.

“I don’t even want to know what you want from me and I have no interest in finding out? The fact that I’m even answering your questions right now is me being incredibly tolerant.”

“What are you saying? What did I do wrong…”

After leaving the statement hanging, Lafesch seemed to regret it and bit her lip without finishing the sentence. But if she thought I would just let it go, she was mistaken.

“You break other people’s relationships and walk around confidently. I wonder who’s responsible for that?”

“Minuelle, I clearly said I have no relationship with that woman.”

Despite the protest from Esadien, who approached unnoticed, I ignored it and continued speaking.

“Have you ever thought about why I haven’t gotten rid of you? Lady Celeste.”

I remember the people who pushed Lafesch away at the coming-of-age ceremony. People who were quickly caught up in the tide of power and moved. Lafesch also visibly flinched, perhaps recalling the same scene.

“Get rid of me? What right do you have to dispose of me…?!”

“What right? What kind of right do you think exists in a situation like this?”

There is no right for one person to dominate another in this world. They simply use their strength. When I gave a wry smile, Lafesch trembled with anger and could not control herself.

“…..On the subject of nothing but the family.”

Oh. It was a fairly accurate statement, but in this world, being born into a well-off household is also considered a skill.

‘Well, wasn’t it the same in my previous life?’

Being born on a different starting line. There was only a slight difference, but it was the same everywhere.

“Well… That’s not a very noble thing to say. Did Viscount Celeste adopt you on account of liking that side of you?”

To the nobles who called themselves blue-blooded, the family had great meaning. In this world where even the events happening under the pretext of preserving the family were immense, Lafesch’s words were truly foreign.

“Or is it the culture of the Viscount Celeste family?”

“…That’s a harsh assumption. I have nothing more to say.”

As if realizing what she had said, Lafesch left without even saying goodbye. I couldn’t help but snort at her futile attempt to escape without looking back.

‘Why bother confronting the still villainous character who’s just quietly staying put.’

Lafesch dug her own grave. Her position in high society will only become narrower from now on.

“I had an amusing sight. Hohoho.”

As Brasidas laughed,  I finally regained my senses, realizing that I had been so engrossed in the battle(?) with Lafesch that I had almost forgotten about the existence of Palos.

“I’m sorry, Palos. I showed an embarrassing side as an adult.”

“No, it was cool.”

“…Cool?”

Is it cool for two grown adults to argue back and forth like children?

“Winning is cooler than losing, isn’t it?”

My conscience was pricked by the innocent response.

“Ahaha… Are you hungry? Let’s have a meal. It’s getting late, what should we do.”

Shame is a shame, but I should feed the child even if I leave. Ramande and Esadien quickly took a seat at the empty table.

‘Did I say I was pretending not to know for no reason?’

I couldn’t even tell him not to follow me. It was clear that Esadien had picked up on that weakness.

As I glared at him with all my anger, Palos hesitated and spoke up.

“You know,”

“Yeah?”

“Instead of Auntie… can I call you Sister?”

This was unexpected.

‘Did you feel that there’s no difference between a noble and a commoner after watching us fight?’

Because he’s smart.

‘Indeed, I’m glad I sponsored him.’

With an even greater sense of pride, I smiled and stroked Palos’s head.

“It doesn’t matter, but I’m six years older than you.”

“Sister is very pretty, so it’s okay.”

There are many pretty aunts, but let’s move on for now. I’m so happy that it’s overwhelming, even restraining the urge to smile.

The words “pretty” are always new and exciting to hear. It’s always thrilling! Palos leaned in towards me and whispered.

“I’ll work really hard. Because you said I’m your person. I want to be someone you can be proud of.” 

“Palos….”

The biggest emotion I felt today was overwhelming awe.

‘Ah, is this the charm of having a younger sibling? Does everyone get this kind of emotion from their younger siblings?’

I let out a proud sigh, unable to contain my sense of accomplishment.

“Tsk.”

“Tsk.”

I heard the sound of someone clicking their tongue on the opposite and next seat at the same time. I immediately opened my eyes wide and asked what was going on.

“Who kicked their tongue while talking I’m talking? Ramande, was it you? It must be you.”

“Why only me…”

‘Why? Can’t you see that I’m ignoring Esadien?’

I kicked Ramande’s leg under the table to shut his mouth.

“Ugh.”

But isn’t it Esadien who is flinching, not Ramande?

‘Ah. Aim failed!’

I’m not the type of person who avoids apologizing. Never, really.

But of all people, it had to be Esadien right now, who is the kind of person who “shouldn’t pretend to know”. It’s so awkward… I’m really in trouble.

Ignoring Esadien, who was trying to suppress the pain, I kicked my foot to the side with pleasure.

“Ouch.”

This time I hit the mark. Ramande gave me a sharp look, but I smoothly turned away and recommended some food to Palos.

“Hmm. Here, Palos. Try this too.”

“Thank you.”

While there may be bustling foot traffic below, time passes calmly on the table above.