Cursed Villainess' Obsession-Chapter 79

Previously, she had exuded confidence and an air of self-importance.

‘…Well, she wouldn’t feel so confident after putting up that notice.’

I walked up to her confidently, acting like someone who was there to protest.

It might come off as rude, but I had previously entrusted her with the weapon repairs.

No matter how much of a president she was, she should overlook this much.

So I approached her with determination.

“Ahh.”

“…Ahh?”

“Ugh, cough cough, no, I was just surprised when you suddenly got so close to me.”

As I leaned in to intimidate her, Arnett fidgeted and made an odd sound.

Then she cleared her throat, seemingly flustered, and tried to look at me confidently.

“So, what’s going on?”

“What’s going on? Don’t you know? What on earth is that notice about?”

“Ah, that?”

Despite my unpleasant tone, Arnett nodded confidently.

It seemed like she didn’t feel guilty about the notice at all.

But why was she acting so confidently?

“Hehe, isn’t it a great idea? I was surprised to see you’ve changed this much. The fact that you’ll grant any wish is bound to greatly help improve students' grades.”

“Exactly! So why are you doing this without consulting me?!”

“Haah, you shouldn’t get so close. …My heart has been racing too much since a while ago.”

“Hmph, I see you’re feeling a twinge of guilt.”

“……No, that’s not it.”

Then what was it?

Arnett looked at me with an incredulous expression, her face still flushed.

“Ahem, anyway. Don’t worry too much. Although I said it’s a wish, there’s obviously too much risk in granting whatever someone wants.”

Suddenly, Arnett smiled sweetly as if she were being generous and patted me on the shoulder.

“The girls will likely only request a date or something, so don’t worry too much. Isn’t that something you can do?”

“……Well, if it’s just that.”

What I was truly concerned about was the idea of granting any wish.

A wish meant literally anything.

In the worst-case scenario, it could involve becoming a slave or demanding money—things like that could happen.

‘…If it’s just a date, it should be fine.’

The notice was already posted.

There was no point in denying it now; news of the first-place prize had spread among the students.

Then it would be better for the student council to set some limits on that wish.

“I’m really letting you off easy this time.”

“Haah, I knew you had a good character to match your abilities. You’re always an admirable talent.”

As I sighed and said that, Arnett looked up at me with a gentle smile.

Then, she lightly drew a circle on my chest with her finger and said,

“By the way, if I get the overall top score, can I ask for a wish other than a date?”

“…Another wish? Do you have something else to repair?”

“Would you join our student council…?”

“No way.”

Having achieved my goal, I turned without hesitation and left the student council room.

“Ah! D-Don’t say that, think about it for a moment━…!”

I ignored the urgent voice calling from behind and closed the door.

Still, I felt relieved that it wasn’t as serious as I had feared.

I had thought of the president as someone who would create huge events in the game, but the wish seemed to be more about the name.

If it was just a date, I didn’t need to worry too much.

‘Besides, getting first place isn’t that easy.’

Moreover, if I got first place, that would mean there wouldn’t be a prize for the wish.

Even if I didn’t get first, focusing on studying would surely improve my grades.

Reassured, I returned to the classroom.

‘Things have gotten bigger….’

As I walked down the corridor, I could hear whispers from the students around Mary.

Most of it was about the wish that Ken would grant to whoever came in first place in the upcoming exam.

Mary realized that the students had become more interested in Ken than she had expected.

‘Somehow, I have to get first place….’

With that, her feelings grew more anxious.

The number of competitors she hadn’t considered was suddenly increasing.

“Ken!”

“Uh? Mary? What’s up?”

It was a time when she wouldn’t usually approach Ken.

But today, she had something to discuss with him.

So, she went to his classroom and called his name from the front door.

However, there were other female students gathered around him.

Moreover, when his name was called, they all turned their attention toward Mary.

‘……Ugh.’

Feeling a bit intimidated by the situation that had changed so much from before, she took a moment to gather herself.

But soon enough, she steeled herself and approached Ken.

“Me-Mary?”

Then, grabbing Ken’s hand, she quickly pulled him out of the classroom.

She didn’t want to talk in that spot.

More importantly, she didn’t want to see Ken surrounded by other girls.

“I’m sorry. I pulled you out suddenly.”

“No, I actually appreciate it. I was having a hard time with all those people around me.”

Thinking she had bothered him, Mary felt relieved by Ken’s response and smiled softly.

It seemed that even though Ken had changed, his core personality remained the same.

“Hey, Ken. The reason I called you out… that is…”

Feeling a bit braver now that Ken seemed unchanged, she decided to express her feelings more directly.

It felt embarrassing to finally say the suggestion she had been considering in her heart.

But she felt that if she hesitated any longer, he might slip away from her.

So she spoke up.

“Would you like to study together in the library after class today?”

As soon as the words left her mouth, her face felt hot.

She was also anxious about the possibility of being rejected.

But contrary to her worries, Ken smiled brightly.

“Oh! That sounds like a good idea!”

She was relieved to hear his enthusiastic response, and her anxious heart lifted, replaced with a sense of joy.

“Ah, but I need to have dinner separately. Let’s meet a little after class is over.”

“Okay!”

That much was easy to wait for.

After waving goodbye to Ken as he returned to the classroom, Mary turned to touch her own cheeks.

“D-Does my expression look weird? …Why is my face so hot…?”

As she relaxed her tension, she shook her head in embarrassment, remembering how unnatural she had felt a moment ago.

Usually, Mary maintained a cold, expressionless face.

If her followers saw her like this, they might faint from the shock of the change.

While touching her cheeks, she placed her hand over her heart.

Thump, thump.

Her heartbeat was louder than usual.

‘Thank goodness….’

She had thought she might be rejected, but the thought of studying together with Ken lifted her anxious and frustrated heart.

In that emptiness, anticipation and excitement filled the space.

Mary smiled shyly.

After classes ended, she headed to the library first.

‘I should secure a spot.’

Ever since the prize was announced for first place, many students had become enthusiastic about their studies.

Because of that, the library was busier than usual, and seats were harder to come by.

The Dredis Academy library was large enough to fill an entire building, but students flocked there, filling the space.

‘…Ken’s influence is incredible.’

There were quite a few boys among them.

Of course, they weren’t there to ask Ken out.

The reason they were aiming for first place was due to a rumor that had spread in the Liliath Kingdom.

That a certain crafting adventurer was none other than Ken.

The boys intended to ask him to create something for them once they secured first place.

‘But where…?’

Arriving at the library, Mary looked around with her study materials in hand.

There were no easy-to-find empty spots, as students had already claimed the seats.

Moreover, since Ken would be sitting with her, she needed two seats.

After searching for a while, Mary finally spotted a table with exactly two empty seats.

‘……It’s Emily.’

There sat Emily, deeply focused on her studies.

Surrounded by countless notes and organized materials, it was clear how serious she was about this exam.

‘…She’s really serious.’

Emily was determined to get first place.

After all, it was Emily who had started this competition for first place.

She had declared that she would ask for a favor from Ken if she got first place.

And the expression she had shown when making that request came to Mary’s mind.

It was undoubtedly the face of a girl in love.

“…….”

Mary briefly considered looking for another spot, but she decided to approach Emily instead.

Curiosity sparked within her.

“Emily.”

“……Huh?”

Emily turned her head to look at Mary, who had called her.

“Um, um? Mary?”

Startled by Mary’s sudden appearance, Emily seemed to shrink back a bit.

Since their encounters usually ended in hostility, this felt quite different.

“Is it okay if I sit next to you?”

“……I don’t mind.”

Despite being cautious, Emily nodded.

Since they had typically exchanged glares, Mary’s calm demeanor felt awkward.

As soon as Emily permitted her, Mary sat next to her and placed her study materials on the table.

“You’re really working hard.”

“…….”

Then, Mary glanced at Emily’s materials.

The countless notes and detailed study sheets vividly showed how much effort she was putting in.

‘…She’s serious.’

Emily genuinely wanted to get first place.

New novel chapt𝒆rs are published on ƒгeewebnovёl.com.

Initially, this competition had begun because of her.

If she were to get first place, it meant she’d be able to make a request of Ken.

Mary wondered what kind of request she might have.

She didn’t think it would be anything like asking for a date, but that was a different matter altogether.

And it raised a question in Mary’s mind.

Why had Emily tormented Ken if she liked him?

“……So why do you want to apologize?”

“Yeah, I’ve done a lot of things wrong to Ken.”

Although she could only see Emily’s profile avoiding her gaze, the sincerity in her tone resonated with Mary.

“And why are you suddenly apologizing now?”

The image of the girl who had just confessed to liking Ken a moment ago popped into Mary’s head.

“Is it because Ken’s appearance has suddenly changed?”

“W-What?! N-No way!”

When Mary casually asked about it, Emily seemed flustered and denied it vehemently.

“It’s not about Ken’s appearance?”

“Yeah! O-Of course, Ken has become handsome, but…”

Emily stammered as she hesitated to answer.

Mary’s expression was calm as she watched Emily, who seemed to be contemplating her feelings.

Although they had often glared at each other, Emily was aware of Mary’s nature.

She was indeed a kind-hearted person.

“Haah… I’ll be honest with you since it’s you.”

Finally exhaling a sigh, Emily decided to reveal her reasoning.

And after a brief explanation,

“…So you mean you liked him but treated him poorly?”

“…….”

Mary was genuinely surprised to hear this.

But after hearing her explanation, everything clicked into place.

There had been moments when Emily would stick close to Ken, even while tormenting him.

Mary had felt frustrated about Emily’s behavior but could also empathize with the feelings behind it.

“Anyway! …So now you want to apologize. …That’s separate from whether I’ll accept it.”

“I see.”

Mary hadn’t considered this aspect of Emily’s feelings before.

But after listening to her, everything began to make sense.

It was strange how familiar and comforting it felt to hear Emily express her feelings.

“Ken was cute.”

“Right?!”

As they spoke, the two of them began to laugh, reminiscing about their past experiences with Ken.

At this point, it seemed they had both opened up to each other.

The topic naturally flowed toward Ken.

Despite having never had a proper conversation with each other, the connection between them began to blossom.

It felt oddly comforting, as if they could communicate freely.

‘…Huh? This feeling, where have I felt it before…?’

Suddenly, Mary sensed a familiar sensation, reminiscent of her earlier dizziness in the hallway.

It felt as though something similar had happened before.

Not a déjà vu, but a distinctly more pronounced sensation.

‘Why is this happening…?’

And Emily felt the same sensation, despite her own confusion.

After class ended, I hurried back to Lafne’s tower.

It was time for our usual dinner together.

‘I never expected Mary to suggest that.’

Other female students had also gathered around to mention similar things.

With exams approaching, they suggested studying together as a class.

Of course, I had planned to decline, but just then, Mary appeared.

It was unexpected that she would pull me away.

‘But with Mary, I’m sure she’ll be helpful, right?’

If we studied together, it would surely benefit our performance on the exam.

And it’s nice to study with someone comfortable and friendly.

I felt more reluctant about studying with the other girls with whom I hadn’t properly conversed.

“I’m back. Lafne, were you waiting for me?”

As I organized my thoughts about the subjects we’d study today, I opened the door to the room at the top of the tower.

The familiar scenery greeted me as the door opened.

Lafne stood with her back to me, looking out the window.

‘…Did she receive something?’

Lafne only stood by the window in one particular situation.

When she was waiting for an item ordered from a familiar spirit.

Moreover, she seemed completely unresponsive to my arrival—what could that mean?

If it were the usual Lafne, she would have rushed to me the moment I opened the door.

“Lafne, …what are you doing?”

Curiosity piqued, I walked over to her side.

I wanted to see what she was looking at.

As I approached, I was struck by the familiar shape visible over Lafne’s shoulder, causing my eyes to widen.

“…Ken.”

As I drew closer, Lafne quietly called my name.

At the sound of her voice, my shoulder flinched.

“……What is this wish right here, …about?”

As she turned to face me, her empty gaze and the gentle smile that appeared to greet me caught my attention.

In her hand was something identical to the parchment posted on the academy's bulletin board.