Surviving as a Villain at the Academy - Surviving as a Villain at the Academy chapter 154

154 – Back to the Academy. (5)

“Quite an interesting statement. So, what you’re saying is that you’ll keep challenging Prax?”

“Yes. I have no intention of giving up.”

Aris spoke hesitantly, but honestly, she was anxious. Asti wouldn’t have good feelings towards her. When Prach and Aris parted ways, she was the one who knew why they did, why they fought.

Naturally, Aris expected to be looked at unfavorably.

However, even if she heard sharp words one day, Aris was prepared to endure them…

“Fine. Do as you wish.”

“What?”

As unexpected words burst out of Asti’s mouth, confusion spread across Aris’s face.

“Did I hear that right?”

And it wasn’t just Aris who reacted that way. Adrian also seemed to be doubting what he had heard.

“Just now, what did you say…?”

“Do as you wish. I doubt you’d listen just because I objected. The choice is entirely Prach’s responsibility.”

“Aren’t you upset?”

At Adrian’s question, Asti chuckled.

“Of course, I am a bit. But only to that extent. I won’t bother beyond that. If Prach likes it, then that’s fine. After all, the Empire allows polygamy, right? What matters to me is that Prach chose me first.”

“Uh…”

“And you’ll still cling to Prach in the future, no matter how much I try to push you away. Am I right?”

“Yes.”

“I don’t want to waste my emotions on unnecessary fights in this situation. It would be tiring for you if I held grudges for no reason, right?”

“Yeah.”

“So, do as you wish.”

“Do you not want to monopolize Prach?”

Aris’s question reached Asti.

“That’s a meaningless question to me. I have no intention of monopolizing Prach.”

“Why?”

“Aris, how well do you really know Prach?”

“…?”

At Asti’s sudden question, Aris was at a loss for words.

“You probably don’t know well. You’ve spent a lot of time with Prach, but you’ve only recently made efforts to really understand him. And Adrian, you’re probably in the same boat.”

Adrian was also annoyed, but he couldn’t help but agree with Asti’s words. Adrian fell for Prach recently, mainly because of what he had seen.

But isn’t it the same for Asti?

“What about the senior? The senior hasn’t known Prach for that long, right?”

From Noble mtl dot com

“Getting to know someone isn’t just determined by the time you’ve spent with them. It’s not about time… It’s about how much that person has revealed their true self. That’s when you truly get to know someone. Prach and I have exchanged a lot of emotions. When he was struggling, I was there for him.”

“Ah.”

“So, it doesn’t matter. I know Prach well. He’s not someone to be monopolized; he holds his own decision-making power. I have no intention of shaking that. Because I respect Prach, he treats me with care. Relationships are mutual.”

“Relationships are mutual…”

“If you like Prach, isn’t making Prach happy your priority rather than restraining each other? Just shouting that you like him won’t necessarily make him like you back, you know.”

“Ugh.”

Adrian looked perplexed by Asti’s words, and Aris looked embarrassed. It was true.

The most important thing now was Prach’s feelings.

Without the need for others’ interference, obtaining that one thing would be enough. That’s what Asti wanted to convey.

But why did Asti choose to tell them this? Aris wondered.

“Why are you telling us this? If you had just left it alone, the chances of Frah getting bored with us would have been higher, right?”

“I told you. I act according to Frah’s will. Leaving you alone is not just my decision, but it’s what he wants.”

“That means there’s a chance for us as well.”

As the dimly lit faces of Aris and Adrian began to brighten slightly.

“Well, I’ve said all I need to, so I’ll go now. Oh, and one more thing.”

“Yes?”

“If you ever get chosen by Frah, remember, I’m the first. Don’t forget that. I made it clear to Frah that I won’t yield on that.”

“…Got it.”

“Yes.”

Perhaps Asti came to say those words. Knowing they wouldn’t give up, to make it clear that she is the first.

…It might seem like a cheap drama, but it’s better than tangled intrigues. At least better than the power struggles where people are willing to kill each other.

It was somewhat bitter too. Asti could say that because she trusts Frah that much. Trusting he will make the right choice.

In that short time, how much did they share with each other? How deep were their conversations?

Thinking back, Aris didn’t really listen to Frah’s story. He just told his own. Treating Frah as if he were a necessary presence.

But nothing is certain in this world.

If Aris had faced Frah as human to human, without the false belief that he would always protect him, would things have been different?

It’s a meaningless hypothesis now. What’s done is done. But… the bitterness was inevitable.

On the other hand, Adrian sighed with relief.

“Whew… That’s a relief.”

“…Is it?”

“Yes. At least it seems there won’t be a power struggle ending in death.”

“Human hearts are not always consistent. You can’t always be at ease.”

“True. But that’s exactly what Asti is saying. You can play dirty, if it means winning Frah’s affection. But even if you win, I come first. She’s certainly full of confidence.”

“She has to be. Unlike us at the beginning stage, Asti already confidently occupies Frah’s side.”

“Then we have to step up our game! It’ll be fun. Well, Senior, do your best in your own way. I’ll do my best in mine.”

Upon Adrian’s words, Aris could only let out a wry smile. This wasn’t what people competing for the same man usually say.

Isn’t it usually sharper, more fierce… that kind of atmosphere?

Most noblewomen with multiple husbands often have power struggles leading to attempts of poisoning. It could lead to trouble. Hurting a saintly woman. Not wanting to be caught in the flames of the kingdom’s people, they had to act in a more decent manner.

“Right. Let’s support each other. Even if I end up in second place.”

“Heh. Will it really be like that? I might be the one to capture the Senior’s heart first, you know?”

“You seem quite confident. We’ll see.”

They ignited their spirits.

The first might be out of reach, but at least the second seems possible.

“Hmm. They sure understand words well.”

Returning to the mansion, Asti smiled. Indeed, at the very least, they were good at communicating.

If they hadn’t understood a word, he would have taken a more forceful approach… Perhaps it was because of that one time with Alys, Suky’s reactions were quick.

They must know my position well.

Adrian, being aware of his relationship with Frah from the start and not having the disposition to pretend to be friendly with those he already knew or had a bond with.

It might be easier to tame than I thought.

Muttering to himself like that, Asti opened Frah’s visit.

“Oh, Asti. You’re here?”

“Yeah.”

“What did you come for?”

“Just met Alys and Adrian for a bit and came back.”

“…Huh?”

“I figured it’s better if I intervene a bit, so I gave them some advice.”

“You didn’t use any forceful methods, did you?”

“Well, from tomorrow on, they should be less troublesome.”

“hahahaha… Alright. Thanks.”

“But, meet them while balancing things out. They’re kids in love, after all.”

“Got it.”

“Of course, among them, the one who’s most lovesick is me~”

“Sure.”

Embracing Frah tightly, Asti grinned broadly. Truly, he looked more like a mischievous animal than a devil.