Chapter 63 | How to Not Get Executed as an Otome Game Villainess

—Monday. Magic Department, First-Year Class—

Alright, alright, time to focus again.

It’s been a while since my last inner monologue.

The sweltering summer temperatures were high, and the bright sunlight poured through the rose-patterned glass. It was truly hot and headache-inducing weather, and sitting in the classroom in such weather was indeed a test of willpower.

But that is a student's duty.

If I remember correctly, the college entrance exams also happened in a summer like this. In other words, the major turning points in our lives always seem to change during these dazzling summers.

Why so much internal monologue, you ask?

Because of the upcoming Summer Ball, of course... Sigh.

I was currently sitting in the classroom with my eyes closed in deep thought, pretending to ponder behind my fan while carving a mental imprint into my mind for what I had to do next. After all, so many days had passed.

The storyline of the Summer Ball, one of the crucial nodes in the early stages of this otome game, was almost here.

As one of this world's designated villains, I am the wicked young lady, Loris. Yes, I must remember... my character settings.

Lest I cause another bizarre development like the one with Waldenburg.

I am the wicked Loris. I am the bullying villain. I must ensure Liliana walks the correct path of the heroine.

(Some muttering)

...Speaking of which, I suddenly recall my day out with Leonhart a while ago. It felt a bit odd, but in terms of the final script, I think I played my part as a disguised villain perfectly.

Alright, mental imprint complete.

“Good morning~”

“Good morning, Fiona.”

Currently, inside the first-year classroom of the Magic Department, the air was filled with the scents of beeswax, parchment ink, and a faint hint of sandalwood incense.

Most of the students here were between twelve and thirteen years old. Friendly reminder: under the laws of the empire and the various kingdoms, this was a delicate age. Having transitioned away from completely ignorant childhood, they were now permitted to observe family council meetings, yet they had not officially stepped into the hunting grounds of high society.

In fact, save for royalty or pampered ducal families, most young boys and girls of this age had never independently attended any social gatherings.

Even for me, scanning my memories, I had almost always attended merely as my father's companion.

Naturally, the Summer Ball became the hot topic of conversation.

For instance, right now—all across the classroom, lighthearted discussions about the “Summer Ball” were taking place.

Boy A: “Have you found a partner yet?”

Boy B: “I feel a bit shy about it.”

Boy C: “I didn't expect the ball to take this format this time!”

Boy D: “Everyone, my father mentioned in his letter last month that our territory imported dozens of purebred warhorses this year... real warhorses! They have thick bones and can support a full suit of chainmail and a knight's saddle.”

“So for the horsemanship class in the second half of the year, I don't plan on using those docile geldings provided by the academy anymore. After all, they're not very impressive. I wonder if the academy will allow it.”

“Of course, if they do, I can lend them to you to ride.”

Hold on.

Why did the last boy, Boy D's comment, sound so attention-seeking? I cast my gaze over slightly, having been eavesdropping while keeping my eyes closed in mock contemplation.

As my gaze drifted over, I saw Klaus flipping his bangs.

Alright, that explains it.

Perhaps this subtle flex of wealth was his personal way of socializing. His family was indeed incredibly rich—warhorses, after all, were top-tier steeds.

Even in my family, the horses kept for my younger brother and me only numbered around a dozen in rotation. Yes, that was all. Yet his family could import dozens into their entire territory in a single year.

They were indeed... indeed quite wealthy.

Of course, comparing them to me would be a bit too unfair, but compared to the other classmates, his family was already exceptionally well-off.

The boys' voices shifted between deep and high-pitched, but that didn't stop them from discussing the topic with the grandest vocabulary. Klaus even seemed to notice me looking over, and his expression instantly shifted.

“Never mind... I won't say any more.”

He shut his mouth and slunk back, probably taking my smile as mockery.

Even though I honestly thought he was quite amusing.

Wait... is this how the Human God feels when looking at me? I suddenly realized that these two kinds of "amusing" might actually share a common ground.

“Oh~ Klaus, Andalusian horses are indeed excellent. As far as I know, due to the storm last month, the southern ports were closed for three weeks!”

At this moment, Alden stepped forward to play along, tugging at his bow tie.

“Your family's warhorses must have been transported by land, right? Just the tolls and transit fees paid along the way while crossing those greedy counties would probably be enough to purchase a small chapel at the Holy See.”

“Seriously! I truly admire your family,” Alden said, full of dramatic emotion.

“Wow...” “Oh my gosh...” “Man, I need to write a letter to my dad and get him to buy me a warhorse too...”

The group of boys, caught in the banter between the two, listened in stunned silence.

Forget it... there was nothing worth seeing here. It was far too ostentatious. I turned my head away, somewhat speechless.

With the Summer Ball fast approaching, there were still many people discussing it in class today. For these twelve- and thirteen-year-old noble youths, this was the first time they were permitted to engage in formal socialization with members of the opposite sex of their own age without their parents' constant supervision.

And just like the worries of those normal boys earlier.

The ball emphasized the privilege of the “first dance.”

Being able to invite the lady of the highest rank, or being invited by the most prominent heir, was the standard measure of a person's standing at the academy.

One's partner represented their status.

And then there were the clothes.

Normally, in a typical medieval setting, various kingdoms would have strict sumptuary laws.

These laws regulated what kind of fabrics, colors, and furs nobles of different ranks could use.

However, there were no such restrictions in the Kingdom of Barton. At least, not for this Summer Ball held for the students; they could wear whatever materials and fabrics they pleased.

A few young girls sitting ahead were currently chatting about their gowns.

Girl A: “It's fine, I can lend you a luxurious velvet gown for that day.”

Girl B: “No, no need. It seems the student council has a specialized tailor who will custom-make one for me.”

Girl A: “Really? How come I haven't heard of that? Someone must have kindly paid out of their own pocket to custom-make it for you. The student council has plenty of benefits, but definitely not this kind... Wait, I smell gossip! Spill, spill!”

Girl B: “Well... I felt like my dancing still wasn't good enough. Then, yesterday, Secretary Meretskov came to invite me... I told him about my worries, and he just solved it for me like that.”

Girl B: “I actually thought the student council had this kind of initiative...”

Alright, I'm sure everyone knows who these two characters are.

“Oh, oh, oh! Our Liliana is so popular!” Fiona happily hugged her.

“Don't tease me, Fiona... and you too, Sarah...” Liliana said, feeling a bit embarrassed.

This conversation came from a few people not far ahead of me.

But I seemed to have caught some mind-blowing words.

...The Secretary came to invite her. Shouldn't this node take place at the ball? There was absolutely something wrong here, right?

“Sigh, it's all thanks to Waldenburg. That stunt he pulled...” Liliana complained, which was rare for her. She was definitely not the type to speak ill of others.

Excellent. I've solved the mystery once again.

My pride and joy—no, my sole reliance—was my knowledge of future events. But now, the game plot I knew was quietly changing. While the general direction remained intact, those small nodes were shifting. It seemed that ever since my last mistake, after that duel with Waldenburg replaced the original plot, issues began to crop up.

The butterfly effect... The term came to mind.

A series of tiny changes was enough to cause a hurricane.

I only hope... this is a change for the better.

I told myself to stay calm and not panic. For now, I just needed to act according to the original plan. The core was to help Liliana secure a happy life, ensuring that the heroine would spare me, the villainous daughter, allowing me to reach the ending where I survive past eighteen.

Of course, I forgot to mention one thing.

Although I kept saying I was in a state of deep contemplation, observing my surroundings behind my lady's fan, my own immediate vicinity was actually very lively.

In fact, it was extremely, extremely lively.

“Good morning, Lady Loris!”

“Your fitting the other day was so beautiful! The lace trim of your morning gown complemented your fair complexion perfectly!”

“So, what color is your gown for this year's Summer Ball? Tell us in secret! We absolutely won't tell those stupid boys!”

“I truly envy your beauty, Lady Loris! When that evening comes, you will definitely be the most dazzling one on the dance floor.”

An endless stream of compliments filled my ears. These were praises from girls who were trying to curry favor with me, because of my attendance at an unavoidable tea party some time ago (on a weekend after my day out with Leonhart).

As a result, they fawned over me even more.

After all, even a tiny sliver of benefit trickling down from my fingertips was enough to make their families flock to me. Building good relations was always a wise move.

“Alright, everyone, don't crowd her so closely. You're going to make Lady Loris shy with all your questions!” Helena stepped forward and said excitedly.