Chapter 263 | Survival Guide for a Doomed Villain in the Academy Dungeon

Veronica stared at Silvia before her, an imperceptible gleam flashing in her star-bright eyes.

She knew Silvia would never say such a thing without reason, which meant she had likely noticed something.

Veronica quickly assessed the current situation in her mind.

She guessed that Greg hadn't told Silvia about her being a reincarnated Heroic Spirit. Otherwise, Silvia wouldn't be testing her with such an uncertain tone right now.

It was probably because Silvia and Greg were at the same academy that she had noticed some of his peculiarities. That would explain why she was so wary of Veronica, fearing she might pose a threat to the person she cared about.

“Heh, she's like a childish little girl.”

But at that thought, an indescribable emotion suddenly welled up in Veronica's heart.

It was jealousy.

Because Silvia could openly stay by the side of the incredibly devout Lord Greg, learning new knowledge and listening to teachings filled with ancient wisdom. This was something Veronica currently could not do.

She could only watch from afar, seeking opportunities to approach him in limited settings, unable to naturally stand by his side as a classmate like Silvia did.

This realization filled Veronica with a wave of displeasure.

But she quickly suppressed the feeling, narrowing her eyes once more as her signature gentle smile returned to her lips.

She did not dodge Silvia's question, answering instead with complete candor:

“Indeed, there is someone among the students who has caught my attention. Why do you ask? Is there something wrong with that?”

Silvia's hands, resting on her skirt, suddenly clenched.

Indeed... she had noticed that Senior Greg was someone special.

Silvia's heart clenched.

Alongside her nervousness, a hint of doubt arose in her mind.

If Veronica had noticed Senior Greg, she might have also realized his identity as the Messenger of the Goddess of Night.

With Veronica's extreme personality, if she discovered a Messenger of the Goddess of Night, she should have arrested Senior Greg without a second thought.

Yet, recalling the expression she had seen on Veronica's face in the defense hall, it didn't look at all like she wanted to make an enemy of Senior Greg.

Thus, Silvia couldn't help but wonder if there was some secret between the two of them that even she didn't know about.

At that thought, a surge of jealousy welled up in Silvia's heart as well.

What right did Veronica have to look at Senior Greg with those eyes?

What had happened between her and Senior Greg that she herself was unaware of?

Silvia did do her best to maintain her outward composure, speaking softly:

“No, there is nothing wrong with it. I am merely a bit surprised. Since Sister Veronica rarely shows interest in any particular student, I was curious as to what kind of student could catch your attention.”

Veronica gave a soft laugh, her smile carrying a profound, meaningful depth:

“Do not play dumb. You surely know who I am talking about, considering how exceptionally well he performed earlier, do you not?”

Veronica continued:

“His insights were unique and his arguments rigorous; even I benefited greatly from them. There is not a second student like him in the entire Hundred Academy Exchange. Is it not perfectly normal for me to be interested in him?”

Seeing that Veronica had laid her cards on the table, Silvia decided not to beat around the bush either.

“Indeed, Senior Greg's performance at the exchange was outstanding.”

She nodded, her tone still gentle, but her words carried a subtle, defensive edge:

“But he has always been excellent at the academy, so his current performance does not surprise me. I simply did not expect that even Sister Veronica would be so intrigued.”

“Oh?”

Veronica tilted her head slightly.

“From your tone, it seems you are quite close to him?”

Silvia met her gaze without backing down.

“To me, Greg is both a senior and a trustworthy person.”

“Trustworthy...”

Veronica repeated the word, the smile at the corner of her lips deepening.

“And what kind of person is he in your eyes?”

Silvia fell silent for a moment before speaking slowly:

“He is... someone who brings peace of mind. No matter what difficulties we face, as long as he is there, one feels that the problem will surely be resolved. He does not make promises lightly, but once he gives his word, he will always keep it.”

At this, she raised her eyes to look directly at Veronica.

“What about you, Sister Veronica? What kind of person do you think Senior Greg is?”

Veronica did not answer immediately.

She lifted her teacup, took a gentle sip, and set it back down with calm elegance.

When she spoke again, her voice held an elusive, deep meaning:

“I think he is... a very special person. So special, in fact, that I feel someone like him should not be burdened by mundane worldly matters. He deserves a better environment and better resources to fully display his talents.”

Silvia's eyes narrowed slightly.

She caught the underlying implication in Veronica's words—an intention to draw Greg into her own sphere of influence.

She took a deep breath and spoke in a voice that remained calm:

“Senior Greg is doing perfectly fine at Glory Cael right now. Though our Headmistress may seem a bit unreliable at times, she cares deeply about nurturing her students. Besides, Senior Greg himself has said that he likes our academy very much.”

“Is that so?”

Veronica's smile remained unchanged, but an indescribable glint flashed within her open eyes.

“That is good. However, liking something does not always mean it is the best fit. People always grow, and they will always move toward places that suit them better.”

Silvia did not reply.

She looked down at her hands tightly gripping her skirt, remaining silent for a moment.

Then she stood up and bowed slightly to Veronica. “It is getting late, so I will not disturb Sister Veronica's rest any longer. I shall take my leave.”

Veronica made no move to stop her, but just as Silvia turned to leave, she suddenly spoke:

“By the way, Silvia. In seven days, the Imperial Royal Family will execute the Fifth Imperial Princess at the Imperial Capital Square. The Church has received an invitation to witness it. I originally had no interest in such events, but since time was pressing back then, I had no choice but to agree.”

Silvia paused and looked back at her.

Veronica continued:

“But if you are willing to go in my stead, I do not mind if you publicly announce your status as the Candidate Saintess at that time. That should be a rather good opportunity for you, should it not?”

Silvia fell silent for a moment, then shook her head.

“Thank you for your kindness, Sister Veronica, but there is no need. Compared to becoming the Saintess, I... would rather stay with my friends.”

With that, she turned, pushed open the door, and walked out.

The door clicked shut softly behind her.

Silence returned to the room.

Veronica remained seated in the chair by the window, but her eyes, which had been narrowed all this time, were now fully open.

She stared in the direction Silvia had left, her gaze cold and scrutinizing. Slowly, she raised her hand, placing her fingertips against her lips and biting her finger gently.