After the previous duel, Emilia’s position within the academy began to falter noticeably.

- Did you all see the duel yesterday?
- I heard Lady Vanity was utterly overpowered.
- The difference in skill was just too great.
- Honestly, it was almost pitiful...

The noble bloodline, the reigning prodigy, a figure destined to lead her era—all the praise Emilia had once received now seemed hollow, her once lofty reputation crumbling rapidly. The duel’s outcome had left a lasting impact on the students, a shock they couldn’t shake.

- It’s unbelievable...

Emilia had always been a subject of admiration, her beauty, regal demeanor, and undeniable skill giving her an allure few could resist—a flower blooming at the edge of a cliff. Yet, the very reputation that had made her so revered now magnified the blow of her defeat. In front of the entire student body, she had been overpowered, reduced to tears, and humiliated beyond redemption.

- Keep your mouths shut.
- If you talk about it and get caught, it’s straight to the guillotine.
- Mocking a duke’s daughter could get your entire family wiped out.
- Watch what you say.

No one dared to speak openly, and despite the whispers, the Vanity name was still feared, so a tense silence pervaded among the students. They especially avoided mentioning anything near Emilia.

The expulsion order that had been hovering over her was suspended. And although there was an air of suspicion when Emilia and Prince Snaikers began spending more time together, no one dared to comment. Their lives were more precious than the momentary thrill of gossip, so they kept their mouths shut.

- I ruined everything...

Still, the consequences of what had happened didn’t just disappear. No matter how cautious they were, she could sense the discomfort, and she wasn’t so dull as to miss it. Though she tried to act strong, inside, Emilia was unraveling.

- I’m sorry, Ruska.
- I just wanted to do better... But I almost put you in danger, too.
- I’ll take care of this myself.

In secret, Emilia cried. Her usual haughty, mesmerizing mask seemed nothing more than a lie. She was barely holding herself together.

"Tch."

Watching it all, Ruska’s dissatisfaction grew. Leaning against the window, he clicked his tongue quietly, his blue eyes glimmering with barely contained frustration. His dark blue hair echoed the color of the sea.

Ruska Vanity—Emilia’s twin brother, another elite of Class A—stared at his sister with a somber gaze.

She sat at her desk, looking weary but trying to keep up her usual fierce expression.

Pathetic.

"Maddening."

Ruska muttered under his breath, furrowing his brow. A cold, simmering air surrounded him.

- Please, Ruska.
- Let me handle this myself... don’t get involved.

Initially, he’d thought he’d stay out of it. It seemed like her own doing. She had, after all, poked the beast, but watching Emilia spiral wasn’t as satisfying as he thought it’d be. He understood why she had been so obsessed with becoming top-ranked. Sharing the same wound, he couldn’t help but want to support her.

Emilia was his only family, and thus, Ruska found the current situation unbearable. The students’ sidelong glances, Emilia’s vulnerability, and above all...

"Prince... we’re still one person short in our group, aren’t we?" 

"No need to worry, Lady Regia."

The brazen Prince Snaikers.

Ruska fixed his gaze on him, narrowing his eyes. His sister’s shoulder gave a slight tremor as the Prince’s voice reached her—her reaction strangely pitiable.

Before he realized it, Ruska had moved to block the Prince.

"Lady Vanity."

"Step aside, Yuda Snaikers."

"Hmm?"

"I won’t stand by and watch you do as you please any longer."

The Prince’s expression became one of entertained curiosity, the sinister intensity in his gaze prickling Ruska’s skin. His legs felt weak as a shiver ran down his spine, but he forced himself to stay composed.

"I will protect Emilia."

He had to.

"That’s inconvenient."

The Prince, who had stopped in his tracks, muttered, a sly smile creeping onto his lips. His smile sharpened, carrying a sinister edge, as if he was genuinely entertained.

---

**Elsewhere**

"Emilia is my responsibility."

The blue-haired boy stood before me, declaring his intent to defend her. I watched him with interest.

"My, my... Prince Vanity himself."

I knew exactly who he was.

Ruska Vanity. Emilia’s twin brother and, in the original story, a mid-level antagonist. He’d been a tough obstacle for the protagonist to face.

Strange.

Why is he here so early? He usually doesn’t show up until a few episodes later. I can only think he’s misunderstood something.

He must think I’m bullying Emilia.

It seemed there’d been some misunderstanding. My relationship with Emilia was a mutually agreed-upon exchange. I would protect her secrets, and she would assist me whenever I needed her. A fair deal on both ends.

I understood his concern, but...

Business was business.

With the midterm only two days away and a key story event on the horizon, I couldn’t afford to lose any allies. Emilia was someone I’d made sure would be there to back me up.

"Excuse me, but could you step aside so I may speak with Lady Vanity?"

I smiled warmly, trying to project harmlessness. Yet instead of reassurance, my words seemed to have the opposite effect. Ruska’s pupils flickered with doubt, and he swallowed hard before replying.

"And what if I refuse?"

"Well..."

Unfortunate things might happen.

I replied as calmly as possible.

Ruska’s hand drifted to his sword’s hilt, as though preparing to draw it at any moment. I sighed in resignation.

"Why must you be so difficult?"

What was the deal with this guy?

My tone remained relaxed, though I meant what I said. The academy’s faculty had a low tolerance for fighting among students, and any altercation here would have severe consequences for him.

"Leave. Or I’ll draw."

"Feel free to do so. But you will be responsible for the outcome."

Go ahead, but don’t expect me to help you if a professor catches us.

"So confident."

"I suggest you proceed with caution. You could end up on the floor from a single move."

Not that it’d be my doing—just saying.

Ruska’s lips twitched in a faint smile, his brow furrowed.

This was genuine advice. The punishment points handed out here at Galimar Academy weren’t to be taken lightly, and a good student should be cautious.

"Let’s not get worked up, alright?"

"You think I’m just a piece of garbage to you, don’t you?"

"What on earth are you talking about?"

What else was there to say? I really didn’t know what he was getting at.

"I don’t know if you’re trying to provoke me, but..."

"You’ve got a lot of nerve."

Or maybe he’s just amusing to rile up? As someone with a knack for stirring trouble, it was hard to resist the temptation. The atmosphere grew tenser by the second.

"It seems I have no choice."

"Draw your sword if you must. I’ll offer my condolences in advance."

Just as the situation was reaching a breaking point, a voice intervened.

"Stop it, both of you!"

Lady Vanity stepped in to separate us, her voice trembling with emotion. As her plea echoed through the room, the icy tension slowly dissipated. Ruska released his grip on his sword hilt.

"Emilia...?"

Emilia approached him with firm steps. Without a word, she raised her hand and struck his cheek, hard.

Ruska turned back, stunned, rubbing his reddened cheek. Emilia’s face was cold.

"Why?"

He muttered, as if searching for an answer.

Emilia pushed him away.

"I told you, this is none of your concern."

"But...!"

"Stay out of it."

I’ll handle it.

Ruska, rendered speechless by her response, stood there frozen.

Meanwhile, Emilia turned her back to him and walked toward me, standing at my side as though it was the most natural thing in the world.

"I already made a deal with him."

"What?"

"I’ve already given myself to him. My body belongs to him now, and only to him."

"What foolishness...?"

"It was for all of us."

I snapped my fingers lightly, a small precaution to keep our conversation from reaching the ears of any nearby students. No one needed to know about the details of our arrangement.

Emilia continued coldly.

"So, stop getting involved. And don’t antagonize him."

"Wait, at least explain...!"

Ruska tried to object, but Emilia turned her back to him. Her blue eyes glowed with a strange lifelessness, the weight of guilt consuming her.

"Let’s go outside."

"As you wish, Lady Vanity."

I followed her without protest. As we walked, I could still feel his gaze piercing my back. Ruska stood there, frozen in place, watching us until we left the room.

---

As we got further away, I spoke up.

"You didn’t have to be so harsh with him."

She paused, then muttered in a low voice.

"I didn’t want to displease you."

"Hmm?"

"I may call it a deal, but we both know you’re the one in control."

"Afraid I’d go back on my word?"

"...Yes."

She feared the leverage I held over her. After a moment of silence, she added hastily, as if realizing something.

"I didn’t mean to say

 I distrust you."

"I understand."

"I’ve just... been taught to rely on no one since I was young."

"It’s fine. I’m not offended."

I offered her a reassuring smile. Knowing her family’s circumstances, I found myself feeling sympathy for both of them.

Emilia and Ruska Vanity—the twins who appeared as antagonists in the story. I hadn’t yet decided what to do about them, but I was beginning to feel a sense of empathy.

Gently, I reached out and placed my hand on her head, lightly brushing her blue hair. She stood still as I patted her head softly, as if lost in thought.

"As long as you don’t betray me first, I won’t betray you."

"I’ll trust you."

---

Little did the proud villainess know what was waiting for her.

"Lady Vanity."

"Yes?"

"Lady Vanity."

"...What is it?"

I nudged her gently, a lighthearted smile on my face as I watched her reaction.

"Are you alright?"

"I’m fine."

"Are you alright?"

"I’m fine... don’t ask twice."

"I’m sorry."

"Okay."

"I’m sorry."

"I said stop!"

Emilia’s brow furrowed in irritation. I continued to push her buttons, smirking as I reminded her of her recent exam results.

"Second place is still good."

"Just stop already!"

"Second place is still good."

"I said STOP!!!"

I doubt she’d expected me to win by such a landslide.

And so, I continued enjoying my little victory dance.