I met the villainess at the academy — CH3 (Original Fiction) (Patreon)

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Edmund had woken up long before the first rooster’s crow, when the sky outside was still black as ink. After picking the hay out of his hair, he carefully clambered down from the stable’s attic. After arriving the capital, it was the only accommodation he could find during the busyness of admission-week.

Quietly letting himself out through the small backdoor, he looked for the pail of water the hostess had set aside for him last night. With no way to take a proper bath, the best he could do to make himself presentable was wiping the journey’s sweat from his body.

When he was done, he opened his suitcase, taking out a clean pair of clothes. They were still tidily pressed, having been saved for just this occasion. After wearing the white shirt, brown trousers and leather shoes, he meticulously secured his luggage, checking and double checking the latches. His admission letter was stored inside, something he absolutely couldn’t afford to lose.

Ensuring everything was in order, he picked up his belongings before making his way around the property. He’d already settled the payment the night before, so there was no reason to linger.

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Though it was still morning, the summer sun beat down on Edmund’s head with a fever. He could feel the pavement baking under his feet, radiating heat upward like a bed of coals.

Despite having a map, after wandering for hours, he still couldn’t help getting lost in this sprawling, maze-like city. Fortunately, he’d encountered a peddler, who’d pointed him toward a carriage rental-service, in the business of ferrying prospective students.

Having found the place as described—obvious on account of the two-dozen or so youths queuing under the roof’s shade—Edmund found a spot near the back. Adjusting his stuffy collar with one hand and wiping his brow with the other, he inwardly thanked said peddler for donating one of his straw hats.

With little else to do, he leaned himself against a wall, watching the crowds milling in the streets. This was the first time he’d gotten to appreciate a proper medieval city. The orphanage had been out in the boonies, and the town of his birth was pretty small.

“Uhm, you’re probably headed for the academy too, right?”

While Edmund was in thought, someone suddenly spoke next to him. Turning his head, he spotted a thin, sandy haired boy, around his age.

Meeting his eyes, the person smiled bashfully, wiping his sweaty hands on his trousers.

“Sorry, that’s kinda obvious now that I think about it.”

Edmund shook his head, returning the guy’s smile. He didn’t mind a little small talk to kill time.

“No worries. I’m Ed. What’s your name?”

His hand now dry, the youth extended it for a shake.

“Will. Nice to meet you.”

After exchanging greetings, Edmund noticed Will looking him up and down, pausing when he spotted the brown glove on his left hand.

“A swordsman, huh? Honestly, I’m dreading the martial practical. I don’t see why a business student like me has to fight, but I guess I can just concede right away. I assume you’re here for that?”

Edmund shrugged.

“Yeah, pretty much.”

Will rubbed his chin, his expression slightly dejected.

“Honestly, I’d be happy if I make the entrance examination. I don’t even care what class I end up in.”

Not knowing what to say, Edmund remained silent. Truthfully, he wasn’t just here for martial arts, and he did care what class he ended up in, but explaining that to a random person was too much effort.

The conversation lulled, the atmosphere turning a little awkward. With nothing left to say, the two returned their gazes to the road, watching the carriages come and go.

After perhaps thirty minutes, sooner than Edmund had expected, the overseer waved toward him and Will, and four other people standing nearby.

“Alright, you lot are up next. Pay the driver before you get on, not after. Three coppers each, and not a penny less.”

Spotting their carriage, they shuffled forward one at a time at the man’s insistence, depositing their money before climbing on the back and taking their seats.

When everyone was settled, the driver flicked his reins without a word, spurring the oxen onward.

Pulling his hat low, Edmund leaned his back against the wood. The slowness of their pace was worrisome, but he forced himself to calm down. It was still before noon, and registration wouldn’t be closing until sunset.

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An engraved, dark-wood carriage rolled through the capital’s busy streets. The driver, a young man in his early twenties, steered it carefully, avoiding other vehicles and pedestrians alike. On account of the entrance examination held this week, visitors had come from all over the empire.

After riding in silence for a while, the driver opened his mouth hesitantly, glancing at the woman sitting inside. A sliding compartment separated the two of them, left open to ease communication.

“Are you sure about this, master?”

Though he spoke carefully, likely not wanting to appear presumptuous, concern bled through in his voice.

The woman shifted, leaning against the cushion while crossing her legs. On account of her voluminous dress and the veil covering her face, it was difficult to judge her appearance. The only exposed part was her hands; elegant and slender, with sharp, painted nails.

“What’s there to be unsure about?”

Her casual tone made the driver flinch, his hands fiddling uncomfortably with the reins.

“…pardon me for being frank, lady, but he was still your father. It’s customary to mourn for a few weeks before rejoining society. Besides, your admission is all but guaranteed. There’s no need to risk your reputation.”

The woman curled a lock of inky, black hair around one manicured finger.

“I thought I was the master and you the servant, Charles, but perhaps I was mistaken. Otherwise, I couldn’t imagine why you’d dictate what I should or shouldn’t do.”

Hearing this, the young driver hurriedly lowered his head.

“I’m s-sorry, I didn’t mean to-…!”

He scrambled to apologize, but didn’t get very far before being interrupted.

“You’re forgiven, but don’t forget your place. I’d hate to get rid of you after all these years.”

“…yes, master.”

A tense silenced stretched between them, though Charles’ anxiety was more responsible than the woman’s displeasure.

Chewing on his lip, the person in question stared at the road, his eyes foggy. A slight blush had risen on his cheeks, one he was careful to hide from his master. How could Charles tell her the truth? That he simply didn’t want his lady to go somewhere he couldn’t follow.

After a few minutes had passed, he spoke again, unable to help himself.

“Will you be alright without your servants, master? Surely they would make an exception if you asked them. I doubt there’s a student more excellent than yourself.”

When he finished, Charles felt a cold sensation on the back of his neck, almost physical. It was as if a dagger were being pressed against his skin.

“I told you already. I don’t need people waiting on me night and day. Besides, those are the rules. Not even the crown prince is exempt.”

With an almost praiseworthy amount of stubbornness, Charles took a deep breath, wanting to continue protesting. However, he suddenly found that he couldn’t. No matter how he tried, no sound would leave his throat.

“Lucien assured me you’d behave yourself, but it seems he was wrong. I’ll need to have a word with him when he arrives with my luggage.”

Given no other choice, the driver could only shut his mouth glumly, already dreading the coming years. Right now, her scolding was the last thing on his mind. Serving lady Serana was not only his purpose, but his greatest source of joy. If he was unable to do that, he didn’t know how he’d survive.

Gritting his teeth, he thought furiously of some way to follow her to the academy. Letting her go alone was impossible.

‘You don’t know, my lady, but men are wolves. If I’m not there to protect you, who knows what might happen?’

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