I Became the Dark Wizard Who Rules Over the Heroines

10 – Admission-10

“Rude? You speak as if you’re ignorant to the atrocities you’ve committed against this novice.”

Clearly, something was off.

I knew Katarin’s character. For her to directly challenge the princess in this manner, it was uncharacteristic.

The Princess. A living epitome of power.

To confront such a woman head-on was hardly a wise choice.

“But Wade, too, walks the same path as us. Isn’t it undesirable for an outsider like the Princess to intervene unnecessarily?”

“Is that how you justify it? Harassing him to your heart’s content without any interference?”

“Harass? Your words are quite exaggerated.”

With a deadly smile, Katarin draped her arm over my shoulder.

“I regard him quite fondly. He’s a rare and valuable asset after all.”

“Valuable… asset?”

The princess and I were at a loss for words. With her arm wound around my neck, I found her even harder to comprehend.

“Weren’t you the one who had a quarrel with him in the hallway?”

“I merely despise the ludicrous and absurd actions of those incapable of basic courtesy, let alone skill or willpower.”

Only now, did I seem to grasp her true intent.

I was slightly taken aback. She had played her cards quite well.

This wasn’t some impulsive action of Katarin’s. Every move was calculated.

“What… did you say?”

“There was a duel. He won quite brilliantly and proved his worth. Why shouldn’t I highly evaluate him?”

This, then, was a move to draw me onto her side,

Or rather, to prevent me from taking the Princess’s side.

“A duel… with the dark wizard.”

She ensured the Princess knew I sided with them.

Regardless of her royal status, she sneers at the idea of saving someone who decided to tread on the path of evil.

“He may not have shown much, but I could see the type of person he is. A relentless spirit, the ability to boldly do anything for a woman. He is a dark wizard with a promising future.”

Desire, after all, is the very essence of dark magic.

Why would one who lacks such intense desires, devote everything to acquire power?

In respect to being a dark wizard, it certainly was a compliment. Even those who saw Katarin in contempt couldn’t denounce these words as mere flattery.

But to the Princess, it was the worst form of insult.

No grand dark wizard could be considered a good teammate or an exemplary citizen.

The Princess cannot but doubt the way I gathered my strength, and my motivations for resorting to a duel to secure my desires.

The princess will come to see me, not as another unfortunate target of Katarin’s manipulation, but a potential dark wizard with a capacity for immense evil.

“How could I not cherish such a person?”

On the surface, I could understand why she said it.

But I couldn’t comprehend the underlying goal.

Does she truly hold me in high regard?

If my alliance with the Princess is a threat to her, perhaps my shock tactics worked all too well.

If not, is she really looking out for me?

It’s never a good thing for an ordinary dark wizard to catch the Princess’s attention.

Regardless of what I say, the moment I become friendly with the Princess, she might consider my dark artistry as an act of betrayal.

Moreover, this situation significantly improved my standing.

Among the unremarkable dark mages, two big shots took interest in me.

Depending on the circumstances, it was an opportunity to vastly increase my reputation.

Hmm…

Nevertheless, it was immediately dangerous.

The princess’s gaze towards me was not warm.

Catarina was looking at me with a triumphant gaze.

It felt somewhat like she was coercing me to make a choice. No, she seemed to know already what choice I’m going to make.

Choice.

Considering it, it seemed like she already knew that I, or any dark mage, would have to make a certain choice.

Logically, I should choose Catarina.

The princess’s power is tremendous, but she won’t harm me right away if I oppose her.

She is a kind soul, and there is too much evil in this world. Even if the princess’s sword dances, its edge would be pointed toward Catarina.

However, opposing Catarina is a different matter.

She could harm me at any time.

She was on the same team as me, we spent a lot of time together. But that was not all….

Catarina’s malice is stronger. She had a nature that could harm anyone who harmed her.

She could poison food, send assassins in the most vulnerable moments, isolate people through eerie torments and ostracization.

Catarina was the type of person who could do all these things without flinching.

Moreover, she and I are dark mages. If a powerful dark mage harbors malice, torturing a weak dark mage is all too easy.

She would think I would not resist. She would believe I couldn’t.

Then, I needed to shatter this believe.

“I’m sorry, but Catarina. It seems we’re not that good of friends.”

“…Catarina?”

Her expression twisted momentarily.

“Why. We’re classmates, right? I think this level is manageable.”

At least in principle, all students in the academy are equal. There is no need to reverence anyone, no need to bow.

“Thank you for your concern, Princess.”

I turned my head and expressed my gratitude to the blonde knight.

“But isn’t this the Empire’s Academy? I’m sorry to have had to make this choice, but nobody should be able to harm me.”

Since Catarina had already set the stage, there was no reason not to use it.

Between the princess and Catarina, a man receiving their care is superior to a man who can freely speak to Catarina.

“You’re… quite confident.”

Catarina couldn’t contain her emotions. Ignoring her words, I faced the princess.

“Yes. Thank you.”

The academy is not the territory of any nation in principle, but it was located within the empire.

While other nations were reluctant to acknowledge it, the empire regarded the academy as its glory. I was willing to uphold that dignity.

“It’s the first time I’ve seen a dark mage who doesn’t bow to stronger powers. As Lady Catarina said, you could be a valuable asset.”

I rejoiced inwardly.

Both the princess and Catarina are important, of course. But what’s more important are the other students watching this scene.

In the end, I cannot host a party alone. Somehow, I can do the work of two or three people, but inevitably, there are simply things I cannot do regardless of my power as a dark wizard.

With dark magic, I can kill. However, I can’t negotiate deals requiring immense power, restore dying people to life, or bring prosperity to impoverished territories.

And those capable of doing it wouldn’t easily follow my intentions.

But now, with my actions, ordinary students can perceive me as a different existence from other dark wizards, as a confident dark wizard who can draw the line with Katarin and express gratitude honestly.

If I appeal to them with a rational reason and emotional appeal, they can side with me.

*Sigh…*

Katarin glared at me, but truthfully I wasn’t scared.

She stood at the center of many dark wizard students, her control and restraint were based on her achievement.

The name value of the Ernst family wasn’t small either, but strictly speaking, it’s not much different.

The Ernst Changing Hundred Families were certainly a noble family, but their nobility was also achieved through their power and accomplishment in dark magic.

“I hope you are stronger than I predict.”

Regaining her smile with effort, Katarin voiced a threat to me.

“Don’t worry, Katarin.”

Dark wizards ultimately obey power. They have no choice but to kneel to the magic they can feel, to the wickedness, and to the threat.

Therefore, regulating the favorability of students using magic is far more extreme than regulating the favorability of students using the power of light.

There is no need to match their tastes, fulfill their desires, or create the world they want.

Just be strong. I can do that.

“I believe you will.”

Once I face Katarin confidently like this, she will somehow have to kneel to me.

The short conversation ended. The history professor entered the classroom, and the class began.

Katarin and the princess each sat in their places, staring at me intently.