I suddenly became the villain and I liked it

It has been a week ever since I woke up. That would make it a total of two weeks of recovery time. My fingers and head are now in good condition. I can move them properly and they do not hurt in anyway. My ribs are another story. It is still not fully healed but the pain has reduced to a manageable level. Previously, I could not even sit up but these days I could at least endure the pain. Although, any physical activity would be bad. So, I must take great care.

“Mistress, you should rest more.”

Sylvia has been taking care of me the whole time. I stand up and check my body. I move my limbs, head, fingers, and toes. All of them seem to be in good condition. I have been moving them all the time while I was bedridden. Sylvia also massaged them to make sure that my muscles would not weaken. Although, the pain by my ribs is still the same.

“I refuse. We are returning now. I still have a lot of things to confirm.”

Two weeks of rest is too long. I need more information. I have already lost a week of the fourth month so I need to catch up. Luckily, the fourth month is eventless. Instead, we have midterms this week. After that, would be the break but I will leave that for the fifth month. There is a short incident that would occur after the exams and I need to witness what would happen firsthand.

“Uh, you don’t look so good Miss Athena.”

“Is it that noticeable?”

“Yeah. Looks like you were hit or something.”

“Sylvia, make sure to cover up anything that would show weakness.”

“Yes, mistress.”

My complexion is horrible. After covering up, we headed to school. We walk in a significantly slower pace. My two weeks of bedrest has weakened me and my ribs are of no help.

“Mistress, we should go back.”

“Yeah, you really don’t look good.”

We were near the school but I was already out of breath. Just walking such a distance has already worn me out. I do my best to stabilize my breathing and continue ignoring the other two. Melanie went to class as Sylvia and I arrive in Emilia’s office.

“Mistress, you should be resting.”

Even Emilia is worried about my condition.

“I will rest when I feel like it. For now, tell me what has happened in my absence.”

Sylvia assists me in sitting down.

“As you wish, mistress. I was included in the forces that attacked the ones who took our students.”

“Is that wise? Do you not have any connection with them?”

“You misunderstand my position, mistress. I may be considered one of your father’s people but I am not involved in the dealings that he has behind the scenes. My role is like an information broker. My only employ is to filter relevant information and send it to his table. None of his malpractices go through this school.”

I see. In a way, this school is a safe zone.

“I see. Continue.”

“After the conflict, we rounded up all the remaining bandits. There was not much of them left nor their hideout. Multiple places were burned and there was nothing left of note.”

They must have used all the alcohol that we found.

“We took stock of everyone who was captured and kidnapped. The prince was relieved to see the commoner was well and left me to handle the issue. Last I heard, the prince was given a punishment from acting on his own. Apparently, the use of royal guards and the attack was done solely by the prince without informing any relevant party.”

“What kind of punishment?”

“It seems it was from a private conversation and I do not know the details.”

“I see.”

“First, I confirmed all their identities. They were a very diverse bunch with people coming from everywhere around the world. There is one that we could not identify out of all of them.”

“The child.”

“Yes. The child was a peculiar one. They do not know anything about where they are from.”

“From our conversation, it would be safe to say that she is an orphan.”

“Yes. We did recommend for her to be taken in but she adamantly refused. There was a lot to do and she slipped from my surveillance. Do you know what happened to her?”

“She left and that is all I will say in the matter.”

“I understand, mistress.”

“Continue.”

“I assisted all of them to get back home but there was one who had something to say.”

I stayed silent as I waited for her to continue.

“Blanche Frost asked to have a private conversation. One that would only involve both of us. She then proceeded to ask me.

I have a hunch.

“Are you one of hers or are you an enemy?”

Hmm.

“I asked her what she meant but she stood up and left leaving behind a message.”

There was a pause.

“I am waiting for you.”

“I see.”

“Has something happened between you and miss Frost?”

“Yes. It seems that she has decided to be one of mine. As such, let that be confirmation of her transfer to our dorms. Do you understand, Emilia?”

“Yes, mistress.”

“Is there anything else?”

“I have attributed your absence as a personal problem that you would have to deal with. Some might interpret that as a family issue. However, no one has said a word about you being involved in the incident.”

“Oh? And how sure are you that I am involved?”

“Miss Frost’s message was clear. It was easy to deduce from what she has said.”

“And what of my father?”

“There has been no message. Either he does not see any issue or he has no information. With how they hid your presence. It would be hard for anyone to know your involvement.”

“That will be all then.”

I stand up in pain.

“Mistress. Please rest. I have already prepared an excuse so please rest.”

“I will consider your words.”