The Villain Bought the Heroine

Chapter 25

Liam, who changed into neat clothes before Emily, was lost in deep thought. There have been many worries these days, making his mind uneasy.

First and foremost, what comes to mind.

“The Bargan’s status I confirmed in the classroom.”

I can’t remember the exact numbers, but there were definitely high figures that furrowed my brows, and there was something peculiar that others couldn’t see.

Looking at a small hand mirror, Liam blinked his eyes quickly. Suddenly, with a unique sound, something transparent like a computer window appeared on one side of his vision, along with Emily’s status left open.

⎯ Ding!

Viewing your status.

Liam (Lv.32)

Strength: 4.4/10 ⦁ Stamina: 4.4/10

Magic: 3.2/9 ⦁ Mental Power: 3.9/9

Defense: 4/10 ⦁ Agility: 4.6/10

Emily

Strength: 3.5/10 ⦁ Stamina: 3.9/10

Magic: 2.9/10 ⦁ Mental Power: 2.9/10

Defense: 3.3/10 ⦁ Agility: 4.3/11

The numbers on the left indicate current abilities. The numbers on the right are the limits. Although there is no manual, the only way to increase these abilities is through leveling up.

Perhaps the reason why Paula, whom he met before, couldn’t see any potential in him is probably due to this level-up system that others don’t have.

If what she was saying referred to the limit of potential, it would have been quite clear.

Compared to Emily, Liam’s limit falls short. This is the limit of the body Liam originally had, so it can’t be helped.

“Not ordinary.”

Bargan’s status was strange.

His current abilities and limits were immense. Considering that confirmed rookies’ current abilities are typically in the mid-3 range, and most of them have a maximum limit of 10, he is exceptional.

The limit is just a maximum, so he won’t grow to that limit, and even if he does, it shouldn’t happen. Just the possibility alone is threatening enough.

However, the most striking item was not those two.

What stood out prominently was his mental strength.

Mental strength refers to the total mana, and the characters written on Bargan were like this. I can’t remember the rest well, but I can’t forget this. Maybe it’s because I can’t recall the rest accurately.

Mental Strength: ? / ?

A question mark. Both his current abilities and limits are question marks. Does this mean they are incalculable?

Is not understanding it due to the small sample size? If the novel’s content unfolds a bit more, similar cases may be discovered and understood.

It’s uncertain.

I don’t know how things will unfold from here.

Ever since meeting Bargan, everything feels like it’s twisting. Why did I try to talk to him face to face today if it was so frustrating?

“In the end, I failed… But what about Alicia?”

I hadn’t even properly met Alicia yet, but I gathered mana to resist Bargan as if I were going to kill him.

Considering her original personality, it was an act that I simply couldn’t understand. That kind person coming out so aggressively. And why is she using a sword? When did she become so strong?

“I don’t know. I don’t know.”

Liam leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling.

Perhaps it’s because it’s an item from Academia, but the cushion on the chair is soft, and the interior decoration on the ceiling is luxurious.

“Hmm…”

Something.

Suddenly, I feel like a fool.

Shalak⎯.

As my thoughts stop, with the sound of the curtain opening, a red-haired girl appears. She was dressed in a sophisticated dress that I hadn’t seen her wear before.

However, unlike the bright clothes, her complexion wasn’t very good, probably because she was still bothered by the disagreement with Alicia.

“If you’re not up for it, shall we go back to the room?”

Liam cautiously asked her intentions. In response, Emily lowered her head and moved closer to Liam.

“Yeah. It’s a rare welcoming party, so I shouldn’t miss it.”

“But…”

“Let’s go.”

Emily first took Liam’s hand and led him. Sensing her emotions, Liam no longer spoke and let her take charge as she wished.

“….”

The thoughts that had momentarily stopped continued.

Filled with confusion, if you don’t know what to do, wouldn’t it be best to start by dealing with what’s at hand?

It’s okay.

It’s all right.

Regain composure and proceed step by step.

There’s something that remains unchanged, regardless of the cause of this twisting story.

Shugenhardt Troa Bargan.

An overwhelmingly dominant villain and a suspected mastermind behind the incident.

Referred to as a near-perfect genius.

In the novel, a significant number of people lost their lives in his final act of mischief. His power is as strong and dangerous as that implies.

However, to say he is near-perfect is to say he is not perfect. The intense villain Bargan ultimately met a tragic end.

Fear not.

It’s time to show.

Let’s restore everything to its original state.

It can be done.

Why?

“…Liam?”

Liam squeezed Emily’s hand, a gesture to give strength to the somber woman.

“Bargan, I know your weakness.”

A vow for retaliation.

***

“Glorious clothes, abundant food, expensive jewelry, and music…! Sir, am I in heaven already?”

“Alicia, count slowly from one to three.”

Alicia, filled with question marks, obediently followed.

“One.”

“Stop being so ostentatious. Haven’t you seen enough of these things in the mansion you were in?”

“Two.”

“There’s no heaven or hell in this world, but even if there were, you’re speaking as if going to heaven is a certainty. Ridiculous.”

“…I apologize.”

“Just one, hurry up and say three.”

Alicia’s excited voice faltered, her confidence waning. She avoided my gaze and continued with the remaining numbers.

“Three.”

“I told you to maintain composure. You can’t even properly fulfill this minor task while hesitating to tarnish my reputation. How long will this continue?”

“Sir, it seems I do not deserve to be here. I shall return to my room and practice the unfinished magic.”

Ah, she’s saying it beforehand.

It’s not about being upset that Alicia, before coming here, confidently claimed she would grasp the secrets but ultimately failed to achieve them.

Even for someone of her genius, it was a challenge, and it takes time. Yes, that’s only natural.

…However, isn’t it wrong to raise false hopes by saying something you know you can’t accomplish? It’s not right to torment someone with false expectations.

Oh, I’m not getting angry again. It’s just that I can’t understand her actions.

“Well then, Sir, I will come to see you tomorrow morning.”

“……”

If it were anyone else, I would have taken it as sarcasm, but it seems impossible with her.

“…Fine. Just stay. It’s not like you’re so bad that you can’t even attend a once-in-a-lifetime welcome ceremony.”

“You’re not bad at all, Sir!”

“That’s not the point, is it?”

Talking to Alicia sometimes leaves me feeling drained. It’s one of those moments. I understand the intention, but it’s still challenging.

Rather than new clothes, are old clothes more comfortable for playing?

“Well, anyway, feel free to have fun here. It’s one of the rare valuable experiences in your life, so you better enjoy it.”

“I appreciate the sentiment, but I’m not sure how to have fun.”

“You’ll figure that out on your own. You can hang out with the guys over there and pass the time, or maybe make friends in a similar situation as you.”

“Friends… you mean?”

Come to think of it, in the original work, Alicia and Emily were not only lovers but also best friends. Now… well, things have become a bit ambiguous somehow.

“Talking to your classmates is also an option.”

Serena didn’t join in, and Finn didn’t recommend it. In the end, if you’re concerned, reaching out to Emily seemed like a decent option.

“Will Emily accept me, though?”

Alicia, who somehow understood my intentions, said with a slightly sad look in her eyes.

“She might not like me.”

“That’s possible.”

Because I threatened Emily’s precious existence. The sudden shock must have hit her hard.

“But then again, maybe not.”

“That… may be true.”

It’s not a comforting fact, but people don’t operate purely on reason. Emotions accompany every action.

Especially someone like Emily, emotions often take the lead over reason. The reason Alicia may have briefly eyed her as if she would harm her was probably due to a sudden outburst of emotions.

It’s been a while now, and she must have reached a point of psychological stability after hearing Liam’s advice to reconcile repeatedly.

“I don’t care if you get along with anyone or not. If I feel you might hinder my future, I won’t hesitate to cut you off, but I won’t even lift a finger unless it’s necessary.”

“….”

Alicia looks at me quietly. I’ve grown accustomed to this gaze.

Of course, being used to it doesn’t mean I respond to it.

“Do as your heart desires.”

Alicia, who had been silent for a moment, suddenly nods slightly. Then her scattered focus sharpens.

It seems she has made a choice.

“Master, thank you.”

She continues.

With a calm face. Like a delicate blooming flower.

“I always seem to rely on you at important moments, Master. Even though I know I shouldn’t…”

*Clang!*

Alicia steps forward. Her steps were not heavy. She happily bounces away with light steps.

“Indeed, Master, you’re not too bad either.”

With those words, Alicia left. Unusually, she didn’t look back and left quickly.

Tsk tsk, she was mumbling to herself.

But in the end, she seemed to be leaving in high spirits.

“It feels like raising a child. Kids can be annoying, you know.”

I picked up a wine glass from the nearby table. The aroma of the red grape wine in the glass tickled my nose.

It seems to be of quite good quality. The scent is not ordinary. It’s somewhat unique. I’ve encountered many precious things, but what kind of taste will this one have?

As I was about to bring the glass to my lips, someone appeared to disturb my rare moment of leisure.

“Hmm. Is that him?”

A small build with lively shining hair.

Seductive eyes and a slightly provocative tone that don’t quite match.

“Something’s up. You came all the way to meet me.”

“Don’t pretend, Shugenhardt. You know why I’m here. I came against my will, forcing myself to endure it.”

“It’s an honor.”

Standing in front of Shugenhardt, a descendant of a prestigious family in the Troa Empire, a woman confidently crosses her arms, exuding arrogance.

Her fresh voice pierces through the ears like an arrow.

“Really… Why am I involved with someone like you?”

“Why do you have to say it like that? It’s nothing but a conversation between us.”

The second most famous family in the Troa Empire after Shugenhardt.

The daughter of the Portrait main house.

Portrait Troa Erica.

She is a friend who grew up with Vargan.

“Don’t say such things. It gives me chills.”

“You keep saying bitter words. Is it okay to continue with such remarks? The family members would be saddened. Fiancée.”

They were engaged.