The Villain Purchased the Heroine

I took Alicia under my wing and am guiding her growth smoothly. I entered Academia as the top student and made my presence known to Liam.

Since I've achieved all my initial goals, it's time to move on to the next step.

You might have forgotten, but the novel I've been reincarnated into is also a reincarnation story, and even from my perspective as the protagonist, Liam has his own protagonist.

You could say it's like a framed structure. I'm talking about the fake one when we mention the true and the false protagonists.

Originally, our noble and dignified prince should have boldly entered as the top student, but I snatched that away.

Even if he doesn't show it, his pride must have taken quite a hit. He hates losing and has rarely experienced being overshadowed by someone, especially.

For our prince, I just need to keep plucking his nose hairs one by one, just like I have been. There's no need to rush. Just creep along slowly.

Slowly.

Leisurely.

Then, the right timing will come. Let's wait patiently.

The first-year main characters. It's the time when they all lay their cards on the table and clash head-on.

There's still a long way until the second semester's Final Exam.

Before that, I'll savor the episodes one by one.

Recruit the talented individuals I've marked.

And subtly poison the group that will annoy me.

Then I'll grasp the changing situation. Let's act flexibly.

Plans are rigid, and on their own, they can't function properly.

What's necessary is the cartilage of coincidence that smoothly moves between plans.

"Young Master, Young Master."

Louisa stood in front of the classroom, projecting a hologram with magic as if giving a presentation.

Besides the hologram, the room was dark, so most students were attentively watching the sparkling magic.

However, the one speaking to me wasn't Louisa.

"It looks just like the constellations in the night sky."

A soft, whisper-like voice was continuously heard beside me.

The voice belonged to Alicia, who was gazing with sparkling eyes, slightly parted lips, as if she found the phenomenon fascinating.

'Huh?'

I felt the gaze of those around us. Looking around again, I noticed several students who were taken aback by Alicia's appearance and were staring at her instead of focusing on Louisa.

Well, it's not like I don't understand; Alicia doesn't have an easily acceptable appearance—but honestly, I don't want to understand.

It's not that I don't understand why, but I just don't want to.

Can you believe those guys are new students like me?

"They're definitely going to play the supporting roles."

As I shot them a disdainful glance, they seemed to quietly shift their attention back to the professor, like they'd been focused the whole time, or suddenly appeared shocked as if caught with their hands in the cookie jar.

I can't even remember their names, let alone any defining traits.

Just like they averted their eyes, I am also trying to kill my interest in them. However, among the supporting characters, there was also a familiar gaze.

"Who is that?"

To my surprise, the protagonist, unlike the other supporting characters, was looking at me instead of Alicia.

The reason for this is probably because he wanted to verify 'that'—it wasn't that I was more noticeable than Alicia.

Liam blinked rapidly twice before avoiding my gaze. I knew he'd do that.

Looking at his gloomy expression, it was very clear that his brain was working overtime, trying to analyze and understand the current situation by any means.

As Liam's expression grew darker, I felt a rising sense of glee, like a seesaw effect. I guess it's official: I really do dislike that guy.

And shockingly, this isn't even Vargan's emotion; it's just my pure emotion from reading the novel.

"Young Master, can I use magic like that too?"

Alicia tugged at my sleeve, her eyes wide in childlike amazement, completely unaware that she was holding onto me.

Now that I think about it, normally Alicia would have been sitting next to Liam, having her first conversation with him.

In the novel, that was quite an impressive scene. Well, right now, whether he's the protagonist or not, I'm not paying any attention and am just dazzled by the magic unfolding before my eyes.

"…?"

Noticing that I was looking at her, Alicia tilted her head slightly. Then, she glanced down, realized she was holding onto me, and jumped back in surprise, shaking off my sleeve.

She'd probably just apologize over and over again, so let's not engage her and focus on the professor instead.

"… So during your first year, you have two final exams and a class battle, which are the best opportunities to earn Cattia, the score needed for graduation. You all know that Cattia is an important criterion when you become a Hero."

As the hologram image changed, the dim classroom was filled with new light. Louisa continued speaking confidently and comfortably in her characteristic tone.

"Right now, the Cattia you earn is not so different depending on your entrance scores, but in just a few months, you might find yourself lagging behind compared to your peers."

When she added that no one listening to this presentation was an exception to this, the students grimaced, and she seemed to enjoy it as she laughed heartily.

Clap!

She clapped her hands, restoring the lights that had been turned off.

"That wraps up our explanation. Does anyone have questions? I don't expect any, but I'll ask just for procedure's sake."

Louisa, who cleverly avoided saying she wouldn't take questions because it was bothersome, nodded in satisfaction when no student raised their hand, and moved on to the next topic.

Gone.

He's annoyingly a perfect reflection of the original character. Must be a friend of Paula, I guess.

"There's still a schedule left for the group members to have a unity training, but our turn hasn't come yet. So what should we do in the meantime?"

Louisa asked, pointing to a nearby male student. Given that his appearance and way of speaking seemed completely unfamiliar to me, he probably wasn't a major character.

"Uh… well, I mean… Are you talking about the seniors who are currently active as heroes from Academia…?"

"Ohh, that's right! I was just about to say that."

Louisa happily laughed, patting the back of the student who answered with her hand.

The poor guy, hit on the back by her trained and sturdy hands from intense training, was clearly shocked all over but seemed to brighten up from the praise.

"With that in mind, let's head to the Armory and pick up some practice weapons. The team leaders need to report what each team member chooses."

"Uh… then what about the seniors…?"

"Come on, hurry up and gather the team members to move."

*

We moved to the spacious and bright Armory, where each of us was selecting practice weapons that we thought matched our abilities.

This was a measure to prevent new students from carelessly carrying around real weapons. What if someone who couldn't even handle it swung it around and caused an accident? That'd be a disaster.

"This sword is lacking in both weight and sturdiness."

Alicia chose a broadsword, a claymore that looked most similar to Naias, but after swinging it a couple of times, she expressed her disappointment.

"After carrying around the first-class relic Naias, picking up this junk metal makes sense."

Even a country girl like her would develop a discerning eye after encountering valuable things a few times. It's only natural that her evaluations would improve given her experiences that common farmers could never have in their lifetime.

"Hurry up and choose already. We have enough time, but we don't need to waste it."

I said to Emily, whose expression had been dark since becoming a group member, and to Serena, who I'd never seen say a word or even open her mouth.

The other male member of our group, Finn, was buzzing around in excitement, a complete contrast to the two girls.

When I urged Serena, she glanced at me a few times before quietly moving to pick up a nearby bow. It seemed she had her eye on it from the start.

On the other hand, Emily still acted like she was in a daze; it seemed like she was greatly affected by being separated from Liam. Or maybe it was the shock of being in the same group as me?

"Isn't the guy you like in a different class? Seriously, how long are you gonna sulk like this? You're not a child."

"W-what… how would you know…?"

Despite saying that, mentioning the guy seemed to revive some spirit in her previously dead eyes. She's more emotional than I thought.

"Do my eyes look like decorations to you? I know you've been sneaking glances at some guy from another group whenever you get the chance. And you were sitting right next to him when you first arrived in class. That means there's a high probability you know him."

"It must be a relationship."

"I didn't spy…! It's just… uh, no, wait. Why am I even explaining this?"

Emily braced her legs and picked up a Valkyrie sword from the display. It was a medium-length sword meant to be wielded with both hands.

"This will be enough. After all, I'm assigned as a melee weapon user in this team…"

"Forget that. Pick something with a shorter reach, like a short sword or cutlass that's easier to get in close."

"A longsword is more common and familiar than a dagger."

"I have no intention of keeping a group member who blindly follows what others do. Think about what your specialty is and what's most effective."

Eventually, she would realize what sword was right for her, but there's no harm in giving her a hint beforehand.

Emily made a face of reluctance, but knowing there would be a chance to change her weapon later, she decided to follow along this time. It's a good attitude to try something she hasn't experienced before.

"I'll change it if I don't like it, so keep that in mind…"

I wish she would just pick a clear way to speak respectfully or not. The awkwardness of her language is frustrating. There's a distinct class difference between us, and using such vague words is just awkward.

In the Academia, classmates are instructed to use informal language or light honorifics regardless of rank.

Normally, it would be inappropriate to use "yo" at all; one would typically bend over and not raise their head. But in Academia, this is an exception.

It's not a rule I particularly like, but as I'm expected to break plenty of rules in the future, I can overlook this as a noble's leniency.

"Did you learn to speak like that in your little village?"

"This is just awkward; our village isn't weird… yo!"

"..."

Alicia, who had been watching this pathetic scene, made eye contact with me.

She didn't verbalize it, but her expression showed she was worried about how she should speak.

"The servant title is an exception. Do not dare think of speaking to me informally."

"I-I had no such thought! I was just worried about what to do!"

"Is that so? Alicia. The day you underestimate me will be a terrible day for you."

"I believe that day will never come, but I will be careful… Um, what weapon did you choose, Young Master?"

In response to her words, I revealed the item I had hidden in my arms.

There was nothing salvageable from this junk warehouse, but if I had to choose something, this seemed the most reasonable.

"Young Master…? I'm sorry to say this, but are you sure you didn't pick the wrong one…?"

"Group leader, come report after completing your selection. We need to head to the unity training ground shortly."

Before I could answer Alicia's question, Louisa, using her mana-infused voice, conveyed the message to everyone, and I moved accordingly. I gave Alicia a brief response.

"I'll be back soon."

I wonder if Finn has chosen his weapon already. If he hasn't, being just a minor supporting character, I might as well write down anything.