The Villain Purchased the Heroine

The Class Battle doesn't take place inside the colossal Academia. No matter how vast Academia is, it's not absurdly large enough to accommodate all the exams like Class Battles and Final Exams.

Just considering the living quarters, lifestyle spaces, and educational areas requires an enormous site.

Thus, we were currently on the move.

On our way to the island where the Class Battle was set to take place on a Large Airship.

This Academia-exclusive airship was about the size of a luxury cruise ship, easily carrying the entire first-year cohort, several professors, and heroes joining as observers.

We were in one of the hundreds of rooms aboard this large airship. Five people were seated around a round table.

"Tsk."

My fiancée clicked her tongue at the sight of me.

Trying to play it off as just not being in a good mood, but I saw right through it.

Her slightly displeased expression revealed what she was really thinking.

So, you're saying I'm the leader of Class 1, huh? Just bouncing around won't make you any more appealing.

"So, it's exactly the people we were expecting. We assigned the leaders based on entrance exam scores."

Her blunt voice echoed.

Erica said this, leaving out one person among those present.

She was around 80% correct.

The leaders sitting in this round formation were the representatives from each class, ranking from first to fifth based on entrance exam scores.

Except for one person.

"The leader of Class 3 isn't Leon. Though, I can't say I'm surprised."

Hearing my words, a short-haired guy seemed to recall someone and rubbed his temples in frustration.

He was the guy who ranked fifth in the entrance exams, taking Leon's place as the leader of Ocel Bantel.

His name was Bell.

A commoner from the Ocel Kingdom.

"…You're right. In many ways, that person is not suitable for a leader, so I ended up taking over."

Bell let out a big sigh.

As he just mentioned, it's easy to understand why Bell was suffering.

Typically, it would have been Leon who should have been sitting as the representative of Class 3.

However, Leon from Ocel Bantel isn't suited for using his brain or employing people strategically.

His strength is outstanding, but he lacks in the brains department.

He's a guy living solely on passion, guts, and a sense of justice. That's Leon.

Because of this, Paula, the professor in charge of Class 3, didn't recommend Leon as the leader.

"All I hope for is that this Class Battle ends peacefully. I'm not greedy for victory, I just hope we don't come in last…."

Bell spoke wearily, as if he was already defeated before the battle had even begun, appealing to us with his mindset.

Truly, he's someone who knows how to leverage his weaknesses, just like it was written in the novel.

As I was experiencing an inexplicable pleasure from the common ground between indirect and direct experiences, the Saint Diphelia, who had been silent, spoke up.

She was the third-ranked student in the entrance exams and the current leader of Class 5.

With a ranking of 3rd in the entrance exam, I'm currently the leader of Class 5.

"Vargan. I heard you created a New Student Council."

"Is there a current student who doesn't know that?"

I made the name intentionally provocative and eye-catching, so of course everyone would notice it; if they didn't, it'd be a shame.

"I hear that the theme is growing together with the students. Progress is being made steadily."

"Stop beating around the bush and get to the point. The events for this upcoming Class Battle will be announced soon."

Maybe it's because of the title of Saint.

Those poor souls afflicted with the 'good kid syndrome' have this problem. They always hesitate to get straight to the main topic and instead worry about how it looks to those around them.

"The current Student Council President is Schugenhartz Troa Rheincarven. He's your brother, right? Using the name 'New Student Council'… is it a way to keep him in check?"

Her face is looking at me. I can feel a calm boundary lurking in her question.

But her eyes remain shut. She doesn't want to open them. It's like she can't find focus.

She can't see. Her legs don't move either.

She's exhausted from using too much of the power of a saint.

"..."

At her remark, even the prince, Protagonist Arterion, showed interest.

It's the first time I've shared a space with him since the entrance exam, and he's still as taciturn and solitary as ever.

"Oh, do you think I'm the type to do such troublesome things for that firstborn?"

"You know, no matter how close brothers seem, I've heard that in noble society, they secretly try to poison each other beneath the surface. Isn't that right?"

"You've got a good friend who shares valuable insights."

When I look at Erica, she responds with a look that seems to say, 'So what if I did tell you?'

No matter who the opponent is, Erica never backs down and shoots her sharp gaze like a cat.

"There's an unspoken rule that's been passed down in Schugenhartz since ancient times. 'Do what you want, but refrain from harming your family members.' Quite a commendable tradition, don't you think?"

"Schugenhartz… just as I imagined, it's a unique family. So, what you're trying to say is your actions wouldn't harm the Student Council President. Is that what you want to communicate?"

The eyelids of Saint Diphelia crack open slightly.

Though her eyes can't see, the habit from when they could shows itself.

She's probably not looking at me, but I met her gaze out of respect for our opponent. I can't give her the answer she seeks though.

"Well…"

I shrugged my shoulders.

Except for Bell from Class 3, everyone here belongs to the Student Council.

Whatever I say will surely reach the ears of the firstborn, so why would I engage in a pointless endeavor that'll only cause me loss?

"Rather than discussing me, wouldn't it be more constructive to talk about the Class Battle? Or were you perhaps scouting me, the key figure of this stage?"

"Arrogant, aren't you? You think we'll be on guard against you even before the theme has been set?"

Erica pierces me with her sharp gaze.

Despite her words, she knows my personality and skills better than anyone else here.

"Sometimes it's okay to be honest, Erica."

"..."

In the original story, it was she who conspired to fiercely press Class 1 to stop Vargan.

Thanks to that, Liam, who is in the same class as Vargan, could showcase his abilities to the public through various struggles. Erica was also surprised by the unexpected appearances of Liam and Alicia, who turned out to be ace players.

I have a tickling desire to actually see Erica in that scene, but it'll probably be difficult.

They may break away from the established mold, and even if that scene plays out, the real issue is that I won't be there. I'll be busy elsewhere.

I wish there was a recording function.

Suddenly, Bell looked around. As if checking the movements of the Academia staff.

"By the way, it takes quite a while to get ready. Is Helion's group also participating in the selection of events?"

"Not at all. The heroes dispatched from the church are merely bystanders."

Even though someone ranked within the top 10 of the Hero Ranking has arrived, the existing system won't be shaken.

Acedemia, though overshadowed by Helion's presence, is a prestigious place of learning. The pride felt by the professors and students is immense.

In short, there's no way they would bow down and just look for cues.

Even if the number one hero in the rankings joins as a mentor, they won't let him have a say in the selection of events.

"Professor Paula will probably come bustling in soon to tell us about the events."

While we were engaging in some sort of mind game disguised as a conversation at this round table, the staff of Acedemia were selecting the events for the competition and preparing the stage. Those who arrived early on the island were working hard.

The reason why the events weren't decided until the day itself was to ensure confidentiality.

If a specific class's supervising professor leaked information to their own class, it would violate fairness.

"Haha… That's really true."

Bell chuckled foolishly.

The professors were approaching from afar, and at the forefront, Paula stood out notably.

Her steps seemed so flustered, without any regard for the gazes directed her way.

"Hohoho, everyone has been waiting a long time, right? It took a bit to finish the preparations, after all~."

Paula arrived at the table and, as usual, let out her quirky laughter. Then, perhaps out of consideration for us who had waited, she hurried to reveal the important information.

"This class battle's event is…"

I wondered what the event would be.

It would be most advantageous for it to unfold just as I knew from the story. But as seen from Helion's situation, the future is never set in stone.

In the original story, there was an event called "Catch the Hidden King." I wondered what this time would be.

Paula dragged out the suspense, making sound effects, before finally stopping.

And then she said:

"The event this time is a game called 'Catch the Hidden King'!"

"'Catch the Hidden King…?'"

"First, let's hear the explanation."

Those around her showed reactions asking for a detailed explanation. Even if they had a general idea, hearing the specifics was another thing altogether.

However, I couldn't be part of that group.

'Catch the Hidden King.'

Though I don't usually much care for common phrases, there's one that fits this situation perfectly. It's a word I've never said or even thought about since arriving in this world.

Anyway, given the circumstances, I wanted to express it.

Though it's trivial, it conveniently and directly conveys human emotions.

In any case, what I feel right now is this.

Hell yeah.

*

"Indeed, the Airship of Acedemia. The interior is as splendid as a palace… though I've never been inside."

A girl with slightly orange-tinted light brown hair was looking around, surveying her surroundings.

Every time she turned her head, expensive items shimmered, captivating her heart, almost whispering to her.

Steal me.

Now that she was admitted to Acedemia, she received admission fees, dormitory costs, and minimum living expenses. Coming from the slums, she had no difficulty living. In fact, it was better than any environment she had previously experienced.

Yet, human greed knows no bounds.

Looking around, the nobles were walking down the hall, adorned not only in their school uniforms but also with various valuables and luxuries.

No matter how much Acedemia pursues freedom and equality, the gap between social classes, which was originally given, clearly exists.

Once she would have never imagined enjoying such luxury, but now she possessed a fresh perspective on the world.

Even if she stole just one item to sell, the profit would be astonishing. How could she not be tempted?

I couldn't help but feel tempted by this.

'But if I really sell it, I'll get expelled, so I can't actually do it.'

If I could get away with it, I'd execute it without a second thought, but this isn't the slum she came from. There's no way to avoid getting caught. It's not comparable to stealing the savings of the drunken uncle next door.

"What's that…."

The female student stopped in her tracks and stepped aside. It wasn't just her; many around seemed to be avoiding eye contact to let a certain figure pass by.

The commoners moved aside instinctively, even the noble heirs who looked like they had money wore awkward expressions as they stepped back.

Through that made path, a noble and a famous woman passed by.

She had seen a similar scene before. Back in the slums, when the local gang leader walked through, everyone would bow their heads and clear the way.

'Other than bowing my head, there's nothing different from back then. Is it that in noble society, people are still people?'

As she was lost in such pointless thoughts, he passed right in front of her. She lifted her eyes just a little to look at the man.

A strong-looking nose that seemed like it could never be crushed. Clear skin. Even the faint scent of expensive perfume wafted through the air.

Top student.

Schugenharz Troa Vargan.

Though they both enrolled at the same time, everything was different for him. Status, ability, reputation. He was born with it all.

Vargan walked by without even casting a glance. He was just strolling through the hallway, yet he exuded an overwhelming presence.

'The servant following him is no joke either. He's not of this world.'

After hearing about Vargan's wealth early in the term, she considered approaching him, but promptly gave up. The servant who was always by his side was of a different caliber.

Back in her neighborhood, thanks to her looks, she had attracted some creepy guys, but in front of that servant, she wouldn't even dare to show a shadow of herself.

While she envied Vargan, who seemed to live freely while commanding such a beauty, she didn't feel jealousy.

You need a sense of comparison to be jealous.

The gap was so vast that it felt embarrassing to even think of comparing herself.

He seemed like someone from a different world, completely unrelated to her.

'Huh…?'

That was until the moment she returned to her guest room and noticed something on her outerwear. There was definitely nothing there before. It was as if it had always been there, seamlessly.

She pulled out a letter envelope from inside her clothing.

Just by looking at the seal and the quality of the paper, she could tell. This was an expensive item.

She brought the envelope to her nose and smelled it. A very faint trace of high-end perfume lingered on the envelope.

'For now, should I open it?'

There was no sender or recipient written on the outside. However, unless her long-standing habit of fiddling had kicked in unconsciously, this letter must have 'intentionally' found its way into her possession.

Carefully.

As she opened the envelope, to her surprise.

"What, what is this?!"

With a burst of purple smoke, the envelope vanished, and she heard a whisper in her ear. There was no one around her, yet it felt like someone was speaking right next to her.

Startled, she calmed herself and listened to the following words.

It was the first time hearing it clearly, but she recognized the voice.

The owner of the voice was making a proposal to her. A proposal that was so sweet she didn't want to let it slip away.

"Ha, haha. What's going on here?"

As the voice magic faded, she brushed her bangs and smirked.

As she sat on the bed, giving in to the ecstasy that consumed her.

Susu.

The purple smoke, which had been swirling with light, transformed.

And then.

⎯Tingling.

A gold coin dropped to the floor and rolled.

It fell near her shoe.