Chapter 5: Encounter in the Flower Garden

Afternoon sunlight filtered through the leaves of the trees in the Royal Magic Academy’s courtyard, casting golden shadows across the meticulously manicured green lawn.

I walked slowly along the stone path, enjoying the fresh air while contemplating my fate—a situation that grew more complicated by the day.

How did the plot turn into such a mess? Prince Leonhardt keeps stealing glances at me, Cedric is going around spreading bizarre rumors, and the heroine, Elena, gazes at me with dreamy eyes.

These complaints swirled in my mind, causing me to frown slightly before I quickly composed my features into an elegant, impassive expression.

In this world, maintaining the persona of a cold-hearted villainess was far more exhausting than working the night shift at a convenience store.

"Ahem... Excuse me, Lady Alicia."

A soft, hesitant voice made me stop in my tracks.

I turned my head slightly, fixing a sharp, cold gaze on the figure standing near the white rosebushes.

Elena Rosehart.

She clutched the hem of her uniform skirt with both hands, looking nervous yet forcing herself to stand her ground right in front of me.

In the original novel, this was the exact scene where Alicia would berate Elena for daring to block her path.

On the inside, however, I was in a state of panic.

*Oh no! Why is the heroine approaching me? Is she going to challenge me to a magical duel? Or does she want to report me to the Prince? Someone save me! I just want to go home and sleep!*

Outwardly, however, I stood tall with my chin slightly raised, wearing the subtle, arrogant smile typical of a snobbish noble. "What do you want, Elena Rosehart?" My voice came out cold, flat, and commanding.

Elena flinched slightly at my tone, yet the sparkle in her eyes only intensified. Instead of fleeing in fear, she stepped closer, albeit with some hesitation.

"I... I just wanted to have a quick word," Elena said, her voice calm but resolute. "I’ve been watching you in magic class these past few days. Your combat style, your control over ice magic... it was amazing. I truly admire you, Lady Alicia."

I froze on the spot. My brain completely stopped processing information.

Huh? Admire me? Did she drink the wrong potion in the magic lab? Why on earth is the protagonist praising her own villain?

A cold sweat ran down my back once more as I struggled desperately to keep my expression from cracking in surprise.

"Flattery!" I finally replied, adopting a forced, arrogant tone to mask my deep confusion. "As a member of Duke Valerian’s house, it is my duty to demonstrate impeccable power. There is no need for you to waste your time paying attention to such things."

Elena smiled sweetly—a sincere smile that made me feel increasingly guilty.

"It’s not an everyday occurrence for me," Elena replied softly. "I hope... we can be friends in the future, Alicia."

Upon hearing those words, a hysterical scream echoed through my inner monologue.

Friends with the villain? Please, just leave me out of the main plot! I want to retire early and become a farmer in the countryside!