I Became The Villain's Trainer - Chapter 101

Chapter 101 

 

Ysildus beamed brightly after hearing Terrun’s declaration of surrender. It was evident that the ease with which he had conducted himself thus far was because he had anticipated this very moment. There was no way he would relinquish the seat beside Alexa to someone else. Turning to face Jeremiah, Ysildus spoke.

 

“That’s how it is, Jeremiah. Let me introduce you. This is Terrsia.”

 

Jeremiah, whose partner had abruptly changed in an instant, awkwardly raised his right hand. He had witnessed the scene where Terrun was pressured from beginning to end. Ysildus didn’t seem to have any intention of concealing his true self, even in front of Jeremiah. Nor did it appear that he expected Jeremiah to reveal the truth to Alexa.

 

Perhaps he was confident Alexa wouldn’t believe it anyway. Of course, Jeremiah had absolutely no intention of turning Ysildus into an enemy. Even Terrun couldn’t bring himself to tell Alexa about Ysildus’ delinquent behavior. As a result, Jeremiah could only go along with this charade.

 

“…Nice to meet you, Terrsia. I’m Jeremiah.”

 

Looking pitifully at the bear who had lost its nose, Jeremiah offered a weak smile. It was truly a relief to be on the same side as Ysildus.

 

* * *

 

Something felt off.

 

Alexa had gone to learn more about Essellia’s education system, but she ended up hearing about turning children into humans. She had gone to persuade them, only to be completely outmaneuvered.

 

Frowning in confusion, Alexa replayed Essellia’s words in her mind, but much of it still didn’t make sense.

 

‘I’m definitely missing something.’

 

But she couldn’t figure out what it was. Deep in thought, Alexa shuffled along, only to stumble upon three familiar faces.

 

“What choices are they even… Ysu! Terrun! And Jeremiah, too?”

 

Ysildus approached Alexa with a smirk.

 

“We’ve been waiting for you. Didn’t you tell us not to follow you?”

 

After all, the topic of education wasn’t something to discuss in front of children.

 

“What kind of talk excludes children, anyway?” grumbled Terrun.

“Kids don’t need to know.” 

“Oh, so this is what it means to suffer the woes of youth?” 

 

Ysildus laughed warmly. 

 

“It’s not like that.”

“By the way, Alexa, we’ve decided to change partners for the debutante ball.” 

“All of a sudden? Why?”

 

Alexa’s eyes widened. Terrun, visibly dispirited, shook his head. It was clear he couldn’t explain the reason. Alexa’s sharp eyes scrutinized Ysildus from head to toe. He was definitely up to something.

 

The memory of him as a young wolf, baring his tiny teeth and growling at Terrun, flashed in her mind.

 

Though Ysildus had mellowed considerably compared to his original self, Alexa was convinced he wouldn’t have caused direct harm to Terrun. She could say this with confidence, having spent so much time with him. Still, the likelihood that Ysildus had threatened Terrun into giving up his spot seemed high.

 

“Ysildus, didn’t I tell you to behave like a good boy? You didn’t do anything bad to Terrun, did you?”

“Something bad? Of course not. Terrun simply decided to yield. Isn’t that right, Terrun?” 

 

Ysildus smirked slyly. Both Alexa and Ysildus turned their eyes to Terrun.

 

“…That’s right. I decided to give up. We have a relationship of mutual support, after all. One day, Ysildus will yield something for me in return. Isn’t that right, Ysildus?”

 

Terrun retaliated, using Alexa as a shield between them.

 

‘You’ve grown up.’

‘Well, you have a good example.’

 

The two exchanged glances before Ysildus opened his mouth, unfazed.

 

“Of course, Terrun. Thank you for your generosity.”

 

Failing to detect any peculiarities between them, Alexa shifted her attention to Jeremiah.

 

“Jeremiah?”

“They’re telling the truth, Alexa.” 

“Then I guess that’s fine.”

“Alexa, don’t tell me you don’t trust me. I thought I was your closest friend.” 

“It’s not that, but I just thought I should make sure.”

 

After all, if he strayed onto the path of a villain, Alexa’s future would be shrouded in darkness. Ysildus needed to remain the innocent, endearing puppy she knew.

 

The four walked down the corridor in a tight-knit group, resembling three knights escorting their princess. Yet no one found it strange to see the four of them moving as one. Even Jeremiah had grown accustomed to their peculiar dynamic.

 

‘That makes three humans already.’

 

Alexa was wrecking Thersion bit by bit. The only one who seemed to find this odd was Selina, who wrinkled her nose.

 

A chance would come soon enough. Thersion was preparing a grand debutante ball for Alexa. With many people coming and going at the event, it would be the perfect moment to strike. No one would know who had poisoned Alexa’s drink, allowing the incident to be wrapped up discreetly. 

 

If Alexa died as planned, she could seize her position. If she didn’t, she could target Prince Jeremiah’s seat instead.

 

Selina’s heart raced. Unlike Ysildus and Terrun, Prince Jeremiah seemed naïve and easily swayed by sympathy. With just a little manipulation, she could charm him.

 

What’s more, Selina had a so-called ‘love potion’ in her arsenal, a gift from Ruella when she first arrived at the castle. Keeping it safe until now was finally going to pay off.

 

It wouldn’t be long before Selina adorned herself in silks and joined the upper echelons. She’d ensure that no one dared look down on her again. When that day came, she’d mock those who had once scorned her.

 

Smirking to herself, Selina retreated back into the shadows.

 

* * *

 

“Where are you taking that?”

 

Selina called out to the maid, who was carrying a bundle of blankets while scurrying along. The maid cast her a disapproving glance and answered sullenly.

 

“To the annex.”

“Is that so?”

 

Selina extended her hand. Her recent efforts to keep a low profile had slightly eased the servants’ wariness toward her. Additionally, Selina had gained a reputation for occasionally stepping up to help with their tasks. This instance would likely be viewed as a continuation of such behavior.

 

“I’ll take it there. It must be heavy for you.”

“…You will?”

“Yes. I’m sure the annex blankets aren’t the only ones that need changing.”

“That’s true. The Lady’s blankets need changing as well.”

“Then hand those over to me, too. I just finished my other work anyway.”

 

Selina smiled sweetly, feigning innocence. Since she wasn’t directly harming Alexa, the servants didn’t mind what she did. Without hesitation, the maid handed the blankets over. If Selina had volunteered to change Alexa’s own blankets, it might have seemed suspicious. But offering to handle the ones meant for a mere human guest wasn’t out of the ordinary.

 

“…Do a good job.”

 

The maid’s tone was cold as she turned and walked away. Selina kept smiling brightly until the maid was out of sight, at which point her expression twisted into a grimace.

 

“Rude.”

 

The people of Thersion, what were they raised on to all act like this? With a huff, Selina turned away. She had already been weighing her options and decided it was time to start securing her future. She’d been looking for an excuse to enter the annex, and this opportunity was too good to pass up. Her steps grew lighter as she walked.

 

If her timing was correct, Jeremiah would be in the annex now. Selina had been meticulously observing Alexa and quietly assessing the people around her. It was still early, around ten in the morning, so Jeremiah would likely be preparing for his lessons.

 

Selina quickened her pace. Fortunately, her guess was right. Jeremiah was indeed busy getting ready, surrounded by his attendants. They were caught up in the lengthy process of selecting his outfit. Selina, having entered under the pretext of changing the bedding, began eavesdropping on their conversation.

 

“How about this one?”

“It suits you well.”

“And this?”

“That one does, too.”

“…If everything suits me, what am I supposed to wear? Dominique!”

“Everything truly does suit you, Your Highness. But why are you so particular about your outfit today?”

 

Jeremiah’s face turned noticeably red.

 

“Well… it’s nothing! It’s just good to make a favorable impression.”

“And who exactly do you want to make this ‘favorable impression’ on?”

“That… ahem. On… everyone.”

“Suspicious…”

“Just pick something already. How about this one?”

 

Jeremiah swiftly changed the subject. Selina, listening in, clicked her tongue in silence.

 

‘No sense of taste at all.’

 

It was clear he was trying to impress Alexa. Selina recognized her chance to insert herself.

 

“Um…”

 

She spoke in a faint, hesitant voice.

 

“What is it?”

 

Dominique responded sharply, immediately on guard.

 

“If Your Highness needs assistance, I’d be happy to help,” Selina offered, her smile delicate and polished, an expression she’d practiced to resemble Alexa’s.

 

Jeremiah glanced at her briefly. She was one of the maids working at the Thersion estate, someone he’d noticed before due to her apparent closeness to Alexa. That alone had made her stand out to him.

 

Jeremiah hadn’t spent his time at the estate idly. He had made an effort to remember everyone who worked and lived there.

 

‘Her name was… Selina, wasn’t it?’

 

He remembered her because her features faintly resembled Alexa’s. The aura she exuded was entirely different, but given her association with Alexa, she might have a sense of her style. Jeremiah gave a small nod.

 

“All right.”

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

 

Selina glided gracefully toward him. See? If you wait long enough, an opening always presents itself.

 

……

 

(T/N: Why do I feel like Selina being a villain in this story is pointless hahahaha don’t tell me I am the only one lol)