I, the Villain, Want to Save Myself, But the Yandere Heroines Disagree - Chapter 42

Finally, the official rankings for the entrance exam were announced. In the original timeline, Lianca had been the undisputed first-place winner, while Litte had barely managed to rank in the 900s.

However, because Orson discovered Litte’s potential early, the timeline shifted, and Litte successfully became the top student in the academy.

“Well, if no one has any objections to the rankings from the ranking matches, we’ll now proceed with distributing student cards,” announced Teacher Therese, who was serving as the chief examiner for this year’s entrance exam.

Orson hadn’t expected his teacher to be involved in the exam process, let alone as the chief examiner.

In previous years, the chief examiner role was usually assigned to teachers who were being nurtured for leadership positions by the academy council.

Seeing that no one in the crowd raised any objections, Therese nodded in acknowledgment.

The examiners then distributed pre-made student cards to each of the new students.

“These student cards will serve as your identification for the next four years at the Imperial Academy. The student number printed on the card corresponds to your entrance ranking. For example, Litte, your number is 001.”

“I’d like to remind you that the ranking on your student card does not determine your final standing upon graduation. Every year, there are students who enter with high rankings but plummet during the graduation exams.”

“I hope that during your four years at the Imperial Academy, you’ll strive to continuously improve and become individuals admired by others, rather than laughed at.”

After delivering a few more words of wisdom, Therese announced the dismissal of the assembly.

Tomorrow would mark the official start of the academic year.

Litte stared at the smooth, cool card in her hand, momentarily lost in thought.

Orson took out his own student card and placed it next to Litte’s.

Litte looked over.

Both cards bore the student number 001.

“Congratulations, Litte. You’ve become another top-ranked student from the Stranick family.” At that moment, Therese approached and congratulated Litte.

“And you, Orson. I hear Litte’s success is thanks to your teaching,” Therese added, smiling at Orson. “Since you’re so good at teaching, have you ever considered staying on as an instructor after graduation?”

“Though I suppose that might be difficult, given your family responsibilities.”

“Indeed, Teacher Therese is right. I’m not particularly interested in teaching,” Orson replied with a polite smile.

“Well, I have other matters to attend to. You two may leave as well. Litte’s dormitory has already been arranged,” Therese said, waving them off before departing.

“Let’s go, First-Year Top Student,” Orson said with a grin, looking at Litte.

“Mm.” Litte nodded and followed Orson.

—

Meanwhile, Lianca had managed to calm herself down.

She reasoned that her loss was simply due to not knowing that Litte was also a Tier 3 mage and had been caught off guard.

In terms of raw strength, she still considered herself the champion.

And during the chief examiner’s speech, it had been mentioned that there were four years ahead. Lianca felt confident that this would be more than enough time for her to surpass Litte and reclaim her title as the top student.

“Hmph, Litte, just wait. Sooner or later, I’ll defeat you fair and square,” Lianca muttered, resolutely setting her sights on her goal.

“Sigh.” Watching Lianca’s determined expression, Olivia let out a quiet sigh.

At least she’s now focused on someone she has a chance of beating, rather than Orson, whom she could never hope to surpass.

Still, her family’s luck was rather unfortunate. For two consecutive years, the Essenberg family’s most promising entrants had only managed to secure second place.

In fact, Olivia had set a record of her own.

She held the highest-ever score for a second-place finisher in the entrance exam.

Her score, in any other year, would have been more than enough to claim the top spot. Unfortunately, she had faced Orson that year.

In hindsight, the two families really seemed to have an unusual connection.

—

Back at the inn, Lianca kicked off her shoes and flopped onto the bed.

“Sis, Orson is so mean!” Lianca pouted, beginning to vent her frustrations about Orson.

“Hmm? What happened?”

“Didn’t you see? After the match, Orson didn’t even come to check on me,” Lianca said, puffing out her cheeks in displeasure. “Even though I don’t like him, and I don’t know if he likes me, I’m still his fiancée! His fiancée got beaten up like this, and he didn’t even come over to see me or comfort me!”

“Uh…” Olivia felt a bit embarrassed.

So that’s what this is about?

She had thought it was something serious.

“Well, you’re from different families, and you’re not married yet.”

“Ugh, and I suspect Orson taught Litte just to sabotage me,” Lianca speculated without hesitation.

“Why would you think that?”

“Think about it, Sis. I was going to take this year’s entrance exam. As my fiancé, there’s no way Orson wouldn’t have known in advance, right?”

“And while Litte may be his brother, he’s also a competitor for the Stranick family’s ducal inheritance—a rival.”

“He trained Litte to be so strong just to get in my way!” Lianca declared, sitting up on the bed. “Yes, that must be it!”

Olivia sighed and sat down beside Lianca, gently wrapping an arm around her.

“Alright, alright, stop overthinking this. For now, just focus on resting and preparing for your life at the academy, okay?”

“Fine.” Lianca nodded reluctantly.

—

Meanwhile, in Orson’s room, he looked at Litte, who had collapsed onto the bed, and sighed.

Today’s battle with Lianca had drained Litte of a significant amount of energy. Afterward, she had forced herself to hold it together in front of everyone, only to collapse as soon as they returned to the inn.

“You really worked hard today,” Orson said, sitting on the edge of the bed and wiping the sweat from Litte’s forehead.

“It must’ve been tough, holding it all in.”

Only when Litte’s expression softened did Orson finally feel at ease and stand up.

As he stepped out of the room, he happened to see Olivia doing the same.

“Uh… what a coincidence, Classmate Olivia. You’re staying here too?”

“Yes, what a coincidence.” Olivia was momentarily surprised to see Orson, but then she smiled.

Just then, a small head peeked out from behind Olivia’s door. When Lianca saw Orson, she glared at him before quickly retreating back into the room.

Lianca had thought her sister had run into an acquaintance, only to discover it was someone she didn’t want to see.

Who would’ve guessed that Orson was staying in the room right next to hers?

As Orson closed his door and prepared to leave, Olivia called out to him.

“Orson, isn’t Junior Litte with you?”

“Ah, he’s not feeling well right now. He’s resting in the room.”

“I see. Then I won’t ask further,” Olivia said, stepping closer to Orson. “Care to join me for a drink?”

“Sure.” Orson didn’t decline and followed Olivia downstairs.

Lianca watched their departing figures and bit her lip.

Why does even my sister get along so well with Orson? If it’s because of me, there’s no need for that…