The Villain Purchased the Heroine

Dressed neatly before Emily, Liam sank into deep thought. There had been a lot on his mind lately, and his heart was troubled.

First and foremost, what came to mind.

"The status of Vargan confirmed in the classroom."

He was so startled at the time that he couldn't remember the exact figures. However, he definitely recalled that the numbers were unusually high enough to make him frown, along with peculiar traits that others couldn't see.

Liam quickly blinked twice at a small hand mirror. With a unique sound, something transparent and square popped up on one side of his vision, like a computer window appearing.

It displayed Emily's status, which she had left open.

⎯ Ding!

Viewing personal status.

Liam (Lv.32)

Strength: 4.4/10 ⦁ Health: 4.4/10

Mana: 3.2/9 ⦁ Mental: 3.9/9

Defense: 4/10 ⦁ Agility: 4.6/10

Emily

Strength: 3.5/10 ⦁ Health: 3.9/10

Mana: 2.9/10 ⦁ Mental: 2.9/10

Defense: 3.3/10 ⦁ Agility: 4.3/11

The numbers on the left represent current stats. The numbers on the right represent limits. There isn't any sort of manual, but what can be leveled up is only the current stats.

The reason Paula, whom he met before, had said he lacked potential might be due to this unique leveling up system that others didn't have.

If what she meant by potential was the limit, it would've been clear as day.

Even compared to Emily, his limits were lacking. This was something that couldn't be helped as it was the limit of his original body.

"It's not normal."

Vargan's status was bizarre.

His current stats and limit were astonishing. Factoring in that the new students he'd evaluated had current stats mostly in the mid-3s, and most of their limits were a maximum of 10, he was extraordinary.

The limit was merely a maximum limit, so he should never grow to that limit—nor could he—but the mere possibility of it was enough to be a threat.

However, the most striking aspect wasn't either of those.

What stood out the most was the mental stat.

Mental represents the total amount of mana, and the glyphs attached to Vargan were like this. Though he couldn't quite remember the rest, he wouldn't forget this. Perhaps not recalling the rest accurately was due to this very thing.

This might be why I can't keep up.

Mental Strength: ? / ?

A question mark? Both the current stats and limits are question marks? Does this mean confirmation is impossible?

Is my inability to understand this due to the lack of samples? As the story unfolds a bit more, might I find similar cases and be able to understand?

Uncertain.

I have no idea how things will develop in the future.

Ever since meeting Vargan, everything feels twisted. How frustrated must I have been to try and confront him directly today?

"Ultimately, I failed… But what happened to Alicia?"

I wasn't even properly acquainted with Alicia yet, but when I gathered mana to resist Vargan, she came at me like she wanted to kill me.

Considering the personality I knew her to have, that behavior was utterly incomprehensible. That kind-hearted individual acted so aggressively. And why is she using a sword? When did she become so strong?

"I don't understand. I just don't get it."

Liam slumped completely in his chair, gazing at the ceiling.

Maybe it's because it's a piece from the Academia, but the cushion on the chair is soft, and the ceiling's decor is luxurious.

"Hmmm…."

Something feels off.

Suddenly, I feel like an idiot.

Sharak⎯.

As my thoughts came to a halt, the sound of curtains being drawn open revealed a girl with red hair. She wore an exquisite dress that I had never seen before.

However, in contrast to her bright attire, her complexion was not so good; she seemed troubled by the quarrel with Alicia.

"Do you want to go back to your room if you're not feeling it?"

Liam cautiously asked her intentions. But Emily shook her head and moved closer to him.

"Uh-huh. It's a welcome party; I can't miss it."

"But…."

"Let's go."

Emily grabbed Liam's hand and pulled him along. Feeling her emotions, Liam stopped talking and surrendered to whatever she wanted.

"...."

The momentarily halted thoughts resumed.

If I'm filled with confusion and have no idea what to do, shouldn't I start by resolving what's within reach?

It's okay.

It's fine.

Regain your composure and take it one step at a time.

No matter how twisted this story gets, some things remain unchanged.

Schugenharz Troa Vargan.

A remarkably overwhelming villain presumed to be the source of the incident.

He's described as a genius close to perfection.

In the novel, his final desperate acts led to a substantial loss of lives. His power is that strong and dangerous.

But saying he's close to perfection also means he's not perfect. That intense villain Vargan ultimately met a tragic end.

I'm not afraid.

Now I just have to show it.

Let's restore everything to its original state.

I can do this.

Because.

"…Liam?"

Liam tightened his grip on the hand he held with Emily. It was a gesture meant to lend strength to her gloomy self.

'Vargan, I know your weakness.'

It was a vow for retaliation.

*

"Gorgeous clothes, plenty of food, expensive jewelry, and music…! Young Master, have I already died and arrived in heaven?!"

"Alicia, count slowly from one to three."

Alicia filled the surroundings with question marks but obediently followed his instructions.

She followed my words obediently.

"One."

"Don't make such a fuss. Haven't you already seen enough of this back at your mansion?"

"Two, two."

"Goodness, it's as if you're declaring you're guaranteed to go to heaven when there's no such thing as heaven or hell. Absurd, really."

"…I'm sorry."

"Now, hurry up and say three."

Alicia's once spirited voice faltered, and she seemed to lose confidence. Avoiding my gaze, she called out the remaining number.

"Three…."

"Didn't I tell you to maintain your dignity? How can you be so afraid of tarnishing my reputation and yet fail at something so trivial? How long will you keep this up?"

"…Young Master, I don't think I belong here anymore. I'll go back to my room and practice the magic I couldn't finish."

Ah, let me clarify.

It's not like Alicia is sulking because she boldly claimed she'd surely master some secret technique before coming here and ultimately couldn't achieve it.

Even someone with her level of genius could find it difficult, and she knows It takes time. Of course, that's expected.

…Hmm. But isn't it wrong to voice something you can't do and make others expect it? It's not just tormenting those waiting with false hope.

Ah, again, I'm not angry. I just found her behavior puzzling.

"Well then, Young Master, I'll visit you in the morning."

"...."

Would she really go back and practice magic? If it were someone else, I'd think she was just being sarcastic, but with her, that's simply impossible.

"…Alright. Just stay here. I won't be cruel enough to stop you from attending a once-in-a-lifetime ceremony."

"You're not cruel, Young Master!"

"That's not the point, is it?"

Sometimes, during conversations with Alicia, I feel completely drained. This happens to be one of those moments. I get the intention, but it somehow becomes more tiring.

It's like how worn clothes are more comfortable than new ones.

"Anyway, feel free to have fun here. It's a rare experience in your life; you should enjoy it."

"Thank you for your words, but I don't know how to have fun."

"Figure it out on your own. You can just hang out with that group of guys over there, or making friends with someone in a similar situation wouldn't hurt either."

"Friends… you mean?"

Now that I think about it, in the original story, Alicia and Emily were rivals but also the best of friends. Now… well, things have gotten a bit ambiguous.

"Talking to your group members is also an option."

Serena didn't participate, and I wouldn't recommend Finn. Ultimately, if you're worried, I'm nudging you toward talking to Emily.

"I wonder if Emily would actually accept me."

To my surprise, Alicia accurately grasped my intent and spoke with slightly sad eyes.

"She probably hates me."

"That might be true."

After all, you threatened a precious person in Emily's life. The sudden shock must have hit her hard.

"One, but isn't it possible she might not?"

"That's not exactly a comforting thought…"

It's not a pleasant fact, but people don't move solely by reason. Every action comes with emotion.

Especially in Emily's case, it's common for her emotions to leap out before her reason kicks in. Perhaps the glare she gave Alicia, as if she were ready to hurt her in that moment, was due to her emotions bursting forth.

Now that some time has passed, and after hearing Liam drone on about reconciliation, she's likely settled into a peaceful state of mind.

"I don't care who you get close to. If I feel like it might hinder my future, I'll cut you off immediately, but even that wouldn't dare loom over me."

"..."

Alicia looks up at me with a blank expression. I've gotten used to such looks by now.

Of course, just because I'm used to it doesn't mean I'm going to react.

"Do as you please."

Alicia, momentarily frozen, nods her head slightly, almost confused. Then her previously scattered focus sharpens.

It seems she's chosen a path, whatever that might be.

"Thank you, Young Master."

She continues speaking.

With a tranquil face. Like a softly blooming flower.

"I feel like I'm always relying on you during crucial moments. Even though I know I shouldn't…"

⎯Clop!

Alicia steps forward. There's nothing weighing her down. She hops along cheerfully.

"Indeed, Young Master, you are not as wicked as I thought."

With that last remark, Alicia left. Unusually for her, she didn't look back and exited quickly.

Tsk tsk, she was sulking all by herself.

And she ends up leaving all cheerful like that.

"I feel like I've got a kid to raise. I can't stand kids."

I picked up a wine glass sitting on the nearby table. The scent of the ruby-red wine tickles my nose.

It seems to be quite good quality wine. The aroma is extraordinary. A bit unique too. I've come across valuable things before, but I wonder what this one tastes like.

Just as I was about to sip from the glass, someone came to interrupt my rare moment of leisure.

"Hmm. Is that her?"

A small frame with brightly shining hair.

Incongruously alluring eyes and a slightly innocent tone.

"What a surprise. You actually came to see me."

"Don't act coy, Schugenharz. You know why I'm here. I forced myself to come even though I didn't want to."

"How flattering."

Standing before the descendant of the illustrious Schugenharz family in the Troa Empire, she smugly folds her arms with confidence.

Her playful voice pierces my ears like an arrow.

"Really… why do I have to be entangled with someone like you?"

"Do you really have to say it like that? It's about us, after all."

The second most renowned family after Schugenharz in the Troa Empire.

The second daughter of the Portlet Family.

Portlet Troa Erica.

She's a childhood friend of Vargan.

"Please don't say something like that. It's giving me chills."

"You keep saying hurtful things. Is it okay to continue? The family would be saddened if they heard this. Your fiancée."

Ah, so it's an engagement.