2-55 - How Could the Villainous Young Master Be a Saintess?

### Volume Two, Chapter 55: So, It Went Well Author: Han Tang Returns Updated: 2025/6/2 20:30:01 Word Count: 4220 Characters like her seem to be born for the spotlight and stage, always the center of attention, worlds apart from ordinary individuals like Wenny. If it weren't for Aesphyra, this extraordinary contender, she would have rightfully claimed the title of grade champion this year. Yet, she harbors no envy, the composure of a true strong individual. Any male would entertain the vain thought of receiving special regard when a woman of such high status and exceptional beauty deliberately sits beside him and engages in conversation—Wenny included. However, his musings lasted less than a second before he grasped Ishtiya's intentions. Understanding such a matter is a simple exercise in perspective-taking. A princess, born with a silver spoon, lacking neither heritage, talent, appearance, status, nor wealth, showered in love and expectations—who would she truly treat distinctively?? She chose to sit beside him, partly because the library was fully occupied, and partly for reasons less easily articulated. Wenny could already feel intense, envious stares from behind. As a male, he's highly attuned to the resentment of fellow males, or rather, he's somewhat accustomed to it. This esteemed princess is a pragmatist, embodying confidence to an extent where she doesn't bother mindful of others' gazes—it's unnecessary and only hinders her pursuits. For instance, while sitting with the infamous Wenny might concern others about gossip affecting their reputations, she sees it as trivial and unnecessary. To her, strength is everything. The false strong are swayed by their surroundings, while the truly strong alter them. Consider Ishtiya, untroubled by associations affecting her reputation because her actions are often the focus and exemplar for many. She's not a product of her environment; she reshapes it. Consequently, despite Wenny's unfavorable "fiancé" tag and wretched reputation, it concerns her little. Although she wouldn't seek Wenny, she's not inclined to avoid contact either. Moreover, sitting with someone universally avoided has its perks. Such a choice deters unwanted advances and followers. Upon her sitting beside him, Wenny became acutely aware of the significant, intent gazes directed towards him. Realizing the situation, Wenny's perspective shifted. This princess is immensely popular in both the Tyrell Empire and the Carilliman Academy. To what extent? She guides trends and fashions among the noble tiers across numerous human nations. Nobles, whether in the Empire or beyond, emulate her attire and conduct, proud to wear the same styles as the Empire's brightest gem. Hence, her suitors are likely countless, stretching endlessly from the Empire to the kingdoms beyond. Virtually every young noble in the Empire seems to idolize her. Arriving at the library, she brings a following of "bodyguards" and "admirers." Sitting beside him, while not inherently her fault, poses intractable troubles for him. Unacceptable—he's unjustly burdened here. While possibly unintentional, he can't be her shield without some compensation, can he? To everyone else, sharing a table with Ishtiya in the library is a momentous privilege and fortune. Why else would she use him and not others as a shield? Doesn't that hint at her having a special interest?! By such logic, isn't he essentially on a date with the princess?! Winning! A major win! Consequently, those pretending to study amid final exams, eyeing Wenny with envy as he sat with Ishtiya—a detested figure among the crowd—seemed no less than thieves of lovers, bearing bitter, clenched teeth. There's no justice—why aren't they, the Empire’s students, making progress despite being so close? This underwhelming blue-haired guy, what does he have, looks aside?? Wenny, aware of others' presumptions, is highly sensitive to such negative implications as a male. Afraid? Shouldn't we all just sit down together? Chairs are meant for people, aren't they? Would she forbid anyone from sitting? Really, he couldn't fathom their hesitation—court her so timidly, blaming others. While postponing these musings, he sidestepped them as typical in interactions with female protagonists. He's accustomed to them by now. The focus didn't lie there; it lay with compensating his unwarranted disadvantage. Ishtiya sat down to silently read her book, ignoring Wenny altogether. Likewise, Wenny didn't intend to initiate a conversation. However... Facing difficult questions, Wenny found himself in a tough spot, unlike other male students who'd become too nervous to study around Ishtiya. Yet similarly, his motivation to read wavered—not because of nervousness, but frustration and ineptitude. As his eyes wandered, he noticed only their table was vacant in the library. With nothing else to do, he found himself awkwardly fixated on the questions, as if out of place. "Consider approaching these questions from a different angle. Questions are static, but humans and their thoughts are dynamic," a cool, spring-like voice suddenly interjected. "Hmm?" Wenny glanced around, surprised to see the black-haired girl next to him, intently on her book. Her voice was unmistakable in precipitating his surprise. Was Ishtiya, beside him, actually engaging in conversation?? "I'm sorry, Ishtiya, were you speaking to me?" Wenny hesitantly asked. "I'm uncertain, but theoretically, only you would've heard," she replied, unfazed. Uh... Her words bore a teasing tone, an implicit "who else?" "Different angle? How should one alter their perspective? What approach should be taken?" Unbothered, Wenny, sensing an offer of guidance, earnestly inquired. Hoping it wasn't mere passing curiosity on her part. "Don't rigidly apply formulas—try flipping your approach," she suggested, eyes never leaving her book, as if reading the question behind every answer. Seriously?? Is she offering guidance or misleading? Nevertheless, on her prompting, Wenny decided to try. Miraculously, as Ishtiya described, flipping his approach illuminated the problem like newfound light, turning monotonous and incomprehensible questions clear. Wenny was astounded. When had she seen the questions? Why hadn't he noticed? Could it be her seamless, nonchalant glance rendered unnoticed? That's terrifying—spotting solutions and answers from a single glance, long before others finish the question. By the gods, are these female leads truly of human kind? Are they really of the same species alongside him?? Remarkable, indeed. Eyes on Ishtiya, Wenny admired her, his gaze filled with a kaleidoscope of emotions. What surprised him the most was that Ishtiya, this aloof beauty, took the initiative to guide him through the questions. Logically, once she found a peaceful seat and a convenient shield, she could focus on her matters and disregard the nervous, introspective male beside her, especially given his identity, which she could easily avoid. "You reminded me during the secret realm, and besides, it's quite peaceful around you," Ishtiya stated abruptly, as if she could read Wenny’s thoughts. Wenny was momentarily perplexed before he understood her meaning. Ishtiya was indicating that she prefers not to owe him anything. In the secret realm, he had somewhat assisted her, and "it's quite peaceful around you" implied she recognized using Wenny’s "reputation shield" to ward off those pesky fans hoping for coincidental encounters. Ah, he thought she wasn't deliberately using him as a shield, but it turns out she actually was? Among the protagonists, besides Shikondell and Mirexia, most seemed more calculating than they appeared, especially a certain small troublemaker, who deserved a special mention for being particularly mischievous. Yet, Wenny was curious why Ishtiya expressed such thoughts so plainly. Couldn’t she have been more tactful? "I'm straightforward and don't hide things; please pardon any offense," Ishtiya calmly added. Wenny rubbed his face, wondering if what he thought was truly that evident. "Moreover, you possess a quality others lack," Ishtiya noted evenly. Wenny tilted his head. Had it been any other girl, such words might suggest special feelings—but with Ishtiya, he knew that wasn't the case. "Let me guess—'silence,' right?" Wenny quipped. The implication was his self-awareness, knowing not to interrupt her, nor would he presumptuously believe he was special just because she spoke to him. "Smart," Ishtiya responded—likely as praise, though her tone held no admiration. "So, Ishtiya, do you find this quality valuable?" Wenny suddenly had an idea. He was unwilling to be at a disadvantage, so he set a verbal trap. "For most circumstances and people, yes, I suppose it's valuable," Ishtiya replied. "Valuable, then? Since Ishtiya dislikes concealing preferences, and I feel similarly—that everything has its price—since my quality is so valuable and I maintain a peaceful ambiance, shouldn't Ishtiya consider compensating for this rare trait?" Wenny jokingly suggested. "..." For the first time, Ishtiya shifted her attention from the book to Wenny. ‘Virtue +20.’ ‘Current Virtue: 6324.’ Yes, he managed to boost the princess's virtue, so things were looking up. "What do you want?" Her violet eyes, so akin yet different from Aesphyra's, gazed at Wenny without any ripple. "Oh, I don't want much. We’re classmates, both academics, so discussing otherwise seems mundane. How about this—when I'm lost on questions, Ishtiya gives me a few pointers to guide my thinking, would that work?" Wenny proposed. "Only that?" Ishtiya raised an eyebrow. "Yes, just that. Consider it tutoring me on problems; that way, Ishtiya can enjoy this serene environment around me, what do you think?" "Okay," Ishtiya agreed concisely, redirecting her focus back to her book. "Great, thank you for your patronage. I look forward to our cooperation," Wenny said cheerfully upon her agreement. Now, there's no issue. If she wants him as a shield, that's fine as long as he benefits. Ishtiya was different from Shikondell, who could solve problems but couldn't explain them. Her ability to clarify thoughts was impressive, breaking down the questioner's process for Wenny. Alright, now he had found a capable tutor for solving the most puzzling problems. For Wenny, having a professional to guide his studies with occasional boosts in virtue—wasn’t that just delightful? And the reason he was willing to engage with Ishtiya was because she wasn’t as he imagined. She wasn’t the type to fly into a rage at his 'former fiancé' status and use him as a scapegoat. In this regard, Wenny had become quite adaptable, shifting from "never approaching these jinxes" to "virtue is indeed appealing." Now, he had somewhat figured out the princess's nature. Ishtiya did indeed resent others deciding her marriage and life, but it's crucial to understand that she is unquestionably strong. As a descendant of the Lantveil house of the empire royalty, innate pride is etched into her very being. Too many imagine themselves worthy of dining at the table when in reality, they're just dishes served upon it. And Ishtiya, indisputably, is the diner surveying the fare. It's not even mentioning a downtrodden saintess’s offspring; she doesn't believe anyone can dictate her life or decisions, so avoiding Wenny for an almost forgotten betrothal wasn’t concern-worthy. Besides, the empire's royalty hoped to dissolve this unprofitable engagement altogether, letting everyone forget. Genuine strength never fears anyone steering their life—because they simply can't. June 2, 2025, 22:57 『Bookmark for easy reading』