2-101 - How Could the Villainous Young Master Be a Saintess?

Volume Two, Chapter 101: Are You Childhood Friends? How Could a Villain Young Master Be a Saintess? "Heh? So, Wenny, you've decided to go home?" Shikondell asked, back in their dormitory. Upon hearing Wenny's plan to return home, a trace of melancholy flickered across her face. 'Dexterity +30.' 'Current Dexterity: 4844.' "Yeah, there are some matters I need to handle, and I have to meet a few people," Wenny explained. "So, I won't see you until next semester?" Despite feeling a little down, Shikondell held back her emotions, not wanting Wenny to notice her disappointment. However, Shikondell's ability to mask her feelings was rather transparent. Her facade was easily discernible. Just out of the metaphorical 'ivory tower,' she still couldn't properly hide her true emotions. Unlike Aesphyra, a crafty actress who played the part flawlessly, more real than pearls. Without knowing her true nature, you couldn't tell she was performing at all. It made Wenny reluctant to leave Shikondell alone in the dorm. Sure, leaving her some money would ensure she had meals and a place to stay, and during holidays, there were always some staff members on duty. The academy's leadership never took breaks, so there was no worry about her being bullied. But being alone eventually leads to loneliness. As he looked at Shikondell, who was forcing a smile with her head lowered, Wenny suddenly thought of his childhood self. Back then, he too felt like Shikondell—unable to see the future or a direction, alone and isolated in the world. Though his current situation hadn't improved by much, at least he had a stroke of luck, being hit by a system that granted him a purpose. Shikondell was different. She couldn't enjoy freedom like him. She bore the heavy responsibility of her race's survival, the revival of the Moon Elves. The weight was a constant burden, while he only needed to consider his own future. Sometimes, Wenny felt the path ahead for Shikondell was daunting. Without aid, he couldn't fathom how she would defeat the powerful tribes and restore her nation. This realization suddenly struck Wenny: he might have made a grave mistake. He didn't know the original storyline's endgame, but based on earlier logic, Aesphyra was supposed to take a liking to Shikondell, leading her to aid in Shikondell's nation's restoration after rebuilding the Terralis Empire. Without Aesphyra's help, Shikondell's mission to restore her nation seemed impossible. However, there was an issue: currently, Shikondell had no connection to Aesphyra whatsoever. They barely knew each other; they were classmates, and the only significant interaction was during the welcome feast. Otherwise, they had minimal contact. Even before, Aesphyra's behavior towards Shikondell was ambiguous—it wasn't clear if it was teasing or antagonism. Wenny felt their relationship was peculiar, but definitely not in a positive light. They hadn't even spoken much. So, once Aesphyra eventually rebuilds the Terralis Empire, would she support Shikondell? Unlikely. Who would wage a war for an acquaintance, no matter how beautiful? Such a rationale even the cold-blooded green-eyed could not support. Aesphyra was a logical person. Could it be his fault then? Wenny recalled telling Aesphyra several times that Shikondell was a boy, merely looking feminine, and warned her to stay away. In hindsight, wasn't that hindering her nation-rebuilding efforts? If true, the guilt would be overwhelming—responsibility for a race's fate wasn't something he could shoulder. Yet, he doubted this was the case. Aesphyra wasn't someone who would halt her plans because of advice. When he told her not to probe, was it conceivable she'd abandon her judgment? Probably not. Wenny concluded that his previous insistence on Shikondell's male identity was irrelevant. Aesphyra made her own judgments, independent of external influence, and wouldn’t blindly follow anyone's lead. Moreover, Aesphyra had a knack for picking up on things. She likely detected Shikondell's true gender long ago, her 'girl-chasing radar' far surpassing his. If Aesphyra indeed knew Shikondell was a girl, why didn't she pursue the same path as before? Wenny couldn't explain this deviation. Ah, the butterfly effect. The shifts were so vast that this world didn't feel like the same place as the game he once played. His mind was in disarray. Could Shikondell wait for her destined savior in this divergent timeline? He doubted anyone had a greater future potential than Aesphyra, someone capable of helping Shikondell rebuild her nation. Realizing this headache, Wenny couldn't help but ponder Shikondell's prospects. What could he do to aid her now? Feeling somewhat responsible, he resolved to help her wherever possible. But as for this moment, he hesitated to leave Shikondell alone in Carilliman Academy. "How about this, if you're without a place to go, why not come with me?" Wenny suggested after some thought. Inviting a girl home might seem abrupt, but in his eyes, wasn't Shikondell a 'boy'? "Heh?" Shikondell was startled, then realized Wenny's words, a subtle blush appeared on her cheeks. "You're inviting me to your home, Wenny?" 'Dexterity +60.' 'Current Dexterity: 4904.' "Yeah, it's pitiful to see you with nowhere to go. Of course, if you prefer staying, that's fine too," Wenny added. "This, is it okay?" "Absolutely, but I must warn you, my place is quite shabby, just a run-down house with no servants. Being away for so long, it's probably covered in dust." "Rest assured, you're not being lured to be sold. If you don't want to come, that's fine," Wenny admitted the decision might be inappropriate. With her history, Shikondell might find trusting others difficult, especially without the academy's protection outside. "I didn't mean it that way. Of course, I trust you, Wenny! ... Is your home in the Kingdom of Camellia?" Shikondell shook her head. "Yes, in the capital of Camellia, centrally located,” Wenny confirmed. “Ah, the human capital, what’s it like?" Shikondell's eyes filled with curiosity. "There's nothing particularly special about it. It's just bigger, with a larger population and a bit more bustling than the buildings in the elf regions, I guess," Wenny mused. Since he had never been to the elven lands, he couldn't make a direct comparison. "Wouldn't me going with you cause any trouble?" Shikondell asked. "No, not at all. My house may be shabby, but it's quite large, with plenty of spare rooms. Once they're cleaned, they'll be livable." "Then, I'd like to go with you, Wenny. Is that okay?" Shikondell asked, a bit shyly, her curiosity about Wenny's hometown evident. "Alright, pack your things and we'll leave today," Wenny nodded. Without further ado, he went to prepare his own belongings. Once Wenny had packed, Shikondell still hadn't emerged from her room. He understood, though, since she was still a girl at heart, after all, and might take a bit longer to prepare. Late in the afternoon, Shikondell finally stepped out, still wearing her usual Calrimian Academy male uniform. She didn't have many clothes to begin with, as escaping danger didn't allow for wardrobe preparations. Wenny contemplated whether to buy her a few outfits, albeit male attire. "Let's go." After locking the dormitory keys, Wenny picked up his luggage and stepped out. Shikondell followed, putting on her shoes and socks, and closed the door behind them. The setting sun elongated their shadows as they walked. Glancing at Shikondell, who appeared somewhat apprehensive, Wenny understood she was nervous. Having lived in an ivory tower all her life, this venture to a human kingdom was bound to be nerve-wracking. "Just follow me, and everything will be fine," Wenny assured her confidently, leading the way without looking back. "Mm." Shikondell hesitated for a moment, before taking smaller steps to follow Wenny. Wenny didn't have much luggage—aside from clothing and necessities—but he was carrying a bit extra. In truth, if it weren't for Vannesa's skincare products and shampoos in his bag, it would be much lighter. Shikondell, however, had more luggage, so Wenny offered to carry some of her bags on his own. He had grown stronger since enrolling, and carrying the luggage didn’t take much effort. They walked one behind the other, making their way out of the academy. Time flew by, and soon they arrived at the gate, listening to the sea breeze and waves, as seagulls flew across the twilight sky. Looking around, Shikondell felt a slight pang of reluctance at leaving a place she'd grown accustomed to. Yesterday, Milessia had invited her to spend the holiday at the Golden Elves' Forest, but Shikondell declined. With Milessia unable to persuade her, she left with some disappointment. While Shikondell pondered the journey ahead with just her and Wenny, she noticed Wenny approach someone at the entrance—a tall, blonde girl with twin-tails and several bags. "Sorry to keep you waiting, Mirexia. We took a bit longer to pack," Wenny said. "No worries, I haven't been waiting long," Mirexia replied curtly, though her gaze lingered on the 'beautiful elven boy' behind Wenny. "This is Dale, my roommate. You remember him, right? Last time, he was bullied by some tribe students and I brought him to you," Wenny introduced. "Of course, I remember." "You know his family's situation too. Nowhere to go during the break, so I asked if he'd come with me, and he agreed." "Yes. How have you been, Dale? Those tribe students haven't bothered you since, have they?" Mirexia asked kindly. Bringing a boy home didn't bother Mirexia. She admired Wenny's willingness to look out for his friends, embodying a commendable spirit. Adhering to the knight's code, Mirexia was always gentle and kind to the vulnerable. "Huh? No, they haven't," Shikondell replied timidly. Ah, so it wasn't just her and Wenny on this journey. "Miss Student Council President, you're coming with us too?" Shikondell asked. "Yes, Mirexia is also heading to Camellia's capital, so we're going to the same place," Wenny explained, as if it were the most natural thing. "Eh?" Shikondell wondered if it was just her imagination, but the rapport between the two seemed much closer than before. Once, Wenny respectfully addressed the student council president. "Didn't you know? Mirexia and I are childhood friends," Wenny said, prompting a surprised reaction from Shikondell. "Eh? You two are childhood friends?" Shikondell's eyes widened. "Grew up together?" 'Dexterity +30.' 'Current Dexterity: 4934.' 'Dexterity +50.' 'Current Dexterity: 4984.' Hmm? Why were there two increments? Wenny glanced at Shikondell, then back at Mirexia. Could it be that his words caused Mirexia to accrue dexterity too? "Yeah, like your relationship with Milessia," Wenny theorized. At this point, the unicorn carriage had landed, and the three boarded. Compared to Wenny and Shikondell's luggage, Mirexia's was much more substantial—several hefty bags—but she handled them effortlessly, like one would with chicks. Considering Mirexia could swing a dragon-tooth greatsword with ease, what did a few bags matter? Once the luggage was secured, Shikondell sat inside the carriage, watching Wenny and Mirexia engaged in casual conversation, feeling somewhat left out. She'd thought the journey would be just her and Wenny, but... While she appreciated Mirexia's previous help against those troublesome tribe students, she couldn't shake a sense of regret. 'Dexterity +50.' 'Current Dexterity: 5034.'