3-7 - How Could the Villainous Young Master Be a Saintess?

### Volume 3, Chapter 7: Aesphyra's Current Situation Vanessa knew the concept of "by-products" well. In the process of potion-making, if done correctly, by-products with distinct colors from the main product might be produced. These could be easily identified and separated. Although the exact function of these by-products was unknown, being a result of brewing restorative potions assured that they were harmless and free from side effects. Mirexia assured her, “Don't worry, I’ve collected them all for you.” She knew that as soon as Vanessa awoke, she would inquire about the potion she had painstakingly brewed, to the point of using her own blood, which almost caused her to bleed out. Just like the last time. Mirexia recalled the moment when Vanessa single-handedly challenged a demon column to rescue students under its control. Vanessa always put herself in harm’s way, and this worried Mirexia deeply. She feared Vanessa's reckless nature would one day lead to disaster. "Vanessa," Mirexia called out again as Vanessa brought her back to the present, noting that she had been squeezing her hand too tightly. Embarrassed, Mirexia quickly released her grip, her worry evident. "I'm sorry, Vanessa. Was there something on your mind?" Vanessa attempted to raise her hand but found herself too weak. "Vanessa," Mirexia said after a pause, her tone serious, "In the future, please consult with me before doing such things. You've been unconscious for a whole day and night. It was really dangerous." Seeing the intense concern in Mirexia's eyes, Vanessa understood her intent. Indeed, Vanessa's actions had truly shaken Mirexia this time, for she feared her wellbeing. Thinking back, Vanessa realized Mirexia had always cared deeply for her. Their friendship, which began in childhood, had often been burdensome for Mirexia. In a way, being her childhood friend was no small misfortune. "Alright, alright, I know," Vanessa reassured her with a smile. "I didn't realize how much angelic blood was required for 'Angel's Kiss.' It almost drained me dry, and halting the alchemical process would've rendered all my efforts futile." "You promise?" Mirexia insisted, still not entirely at ease. Laughing, Vanessa teased, "Do you really lack that much trust in me, my dear childhood friend?" She promised sincerely, placating Mirexia. Mirexia left briefly, returning with a bowl of congee. "You haven't eaten in a day and a night. You must be starving. Here’s some meat congee I've cooked." "I don’t think I can move yet," Vanessa replied. "No worries, I'll feed you," Mirexia responded, tenderly stirring and blowing on the congee before offering the spoon to Vanessa. "Okay," Vanessa consented playfully, flicking her tongue out to taste the spoon, making Mirexia blush a deep shade of red. Flustered, Mirexia urged her to stop being silly. Vanessa, although not fully recovered, couldn't resist teasing Mirexia. Despite being a princess and amateur in cooking, Mirexia's congee wasn't bad at all. Once she finished the meal, Vanessa felt a little stronger. She noticed she hadn't been changed out of her academy uniform and guessed Mirexia had been too concerned for her safety to think of such things. "Mirexia, may I see the potions I crafted?" she asked when Mirexia returned from tidying up. Sighing, Mirexia nodded. She retrieved a box containing one bottle of pale pink potion and three bottles of dark green liquid. Though curious about the green potions, Vanessa focused on the pink one. Under the sunlight, it shimmered with a holy brilliance, reminiscent of angelic feathers floating within. The lost art of 'Angel's Kiss' had been restored. Vanessa noticed her mix was paler than the one given to her by Aesphyra, likely indicating it was a lesser version. Nonetheless, it was a fair exchange for a favor owed. Curious about how Mirexia had managed to get her back to the room without being seen, Vanessa asked. Mirexia assured her no one witnessed them, thanks to her careful planning. "You've occupied my bed these past few days, where have you been sleeping?" Vanessa inquired with a mischievous grin. "The study has a bed," Mirexia replied nonchalantly, unfazed by Vanessa’s teasing glances. Over the next few days, Vanessa remained under Mirexia’s diligent care, gradually regaining her strength. With the start of the academic year approaching, Vanessa finally regained her ability to move but noticed a significant depletion in her magical reserves—rendering her unable to use some abilities. Upon recovering her mobility, Vanessa resumed her male identity as Wenny, realizing the change affected him less so long as his core abilities remained intact. Mirexia insisted on taking Wenny for a check-up. Reluctantly, he agreed. After a series of examinations revealed no major issues, Mirexia wasn’t entirely convinced. She conducted multiple tests before finally feeling reassured. The recent ordeal significantly impacted his female form, resulting in the loss of an auxiliary ability. This meant that in times of crisis, if Wenny decided to transform into Vanessa, she'd just be in a weakened state—unable to maintain balance. It was perhaps better not to transform at all. Additionally, Wenny worried that during his absence, Aesphyra might suspect the connection between Vanessa’s activities and the potion brewing. However, those concerns turned out to be unnecessary. Once the 'Angel's Kiss' was completed, Wenny searched for Aesphyra across the campus. After inquiring with the student council members, he learned that she had not been attending meetings recently. This realization troubled him, fearing something was amiss. Wenny went to her dormitory and knocked on the door, but no one answered. Growing nervous, he called out for her again, wondering if something had happened. He knocked several more times, still without a response, prompting him to consider climbing over the wall to check inside. Just as he was about to do so, a familiar, teasing voice interrupted him. "Wenny, have you been studying to become a monkey in the mountains?" Aesphyra's voice carried its usual playful nature. Wenny turned to see the silver-haired figure with a large black bow in her hair, who was eyeing his actions with amusement. He was both relieved and confused, asking where she had been since she was absent from the student council and unresponsive to his knocking. Her attire suggested she'd just returned from being out. Aesphyra teased him for missing her during her absence, dismissing his imagined scenarios of her being incapacitated at home as overly imaginative. Though pretending to be indifferent, Wenny was secretly relieved she was okay. Aesphyra’s adaptability meant she would seek help if needed. Still, her absence from the council suggested turning into a coping strategy due to her condition. Noticing her cough up blood, Wenny realized her condition was worsening, likely from the backlash of using divine powers, an ailment worsening over time. When Wenny inquired directly if the potion she had previously given him could treat her ailment, she jested, asking if he had miraculously acquired a bottle. Despite her nonchalant demeanor, her worsening state concerned him.