Category: As a villain, I just want them to behave

Chapter 23: Complex and Twisted Emotions

The girl was none other than Vivian, Princess Hilna’s half-sister.

Personality-wise, she was Hilna’s polar opposite. Beneath her innocent and kind exterior lay a cunning and mischievous heart.

Kailun had suffered greatly at her hands in his past life, especially during his imprisonment. For some reason, the little princess had taken an interest in him, subjecting him to countless pranks and torments.

Driven by curiosity, she had forced him to play with various “toys,” leaving him with nothing but unpleasant memories.

Thankfully, she had only indulged in superficial experimentation, never truly crossing the line. Otherwise, he might have broken long ago.

He loathed her for her actions.

However, this loathing paled in comparison to his hatred for Hilna. The reason for this discrepancy lay in the twisted and perverse nature of their relationship.

While Vivian constantly tormented him, she also brought him delicious food, kept him informed about the outside world, and became his sole source of information.

She would chat with him, joke with him, and even teach him advanced magic.

In a way, she had been a crucial mentor in his life. With her alluring lips, nimble fingers, and silk-clad feet, she had opened his eyes to a whole new world.

He had to admit, it had been… enjoyable.

This twisted pleasure had become his only outlet during his long imprisonment, leaving him with a complex mix of emotions towards her.

He saw her as a deviant, but not one he found entirely repulsive.

The phrase he heard most often from her during that time was, “Be my dog, won’t you?”

Unfortunately, she never received a positive response.

After his release, he rarely heard from her. Hilna, now Queen, had announced her intention to marry Vivian off to a prince from a neighboring kingdom.

However, just days after receiving this news, he learned of Vivian’s sudden death from illness, the day before she was to be sent away.

He never investigated whether these two events were connected, as he was preoccupied with other matters at the time.

However, one thing was certain: his hatred for her had diminished significantly from that moment on.

Even now, he couldn’t decipher his true feelings for her.

He loathed her, yes.

But he also felt a strange sense of closeness. After all, she had been his first, in a way. He had experienced everything but the final act.

It was precisely because of these complex emotions that he was so stunned to see her.

The difference now was that the roles were reversed.

To avenge her past torments, he would bully her relentlessly, striving to push her favorability to its lowest point.

And if possible, he would then raise it again.

Bad girls deserved to be punished. As for rewards, those would have to wait until her favorability turned positive.

Kailun, the villain, had set his sights on a new target. A triumphant fanfare echoed in his heart.

“You must be Kailun. My sister has told me so much about you.”

While Kailun observed Vivian, she was doing the same to him. After a brief eye contact, she skipped over to him, her dress swirling around her.

Despite being of legal age, she looked like a child, radiating innocence and charm.

Without prior knowledge, no one would suspect the twisted mind hidden beneath her sweet exterior.

Kailun believed that it was the corrupt environment of the royal palace that had warped her. In his past life, he had likely been her outlet for frustration.

In the depths of that dark dungeon, she had broken taboos, defied expectations, and indulged in acts that contradicted her angelic appearance.

“Hello, I’m Kailun. And what exactly did your sister say about me?” He suppressed his emotions and crouched down to her level, like a kind older brother.

“How rude! Asking a girl about another girl’s opinion of you! You must have no female friends!” Vivian raised an eyebrow, her large, expressive eyes blinking rapidly. Upon closer inspection, she resembled a younger version of Hilna.

Kailun puffed out his chest. “You’re wrong. I have plenty of female friends. And even a few female slaves.”

[Vivian’s favorability towards you has decreased by 10 upon learning of your promiscuous lifestyle.]

As expected, her favorability dropped effortlessly.

“Oh? Really? My sister was considering betrothing me to you to strengthen the bond between the royal family and the Duke’s family. But it seems that’s no longer an option.” She feigned disappointment.

Kailun reached out and patted her head. “Don’t worry, it won’t affect anything. I still have plenty of concubine positions available. If you’re interested, Princess, you’re welcome to claim one. In fact, I’ll have my father write to the king tonight to request your hand in marriage. You may be small, but you’re quite adorable.”

[Vivian’s favorability towards you has decreased by 20 due to your creepy behavior. Current favorability: -30. You have received a 30% attribute bonus.]

“No, no, I have to go to class now! It’s about to start! Goodbye!”

Vivian’s smile turned stiff as she hurried away.

She had researched Kailun beforehand, believing he might be an interesting target. That was why she had agreed to Hilna’s request.

However, upon meeting him, she found him to be a vulgar and promiscuous individual. He wasn’t even worthy of being her dog!

“I didn’t expect that little devil to be an important character. But why did she disappear so early in my past life?” Kailun mused, watching her retreating figure.

His probing had revealed her true purpose. It was Hilna’s doing, as he suspected.

However, his creepy behavior had scared her off. She was unlikely to harbor any romantic notions towards him now.

But this wasn’t over. Just because she wasn’t interested in him didn’t mean he couldn’t be interested in her.

If she hadn’t used that knife in his past life, he wouldn’t have felt such strong aversion towards her.

“Young Master, have you taken a liking to the little princess?” Roden, noticing the uncontainable smile on Kailun’s face, chuckled. “Once your plan succeeds, both princesses will be yours for the taking. No one will be able to defy your commands.”

Kailun quickly composed himself. “You misunderstand, Roden. I simply find this amusing.”

---

Character:

Princess Vivian

Chapter 22: The Princess’s Reinforcement

“You’re telling me the plan to smear the Kate family failed?”

“And you’re telling me the blame landed on the Divine Church?”

“And you’re even telling me Anderson is crippled?!”

Hilna clutched her heaving chest, her face flushed.

How many times now?

In just over a day, her plans had failed one after another. It seemed that from the moment she targeted Kailun, nothing had gone right.

A wave of frustration washed over her.

Phils’ seduction failed. Sending Phils to Kailun’s house to lose her virginity failed. Anderson’s attempt to sabotage the Kate family’s business failed…

Hilna felt a wave of dizziness.

Not only had these plans backfired, but they had also forced her into a premature confrontation with the Second Prince. The Divine Church was an organization she deeply feared. Antagonizing them at this stage was not in her best interest.

Many were unaware of the true nature of the Divine Church. It was a powerful organization with branches across the entire continent, advocating balance and harmony.

However, in recent years, their expansion had become alarmingly aggressive, their actions contradicting their own creed.

If not for their limited influence in the Xiya Kingdom, Hilna wouldn’t stand a chance against the Second Prince, who had their backing.

“Your Highness, what should we do now? Should I apologize to the Second Prince?” Kostja asked cautiously.

“Apologize?” Hilna shook her head. “Why should we apologize? We did nothing wrong. If their products are faulty, they should be held accountable. We’ll proceed with a thorough inspection of their goods and production facilities, aiming to cut off their funding.”

“But that means we’ll be facing both the Grand Duke and the Second Prince! We can’t do that, Your Highness! We’re not strong enough to fight them both!” Kostja was horrified by Hilna’s audacious plan. No matter how clever the princess was, she couldn’t possibly win against a united front.

“Are you questioning me?” Hilna’s gaze turned icy.

“N-No, Your Highness…”

“Then do as I say. Ask no further questions. I will achieve victory. I will not surrender this kingdom to outsiders!”

Hilna dismissed Kostja with a wave of her hand. “You may leave. I’ll inform you of the next step later.”

“As you command, Your Highness.”

Kostja bowed deeply, unable to muster any defiance against the princess.

“Sigh…”

Once Kostja left, Hilna released a heavy sigh, her face etched with exhaustion.

This confrontation with the Divine Church meant she had to temporarily abandon her plans against Kailun. A two-pronged attack would only lead to her downfall.

The Second Prince was a fool who thought he was cunning. He would surely retaliate once he learned of her actions. Her priority now was to counter his moves.

Fortunately, she hadn’t openly antagonized Kailun yet. She could easily explain away today’s incident. The Grand Duke’s side could still be managed.

If possible, she even wanted to sway Kailun to her side, ideally creating a scenario where the Second Prince and the Grand Duke would destroy each other.

“Perhaps I’ll have to ask my little sister for help. Hopefully, she can distract Kailun.”

The image of a petite figure flashed through her mind. She hadn’t wanted to involve the younger princess, but it seemed necessary now.

Hilna, plotting to manipulate Kailun, was unaware that he already saw through her facade.

With some time before her afternoon class, she changed into a more formal outfit and headed for the royal palace.

…

Meanwhile, Kailun enjoyed a peaceful nap, waking up at precisely two in the afternoon.

He got dressed and glanced out the window. Anna had fallen asleep on the swing, while Carol was still diligently studying her magic book. He left his room and found Roden waiting for him in the garden.

He learned of Hilna’s attack on the Magic Shop. She had acted even faster than he anticipated. He had expected her to strike in the evening.

However, this was a welcome development. Shifting the blame early on would alleviate a lot of pressure. Now, he held the initiative.

“Is Princess Hilna ready to face my wrath?”

A sly smile spread across his face. He was now the hunter.

However, dragging the Second Prince into this wasn’t without risks. The Divine Church backing him was an organization even Kailun had to tread carefully around. If not for their limited influence in the Xiya Kingdom, he would have been even more cautious.

Unlike the clueless Hilna, he had a clear understanding of the Divine Church.

It was precisely because he knew their weaknesses that he was confident in manipulating both sides.

“The Silver Moon Knights will arrive in two days, correct?” He double-checked their estimated arrival time.

“Yes, Young Master. Less than two days.” Roden nodded. “However, Duke Stamp seems to be mobilizing his troops in secret. I suspect he’s up to no good.”

Stamp was the other duke in the Xiya Kingdom. Although they shared the same title, the Stamp family paled in comparison to the Kates.

Despite their ducal status, their wealth and military might were only a quarter of the Kates’. Their only notable asset was their vast territory, which the king deeply trusted them with.

Moreover, their land held numerous undiscovered mineral deposits, a crucial resource for Hilna’s rise to power in his past life.

As for the reason behind Stamp’s troop movements, it was simple. The old king was on his deathbed. He had to return to the Royal City to maintain order.

In Kailun’s past life, Hilna had seized this opportunity to secure Stamp’s support, gaining the strength to defeat the Second Prince.

“I’m aware of that. However, their territory is quite far from the Royal City. They won’t arrive for at least five days. By then, we’ll have control of the city. He’ll be caught between a rock and a hard place. I’ve had my eye on his fertile lands for quite some time.” A predatory gleam flickered in Kailun’s eyes.

“Understood.” Roden nodded. “Young Master, the carriage is ready. Shall we depart for the academy now?”

Kailun: “…”

It was rather ironic. He was plotting to take over the entire kingdom, yet he still had to attend school.

However, the thought of all the “leeks” waiting for him at the academy calmed him down.

This tranquility was short-lived. As he arrived at the academy gates, he spotted a familiar petite figure.

“What’s that little devil doing here?!”

He stared in disbelief at the girl with fiery red hair, just like his own.

Chapter 21: Young Master Kailun is a Genius

“No! It must be the ring! Princess Hilna wouldn’t lie to me!”

Instead of tending to his wound, Anderson chose to deceive himself. It was the only way he could justify continuing this charade.

As he grappled with his shattered reality, Philip calmly lowered his arm, which he had used to shield his eyes, and fixed a cold gaze on him.

Everything Roden had predicted had come to pass. Young Master Kailun had calculated every step perfectly.

He had been skeptical when he first heard the plan. If not for the vast difference in their social standing, he might have even refused.

If things hadn’t gone according to Kailun’s predictions, the Magic Shop would have suffered a loss of over a thousand gold coins in a single day. Factoring in the other branches, the potential damage was immense.

But Kailun had been right.

‘It seems the young master has been hiding his true abilities all along. Now that the royal family is weakening, he’s finally revealing his fangs. This is what a true leader looks like.’

Philip’s admiration for Kailun grew, solidifying his resolve to remain loyal to the Kate family.

“Aaaargh!”

Anderson’s delayed scream pierced the air. He clutched his mangled stump, howling in agony. “Everyone, look! The Magic Shop is selling faulty products! My hand! It hurts so much!”

His cries drew a crowd. Customers browsing the shop and passersby alike gathered to witness the spectacle.

To amplify the drama, he hadn’t even bothered to heal himself. Blood gushed from his gruesome wound.

For customers, product safety was paramount. If even the most basic safety standards couldn’t be guaranteed, who would dare purchase anything from the Magic Shop again?

This was a crisis of trust, one that could have far-reaching consequences if not handled properly.

“I saw him! He just bought a magic storage ring for three hundred gold coins! And it exploded the moment he put it on! How terrifying!”

Kostja, disguised as a bystander, recounted the incident to the crowd.

“No way! Not only are their products overpriced, but they’re also dangerous? Who would dare buy anything from them now?”

“I certainly wouldn’t! I don’t want to lose my hand! Just looking at it makes me cringe.”

“The Magic Shop is off my list from now on.”

“…”

The crowd murmured nervously, fearing they might be the next victim.

Philip, observing the scene, calmly instructed his staff to remain calm. The most important person hadn’t arrived yet.

“What’s going on here? Why is everyone gathered like this?”

A minute later, the Royal City Enforcement Squad swaggered over. They had been waiting nearby, anticipating this very scenario.

Their leader, clad in golden armor and wielding a golden sword, was the head of security for the entire Royal City.

He, too, was a subordinate of Princess Hilna. Upon seeing Anderson’s mangled arm, he couldn’t help but click his tongue. After this, Anderson would be relegated to desk duty.

“Selling such dangerous products! Men, shut this place down! And close down all their branches as well! They can only reopen after a thorough investigation!”

He passed judgment without even conducting an inquiry, placing the blame squarely on the Magic Shop.

“Hold on!”

Philip finally stepped forward, blocking the enforcement squad.

He pointed at the sobbing Anderson. “Are you certain it’s the Magic Shop’s fault?”

“Isn’t it obvious?” the captain retorted.

“Then take a closer look at this.”

Philip shot him a knowing look and picked up the bloodstained ring.

The captain remained unfazed. “What’s there to see? Your product is clearly faulty. Are you trying to shift the blame?”

“Fine, if you insist. Let’s have someone else take a look.” He wiped the ring clean and handed it to a young noble who was watching from the sidelines. “Sir, would you mind identifying the maker of this ring?”

“Of course. Hmm… this ring seems to be from the Divine Church.” The young noble examined the ring and spotted a familiar symbol.

The crowd fell silent. They knew what the Divine Church represented. It was a powerful organization closely tied to the royal family, rumored to have close ties to the Second Prince.

In the public’s mind, the Divine Church was practically an extension of the royal family. Any matter involving them was bound to be complicated.

“Let me see that!”

The captain panicked and snatched the ring back, his eyes widening as he saw the scale symbol etched inside. Cold sweat trickled down his back.

He had just stumbled into a hornet’s nest.

Anderson looked up in disbelief. Whether it was due to shock or blood loss, he promptly fainted.

Kostja, sensing danger, slipped away unnoticed. She had to inform Princess Hilna immediately. Her plan had failed yet again.

Come to think of it, had any of Hilna’s plans actually succeeded?

With the Divine Church’s involvement confirmed, the whispers intensified, the blame shifting from the Magic Shop to the church.

Seizing the opportunity, Philip addressed the captain with a smile. “I apologize for this unfortunate incident. It seems our product inspection process was lacking. But who would have thought that products from the Divine Church require no inspection whatsoever? So, Captain, are you still planning to shut us down?”

His words put the captain in a difficult position. If the Divine Church learned of his actions, he would be hanging from the city gates by morning.

“No, that won’t be necessary. This incident has nothing to do with the Magic Shop. We’ll conduct a thorough investigation. Dismissed!”

He practically spat out the last word. Not only had he failed his mission, but he had also created a huge problem for Princess Hilna. He would surely be punished.

Fuming, he couldn’t resist taking out his frustration on Anderson, stomping on his face repeatedly.

“You useless piece of trash!”

He spat on him before finally calming down.

“I apologize for the inconvenience. Since this matter involves the Divine Church, I won’t elaborate further. As a token of apology, all products in the Magic Shop are now 5% off. Please feel free to browse. We guarantee your safety.”

Philip seized the opportunity to mitigate the damage with a small discount.

“Sir, what should we do with him?” His assistant gestured towards the unconscious Anderson.

“Just toss him out. His fate is no concern of ours.”

“Yes, sir!”

As his assistant dragged Anderson away, Philip could be heard muttering, “Young Master Kailun is a genius.”

…

“Your Highness! Princess Hilna! We have a problem!”

Kostja’s frantic knocking woke Hilna from her nap.

Hilna: “…”

Chapter 20: Is She Lying?

Hilna’s intervention prevented Kailun from successfully skipping class. Paul could only grit his teeth and endure it, as he couldn’t reveal his sister’s disappearance to her.

“Kailun, your current strength is at the bottom of the entire academy. If you don’t reach Rank 2 before graduation, you’ll bring shame upon your family. Therefore, I’ll be personally overseeing your studies from now on. Come find me after school today for extra lessons.”

Hilna’s gaze fell upon Kailun shortly after class began. She wanted to see if she could find any weaknesses through close observation.

“That’s… not really necessary, is it?” Kailun feigned reluctance.

“Are you afraid I’ll eat you?”

Hilna scoffed and glanced around the classroom. “Of course, my offer isn’t limited to Kailun. Anyone else who wishes to attend is welcome.”

The students shook their heads vehemently. None of them wanted to spend extra time with the “Demon Instructor.”

Despite her beauty and mature charm, Hilna was known for her ruthlessness.

Rumor had it that she had once broken a student’s limbs for being too slow, leaving them bedridden for half a month.

Paul was tempted to seize the opportunity to get closer to Hilna, but his sister’s disappearance weighed heavily on his mind.

“Alright, I’ll do as you say.” Kailun nodded meekly.

With his preparations in place, he wasn’t worried about being alone with Hilna. While she was looking for an opportunity to strike, he was doing the same.

If he could capture her, it would alleviate a lot of pressure.

He made a mental note to have Roden assemble a team.

Satisfied with his compliance, Hilna returned to her lecture, expertly explaining the intricacies of potioneering.

As an instructor, she was undeniably skilled.

…

During his lunch break, Kailun returned home to check on the progress of the asset transfer and the location of the Silver Moon Knights.

After instructing Roden to ensure his safety, he retired to his room for a nap.

Upon entering, he noticed the bedsheets had been changed, and Anna, who had been like a limp rag doll earlier, was gone.

He peered out the window and spotted her on a swing in the garden, her gaze fixed on the distance, lost in thought.

Carol sat at a nearby stone table, diligently studying magic. She was fascinated by its mysteries.

“Haa…”

Kailun stretched and collapsed onto the soft bed. He couldn’t remember the last time he had slept properly.

Constant vigilance took a toll on one’s mental state. In his past life, he had been on the verge of madness.

Since his rebirth, he hadn’t had a good night’s sleep. Even last night had been spent “working diligently.”

As his head hit the pillow, his bones seemed to melt. All he needed now was a warm, soft body to cuddle.

With that pleasant thought, he drifted off to sleep.

…

“One magic storage ring, please. The best you have.”

Anderson, Hilna’s subordinate, entered the “Magic Shop” with a heavy heart.

It was one of the Kate family’s chain stores, the only one still operating in the Royal City.

His failure to recruit the knights had resulted in punishment and a new mission to redeem himself.

To regain Hilna’s favor, he had accepted the task of sabotaging the Kate family’s reputation.

“You’ve come to the right place, sir. We just received a shipment of our highest-grade magic storage rings. They’re a bit pricey, but their performance is exceptional. While ordinary rings can only store the mana capacity of a Rank 4 mage, these new ones can store three times that amount. With this ring, you’ll have a significant advantage in both duels and hunts…”

The shopkeeper, Philip, held up a small black metal box, praising its contents.

He had received instructions last night to sell these specific rings to anyone who inquired about magic storage rings, at two to three times the market price.

If anyone was foolish enough to purchase one, they were to be closely monitored.

“Just tell me the price. I’ll take it.” Anderson waved him off impatiently.

Philip smiled professionally. “Three hundred gold coins.”

“What? That’s outrageous! Ordinary rings only cost one hundred! Are you running a scam here?”

Anderson was stunned. Hilna had given him a budget of two hundred and fifty gold coins, which included both the cost of the ring and his compensation.

The shopkeeper’s price was way over budget.

“Sir, please don’t accuse us of such things. This is a voluntary transaction. If you’re not satisfied with the price, you’re free to leave. These are the latest models, after all. It’s only natural for them to be more expensive.”

Philip’s smile faded. He suspected this might be the individual Roden had warned him about.

He discreetly signaled to his assistant, who was observing from the side, and continued to engage Anderson.

“If you’re not interested, sir, perhaps we can show you some other products.” He made a move to put the box away.

“Fine, fine. I was just joking. If it’s truly as good as you say, I’m willing to pay a premium.”

Anderson sighed. To complete his mission, he had to make a concession.

This meant he would have to cover the remaining fifty gold coins out of his own pocket, wiping out his savings.

The pain was real.

“Of course, it’s exceptional. This is our pride and joy.” Philip lied through his teeth. It was clearly a product of the Second Prince’s faction.

“Sir, just to confirm, are you sure you want to purchase this ring?”

“Do I look like I can’t afford it? Let me tell you, I’m about to become a noble! A Viscount, no less!”

As he reluctantly handed over his gold, he recalled the promises Princess Hilna had made.

As long as he completed his mission, any sacrifice was worth it.

“Congratulations in advance, sir. May I know your esteemed name?” Philip counted the coins carefully.

“Remember my name. It’s Anderson Dick.”

He snatched the box from Philip’s hands.

Eagerly opening it, he found a blue ring nestled inside. Its appearance alone screamed quality.

He carefully slipped it onto his magically reinforced finger, the image of the Princess flashing through his mind.

‘Princess Hilna, I will follow in your footsteps. One day, I will stand by your side.’

Closing his eyes, he activated the ring. A surge of chaotic magic erupted from it.

“Boom!”

His arm exploded into a bloody mist, splattering the shop.

Anderson: “？？?”

Hilna had assured him that this magic wouldn’t harm him…

Chapter 19: Where’s My Sister?

As the first rays of sunlight pierced through the window, Kailun sat up in bed, engrossed in a book.

The title was “How to Make a Bad Woman Hate You to the Bone.” It detailed dozens of methods, ranging from mental and emotional abuse to physical torture. It was a popular read among the nobility.

Kailun tossed it aside with a sigh.

“Useless! It’s all useless!”

He buried his face in his hands, despair washing over him.

By the time Anna had passed out, her favorability had risen to -50. He had no doubt that with a few more nights of “effort,” it would turn positive.

His [Mental Pollution] talent was a complete failure. He couldn’t possibly resort to bedding every important character he encountered, could he?

He glanced at Anna, who lay fast asleep beside him. Her face was streaked with tears and exhaustion, her body covered in marks.

The bloodstained sheets barely concealed her lower half, the curves of her figure on full display.

The slave mark on her abdomen pulsed with a faint glow, as if energized by their encounter.

From initial resistance to eventual compliance, he could only imagine the turmoil she had experienced.

Thanks to her rising favorability, his overall attributes had actually decreased.

“What am I supposed to do with you? I treat you like this, and you can’t even muster up enough hatred? Now we’re both worse off. If you weren’t my first, I might actually lock you up and torture you properly.”

He ruffled her hair playfully.

His frustration eventually dissolved into a sigh. He got out of bed and headed for the bathroom.

“Splash, splash!”

The sound of running water roused Anna from her slumber. Despite the aches and pains that wracked her body, she felt a strange sense of renewal.

It was a feeling she had never experienced before. Free, light, as if a heavy burden had been lifted.

And for some reason, she didn’t hate Kailun as much as she used to.

Confused and overwhelmed, she pulled his pillow over her head, seeking refuge from reality.

She wouldn’t tell him that she had actually enjoyed certain aspects of their encounter.

…

At eight o’clock sharp, Kailun arrived at the academy.

He had left Carol behind to look after Anna. After reading his family’s reply, he had headed to school alone.

Phils had left even earlier to avoid arousing Princess Hilna’s suspicions.

“Kailun, have you seen my sister? She didn’t come home last night.” Paul approached him the moment he entered the classroom, his face etched with worry.

He figured that exploiting Kailun’s influence was the easiest way to find Anna. As long as he asked, the good-natured Kailun would surely help.

“What? Anna didn’t come home?!” Kailun feigned shock and concern. He grabbed Paul’s shoulders. “Do you think she was kidnapped? She’s so beautiful, it wouldn’t be surprising if someone had their eye on her. Damn it! Just imagining her being… handled by some other guy makes me so envious! I mean, angry!”

“…” Paul’s face darkened. “Don’t you dare curse my sister! And don’t tell me you have your eyes on her?”

Kailun slung an arm around his shoulder. “Come on, Paul, we’re friends, right? You know what they say, keep it in the family. It would be a waste if she ended up with some random guy.”

“I have no right to interfere with my sister’s love life. If you can win her heart, that’s your business.” Paul scoffed inwardly. “Besides, shouldn’t we be focusing on finding her?”

He couldn’t imagine Anna, with her disdain for nobles, ever falling for Kailun.

Moreover, she had come home yesterday afternoon ranting about Kailun, calling him a shameless scoundrel with nothing but his family name to his credit.

Would she ever fall for him?

He wouldn’t believe it even if he saw it with his own eyes. If Kailun managed to woo his sister, he would personally chop off his own head and present it to him as a chamber pot. That’s how confident he was!

“I know you’re worried, but calm down. Let’s think this through. Did Anna say anything before she left yesterday?” Kailun decided to have some fun with Paul, curious to see how the protagonist would handle this situation.

Paul racked his brain. “She only said she was going to a classmate’s place and would be back before dark.”

“Did anything unusual happen recently? Think carefully.”

“Unusual?”

Kailun’s words triggered a memory. Could it be related to the forbidden scroll? Had Anna been discovered?

No, if she had been caught, the academy would have contacted him. He still had the scroll; he hadn’t finished copying it yet.

They had targeted the forbidden scroll to secure first place in their respective year-end exams.

It was precisely because of the stolen scroll that Paul hadn’t reported Anna’s disappearance to the academy. Otherwise, he would have sought their help instead of Kailun’s.

“Nothing unusual happened. Everything was normal. You have to help me, Kailun. If you help me find my sister, I’ll even set you up with someone.”

He bowed deeply, his sincerity convincing on the surface.

“Alright, I promise. I’ll have my people search for her after school today. Trust me, with my family’s resources, we’ll find her quickly.” Kailun patted his shoulder reassuringly.

“Can’t we go now? I’m afraid something might happen if we wait.” Paul was getting desperate. He feared that any further delay would expose their theft of the forbidden scroll.

“How about we skip class together?” Kailun suggested, grabbing his shoulder.

Paul shrugged him off. “No way! I can’t be late! I’ll lose my scholarship! You know my family’s situation. Without the scholarship, I can’t afford to stay here.”

“Fine, but when I find your sister, you’re splitting your scholarship with me.”

“…Fine.” Paul reluctantly agreed.

[Paul’s current favorability towards you is -50. You have received a 50% attribute bonus.]

Despite helping him, Paul’s hatred for him had intensified.

“Alright, for my good friend Paul, I’ll skip class.”

Kailun turned to leave, only to bump into Hilna at the door.

She glared at him. “Did I dismiss you?”

She had learned of Phils’ failed plan before class and was in a foul mood. Seeing Kailun attempting to skip class was the last straw.

She had decided. Tonight, she would launch her attack on the Kate family’s businesses.

Instead of disappointment, a secret smile bloomed on Kailun’s face.

Everything was proceeding according to plan.

Chapter 18: Numb

“Splash, splash!”

The sound of water cascading from the bathroom filled the air, yet Kailun’s heart remained strangely calm.

Despite being reborn, a sense of unreality lingered. Perhaps some things, once lost, were lost forever.

He was no longer the kind and naive boy he once was. His heart was now burdened with the weight of schemes and betrayals.

In the struggle for power, there was often only one victor. The loser might face a fate worse than death.

He knew what he was doing, what he desired. That was enough.

As he waited for Anna, Kailun reviewed his attributes.

[Name: Kailun Kate]

[Age: 17]

[Class: Rank 1 (Apprentice Mage)]

[Strength: 7]

[Constitution: 7]

[Spirit: 11]

[Mana: 28]

[Agility: 7]

[Available Attribute Points: 1510]

[Talents: Apprentice Villain, Reset Master, Mental Pollution]

[Apprentice Villain: Your words and actions are more charismatic, making it easier to influence others.]

[Reset Master: You can reset your attribute points and redistribute them freely, with no limit on the number of resets.]

[Mental Pollution: Your words and actions are more likely to corrupt others.]

For convenience, he only glanced at the sources of his attribute points before moving on.

The number of available points was dynamic. As those connected to him grew stronger, he would gain more points.

Therefore, he wanted those who loved him to love him to the extreme, and those who hated him to hate him with equal intensity.

The thought of his enemies diligently training and meditating, fueled by their hatred for him, only to end up working for him, filled him with a perverse sense of satisfaction.

To commemorate his first conquest in this life, he allocated all his available points to Constitution, raising it from 7 to a staggering 1517.

This immense boost filled him with confidence. With this level of endurance, Anna wouldn’t stand a chance as long as he didn’t relent.

If he could push her favorability to -100 in a single night, it would be well worth the effort.

“Tap, tap, tap…”

After about half an hour, he heard footsteps approaching.

He looked up from his book to find Anna, clad in a thin nightgown, slowly walking towards him.

The gossamer fabric clung to her like a second skin, the moonlight streaming through the window illuminating her porcelain skin.

Her curves were breathtaking, her ample bosom heaving with each nervous breath. The delicate swell of her hips was even more alluring beneath the thin fabric.

The nightgown was unbuttoned, offering a tantalizing glimpse of her cleavage and the slender curve of her waist.

“Have you given up already?” Kailun chuckled, watching the little white tiger approach.

“What else can I do? I’ll just pretend to be a corpse. You won’t get any enjoyment out of it if I don’t respond.”

She reached him and placed her hands on his shoulders, as if trying to bolster her courage.

However, she was facing Kailun. Her actions only served to highlight her vulnerability.

He cupped her face in his hands. “You should hate me more. That way, you’ll be free sooner.”

“I don’t understand why you’re doing this to me. Is it just because of my looks?” She shook her head, her blue hair swaying behind her.

“Of course not. Beautiful faces are a dime a dozen. But an interesting soul like yours, one that I’ll remember for a lifetime, is rare indeed. That’s why I’ll keep tormenting you until you hate me to your very core.”

He continued to plant suggestions in her mind, hoping to accelerate her progress towards his goal.

While Anna wouldn’t reach the pinnacle of power in the future, she was by no means weak. If he could gain a significant boost from her, his future plans would be much safer.

“Bastard!”

“I hate you!”

Unable to withstand his taunts, Anna’s fragile composure shattered. She lashed out, sinking her teeth into his shoulder. Blood welled up from the wound.

Despite his immense constitution, he was no match for a woman’s bite.

“Sigh…”

He sighed, gently stroking her hair until her grip loosened. Then, he grabbed her wrist and pinned her beneath him.

Their eyes met, and a mischievous smile spread across his face.

“No!” Sensing his intentions, Anna pushed against his chest, trying to stop him.

But it was too late. She had underestimated his determination to break her.

A soft tearing sound filled the air, followed by Anna’s anguished cry. The pain was so intense that she bit down on his shoulder again, drawing more blood.

They were hurting each other. He had made her bleed, and she had returned the favor.

Pain overshadowed any pleasure.

[Anna’s current favorability towards you is -99. You have received a 99% attribute bonus.]

In that moment of violation, her hatred for him peaked. However, it was still one point shy of his goal.

Kailun frowned, not because of the pain in his shoulder.

He had assumed that claiming her body would be enough to harvest all her hatred, but it seemed he was mistaken.

Determined to reach -100, he continued his relentless assault, ignoring her pain and increasing his pace, like a heartless favorability farming machine.

“Bastard!”

“Devil!”

“I hate you! You’ll regret this! Sob…”

Her cries and insults filled the room, but they were all variations of the same few phrases. He was growing tired of them.

He spread her legs wide and urged her to curse him even more fiercely.

Time seemed to stretch endlessly. Anna had never experienced such a prolonged torment. As she felt the weight of the world’s malice crushing her, her thoughts began to shift.

She realized that she had accomplished nothing in her life. After seventeen years, she was nothing more than a pretty face.

…

Three hours later, Kailun grew anxious. Anna’s favorability had started to rise, climbing from -99 to -95.

He was panicking.

Five hours later, it had reached -70. He was utterly bewildered.

Then, his gaze fell upon his [Mental Pollution] talent.

Perhaps… just perhaps… he had corrupted her.

Kailun: “…”

He was numb.

Chapter 17: Seeking Understanding

In his letter, Kailun detailed the royal family’s stance towards his family and the plans they had concocted against him.

He emphasized the gravity of the situation. If they didn’t act now, their destruction was all but guaranteed.

Deploying the Silver Moon Knights to the Royal City and discreetly surrounding it was a crucial first step.

This maneuver had to remain hidden. If the royal family or other nobles caught wind of it, it would create unnecessary complications.

After sealing the letter in a special envelope, he handed it to Roden.

“Same as always. I want a reply as soon as they receive this.”

“Understood. I’ll inform you the moment their response arrives.”

Roden placed the letter inside a small blue box and channeled his mana into the magic circle etched on its surface.

The box pulsed with spatial energy, its contents threatening to break free.

In this era, utilizing spatial magic arrays was the most efficient way to deliver messages.

However, this method had its limitations. Ordinary citizens couldn’t afford it, and even many nobles could only manage short-distance transmissions.

With that taken care of, Kailun finally relaxed.

Ultimately, his lack of personal strength was his greatest weakness. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have to resort to such measures.

“Roden, there’s one more thing.” He leaned back in his chair, massaging his temples.

“Just say the word, Young Master. I’ll even offer up this old body if that’s what it takes.” Roden chuckled, wiping a bead of sweat from his forehead.

Only in front of Kailun did he truly act his age.

“I need you to shut down all our family’s businesses in the Royal City over the next few days. Only the main store in the city center will remain operational. However, replace all our magic storage rings with those produced by the Second Prince’s faction. Most importantly, discreetly transfer all movable assets back to our territory. This must be done with the utmost secrecy.”

He wasn’t taking any chances. To prevent Princess Hilna from resorting to desperate measures, he had to ensure their businesses remained untouched.

In his past life, she had orchestrated a smear campaign against them. She had her people purchase their products, tamper with them to cause explosions, and then have the “victims” stage protests at their stores.

With public opinion on her side, she dispatched her forces to “investigate” and subsequently seized all of their assets.

The financial loss had been crippling, but the damage to their reputation had been even more devastating. No one would purchase expensive and potentially dangerous products from them.

As for the Second Prince, he was Princess Hilna’s sworn enemy. Shifting the blame and letting them tear each other apart was the ideal solution.

“Thank you for everything.” Kailun offered a sincere thanks as he made his way to his study.

…

Dinner that night was a lively affair, with Carol, Phils, and Anna present.

Phils and Carol sat on either side of Kailun, while Anna sat opposite him.

“Eat up. You’ll need your strength for later.” Kailun offered Anna a concerned look.

Anna: “…”

She bit her lip, her already foul mood worsening.

She regretted everything. Stealing from the library, signing the slave contract, it was all a mistake.

If she gained nothing from this, she would be utterly devastated.

“You promised to show me your family’s scrolls. You promised to nurture my talents and provide me with the resources I need. If you can’t keep your word, then just send me back to prison!” She finally snapped.

Tears welled up in her eyes. Kailun could tell she was on the verge of a breakdown.

An emotionally unstable person wouldn’t provide him with much amusement. He set down his utensils and chuckled. “Anna, are you underestimating me? Do you really think I would lie about something like this? As long as you serve me wholeheartedly, I’ll fulfill all your requests. I may deceive women’s bodies, but I never deceive their hearts.”

“And that’s something to be proud of?” Phils scoffed.

“Just eat your food. If you were half as well-behaved as Carol, I might even let you join in on the fun tonight.” He shoved a piece of apple into her mouth.

The Kailun of this life may have been young in appearance, but mentally, he was far more mature. The immense pressure he faced required an outlet.

“No way! I refuse to share!” Phils shook her head after swallowing the apple.

As a noblewoman, she abhorred the promiscuous behavior common among her peers.

She had chosen Kailun not just for his power, but also for his relatively clean lifestyle.

As far as she knew, he never attended those scandalous noble gatherings and had no known lovers. That was why she dared to dream of becoming his wife.

Kailun chuckled. “What about you, Carol?”

“I… I… don’t know…” she mumbled, her gaze fixed on her plate.

He ruffled her hair, changing the subject. “We’ll save that for another time.”

He wouldn’t touch Carol until she had regained her health. Despite her breathtaking beauty, her frail body did little to stir his desires.

He preferred them a bit more…substantial. After all, he enjoyed nothing more than ravishing self-righteousness.

And what good was righteousness if he couldn’t even palm it?

“I’m full.” Anna pushed her plate away after a few bites.

“My room is the largest one on the third floor. Go clean yourself up.” He dismissed her with a glance.

[Anna’s favorability -2]

His dismissive attitude made her clench her fists.

“…Understood.”

Her anger condensed into those two words. She brushed away her tears and fled, her hurried footsteps echoing through the room, unable to mask her sobs.

“There’s something I don’t understand. You’re not an unreasonable person. Why are you so harsh towards Anna?” Phils was genuinely curious. She couldn’t fathom his motives.

“Because I hate her. Or at least, the old me hated the old her. Besides, I am the villain, am I not? It’s only natural for me to act the part.”

“I suppose so.” Phils didn’t dwell on it.

“Clatter!”

Carol’s spoon clattered against her bowl.

She stared at Kailun, the only one who sensed the deep-seated sorrow hidden beneath his playful facade.

“What’s wrong? Don’t you like the food?” he asked, his concern for Carol genuine.

“No, it’s delicious. It’s just…”

“Just what?”

“…Nothing.”

Some questions were best answered on her own.

Chapter 16: This Milk is Extra Fresh

“While I appreciate your eagerness to bear my children, I’m afraid you’ll have to return home tonight.” Kailun waved Phils off, dismissing her suggestion.

He had to tread carefully until the Silver Moon Knights arrived. Exposing Phils prematurely wouldn’t be beneficial.

Besides, there was something he found rather perplexing. He was clearly trying to bully Phils, yet she seemed to enjoy it, even exhibiting a hint of excitement.

“But how can I? If I go back empty-handed, Princess Hilna will surely question me.” Phils clutched her stomach dramatically.

She wasn’t just a strategist; she was a natural-born actress.

Anna wished she could plug her ears. Their blatant conversation made her incredibly uncomfortable.

“Fine, if you don’t want to go back empty-handed, I’ll fill you up with some milk. I guarantee you’ll be satisfied.” Kailun continued to tease Phils, ignoring Anna’s judgmental stare.

Phils blushed, as if realizing something. “That’s… a bit much, don’t you think? Milk is… well, it’s a bit lewd.”

“What’s lewd about it? I assure you, it’s all fresh milk.”

…

Ten minutes later, Kailun returned to the garden, carrying five or six bottles of milk.

Phils: “？？?”

He was actually going to make her drink all that milk?

Kailun activated Princess Hilna’s recording stone, ensuring both he and Phils were in frame.

He grabbed her face, forcing her lips into an “O” shape.

“Pop!”

He ripped the cap off a bottle and poured the warm milk down her throat.

Most of it overflowed, spilling down her chin, trailing down her delicate neck, soaking her clothes.

Kailun wore a cruel smirk, while Phils feigned distress.

They were both putting on a show.

Only Carol could sense Kailun’s genuine amusement and the thrill coursing through Phils.

As for Anna, her disgust grew with each passing moment.

[Anna’s current favorability towards you is -90. You have received a 90% attribute bonus.]

[Evaluation: Although you haven’t changed the world yet, you’ve already changed those who hold significant influence over it. When a character’s favorability towards you reaches positive or negative one hundred, you will receive all of their future attribute points. Note: “Future” refers to the time of the host’s death in the previous life.]

“Cough… cough… stop…”

Despite Phils’ protests, Kailun, lost in his thoughts, continued his assault.

Bottle after bottle, he forced the milk down her throat until her stomach bulged, and she could drink no more. She feebly patted his arm, begging him to stop.

Kailun ignored her pleas, continuing his tyrannical act.

[Phils’ current favorability towards you is 45. You have received a 45% attribute bonus.]

He was baffled. He had just subjected her to such humiliation, yet her favorability had increased by five points.

“Excellent performance. You deserve my favor. However, I’m feeling a bit under the weather today. Come back in three days.”

He gave her a knowing look, signaling her to turn off the recording stone.

Phils blinked and discreetly switched it off.

“Not bad, right? That should be enough to appease Princess Hilna.” Kailun placed the half-empty bottle on the stone table.

Phils wiped her mouth with her sleeve and patted her slightly distended stomach. “It should suffice. But my clothes are soaked. I can’t possibly walk out like this. Besides, I’m too full to move.”

Kailun tossed her the recording stone. “Find yourself a room and clean up. I’ll have Carol bring you a change of clothes. You’re staying the night.”

“So, you’re still planning on having your way with me?”

“Thwack!”

He flicked her forehead.

“Stop thinking about babies all the time. As a proper young lady, shouldn’t you be more reserved? Besides, I told you, tonight is Anna’s turn, not yours.”

He hadn’t planned on bedding Anna so soon, but the system’s notification had accelerated his plans.

He had never intended to win Anna’s heart. With enemies, their bodies were enough.

Moreover, she had played a part in the silver-haired girl’s death.

So, it wasn’t excessive to bully her a little, right?

“How cruel.” Phils dabbed at her nonexistent tears. “You soil my clothes, then toss me aside like a used rag. Boohoo… I’m ruined! No one will want me now~”

Kailun massaged his temples. “Leave now, or I’ll grant your wish right here, right now, in front of Anna and Carol.”

Seeing his serious expression, Phils didn’t dare to linger any longer.

There were plenty of spare rooms in his villa. She could choose any one to freshen up.

Apart from the young maids who cleaned, no one else resided there.

With Phils dealt with, Kailun picked up the remaining milk and approached Anna. “Drink up. It’s a sin to waste food.”

Anna couldn’t hold back any longer. “But you just wasted so much on Phils! Aren’t you the one wasting food?!”

“You’re not wrong. But you’re still drinking this.” He shoved the bottle towards her lips.

“You devil!”

Glaring at him, Anna reluctantly finished the milk.

Perhaps her hatred had reached a point where it couldn’t be lowered any further. His actions didn’t trigger a reaction from the system, much to his disappointment.

“Maybe I should prepare some…” He muttered under his breath, eyeing Anna suggestively.

“Cough! Cough! Cough!”

Anna choked, spraying milk everywhere.

“I’ll be back for dinner. Go clean yourself up.”

With that, he left the garden and sought out Roden to request a special magic letter.

It was still early. He had to inform his parents about the situation in the Royal City and request the deployment of the Silver Moon Knights.

Currently, his family commanded two knight regiments, three infantry regiments, and two mage regiments. Their military might was among the strongest in the kingdom.

Princess Hilna’s desire to eliminate the Kate family was understandable. Their rapid rise to power posed a threat to her throne.

Chapter 15: Experience Points

“Are… are you satisfied now?”

Ten minutes later, Kailun’s wish was granted. Anna stood before him, clad in the maid outfit.

Compared to the still-developing Carol, Anna’s figure was devastatingly alluring. The low-cut top accentuated her curves, her ample bosom threatening to spill out.

The deep ravine between her breasts was a testament to her generosity.

Freed from the constraints of her uniform, she seemed even more magnificent.

The ultra-short skirt was a sight to behold. Even the slightest movement threatened to expose the treasures beneath, offering tantalizing glimpses of her youthful charm.

As for the thigh-highs, they were undoubtedly mankind’s greatest invention.

Not only did they provide a smooth and comfortable sensation, but they also exuded an irresistible allure, unlocking a whole new world of possibilities.

And nestled between the skirt and the thigh-highs lay the sacred territory known as the absolute territory, the perfect spot for a lap pillow.

Above, one could explore hidden wonders. Below, one could nuzzle against the smooth fabric. And in between, one could experience unparalleled softness.

Unwilling to waste such a precious opportunity, Kailun lifted his head from Carol’s lap.

He patted the empty space beside him. “Come sit here.”

“O-Okay…”

Anna had no choice but to obey, carefully maneuvering her way over.

Even as she adjusted her skirt, she dared not pull too hard. Any excessive force would reveal the strange silver markings on her lower abdomen. For some reason, she found them even more embarrassing than her panties.

“Ahh~”

A soft gasp escaped her lips as she settled onto the lounge chair.

The skirt was so short that only a thin layer of fabric separated her from the cool surface. The moment she sat down, a shiver ran down her spine.

Before she could fully register the sensation, a warm pressure enveloped her thighs. Kailun had rested his head on her absolute territory and was shamelessly rubbing against her.

[Anna’s current favorability towards you is -75. You have received a 75% attribute bonus.]

As expected, her favorability had plummeted. Anna’s heart remained as honest as ever.

Kailun loved this about her. Bullying someone so genuine filled him with a perverse sense of satisfaction.

As he savored the feel of Anna’s long legs, he noticed a pair of resentful eyes on him.

It was Carol, upset that her spot had been stolen.

Kailun adjusted his position to face her. “Jealous now, aren’t you? I told you to drink more milk and eat more papaya at lunch, but you wouldn’t listen.”

Recalling their lunch, Carol pouted and rubbed her stomach. “I couldn’t drink anymore! I was stuffed! One more sip and I would have exploded!”

“Still making excuses? I’ll have to punish you.”

He pulled Carol into his arms and lay down, cradling her close.

Despite his words, he simply held her gently, stroking her hair with a soothing rhythm, like petting a cat.

[Carol’s current favorability towards you is 70. You have received a 70% attribute bonus.]

Carol was truly easy to appease. If only she knew that his other hand was currently exploring Anna’s thigh-highs, her favorability wouldn’t be rising so steadily.

With his head resting on soft, supple legs, a cute girl in his arms, and two successful favorability harvests under his belt, Kailun felt like the ultimate villain.

“What about me? Have you forgotten about me?!”

Phils, unable to bear the silence any longer, jumped up.

Kailun patted Anna’s leg as if suddenly remembering. “Oh, right. Phils. If I’m not mistaken, Princess Hilna sent you here. So, you’re here to bear my child, right?”

Phils rolled her eyes. “You know why I’m here, yet you ignore me? Am I not as pretty as Anna?”

“Sorry, but there’s a queue. Tonight, it’s Anna’s turn.” He nuzzled Anna’s leg and patted Carol’s head.

Anna: “！？？”

“No way, I have to go back tonight. My family will get suspicious.”

Although she knew this day would come the moment she signed the slave contract, she wasn’t ready to surrender her most precious possession to this devil.

“How dare a mere slave talk back to her superiors! She deserves to be punished!” Phils fanned the flames.

“You could say you’re staying at a classmate’s place to study magic,” Carol suggested helpfully.

Anna: “…”

Her heart sank. Why me?

Kailun surprised her by saying, “Fine, if tonight’s not possible, then forget it.”

“Thank you, you’re a good person.” Relief washed over Anna.

Kailun patted her leg again. “Silly girl, don’t you know you’re supposed to show your breasts when expressing gratitude?”

Anna: “？？?”

[Anna’s current favorability towards you is -80. You have received an 80% attribute bonus.]

Poor Anna, once again at Kailun’s mercy. This time, she didn’t mention going home.

Having exhausted his options with Anna, Kailun finally turned his attention to Phils. He asked, his tone slightly more serious, “Tell me, what exactly is Princess Hilna’s plan?”

Phils didn’t answer immediately. Instead, she glanced at Anna.

Understanding her concern, the “kind-hearted” Kailun reassured her. “Don’t worry about Anna. She’s my slave. If she breathes a word of this to anyone, I’ll have her cut out her own tongue.”

Anna: “…”

Would this devil please just die already?!

[Anna’s current favorability towards you is -85. You have received an 85% attribute bonus.]

Another unexpected favorability harvest.

Perhaps only Carol, with her ability to see through people’s hearts, would find Kailun’s words kind.

She knew the truth behind every word he uttered.

“Fine, I’ll tell you everything.”

Phils shrugged. “Princess Hilna’s plan is simple. She wants me to have a child with you and record it with a recording stone. Tomorrow morning, I’m supposed to report you to the academy with the recording stone as evidence. When you arrive for class, her people will arrest you, and then she’ll target your family’s businesses.”

“And what are your thoughts on this?” Kailun asked.

Phils’ eyes gleamed with excitement. “While I’m not opposed to having your child, I’m not keen on sharing the recording with anyone. I say we strike first. Before Princess Hilna can react, we launch a full-scale rebellion…”

As he listened to Phils’ passionate speech, Kailun couldn’t help but think: maybe she was the real villain here.

Chapter 14: Not a Single Worthy Opponent

At six in the evening, Anna stood hesitantly at the gate of Kailun’s Manor.

She had managed to excuse herself from Paul and come alone to see Kailun, as he requested, but now she found herself frozen in place.

She couldn’t disobey Kailun’s orders. Facing that devil, she had no power to resist.

Yet, gazing at the tree-lined path and vibrant flowers within, she felt a stark disconnect between herself and the world inside.

Tugging at her school uniform, Anna waged a fierce internal battle.

“Well, if it isn’t Anna. What are you doing standing out here?”

A pleasant voice startled her from behind.

She turned to find a dazzling figure smiling brightly at her.

Phils. A girl even more renowned than herself.

Although both were considered great beauties, Phils possessed not only exceptional talent but also a noble lineage. Her admirers outnumbered Anna’s by far.

Even Anna couldn’t help but acknowledge Phils’ beauty.

However, she downplayed her reason for being there. “Kailun hired me as a tutor. I’m here to help him with his magic studies.”

“Oh? Is that so?” Phils circled Anna, leaning in to sniff her. “That smells like a lie. Don’t tell me, you’re his lover?”

Anna jumped back as if scalded. “No! Absolutely not! I, Anna, would rather die than be that kind of person’s lover! And what about you? What are you doing here alone?”

Phils gestured to herself matter-of-factly. “Me? I’m here for a rendezvous with Kailun, of course. What else would I be doing? Tutoring?”

Anna: “…”

Faced with this shameless woman, she was at a loss for words.

Thankfully, the arrival of the old butler, Roden, saved her from further embarrassment.

Dressed in his butler attire, he addressed them from behind the gate. “Might I ask if you two ladies are here to see Young Master Kailun?”

“Yes, yes! Please take me to him immediately. I have something important to tell him.”

Phils nodded enthusiastically, her beautiful purple hair shimmering in the setting sun.

In contrast, Anna simply mumbled a quiet “yes.”

“Please follow me. The young master is waiting for you in the backyard.”

Roden bowed slightly. With a flash of blue light from his hand, the manor gates swung open automatically.

Phils skipped through excitedly, while Anna hesitated for a moment before following with a determined look.

As they walked along the tree-lined path, the fragrance of flowers and trees filling the air, Anna’s nervousness gradually subsided.

The manor exuded an air of luxury and elegance, tranquility, and serenity.

Anna loved the atmosphere, but she was also acutely aware of its one glaring flaw: it was expensive.

Walking cautiously at the back, she unconsciously clutched the hem of her uniform.

They finally stopped in front of the most extravagant building. “We’re here. Once you pass through this building, you’ll reach the back garden where the young master awaits.”

“Aren’t you coming with us?” Phils asked.

Roden smiled kindly. “That is the young master’s private domain. Apart from beautiful ladies such as yourselves, no one is allowed to disturb him.”

Roden treated Kailun with grandfatherly affection. He diligently performed his duties as a butler while silently eliminating any threats to Kailun.

If not for Kailun being apprehended at the academy in their past life, Princess Hilna’s plan would have been much harder to execute.

Speaking of which, Kailun’s capture at the academy couldn’t be entirely blamed on that incompetent and eternally youthful headmistress.

He decided not to dwell on that stingy old woman. She was on his list, anyway.

Bidding farewell to Roden, Phils dashed towards the building like a cat let loose, her excitement mirroring that of a cat in heat.

Anna had to quicken her pace to keep up.

As they entered the building and stepped onto the marble floor, Anna became even more cautious.

In her eyes, every vase and painting screamed exorbitant prices. She couldn’t afford to break anything.

As a commoner, she relied solely on her talent and hard work to study at the Royal Magic Academy. Without the scholarship, she wouldn’t even be able to afford the tuition.

It was common knowledge that mages were both rich and poor.

Rich because they earned money quickly, and poor because they spent it even faster.

Learning magic required money. Buying magic books required money. Crafting magic tools required money. Even the magic crystals used to accelerate meditation required money.

One might ask, who was profiting from all this?

The answer was, of course, the royalty and nobility who monopolized knowledge and resources. Even Princess Hilna, upon becoming Queen in their past life, hadn’t changed the status quo.

Or rather, her ambition was so great that it led to even greater exploitation of the common folk.

…

Emerging from the building into the back garden, Anna immediately spotted Kailun, his head resting on Carol’s lap.

He glanced at them as they approached. “You’re finally here.”

“Hey! We agreed to meet after school! Why didn’t you come find me?”

Phils marched up to Kailun, hands on her hips, a playful pout on her face.

Despite her alluring demeanor, Kailun’s response was flat. “You believed those lies I told Princess Hilna? Don’t tell me, are you a child too?”

“That’s mean! I even put in a good word for you in front of her!”

“Oh? And what good words did you say about me?”

Phils puffed out her chest. “I said you were a lecher blinded by beauty, and that you only recruited those three beauties from the Knight Academy because you were thinking with your lower half.”

She looked at him expectantly, as if waiting for praise.

Kailun: “Oh, how kind of you~”

Phils twirled her dress with a sweet smile. “You’re welcome.”

Anna: “…”

Observing their banter, she picked up on something crucial. In their exchange, it seemed Princess Hilna had fallen into their trap.

Anna’s eyes widened in realization.

“Hey, you, the slave girl! Stop spacing out! See that maid outfit on the bench? Go change into it. Now.” Kailun’s voice snapped her out of her thoughts.

She looked at the black and white maid outfit on the bench, then at the identical one Carol was wearing.

Low-cut, revealing top, ultra-short skirt, black thigh-highs… This wasn’t a maid outfit; it was lingerie.

Phils’ slightly disgusted voice reached her ears. “What? So, she’s not a lover, but a slave? How disappointing. Not a single worthy opponent.”

“…”

Anna wished the ground would swallow her whole.