How to Survive as the Academy’s Villain

Chapter 62

The next day.

The students at the academy were buzzing with shock and heated discussions about a particular topic.

“What’s with that list?”

“Vice President Obern, Lucas Fenelli, Edin Berzen, Arian Marquis, Rosen Ravenia?”

“Are all these people really part of Princess Francia’s election team?”

“Senior Lucas is the top student in the third year, and Edin Berzen is that crazy swordmaster, right?”

“And Lady Rosen of the Marquis Ravenia family, and Lady Arian of the Marquis family? Both are the most famous in the second and third years… Wow, this is insane.”

“Hey, just having Vice President Obern on her team means it’s already over. All the previous student council’s factions are supporting Princess Francia.”

“It’s like an unbeatable luxurious army. How can anyone win against this? They’re dominating from the start.”

“But weren’t those people originally on Lady Cecilia’s side? I heard President Alex and Lady Cecilia are related by marriage?”

“Shh! Be quiet.”

“I heard the atmosphere on Lady Cecilia’s side is completely doomed right now.”

As the students commented on the election team list posted on the notice board, a familiar voice broke through the chatter.

“Oh, I thought this election would be interesting, but it’s going to be one-sided again.”

“Well, it’s not over yet.”

Elliot’s words made Bren glance at me nervously.

Indeed, objectively speaking, Lady Cecilia’s strength was now nowhere near enough to defeat Princess Francia.

It wasn’t just a matter of losing support; it was like being blinded and deafened.

‘This isn’t even 9:1, more like 9.5:0.5? No, it feels like 99:1.’

Then Elliot spoke again.

“So when does the election campaign start?”

“There will be a declaration of candidacy ceremony in a week, and then the official campaign starts.”

Right, the declaration of candidacy ceremony.

It’s where candidates for the student council presidency announce their vision and plans, marking their official start.

“But Kamon, you’re not seriously thinking of helping Lady Cecilia, are you?”

Elliot suddenly asked, looking at me, and I shook my head slightly.

“No, I am. We’ve already talked, and I’ve registered for her election team.”

“What? Already?”

Bren asked in a trembling voice.

“Are you sure about this, Kamon?”

“What about it?”

“Isn’t the situation…”

“I’m fine. I expected it to be a tough battle. But the problem is you guys.”

“Huh?”

“W-What do you mean? What’s the problem?”

Seeing their confused expressions, I smiled broadly and answered.

“When I registered for the election team, I also put your names down.”

“What?”

“Pffft!”

Elliot, who had been drinking water, spat it out and asked in shock.

“W-Wait a minute, Kamon. What do you mean by that?”

“K-Kamon?”

“What I mean is, from now on, you two will be working with me in the election campaign. Nice to have you as partners.”

I grinned widely and extended my hand to them.

* * *

Slurp.

“Bren? The tea is overflowing.”

“Huh? Oh, sorry.”

Bren quickly pulled his hand back from the teapot, mumbling an apology.

“B-Bren. Are you okay?”

“Is something wrong? You’ve looked upset since earlier…”

“N-No. I’m fine. Nothing’s wrong. Really, I’m fine. Sorry, I’ll clean this up.”

Thud!

Bren put down the teapot and began to clean up, but the other students stopped him.

“No, we’ll take care of it. Just sit down and have a cup of tea.”

“Yeah, that seems best.”

“Thanks, senior.”

Bren was currently at a regular meeting of his tea-time club. The club, composed mostly of tea enthusiasts, had a very gentle and calm atmosphere.

“So what’s wrong, Bren? If you’re having a tough time or dealing with something difficult, why don’t you tell us? We want to help if we can.”

The club leader, a girl with large glasses, spoke gently, making Bren look at her with a slightly touched expression.

“Senior Shatran.”

Like her soft gaze, this tea-time club was the perfect place for Bren to relax and heal.

So.

“It’s really nothing. I’m sorry for worrying you.”

“Really? There’s nothing wrong?”

“Yes, senior. I swear.”

“Are you sure?”

Shatran’s persistent questioning made Bren smile awkwardly and force out a response.

“Really, it’s nothing, haha.”

“Alright. But remember, you can always come to us with anything. We’re always on your side, Bren.”

“Your words alone are enough, senior.”

‘I thought things had changed.’

Even though Kamon Vade still acted unilaterally sometimes, Bren felt a sense of camaraderie after going through several things together. He even shared some of his secrets with Kamon, considering him a friend.

But.

‘Why does it have to be Lady Cecilia’s election team? I can’t do this anymore. I need to tell Kamon firmly that I can’t do it!’

Resolutely deciding, Bren went to find Kamon after the tea-time club meeting.

Seeing him talking with Elliot, who had arrived before him, Bren steeled his nerves and approached them.

“Kamon, I want to withdraw from this election…”

“I’ll do my best to help you, Kamon!”

“What? S-Senior?”

“Hmm? Bren, did you come to finalize your decision too? Good thinking. Friends should help each other when they’re in trouble.”

“Uh, Bren? What were you going to tell me earlier? I couldn’t hear because of Elliot’s shouting.”

“Ah, well…”

Despite coming with a firm resolve, Bren was now greatly shaken by Elliot’s talk of friendship.

“What else could it be? Bren probably came with a similar mindset to mine. Right, Bren?”

“Uh, yeah…”

With Elliot’s unknown pressure, Bren eventually gave in.

“Y-Yeah. Let’s work hard together for this election.”

Forcing a smile, Bren spoke words that were contrary to his heart.

“Really? Good thinking, Bren. Thank you!”

Kamon stood up, placing his hands on Bren’s and Elliot’s shoulders, and Bren could only manage a weak smile, shedding invisible tears.

* * *

The massive fountain garden at the academy’s center was often used for events and gatherings. This year, it was chosen as the site for the student council president’s declaration ceremony.

A new stage was set up around the fountain, and so many people were interested in the election that the paths leading to the garden were all blocked.

“When is Princess Francia’s turn?”

“It says here. She’s first!”

“Wow, Princess Francia is the first to declare? Well, this election is pretty much decided then.”

“Is there a good spot to see her up close? I want to get a better look at the princess.”

From the excited chatter of the students, it was clear that Princess Francia was the star of the declaration ceremony.

“……”

In the designated area for candidates, Lady Cecilia stood quietly, showing no particular change in expression.

“There are really a lot of people.”

She muttered in a calm tone, nodding to herself.

“They’re all waiting for Princess Francia, aren’t they?”

“Yes, probably.”

“I expected it, but seeing it in person makes it a bit more painful.”

Lady Cecilia smiled ambiguously, and I scratched the back of my head.

“This kind of situation will continue. You’ll need to toughen up…”

I started to say something comforting when she interrupted.

“To them, we must look like the villains, right?”

“Pardon?”

Just then, the host’s voice echoed from the stage.

[Everyone, please focus your attention.]

[Now, we will begin the 136th Flance Imperial Academy Student Council President Declaration Ceremony.]

“Woo-hoo!”

“It’s starting!”

“Princess Francia, please come out!”

The atmosphere was electric, like a stage for a top idol or diva, with everyone eagerly awaiting one person’s appearance.

And then.

Click, clack.

[Fellow students of Flance Imperial Academy, nice to meet you all.]

“Wow, it’s the princess!”

“Look this way!”

“She’s so beautiful today too!”

The cheers of her supporters were so loud it felt like the ground was shaking.

“……”

Lady Cecilia remained silent, staring at the hologram projection of the ceremony.

Soon.

Thud! Thud!

Several people lined up on stage to escort her.

They were members of Princess Francia’s election team, gathered to support her victory.

“Kamon.”

Lady Cecilia, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up.

“Yes?”

“You said you understood why those people left me, right?”

Did I say that?

“Yes, I did mention that. Why do you ask now?”

“Can you tell me the reason?”

Lady Cecilia turned her gaze from the hologram to look at me intently.

“……”

[The people here have volunteered to support me in this election. Starting with former Vice President Obern…]

As Princess Francia’s clear voice introduced her team, Lady Cecilia continued to press me.

“Can you tell me?”

Sighing briefly, I replied.

“I’ll tell you later. Let’s focus on the declaration ceremony for now…”

“No, tell me now.”

“But Lady…”

“……”

She bit her lower lip as she looked at me, making it hard to refuse.

“Then just one thing.”

“……?”

“Can we really win?”

Her voice trembled slightly as she asked. I pondered for a moment.

Looking at the current scene, it was easy to feel overwhelmed by the atmosphere alone.
It felt like fighting the whole world, not just a 9:1 odds scenario.

But then I nodded firmly.

“Yes.”

“Really?”

“Yes, we can win.”

“Honestly?”

“Would you prefer if I said we’ll lose?”

“No, thank you. I appreciate your confidence, Kamon. That was a good answer.”

Lady Cecilia smiled and gave me a thumbs-up, and I couldn’t help but shake my head quietly.

‘This feels like consoling a child.’

“At least I feel a bit better. It’s nice to have someone say that.”

Relieved, she exhaled deeply, and I slowly turned my gaze back to the hologram.

‘Honestly, I can’t guarantee victory, but…’

Still.

Sparkle.

I noticed the ring on Princess Francia’s left hand.

‘I must win to save my life. I’ll do whatever it takes. Right?’

______________

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