I Married the Beautiful Female Protagonist In Order To Survive

25. Standard Villain Template

Zerola was heartbroken.

This was the general consensus among the students at the Academy who knew anything about Zerola. Although… perhaps “heartbroken” was a stretch. It was more that this thick-skinned troublemaker had suffered a one-sided rejection from his goddess.

Normally, a heartbroken man would be in a pitiful state, listless, confused, unable to eat, ultimately neglecting his studies and ruining his life, effectively self-destructing. And Zerola initially showed signs of following this path. However, lately, everyone at the Academy, including the faculty, had noticed that Zerola was, as always, quite peculiar.

In short… he’d rallied! He was studying diligently, causing no trouble, and his grades were skyrocketing. More importantly, the talent and ability he possessed – which even seemed to surpass that of the renowned genius, Moriaty – were gradually revealing themselves, leaving everyone dumbfounded. Had this kid been playing possum all along!?

Just that, when everyone was eager to find Zerola with a mountain of questions, the rascal… vanished again.

At this very moment, inside the academy’s training grounds, reserved for a select few “VIPs.”

Meryl, the revered student council president – an elf, no less – was willingly playing the role of “referee.” Something significant must have drawn her away from her duties to this place – the clash of magic and skill, a contest of strength against strength unfolding between two figures in the arena. The impacts were frequent, nearly tearing apart the protective barrier erected around the space!

Yet, even under circumstances that the average student couldn’t even dream of, the two combatants found time for conversation amid their “sparring.”

“How is… Fílola doing!?”

One was, of course, Zerola. Facing him, the diminutive figure of Moriarty, the academy’s acknowledged “genius candidate.” This genius, perhaps feeling her “power” had been challenged, hadn’t hesitated for a second before agreeing to be his opponent.

The sword, mass-produced though it was, boasted a truly sharpened edge! Moriarty, for the first time, had produced the sharp weapon from her staff – a conduit for magic, yes, but a bladed implement nonetheless.

Felt a bit cheap, but… a true “contest” was inherently unfair. Seeing Moriarty’s full capabilities, however, caught Zerola off guard.

The blade howled, but Moriarty conjured a barrier, deflecting the blow. As the surrounding barrier reverberated with the thunderous impact, she seized the opportunity to retort.

“Lady Fílola is doing perfectly well. Does she need your concern? Worry about yourself first!”

The next instant, a tempest roared towards Zerola. Whether it was the news of “Fílola doing perfectly well” or not, Moriarty perceived a definite increase in Zerola’s mood.

He stubbornly endured every ounce of her magic, proving that if this fellow were wielding a better, more suitable weapon, she’d be the one struggling.

That’s what annoyed Moriarty, a truth Zerola clearly perceived.

“Don’t be upset~ I never wanted to fight for anything.”

“Enough prattle!”

“I simply wish to know, what level must I reach to be considered worthy?”

“…Begin by broadening your horizons, beyond the confines of the academy.”

On the surface of the British Empire, Zerola, even as a student, was strong, very strong. But, within the ‘internal’ structure of the British Empire, Moriarty believed that Zerola’s current strength was unremarkable – a “civil servant” at best.

“Comparing oneself within this ‘zoo’, and you dare to speak of worthiness?”

Achieving the “worthiness” he desired through “strength” alone wouldn’t be an easy task. The Queen certainly wouldn’t happily declare, “You’re strong, so marry my sister!”

“Zerola, the ‘Swan’ is not so easily ‘encountered’.”

All she could do was not impede him. As for the rest… beyond her help.

The words hung in the air, creating a stalemate. Even the exchanges between the two took on a dull character, reduced to mechanical offense and defense.

Just as Moriarty considered bringing this drab sparring session to an early end, the unexpected… occurred.

A figure had materialized within the training grounds, where Meryl should have been the sole “spectator.” Moriarty instantly recognized the newcomer: Henry III.

His presence here was extraordinary! And then, Henry III spoke. His words made Moriarty frown, even more so when both combatants lowered their weapons and focused their attention on the royal.

“Well, little toad, still diligently practicing, are we?”

Henry III… was clearly addressing Zerola! But…this…

Her gaze followed Henry’s, and Moriarty’s eyes widened. She quickly… averted her gaze and retreated to the side.

Naturally, Zerola couldn’t tolerate such a blatant “spoiled brat” provocation. Before Zerola could even respond, Henry III escalated his offensive, relentlessly targeting his weaknesses.

“What’s this, still clinging to pipe dreams? Do you even know what Filora’s about to do?”

“!?”

“Indeed. Though you did manage to stir up quite the fuss, the decisions of our Great Ying Empire aren’t swayed by the buzzing of gnats. Just as you suspect: Filora is… about to be engaged~”

As he spoke, Henry the Third waved a hand dismissively, as if disgusted by the very air. “I came to inform you that the Great Ying Empire has no punishment for you, so… you should properly thank Filora for interceding on your behalf. Otherwise… do you think you’d still be standing here, playing house so merrily?”

“And as a side note, this is also your warning: there will be no repeat of that night. Not a single one~ Even if Filora were to continue pleading before me, I would still send your little life west!”

With that, Henry the Third turned, intending to leave.

“If you understand, then go do what you’re supposed to do, and entertain no more foolish fantasies. Heh… it’s laughable, really. Just… what were you thinking, that you were… a better match than I? Is your brain still intact, Zerola?”

He started walking, leaving as arrogantly as he had arrived, after delivering a speech to Zerola that was more jeer than notification, Henry the Third would depart as a victor.

Only… very soon…

Zerola’s whisper came from behind.

Just as Henry the Third had imagined.

“I don’t think I’m ‘worthy’, but… by what right do you think you *are*?”

“Have you… asked Filora for her true decision?”

“A big frog?”

——

These days I’ll be writing new xuanhuan, I’m so happy, I’m so excited!

Ahhh!