Correcting the Villainess of the Academy

Someone merely witnessed the presence of the servant, but it was enough to infer the behind-the-scenes drama.

The students were busy chattering about it. With a social gathering on the horizon, it unexpectedly became a major conversation topic.

“That girl deserves it.”

In the classroom, muscular male student Choi Woojin declared with a mischievous smirk.

“I actually feel sorry for the guy on the other side. Who can handle that temper? For a lifetime, no less. Just imagining it is horrifying.”

He then turned to me, seeking agreement.

“Don’t you think? You’ve suffered the most from her, haven’t you?”

“…That’s true…”

I could only nod, somewhat reluctantly. It was natural to see it that way from others’ perspectives. Looking back at the past, it wasn’t entirely wrong.

“That creature can’t even be called a woman. She’s closer to something resembling that.”

“…”

“Probably, there were quite a few male students secretly supporting you. Even if they can’t openly show it.”

He nodded contentedly, as if pleased. It seemed there was more piled up than I thought. If he felt this way, the other male students had even less reason to hold back.

The two had been in the same group since the entrance ceremony. They might have been tied together due to their backgrounds, but they didn’t seem very close. Now that I think about it, I had heard that the Baekgwang and Seongsan clans weren’t on good terms either.

Reflecting on how sharply he had targeted me… Really, human relationships are truly unpredictable.

*

“I’m so annoyed, I could die.”

In a corner of the Library of Cradle, Jin Yeseo, wearing her hood as usual, grumbled.

“I can’t even count how many guys cling to me in a single day. And do they think I can get along with them? They need to know their place.”

She wasn’t particularly excited about the upcoming social gathering. Fueled by the rumors that the servant had been around, even some of her seniors were starting to cling to her now.

“But… why are you just sitting there?”

Speaking while looking ahead, Yeseo turned to the tall masked male student who had been listening to her complaints.

“Is something bothering you?”

“No… it’s not that.”

“Hmm…”

The male immediately shook his head. However, Yeseo quickly realized that he was wearing a downcast expression while interacting with her, as if he was pondering something deeply.

“Why? Are you actually worried about me? You? No way. Right?”

Seeing her catch on, Yeseo slyly smirked. For some reason, that mismatched look of a drenched puppy considerably piqued her interest.

She felt a ticklish sensation, and an impulse to ruffle his hair hit her.

“Worried? Yes…”

“Uh…?”

But the playful question was met with an unexpectedly genuine and embarrassing response, causing Yeseo to widen her eyes in surprise.

“I’m sorry…”

“Uh, uh…? Ugh…”

A sudden rush of heat surged within her. She let out a strange sound and buried her head in embarrassment.

She wanted to tease him, but now she found herself at a loss. Yet, she secretly enjoyed the resonance of his voice.

She thought, bowing her head was indeed a good choice.

Otherwise, her heart would have crumbled ridiculously, and she might’ve exposed that to him.

“Ahem…”

After managing to calm her fluttering heart, Yeseo finally lifted her head.

“Ugh, never mind. I told you not to worry about it.”

She continued, speaking nonchalantly as if nothing had happened.

“I told you. If you backed down, I would have immediately severed ties. You didn’t want to cut ties with me, did you?”

“Of course not.”

“Hmm…”

Without realizing it, Yeseo let out a pleased little hum.

“Well, it’s fine. It’s not like I have no way out.”

“Way out?”

Yeseo smiled slightly. The rumors were somewhat consistent with the truth.

In fact, the direct servant’s message also indicated it was time to keep the promise.

“I now have considerable say, you know.”

In marriages between higher families, love is rarely considered. More crucial is whether the match can enhance the family’s power.

Her mother was someone who employed such reasoning. She single-handedly revived the long-fallen Baekgwang, so her greed for power was undeniable.

“Really?”

“Yes. I can’t just disregard my own will, even if we can’t erase our agreement.”

Finishing her words, Yeseo glanced sideways at the masked male student.

“Hmm…”

However, there were two stark differences: she had become one of the top promising wizards of this generation, showcasing her talents.

And now, she wasn’t entirely uninterested in finding a partner either.

*

“She’s probably in the garden. Seoyeon goes for a stroll during breaks, you know. Why don’t you go check over there?”

Having visited the second-year classroom, Yeseo headed towards the garden once more.

Despite realizing her feelings for the masked male student, her admiration for Baek Seoyeon remained unchanged.

In fact, she was still the most followed among the female students in this cradle.

Yeseo wanted to talk to Baek Seoyeon about this unfamiliar and new excitement.

It was starting to make sense why Seoyeon was so fond of her fiancé.

And though it wasn’t realized yet, she thought maybe she could bridge the gap between Seoyeon and the male student.

Yeseo was already aware that they had clashed heavily at the beginning of the semester. But now, it seemed clear that there was likely some misunderstanding.

Although the guy might come off as blunt and harsh, he turned out to be kind-hearted and considerate once you got to know him.

There was no need to mention Baek Seoyeon’s angelic nature.

“…”

Suddenly, Yeseo recalled an incident in City No. 1. She recalled Seoyeon’s gaze as she looked at a man fainting from severe blood loss, which felt strangely disconcerting.

But Yeseo quickly shook her head. Given Seoyeon’s good nature, it was probably a natural reaction. She would have looked after anyone else in his place.

‘Misunderstandings can be resolved…!’

Yeseo shook her head, shaking off her slightly uncomfortable feeling.

Imagining Seoyeon smiling brightly at them after resolving all misunderstandings filled her with joy, causing her to walk lightly.

“But… where could she be…?”

Having entered the garden path, Yeseo scanned her surroundings. Even after wandering deeper, she couldn’t find Seoyeon.

“…!”

“…!”

Just when she felt the paths might have crossed, she heard footsteps from afar.

Thinking it might be Seoyeon, Yeseo headed toward the source of the commotion.

Before long, she spotted Baek Seoyeon’s figure from behind.

“…So, why did you call me?”

But before she could speak, Seoyeon’s voice came clearly, sharp and devoid of her usual warmth. It felt unsettling.

Baek Seoyeon was conversing with someone. Yeseo had no trouble identifying that person.

White shining hair, ruby-like sparkling eyes, and a sharply defined face like a cat.

Baek Seoyeon’s greatest rival: Yeon Minha of the Jeokhwa Family.

Standing opposite her, she glared at Seoyeon with an expression filled with hostility.

The terrifying intensity made Yeseo unconsciously hide herself among the bushes and watch them.

“…”

Lost in thought, Yeseo began to understand Seoyeon’s tense demeanor upon recognizing her opponent.

She already knew well about their destructive relationship. It had been a widely talked-about story long before she even enrolled.

Although Yeseo admired Seoyeon, she hadn’t really had any particular connection with Minha. Neither good nor bad.

-You seem pretty close with Yeon Minha? You’ve been with her a lot.

-We’re friends. Probably the closest one I have in Cradle.

“…”

But as Yeseo recalled that previous conversation, she pouted her lips. Regardless of her relationship with Seoyeon, there was something quite displeasing about that girl.

Perhaps Yeon Minha had a hand in the previous conflict between her and Seoyeon. Similarly, today’s uncomfortable encounter felt like her influence too.

‘Sister… hang in there…!’

But there was nothing she could do. Involving herself among the seniors felt too daunting.

Yeseo sent a small silent cheer from within. Just as she was about to turn and put her meeting with Seoyeon on hold for the next moment…

“I’ll say this in advance. I hope you won’t bother our junior about ‘that matter.'”

“Uh…?”

Hearing Yeon Minha’s voice, Yeseo found herself freezing in place, unable to move.

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