I Became the Absolute Hidden Villainess Princess of the Academy

Chapter 9: It was only natural that an attack would occur on the day of the academy’s entrance ceremony. (1)

The villainous group from the original story, “The Blade of Twilight.”

They were the most dangerous group in the original work.

A group of villains, united by their thirst for revenge against the Empire, led by a leader who was rightly called the strongest in the world—of course, they wouldn’t be weak. Obviously.

That’s why I made the first move and recruited them.

As soon as my hair, which had been cut short, grew back to a reasonable length and I could freely move outside the inner palace again at the age of 13, I took action.

It was my first step as a hidden mastermind.

“You’re mine. For life.”

“…Yes, Lady Stie♡ I will follow you forever♡”

As a result, their leader became my contractor.

Naturally, “The Blade of Twilight,” which she led, also became mine.

…The fact that they unilaterally changed the group’s name to the TS Brigade, claiming they’d “take after my name,” was a bit much, but oh well.

They have been my loyal servants and limbs ever since.

But then—

“There’s this group called the TS Brigade that keeps chasing me…”

‘Why is she bringing them up right now…?!’

Why did that name come out of Irene’s mouth?

And why did it have to be right after she’d asked why she was appearing in such a pitiful state, unlike her introduction in the original story?

I was so startled that I flinched like a child caught doing something bad.

Worse than the time I got caught sneaking cookies at night by my sister, Elena.

“Wha-what-what….”

‘Ah, I shouldn’t have reacted…!!’

I realized that I shouldn’t have reacted like this, but it was too late. A tiny gasp had already escaped my mouth.

The fact that the 3rd princess, Esti, was actually the hidden mastermind and the one behind the TS Brigade, “Stie,” was the greatest of all secrets.

I was supposed to act like I had no idea such a group even existed—that was normal.

But I’d just heard the name and reacted like this?

Even if I got suspected, I’d have no excuse.

Fortunately, however—

No one suspected me at all.

“Ah, those perverts. Must’ve been rough for you.”

“…?”

It’s because Louis nonchalantly started talking as if he knew about them.

I tilted my head in confusion.

‘Even in the original story, Father didn’t catch on to who they were. How does Louis know?’

“Ah, you’re aware of them…?”

“Of course. They’re a cult that’s been active since seven years ago. They’re a criminal group that kidnaps orphans under the name of some “saint” or whatever.”

“…Huh?”

Louis’ explanation came in response to Irene’s pressing question.

I gaped in disbelief at what I was hearing.

A cult? Kidnapping people?

…Them?

‘I’ve never ordered anything like that, not even once… Oh? Wait, wait, wait…!!’

But then, as I thought it over, something clicked.

Realizing the truth, I was horrified.

‘It’s my fault, isn’t it?!’

I had been using the TS Brigade as I pleased this whole time.

“This one’s destined to turn evil someday, so grab them early and reform them.”

“This one’s not a villain, but they’re pitiful, so bring them in, feed them, and shelter them.”

Like a true hidden mastermind.

But as the saying goes, “If the tail is too long, it will be stepped on.”

It seemed that the TS Brigade had grown so famous that even Louis had heard of them.

They’d even been labeled a cult that kidnaps orphans.

My realization quickly turned to rage.

‘I trusted them to handle things quietly… If I’d known this would happen, I wouldn’t have ordered them!!’

I’d believed without a doubt that my contractor would carry out my requests properly.

After all, she was so meticulous in the original story.

Plus, whenever I asked about progress, she’d say, “Everything has gone exactly as Lady Stie intended♡,” which reassured me.

Because of that, I’d also entrusted them with the task of finding Irene.

It was all to change the foundation of the story.

To place the witch, who was hated by all, under the protection of the imperial family and prevent the tragedy.

I had only done it to prevent the end of the world and to make her happy…

“They chased me around just because I have brown hair and gold eyes, and they attacked me, claiming I’m the person the ‘saint’ is looking for…”

“Ha. Even if it’s a rare combination, there are probably thousands of people in the Empire with brown hair and gold eyes. They’re trying to track someone down with only that?”

“Exactly!! And things only got worse after I arrived in the capital, so I had to live in hiding in the mountains, looking like this…!!”

“…”

At my request, the contractor had moved to kidnap Irene, turning her life into a chase thriller even before the story began.

My eyebrows shot up.

‘From Irene’s perspective, I’m the true mastermind behind her kidnapping…? Even Satan wouldn’t go this far.’

“…They’re such terrible people! Yes, yes!!”

But I couldn’t exactly say, “Actually, that was for your own good,” so—

I joined in on criticizing the TS Brigade instead.

Vigorously, to the point where Louis’s gaze turned slightly odd.

‘I can let the whole ‘saint’ thing slide, but this crosses the line. Time to reestablish discipline as the mastermind.’

“Those kinds of people deserve a good spanking! Until their behinds are on fire!!”

“…Esti? Are you mad because she was almost kidnapped?”

“Of course!! How could anyone do something so cruel to such an adorable, pretty, and lovable girl like Irene?!”

[Ding!]

[Affection for ‘Irene’ has been adjusted.]

[Current affection: 45 (+5)]

“For a mere commoner like me to receive this kind of care… T-thank you so much…”

“…”

Seeing Irene’s grateful expression only made me feel twice as guilty.

I felt twice as guilty when I saw the gratitude on Irene’s face.

“Irene, let’s go wash up together after the entrance ceremony!!”

“Wh-what…?!!!”

‘Because of you guys, poor Irene is even more pitiful now!!’

***

Even after that, I kept stomping around in anger for a good minute.

But I couldn’t just stay angry forever.

The entrance ceremony was fast approaching.

So we quickly headed for the entrance ceremony hall.

“Do you have a favorite flower? I’ll float it in the bath for you!”

“P-Princess, I’m really grateful for your kindness, but how could a commoner like me bathe with you…”

“We’re friends, so what’s the big deal? Besides, our attendants are top-notch when it comes to bathing people. Trust me.”

‘Since it’s basically my fault she ended up all dirty like that, I should take responsibility and make sure she’s nice and clean.’

-Mutter mutter.

“Bathing together on the first day? Could she really be…?”

On the way, I chatted with Irene.

“Louis, Louis!! I’m going to buy clothes for Irene. What kind of clothes do you like?”

“…Why are you asking me?”

“Aw, come on~.”

-Mutter mutter.

“Using me as an excuse to find out her boyfriend’s clothing preferences… Hmm. Cute.”

All to help spark some romance, I asked about Louis’s clothing preferences.

On the way, my mouth didn’t stop moving, and before I knew it, we were standing in front of the colosseum-shaped building where the entrance ceremony would be held.

“Ah, Your Highness. You’ve arrived… Who’s that?”

“Irene. The friend I made today!!”

“…Your Highness, you should be more selective about your friends.”

“Captain of the knights. Just let it slide. Looks like she’s taken quite a liking to that girl.”

“…Understood. However, I’ll report this to the imperial family. We’ve been ordered to immediately report any incidents concerning Her Highness.”

“Sheesh. All this fuss over making a friend. Do as you please~.”

Although the captain of the knights looked uncomfortable seeing Irene, we moved on.

We entered the colosseum-like building where the entrance ceremony would be held.

All the way to the special balcony that the academy had prepared for the imperial family.

“…The academy must have worked hard. They even made something like this when they heard someone from House Avrien was coming.”

“Father increased their budget when he heard I was coming, so no need to feel bad…”

-Halt.

“Huh? There are only two seats?”

When we arrived, we found only two chairs prepared on the balcony.

It seemed they’d assumed only Louis and I would be sitting.

Irene naturally moved to step back.

“I’ll just sit on the floor…”

“Irene, sit here. I’ll sit on your lap!”

“…!!!!?”

“Come on!! My legs are starting to hurt!!”

As if I’d let poor Irene sit on the floor just because there were only two chairs.

When I motioned her over, she sat down on the chair, as if she had no choice.

“I guess I have no choice…”

-Flop.

“Hehe. Thanks!”

-Hop.

I jumped up and plopped onto her lap.

It might be a bit uncomfortable, but…

It’s definitely better than sitting on the floor. Plus, I’m barely 30 kilograms, so it’s not like I’d be too heavy.

-Squish.

“I’ll just lean on you a bit~.”

“A-As you wish….”

To top it off, I used her conveniently placed chest as a pillow.

So comfy.

-Mutter mutter.

“Even if they’re both girls, is that normal…?”

‘What’s with that gaze? Are people already jealous of me on the first day?’

Louis’s eyes narrowed slightly.

He’s probably jealous, no doubt about it.

Honestly, I felt like saying, “Louis, this chair’s all yours♡” and giving it up to him.

But I silently shook my head.

‘I’m doing this because I’m a girl. If you get this close on the first day, you’ll just end up being hated. Trust me, little brother.’

Even if I am Cupid, I couldn’t let Louis have this much physical contact on the first day.

“Louis, sit down quickly. The entrance ceremony’s about to start.”

‘———And soon, there’s going to be an attack. In case of an emergency, you need to be ready to jump out at any moment.’

There would be an attack during the academy’s entrance ceremony.

If, by any chance, the impact reached this place—no matter how unlikely—Louis would need to protect us.

‘Well, I’ve got the TS Brigade stationed everywhere, so there’s no chance of any casualties. But still, there’s no harm in being cautious.’

“Hehe. I’m looking forward to it. The entrance ceremony.”

“…Sigh. Fine.”

With a sigh, Louis sat down.

The three of us watched the entrance ceremony from the luxurious balcony.

—Now, we shall begin the entrance ceremony to welcome the new students of the Imperial Academy.

‘Ah, I know an attack’s coming, and I’m still so relaxed. I’m a total mastermind…!!!’

***

One hour later.

—We will now conclude the entrance ceremony with a prayer for the growth of the Empire’s talents. That is all.

-Waaaaah!!!!

-The Emperor himself gave a speech…!!

-So dignified and cool!!!

“…Huh?”

The entrance ceremony ended without any attack.