I'm a villainous in a Otome Game?!

Chapter 8

“Ugh…” My eyes fluttered open, a sharp pain flaring across my forehead. The room was unfamiliar—too pristine, the smell of herbs heavy in the air. I winced as I pushed myself up, my gaze falling on two familiar figures sprawled on the other side of the bed. I stretched out my arm.

“Hey… you guys?” My voice came out hoarse. Shikari’s eyelids twitched, then slowly blinked open. Her eyes met mine, and for a moment, they shimmered with disbelief before filling with tears.

“LADY MARTINA\~\~\~!” she shrieked, lunging forward and wrapping her arms around me. I gasped, both from surprise and the burning pain that flared up in my forehead.

“Ow!” I hissed, clutching my head. Shikari immediately backed off, her eyes wide with worry.

“D-Don’t touch your forehead, Lady Martina…” Prince Takashi approached, offering his hand to help me up. I took it, staggering to my feet. A mirror stood nearby, and I stumbled over to it.

My reflection stared back, pale and slightly bruised. A bandage wrapped securely around my forehead. Mother would be furious if she saw me like this.

“Where are we?” I asked, still peering at the mirror. Shikari and Takashi exchanged glances before turning back to me.

“We’re in the school infirmary,” Shikari replied, gesturing to the sign above the entrance. I squinted at it—Infirmary—right. Memories of the fight flooded back.

“Tch! That old man!” I slammed my fist against the bedframe, ignoring the pain that shot through my knuckles. Prince Takashi hovered nervously beside me, trying to calm me down.

“Let’s get out of here.” My voice was cold, determined. That bastard with the speed magic… what did he do with Asuka-san? If he hurt her, I’d… I’d kill him.

—

We slipped through the hallways, careful not to draw too much attention. This school was… extravagant. Gilded walls, chandeliers, paintings larger than life. Students in pristine uniforms chatted in small groups. Some were dressed in darker colors, hair disheveled, eyes sharp. They didn’t look like students. They looked like predators.

Clank.

Clank.

Clank.

The sharp click of heels on polished floors echoed, making us pause. I turned, spotting a tall woman with tan skin and striking ginger hair. She wore a fitted, emerald-green suit, her gaze sharp and unyielding. She stopped before us, giving a curt bow.

“Pleasure to meet you, Lady Rikaris,” she said, her tone commanding. I straightened, instinctively cautious.

“I see that you’re the new students, hm?” Her eyes lingered on me, calculating.

“Yes… I am,” I replied, forcing confidence into my voice. She glanced over her shoulder and beckoned.

“Follow me.” Without another word, she strode off, heels clicking with each step. Shikari and I exchanged wary glances but followed her lead. We soon arrived at a massive set of double doors, which swung open at her approach.

Inside was a grand hall—something between a library and a council room. A long table stretched across the center, lined with high-backed chairs occupied by several individuals. My eyes swept the room and then froze.