I'm a villainous in a Otome Game?!

Chapter 9

We had a dormitory assigned to us, which was a relief since I didn't feel like going home. However, there was one thing I despised...

"Ugh, this is boring..." I whispered under my breath to Shikari, who seemed entirely engrossed in the lesson. She turned her head slightly, giving me a gentle but disapproving look.

"You should really pay attention, Lady Martina," she scolded softly, patting my head in that familiar, tender way. Despite my boredom, I leaned into her touch, savoring the warmth.

"How about this—if you actually listen to what the teacher is saying, I'll give you half of my lunch," she teased, her eyes sparkling mischievously.

Food?! My eyes lit up instantly. "Yes! Of course!" I exclaimed, perhaps a little too loudly.

"Is there something you'd like to share with the class, Lady Martina?" The teacher's sharp gaze pinned me in place, her eyes burning with disapproval. I winced, immediately bowing my head.

"N-No, I apologize," I mumbled, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment. Shikari sighed beside me, shaking her head in mild disappointment.

I could hear some of the nobles snickering and whispering behind their hands, their judgment clear. I clenched my fists. I wanted to snap their spines. Ah...that part of me was surfacing again. The part Mother always scolded me for—the impulsive, violent streak.

"Alright, everyone. Today we’re moving to something practical." Our instructor's voice broke through my thoughts. "We’re heading outside to learn the basics of sword handling and a few basic combat spells."

Finally, something interesting! We left the lavish, castle-like academy and stepped into the sprawling training grounds. Manicured lawns stretched out before us, broken only by patches of forest and a winding river that cut through the greenery.

I spotted Prince Takashi standing across the narrow river, a wooden practice sword in his hand. His posture was regal as always, even in training. I couldn’t help but grin and wave at him. He hesitated for a moment before blushing and waving back. I was still smiling when someone bumped into my shoulder—hard.

"Oh, sorry\~" a noblewoman sneered, flicking her hair over her shoulder and sauntering off with her entourage. My jaw tightened. Great, bullied on the first day.

Our instructor clapped her hands to draw our attention. "Alright, ladies, grab a wooden sword."

We lined up, selecting our practice weapons. Despite their simple design, they were well-crafted—sturdy and balanced. I admired the weight of it in my hands.

"Now," the instructor continued, "focus your magic. Channel it through the blade."

I watched as Shikari stepped forward first, her expression determined. She took a deep breath, her hand hovering just above her wooden sword. "\<Rootkinesis!>" she called out, and vines erupted from her palms, weaving around the blade until it was brimming with sharp thorns. With a fluid motion, she charged at the practice dummy, slashing through it effortlessly.

I watched, stunned. She was incredible. My turn was next. I gripped the wooden sword tightly, staring at the dummy in front of me. I could feel the eyes of the nobles on me, whispering, judging. I couldn’t fail.

I closed my eyes, inhaling deeply. My fingers tightened around the hilt. "\<Aeroportation!>" I shouted. My body flickered out of sight, blurring through the air. Gasps echoed around me as I reappeared closer to the dummy, vanishing again before anyone could react.

I continued to blink through the air, faster and faster, until I stood right in front of the target. My gaze hardened. "\<Deoxygenation...>" I whispered. I opened my mouth, drawing in a breath that seemed to pull the air from around me. I felt my lungs swell, filling with energy. I ignored the faint gasps of those nearby, the sensation of the air thinning. I had to do this.