I'm a villainous in a Otome Game?!

Chapter 11

I opened my eyes to the familiar ceiling of the infirmary room. My gaze drifted around, scanning the quiet, sterile environment. My head ached, a dull throbbing that refused to fade. My bandaged arms came into view as I raised my hand. Oh my, it will definitely leave scars...

"Oh, you're awake, Lady Rikaris?" A soft, adult voice called out. I turned my head to the left and saw the nurse. She had quite unusual pink hair that was tied up neatly. I pushed myself up slightly and gave her another look.

"What... happened?" I asked, my voice groggy. She smiled gently and picked up her notepad, flipping it open slowly before reading.

"Well, Lady Kanami sent you here," she said, her eyes still locked on the notepad. Shikari?... Oh right... she...

"Eskimo kiss..." I murmured while brushing my nose. The nurse tilted her head, visibly puzzled.

"Did you say something?" she asked, clearly trying to make sure she heard correctly. My cheeks flushed a deep red, and I winced slightly.

"Oh-uh... Nothing..." I mumbled nervously. She grinned knowingly and left the room, leaving me alone in silence. What is happening to me? I looked down at my bandaged palm, the throbbing in my head slowly fading.

"Huh? What the..." I whispered, examining my palm more closely. The mark was altering in color. It now had a strange turquoise hue that shimmered faintly.

"Lady Martina?..." her sweet voice called out. I looked up at the entrance and saw her standing there, her adorable expression filled with concern. She took careful steps inside, checking my mood as she approached.

"Are you feeling better?" Shikari asked, her voice gentle as she moved closer. My heart began to race for no apparent reason. Why am I like this? I'm acting so strangely.

"Yes, I feel much better now. Thank you, Shikari-san," I replied with a happy smile. A blush crept onto her face as she nodded.

"Can you walk?" Shikari extended her hand toward me. I nodded, taking it gently as I swung my legs off the bed and stood up. I smiled gratefully at her.

"Then let's head to class," I said, leading the way out. The nurse who had taken care of me was standing near the entrance, watching me with a strange look as we walked away. Odd...

...

Lady Martina walked beside me, as if nothing unusual had happened. But was what the nurse said true?

«Flashback»

"Ah! Is Lady Martina okay?!" I asked the nurse, worry etched on my face. She smiled gently, walking toward me and nodding before providing information about her condition. Thank goodness it wasn't anything serious.

"But there's one thing that bothers me..." she said, her voice dropping to a whisper, giving me chills. I tilted my head in confusion.

"For some reason... I can smell a lingering trace of Dark Magic on her. I even saw a faint black cloud clinging to her. Is she perhaps... a dark magic user?" Her tone was concerned but her eyes were dark. I was stunned. No way Lady Martina would be involved with Dark Magic.

"No... of course not! She's not that type of person!" I replied, desperation leaking into my voice. She seemed relieved but still had that wary look in her eyes.

"Or maybe... someone used Dark Magic on her..." she murmured ominously. Someone? Who would do such a thing?

"Well, just keep an eye on her. If you don't want to lose her..." she warned before leaving.

«Flashback end»

Lady Martina would never do something like that! I looked at her serene face with admiration. In that case... I had to protect her more carefully than ever before.

...

Shikari and I walked together to the cafeteria, our steps light and in sync. Once we arrived, we took a seat at one of the quieter tables. I could feel the stares of everyone around us, and before I knew it, a group of students approached, their eyes sparkling with admiration. Shikari tensed, clearly thinking they meant trouble.

"You're so cool!" one of the girls squealed. I was taken aback. They don't hate me... they actually admire me?

"Wow, can you teach me that magic?"

"How much mana do you have?"

"Did you see how you almost knocked her down?"

"That was amazing!" A barrage of praise and admiration flooded in, and although it made me smile, I couldn't help but feel a bit overwhelmed. Shikari stepped in, pulling me a little closer to shield me from the crowd, her warmth radiating through her touch.

"Oi," a voice cut through the noise. I turned my head to see the woman I had nearly beaten during the duel. Her face was wrapped in bandages, but her eyes shone with respect as she grabbed my hand.

"I'm sorry, okay?" she said, a hint of blush coloring her cheeks. I blinked in surprise. No, I'm the one who should apologize...

"By the way, can you teach me how to master my magic like yours?" she asked eagerly, eyes sparkling with admiration.

Before I could respond, the cafeteria doors swung open, and a group of students dressed in shades of black and gray strutted in confidently. They occupied the rows meant for the Anomalous Magic users. Among them, I spotted Asuka, looking drained and pale, her once vibrant face now weary.

I stood up, ignoring the stares, and approached her. Her body tensed when I placed my hand on her shoulder, but when she saw my face, her eyes softened just a little.

"You..."

"I'm Martina Rikaris, nice to meet you," I introduced myself with a gentle smile. Her tired eyes flickered with faint hope.

"Are you okay?" she asked, pointing at my bandaged arms.

"Oh, this? No, it's from something else," I replied, scratching my neck awkwardly. Behind me, Shikari was busy keeping my admirers away as I talked to Asuka.

"I'm sorry... about yesterday," she murmured, looking down.

I smiled warmly and patted her head. "Don't worry... but uhh..." I hesitated as her eyes locked onto mine.

"Are you really labeled as Anomalous Magic?" I asked carefully, not wanting to hurt her feelings. Her gaze fell, her expression pained.

"Yes... I know you must hate me..."

"Huh? No! I think they're wrong!"

Her eyes lit up with a spark of hope. "You... you think so too?!"

"Yes. Are you okay?" I asked, brushing off the smudge of coal ash from her forehead. She proceeded to tell me everything she endured. My heart clenched with both anger and sympathy.

"Don't worry. I'll prove them wrong... and I promise to keep you safe."

Her smile was so innocent, so pure, that I couldn't help but blush slightly.

"Oi! Who are you, messing with our member?!" One of the Anomalous Magic users shouted from across the room. Guess I'll have to deal with them too...