I'm a villainous in a Otome Game?!

Chapter 13

The following day...

I balanced a towering stack of books in my arms as I descended the stairs. Why are they making me carry all of these books? In a few minutes, I have a meeting with Lady Martina. I want to leave this place immediately. The other Anomalous Magic users simply act as they please. If only I could just push every book to the library using my magic.

As I took another step, a sudden, heavy pressure pressed against my back. It felt like someone was shoving me down the stairs. Before I could react, my foot slipped, and I tumbled forward, books scattering everywhere.

THUD

The sound of my body hitting the floor reverberated through the hall. Pain shot through my head, making it feel like it was going to split in two. Groaning, I struggled to get onto my knees when a sharp, indescribable force struck me again. I collapsed onto my chest, consciousness slipping away. What a terrible day to be Asuka...

...

As dazzling brightness caught the corner of my eye, I slowly opened them. Where am I? I blinked rapidly to clear my vision. Once my sight returned, I nearly gasped. Torture room!? Chains, blades, and all sorts of twisted tools lined the walls. I was tied to a chair, my wrists and ankles bound tightly.

Who would do this to me? I just wanted a normal life... God no longer loves me...

Message from god
I do love her.

"How was the sleep?" a familiar voice asked. I snapped my head to the side. Teacher?! What is he doing here? Or... is he the one who brought me here?!

"Teacher!? What are you doing here! Never mind that, help me!" I begged desperately. He simply stared at me, unblinking. What...? Is he not going to help me? You’ve got to be joking!

"Well, I can't."

"WHY!?" I screamed at the ugly old man. He sighed, strolling over to the rows of torture devices. My heart dropped.

"I can't believe Master Luis appeared after six years," he began, picking up a pair of scissors. His eyes stayed fixed on the blades as he spoke. "Before then, we never lost to the Controlled Magic users. After he vanished, Anomalous Magic users began to lose their edge. All the students who used to train with Master Luis lost confidence."

He approached me, lifting a strand of my long hair with the cold edge of the scissors.

"U-umm..."

"But you," his expression darkened, eyes burning with frustration, "even though he showed up again... I can't believe he’d take interest in someone who doesn’t even fit to be among Anomalous Magic!" His voice boomed, echoing off the walls.

"Well, you’re right about that! Why was I even chosen to be part of Anomalous Magic?!" I shouted back, but my defiance was cut short when he yanked my hair, bringing the scissors dangerously close.

"I don’t know why," he murmured, his voice growing darker, "but if he wants someone with true Anomalous power... I'll make you into it." His grip tightened painfully, and before I could protest, the sharp blades closed around my hair.

SNIP!

The sound was deafening. My long strands fell to the floor, lifeless. He kept cutting recklessly, slicing away until my hair was uneven and jagged. I stared at the scattered locks in disbelief. It's just hair... but it was my mother's favorite part of me. She always said it made me look beautiful.

"There, now maybe you can change that pathetic personality of yours," he sneered, tossing the scissors aside before leaving. The ropes binding me came undone on their own. My hands trembled as I touched my now-short hair. If I can’t even make my mother proud again... then what's the point of being good?

...

"Um... Shikari-san..."

"Yes, Lady Martina?"

"C-can you let go of me?" I asked, struggling slightly in her firm grip. I needed to see Asuka for more information, but Shikari wouldn’t let me go... Why is she behaving like this?

"Nope. Not today!" She beamed cheerfully. I sighed. Perhaps I should just consult Prince Takashi instead.

Suddenly, I heard the surprised gasps of nearby students. Hm? Did something happen? I raised my head and looked toward the entrance.

"A-Asuka?" I muttered in disbelief. Asuka's hair was now medium-length, and she wore a sleek black outfit, far more elegant than anything she had before. Atop her head was a wreath that resembled a twisted branch crown.

Her entire aura was different. Confident. Bold. As she tried to approach the Anomalous Magic table, I made my way to her, reluctantly promising Shikari that I would join her next time. I intercepted Asuka before she could sit down.

"Follow me," I commanded, giving her a stern look. I didn’t wait for her response and dragged her out of the cafeteria.

"Stop it, Martina," she snapped, yanking her arm away. Her eyes—distant and dark—stared back at me. What... What happened to you?

"What’s wrong with you, Asuka?" I asked, voice laced with concern and frustration. Her gaze hardened, lips curling into a grin.

"I’m tired of being looked down on. So I decided to change my naive old self," she declared, standing taller than I’d ever seen her before.

"What... What brainwashed you, Asuka!?"

"Nothing," she smirked, crossing her arms. "It’s just my own decision."

"But didn’t you say you wanted to prove them wrong!?" My grip on her shoulders tightened. I bit my lip in frustration. All the work we put in...

"Well, that’s over now."

"After I helped you this far!? I gathered all the information to take them down, and now you just give up!?" My voice rose, shaking with desperation. Her expression twisted into a mocking grin.

"Haaa? You... helped me? Pfff, don’t make me laugh! It doesn’t change anything, right? And I know..." Her gaze darkened. "That you also look down on me!"

I froze. Me? Look down on her? Did I? Had my villainous nature slipped through without me realizing it?

"That’s what I thought..." she spat before walking back to the cafeteria. I leaned against the wall, heart heavy with doubt and confusion. What happened to you, Asuka...?