I'm a villainous in a Otome Game?!

Chapter 19

After having a sleepover...

"Aww, you're leaving already!?" Katie whined, clinging desperately to my legs. Her grip was surprisingly strong for someone so cheerful. What in the world is she doing? I shot a pleading glance at Mother, who was standing nearby, facepalming with an exasperated sigh.

"Umm... I have to go, or our teacher will be mad..." I explained, feeling a little guilty.

"I don't care!" Katie declared stubbornly, tightening her hold. I turned back to Mother, silently begging for her intervention. She simply shrugged and gave me an amused smile. I groaned in resignation.

"Can you...let go of my legs, M-Mom?" I stammered, the word feeling foreign but strangely warm on my tongue.

Her eyes sparkled with pure delight, as if I'd just handed her the moon. Her grip loosened instantly, and she sprang to her feet with newfound energy.

"You called me Mom!" she exclaimed joyfully, practically bouncing with excitement. I hadn’t expected that reaction. Well, at least it worked.

Before I could respond, she pulled me into a tight hug and kissed my cheek. "Be back soon!" she chirped, her smile brighter than I’d ever seen it. I managed a nod, cheeks burning, before turning to leave. Affection like that was still new to me, and I wasn’t sure how to handle it.

Shikari and Asuka were waiting for me by the carriage, waving enthusiastically. I climbed inside, settling into the plush seats as the carriage began to pull away. I waved back at my family, watching them shrink into the distance until they disappeared from view. I slumped back with a groan, exhaustion finally catching up to me.

"Well, you have a friendly family, Lady Martina!" Shikari commented cheerfully, already nibbling on the sweets Shino had gifted her earlier. I suppose so...they were a bit overbearing at times, but undeniably kind. I sighed, resting my chin in my hand as I peered out the window.

"Eh? Who's that?" Asuka suddenly spoke up, pointing out the window. I followed her gaze and spotted a lone woman walking along the cobbled road, holding a pale purple umbrella and wearing a matching dress. Her hair was a striking shade of violet, and her stride was oddly graceful. A noble? But why would she walk instead of using a carriage?

Curiosity piqued, I tapped on the window and instructed the driver to halt. The carriage slowed to a gentle stop, and I opened the door, leaning out. "Hey! Are you alright?" I called out.

The woman turned to face me, her delicate features softening into an adorable smile. Up close, she looked around my age, with flawless skin and shimmering eyes. "Yes! I'm just trying to lose weight!" she replied cheerfully, stepping closer. I blinked, taken aback by her unexpected response.

"Lose weight? By walking? In heels?" I asked, raising a brow. She just nodded enthusiastically, and I couldn’t help but sigh. "Well...if you'd like, you can join us. It's a long walk to the next town."

Her eyes sparkled with delight. "Really!? With pleasure~" she cooed, closing her umbrella and climbing into the carriage. Shikari nudged me sharply, whispering into my ear.

"Are you sure you want to let a stranger in your carriage?..." she murmured nervously. I brushed her off with a shrug. There was something about this woman...she didn’t seem dangerous.

The mysterious girl settled beside Shikari, though she kept a polite distance. I slid back to my seat, watching her curiously. "Thank you so much for letting me ride with you!" she said, her hands clasped neatly in her lap. Her voice was soft and graceful, almost melodic.

"It's no trouble," I replied, offering a smile. "By the way, where are you heading?"

"Oh, I'm going to Eastwead Magic Academy!" she exclaimed, leaning forward eagerly. My eyes widened. "Wait...same as us!?" I asked, excitement bubbling up in my chest. What are the chances?

She giggled, nodding. "Yes! I hope a pretty lady like you is in my class~" she said with a playful wink. I flushed, clearing my throat awkwardly.

"U-um, what class are you in?" I stammered.

"Oh! I'm your senior! I bet you're thirteen, right?" she replied. Senior?! My face burned red as I immediately bowed my head. "I'm so sorry for my weird behavior earlier!" I blurted out.

She just laughed, waving it off. "No need to apologize! That behavior made you even cuter~" she teased, leaning in close. Her eyes sparkled with mischief, and my heart skipped a beat.

Shikari cleared her throat loudly, pressing herself against my back protectively. "H-hey! Don't touch Lady Martina, stranger!" she snapped, eyes narrowed.

"Oh my~ So your name is Martina? How cute!" the woman cooed. "I'm Horika Tanika," she purred, her voice dripping with charm as she gently touched my cheek.

Shikari huffed, trying to swat her hand away. "Ara~ Don't keep her all to yourself," Horika giggled, pulling me even closer. I was now practically pressed against her chest. My cheeks flared up instantly, and my brain stopped functioning.

I could feel the heat rise up my face, my ears burning hot. Horika’s grin widened as she watched my reaction, clearly enjoying it. "You like it there, huh?~" she teased, poking my cheek playfully.

Before I could protest, everything faded to black. I fainted.

...

"Ara ara~ she fainted," Horika chuckled, gently stroking my hair. Shikari's eyes flared with jealousy as she grabbed Horika's wrist, yanking her hand away from me.

"Very possessive?~ I like that," Horika mused, smoothly slipping out of Shikari’s grasp and retreating to the corner of the carriage with a sly grin.

I watched them both pulling at Lady Martina, the tension growing thicker by the second. I sighed, leaning back into my seat. This was fine...probably.

...

"Should I...tell the ladies we've arrived?" the carriage driver murmured, glancing nervously through the tiny window. The carriage rocked and shuddered as if a battle was taking place inside.

He straightened his posture with a resigned sigh. "Lady Martina should get up soon, or those two are going to tear her apart," he muttered under his breath. Still, he opted to stay by the horse, deciding it was best not to meddle. "What a lovely day to be her servant," he chuckled.