Chapter 5: Encounter in the Flower Garden

Late afternoon sunlight filtered through the leafy trees at the back courtyard of the Royal Magic Academy, casting golden shadows across the meticulously manicured green lawn. 

I walked slowly along the stone path, enjoying the fresh air while contemplating my fate, which kept growing more complicated by the day. 

*How did the plot turn into such a mess? Prince Leonhardt keeps stealing glances, Cedric runs around spreading weird gossip, and heroine Elena keeps looking at me with starry eyes.* 

Those complaints spun round and round inside my head, making my forehead furrow slightly before I quickly slapped on a flat, elegant expression once more. 

In this world, maintaining a cold villainess mask was far more exhausting than working the night shift at a convenience store. 

"Uhm... excuse me, Lady Alicia." 

A soft, hesitant voice stopped my footsteps. 

I turned my head slightly to the side with a sharp, cold gaze, finding a honey-brown-haired figure standing near the white rose bushes. 

Elena Rosehart. 

The girl was clutching the hem of her uniform skirt with both hands, looking nervous yet forcing herself to stand right before me. 

In the original novel, this was the exact scene where Alicia would berate Elena for daring to block her path. 

Yet inside my heart, I was panicking out of my mind. 

*Oh no! Why is the heroine walking up to me?! Is she going to challenge me to a magic duel? Or does she want to report me to the prince? Please save me, I just want to go home and sleep!* 

Outwardly, however, I stood tall with my chin slightly lifted, flashing the arrogant, subtle smirk typical of a snobbish noble. 

"What do you want, Elena Rosehart?" my voice came out cold, flat, and authoritative. 

Elena flinched slightly at my tone, but the spark in her eyes only glowed brighter. Instead of running away in fear, she stepped closer hesitantly. 

"I... I just wanted to talk for a moment," Elena said in a quiet yet determined voice. "I've been watching you during magic class these past few days. Your combat style, your ice magic control... it was amazing. I truly admire you, Lady Alicia." 

I froze solid on the spot. My brain stopped processing altogether. 

*Huh? Admire me? Did she drink the wrong potion in the magic lab? Why on earth is the main heroine praising her own villain?!* 

Cold sweat trickled down my back once more, while I desperately fought to keep my facial expression from cracking under shock. 

"Flattery," I finally replied with a forced, arrogant tone, hiding my overwhelming confusion. "As a member of the Duke Valerian household, it is simply my duty to display flawless power. You don't need to waste time paying attention to such things." 

Elena smiled sweetly instead—a sincere smile that made me feel increasingly guilty. 

"To me, it's not ordinary," Elena replied softly. "I hope... we can become friends going forward, Alicia." 

Hearing those words, a hysterical shriek echoed through my inner monologue. 

*Friends with the villain?! Please leave me out of your main plot! I want to retire early and become a farmer in the countryside!*