How did this happen?! This is super embarrassing!!

Currently, I was scratching my head on a bench at one corner of the academy.

This was a place no one would come by on a normal day, even less likely during the interschool tournament.

Otherwise, it would have been even more embarrassing if anyone would to see my unsightly behaviour.

Why was I scratching my head all alone?

In short, I lost.

That was the outcome of the previous match, my opponent was announced the victor.

As for me, I was disqualified for stepping out of the ring when the match wasn't over.

That's right, I lost because of a ring out.

The referees had a discussion about this.

The discussion narrowed down to one valid arguement.

My opponent has not surrendered when he was caged in my spell and me stepping down from the platform was the act of surrendering.

Thus, following the rules, it turned out I lost the match because I walked out of the ring myself...

Are you kidding me?!

This was such an embarrassing thing to have happen.

I even went out of my way to show off my magic and then exiting the stage in a cool way.

Though it may seem a bit of a chuuni scenario but it really was a great performance on my part!

But to be announced as the loser after all that just because of my stupidity... truly embarrassing...

I can't! I can't! I CAN'T!

I don't even know how to face my friends after that embarrassing outcome.

What face should I make? How should I react?

I don't even know whether it's a good idea or not to be seeing my friends.

Maybe I should just head back to the dorm for the day? Alright, let's do that!

Unfortunately, time waits for no one.

Before I made a move to the academy's dorm, I heard a voice from a distance.

"Laaaaddyyyy Ceeciliaaaaa!!" A familiar girl voice.

I quickly fixed my hair and posture, maintaining the look of a proper lady of a noble family.

Then I looked in the direction of the voice, there was a girl running towards me while waving her hand.

The wavy platinum-coloured hair and that cute face, I knew this girl.

She's the main heroine of the Otome-game of this world, Cynthia.

"Lady Cecilia!" Cynthia said as she excitedly held her two little fists. "I saw your match! It was a wonderful display of your elegance and talent!"

Cynthia praised me in such a cute manner.

Once again, I was made to understand the reason why those capture targets in the game would fall head over heels over this girl.

She's dangerous, dangerously cute. Her positive and energetic nature definitely heals the mental stress of one person.

Well, at least, meeting her in person I could confirm that.

But for some reason, I couldn't bring myself to compliment her.

"Cynthia, how many times have I told you that a proper lady shouldn't run like that." I said with a sigh. "It's very unsightly."

"O-Oh... sorry..." Cynthia seemed apologetic.

...I feel guilty for pointing that out.

"B-But you have my thanks for watching my match." I said.

"Oh!" Cynthia's expression brightened up. "You're welcome, Lady Cecilia!"

Ah... again with another cute attack...

To this day, I'm still surprised by the fact we were able to talk to each other in this manner.

The main heroine and the villainess, it's really unthinkable to see them being good friends in the game.

But this is reality, and in reality we've became friends.

I don't know when our relationship became this great.

Thinking back, I have tried to avoid all contact with Cynthia as much as possible after enrolling into the academy.

I knew full well of my fate as a villainess if I were to follow everything from the storyline so the easiest way to avoid bad ending was to not get involved with the story at all.

However, there were some things that does not change.

Just like the game's setting, the academy tried to push the value of equality and began accepting commoners who display promise to the future of the kingdom. Due to discrimination and the superiority complex of some nobles, a commoner like Cynthia would definitely encounter a lot of hardships even if I was not involved.

So I thought I should give Cynthia some pointers to avoid obvious excuses for bullying.

I mean, I have known about her from the game as I did play from her point of view. There was no reason to dislike her, more-like, I do feel some sort of familiarity with her. Which may be the reason why I can't completely ignore her.

Sometimes, whenever I encountered her in unexpected places, I will let her know of some common knowledge and mannerism when she encounters other aristocratic figures.

Before I knew it, our encounters became more frequent and she ended up as my friend.

Me being with her has proven to have reduced her chances of being bullied.

"L-Lady Cecilia!" Cynthia suddenly became nervous. "M-May I sit n-n-next to you?"

There was enough space for two more people on this bench.

While I find it odd for Cynthia to formally ask for something simple but there was no reason to reject her.

"Well, it's not fully occupied is it? Suit yourself."

...

"T-Thank You Very Much!!!" Cynthia gave me one bright smile and happily sat down next to me.

...

...I feel so guilty for the way I responded to her, I want to dig a hole...

"Um, Lady Cecilia, in fact..." Cynthia placed a wooden basket on her lap. "I have made lunch for the both of us."

"Oh?" I took a peek at her basket.

"If you may, I would like you to try it!"

Cynthia opened the lid and presented the basket to me.

Looking inside the basket, its content was neatly packed sandwiches with variation.

The colour scheme from the fillings of each sandwich enhanced my excitement to eat them and it also immediately tells me what kind of sandwiches they were.

Just from the look, I could already tell the sandwiches would be delicious.

Also, I noticed Cynthia had a water bottle strapped on her. While I could not see the inside, I could guess it should be some sort of refreshment that goes well with the sandwich.

Knowing her from both game and reality, Cynthia was very attentive to details and considerate for many little things.

If I must say with the words from the previous world, she's totally a Waifu material.

She may be a good cook too but preparing all of these definitely was not an easy task.

Her hardworking nature can definitely be seen from this simple lunch basket.

There was no reason to refuse her... especially with her staring at me with anticipation...

Well, I did indeed worked up an apetite after that match.

Let's dig in.

"Alright... then." I reached out for her sandwich. "I will giv-"

"Don't Be Fooled By That Woman!! Stay Away From Her Now!!"

A sudden yell stopped me in motion.

I turned to the direction of the voice and saw a familiar figure approaching us.

A man in that blond hair with handsome look, no doubt he's...

"Prince Frederick." I stood up and bowed. "You have my greetings."

This was why I liked my combat costume, even if I forgot to change it still can serve as a proper attire.

But I don't think there was a need to be all that formal in the academy, I mean there's the fact that a skirt was a part of the academy's uniform for the girls.

Still, having known of the causes for reaching the bad end, I'd prefer not to be rude to a member of the royalty and end up on his bad side.

"Ah, Cecilia, there's no need to be that formal with me." The prince said. "The academy is practicing equality so you can treat me like a normal friend."

"Just call me Frederick." he added.

The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

Even if the prince told me that, I still couldn't bring up the courage to call him by only his name.

"More importantly," The prince looked at Cynthia. "You need to stay away from this woman, she is not what you think she is!"

"Tsk...!"

What does he even mean by that...? Hm?! Was that a tongue click that I heard?

"Good day, Frederick." Cynthia put her basket down on the bench and stood up. "I don't think it was good thing to bad mouth someone in front of Lady Cecilia."

Cynthia smiled.

Though, this smile seemed different compared to the smile she usually show towards me.

"It's Prince Frederick for you, Cynthia." The prince said.

"Oh my, is that so?" Cynthia puts her hand over her mouth and did ahaha type of laugh. "I thought a certain someone was saying equality this and equality that not too long ago. I guess he may be a little too forgetful at times."

"Don't worry, Cynthia." The prince crossed his arms. "I only tend to become forgetful when it comes to you."

"Oh~ho, what a wonderful personality you have, pRiNcE Frederick... Oh, that reminds me!"

Cynthia made a expression of sudden realization.

"You have yet greeted us back after hearing our greetings." She said. "Is this because of the mannerism lessons you received at home different from the mannerism lessons taught to us in this academy? I have to say it indeed is a wonderful teaching of mannerism at home."

"... ..."

"... ..."

Then, they began staring at each other... ...passionately...?

They seemed more intimated and verbal than I remembered them from the game.

While I don't remember reading similar dialogues in the game, but the prince and Cynthia were bound to have lot of exchanges.

After-all, the prince was one of the capture targets in the game.

Reaching the happy ending with either the prince or with the other capture target without getting me meddled up in their ordeals would be great.

For now, I have yet confirmed which capture target Cynthia was going for.

Maybe giving her a little push would help?

In response to their interactions, I said:

"You two seemed close to each other. Any chanc-"

""No, we are not!! And We Will NOT!!!"" The two of them immediately responded.

In sync? Tsundere?

I was rather startled by their reaction.

"Look at this!" Cynthia complained. "It's because of you Lady Cecilia misunderstood our relationship!"

"I... I didn't mean to... Cecilia, it's not what you th-"

"Then hurry up and state your business for coming here so the misunderstanding doesn't get any worse." Cynthia urged. "And after that, I'd like you to tend to a more productive business instead of meddling with other people's relationship."

"... ..."

The prince sent another set of cold stare at Cynthia.

They are good friends... right?

While I may not know whose route Cynthia has chosen to take, I do know she has successfully met with all of the capture targets.

Their relationship seemed pretty good, I heard from the others that they have fended off Cynthia's bullies for her from time to time.

While there were no obvious signs of love involved as of now but it will definitely bloom when Cynthia makes up her mind and chase after the one she loves.

*Ahem*

The prince cleared his throat and turned to me.

"Cecilia." He said. "It was a wonderful performance earlier."

Ah, he must have meant the match.

"Why, thank you!" I gave him a bow to show my appreciation. "I appreciate Prince Frederick for taking your time to watch my match. But I must apologize for showing you a match with such undesirable outcome."

"You don't need to apologize for something like this. Even though the result was indeed... unexpected..." He paused. Then he took a deep breath and continued, "So how about I invite you to lunch with me. My treat."

"WHAT?!" Cynthia was surprised in my stead.

I'm rather surprised by the fact that the prince was inviting me for lunch and not inviting Cynthia.

There was an event where one of the capture targets would invite the main heroine to take rounds around this school-festival-like situation. Well, there was also a harem event where all of the capture targets would come and invite the main heroine.

But I don't recall Cecilia, one of the villainess, being involved in such happy event.

I suppose it's because I wasn't on the prince's bad side to begin with, and I do know for a fact that he does treat his acquaitances well.

A man with good heart, just like how he was described in the game's introduction.

This could be him trying to cheer me up for losing my match.

However, this was supposed to be Cynthia's hangout event with the capture target.

I believe my actions up until now have changed the course of the original setting, just like those isekai villainess stories I've read in my previous life.

To be truthful, I am self-aware of my actions.

Even though I knew full well that my actions would incur changes to the original storyline but I just have to in order to avoid my bad endings.

I do, however, take actions that I think would matter less in the storyline as a whole... at least that's what I'm trying to achieve.

This might still cause some problems in the future so I think I should keep clear of these events whenever I can. Instead, I could just push Cynthia towards these type of important events and help her in getting a good ending.

"Thank you for inviting me, Prince Frederick." I lowered my head in an apologetic manner. "I'm afraid I will have to turn you down on your offer."

"Wait, what?" The prince seemed shocked. "Is there a reason why you not coming with me? Could it be you are feeling unwell?"

"No, that's not it." I made a small waving gesture to deny. "I'd like to rest for a bit after the match."

"Is... Is that so..." The prince looked disappointed.

Yes, I understand the feeling of not being able to go with a friend to a festival.

So worry not Prince Frederick, you won't be going alone.

I put my hand behind Cynthia, who seemed to have sighed out of relief, and push her forward.

"Prince Frederick, how about taking Cynthia with you?" I recommended.

""What?!""

Once again, they were both in sync.

They even stared at each other at the same time in a similar shocked expression.

Then they turned to me at the same time.

Haha, what's this? Did they rehearse this beforehand?

Though, not sure why they looked so opposed to this idea. I thought it's a great idea for them... and for me.

Could it be they feel embarrassed to be seen alone? Or Cynthia had a different person in mind?

Thinking it was a likely answer, I proceeded to mention the names of the other capture targets and recommend taking them for their rounds too.

The prince surely does have a good relationship with them so he shouldn't have a problem.

As for Cynthia, her relationship with the other capture targets depends on her actions. From what I have seen, she does have interactions with the other capture targets... but how far has she gone was a mystery to me.

"Those guys huh..." The prince sighed.

In contrast to my expectation, the prince showed a tired expression.

Over at Cynthia's side, she had her mouth covered and was mumbling something.

"...could gather those guys in one place... keep an eye on them... none of them can... make a mov..."

I couldn't hear whatever she was saying in full.

However, I could tell she seemed to be into this idea.

I think it's possible to conclude that there was someone she's interested in within the group.

Suddenly, Cynthia grabbed the prince's arm.

"Alright, Frederick!" Cynthia said. "Let's go get the others!"

"What?! You serious?" The prince was surprised.

"Hey, stop struggling! Let's have Lady Cecilia rest and we go see what's fun in this tournament. I heard there are some food stalls serving food from other kingdoms!"

"W-Why are you so eager all of the sudden... AH!" The prince made an expression of sudden realization. "Is it because you've already had your time with Cecilia?! Now you are just keeping us away, is that it?!"

"..."

"Hey, don't avert your eyes and look at me! S-Stop! Stop pulling me!!"

Even though the prince was struggling, Cynthia was still able to pull him away.

I slowly waved my hand at their figures disappearing at the corner.

Silence...

I put my hand down.

I let out a sigh and turned to the bench.

The basket of sandwich was still there, additionally, there was a bottle with a strap left on the bench.

What a considerate girl.

Suppose I could use this time to have some lunch, there's even enough portion for two people too.

"..."

I walked to the bush behind the bench.

"What are you doing here?" I stared at the bush. "Dear brother."

"Ah... So I've been spotted."

A man stood up, in full ghillie suit.

That's right, the best way to describe what he's wearing was the phrase 'ghillie suit'.

Green leaves that shared the same colour scheme as the surrounding covered his whole body.

"When did you noticed me?" He asked as he wipes off some sort of paint off his face.

"Not too long ago." I replied. "About the time when my friends left for lunch."

"Oh, I see, I see... those were your friends, huh..."

"What? You have something to say about them?"

"Haha, of course not." He laughed. "I'm just surprised that my dear little sister with cold attitude could find herself such good friends. I'm really happy to see this."

"..."

Seriously, this brother of mine...

"Once again, my dear brother." I urged. "What are you, a dropout of this academy, doing here?"

"What's with the pressure?" My brother said. "Nothing wrong for an older brother to check how his little sister is doing at school."

"It's a big day too." he added.

But his reason for coming wasn't what I wanted to know.

There was a more important thing I needed to ask.

"How long have you been hiding here?" I asked.

"Not long." He folded his arms and nodded. "Just started when you were scratching your head in frustration."

"So you've been here from the start!!"

Oh no! I've been seen! That embarrassing behaviour has been seen! By the person I least wanted to be seen!!

"H-Hey, stop punching me. Haha, is it that? You are feeling embarrassed because I saw your frustration for your lost in your match?"

"...!!!"

"O-Oh! Putting more power into your punches... Haha, I suppose I was right on the money."

Suddenly, I felt my head was being patted.

I looked up, he was smiling.

"Good girl. Good girl." He said. "That was a great display of what you are capable of. Good job, Cecilia."

"... ...!"

I slapped his hand away.

"S-Stop treating me like a kid already!" I said as I turned away from him.

"Aw, how cold." He said in a disappointed tone of voice. "You used to like this when you were small."

"That's all in the past now." I puffed up my chest as I put my hand over it. "I am now a lady who can stand pround and hold my head up high, befitting the title of the daughter of Blackthorn's family."

"It's great you have become such a fine and beautiful lady. Now, this is making me miss that little Cecilia who used to cling on to me and say 'Dear brother, I want us to get married when we grow up'."

"I never once said anything like that! Stop making things up!"

Hearing his laughter behind me, I can't help but sigh.

I slowly reached my hand over my head... the lingering warmth was still there.

For some reason, there was a feeling of warmth in my chest and... a smile was slowly being formed...

Then, as if to hide it, I turned around in a rather exaggerated manner and put on a stern face.

"So you've seen all you wanted to see?" I asked. "When will you be returning home?"

"It's quite a rare opportunity to be in Fatima Academy when it's hosting the interschool tournament." He said. "How about we go for some rounds? Maybe, introduce me to your friends too."

He laughed.

Zack Blackthorn.

The name of the only son of the Blackthorn family.

In the game, he does not personally know the capture targets and Cynthia because he's not one of the capture targets, his interactions with them were kept at bare minimum if he does encounter them.

However, he was a rather important figure in the game.

A secret boss in the hardest content of the game.

Ruthless and brutal, and insanely strong. Voted to be the most terrifying boss to be faced even with preparation.

There was a terrifying thing about him, that was Zack Blackthorn had killed his own family for unknown reason.

He was also the cause of Cecilia's deaths in multiple routes.

But that's the him I knew when he was just a character in the game.

The Zack Blackthorn I knew in reality...

"Very well, then." I sighed as I made a wry smile. "Let us go and see what this tournament has in store for us."

"Alright!!" He raised his hand up. "A date with my dear little sister! Exciting!"

"Whatever you say~"

...A carefree idiot not bound by the cage of social rules made by the aristocracy.

The person who has accepted me despite superstitions over my looks and even watches out for me.

The person who also taught me many great things only the residents of this world would know.

My dear older brother.

"Oh, before we go..."

The most important person.

"My friend has made lunch enough for two people. Shall we eat first?"