Why Are You Becoming a Villain Again?

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“Oppa, don’t do that, this match is-”

 

“-Asena.”

 

His firm voice interrupted her.

 

“…I will go.”

 

Asena couldn’t say anything else.

 

“…..yes.”

 

“Please cheer for me that day, okay?”

 

“….yes.”

 

With a complicated heart, Asena finished her answer.

 

'When that day comes, will I really be able to support him?'

 

She couldn't stop him from going to the tournament, but that didn’t mean she gave up on everything.

 

In the end, Asena disliked the gazes on him.
She didn’t like the outcome of the attention he would naturally get.

 

So she had to take some drastic measures.
Just like Keirsey did.

 

“…Oppa, then instead…”

 

“Yes?”

 

“…can I prepare the equipment?”

 

“Yes?”

 

Cayden’s head turned towards her.
A small look of anticipation appeared on his face.

 

“Really? You?”

 

“Yes.
I’ll give it to you as a present.”

 

At those words, Cayden seemed happy and approached Asena and wrapped an arm around Asena’s shoulder.

 

Asena felt her face turn red immediately.
His body odor was really addictive.

 

She still had a firm expression on her face, but she couldn’t look into his eyes.

 

“I have a lovely sister.
Then I’ll ask you, Asena.
The armor is already there.
Do you know?”

 

“…yes.”

 

It was brought from the Pryster family, so Asena knew it.

 

“The only thing missing is Lance.
If you want to gift me something, just prepare it.
Do you know the dimensions of the lance?”

 

“… Don't worry…
Then I'll bring it to you when it's ready.”

 

She answered, suppressing her pounding heart.

 

After that, the two parted ways after talking a little more about their daily life.

 

✧ ✧ ✧

 

Asena found the armory.

 

There were also many other knight's department students.
They seemed to be preparing their own equipment ahead of time.

 

When Asena appeared, a worker from the armory rushed out and stood in front of her.

 

Clasping his hands, he asked.

 

“What did lady come here for?”

 

“I have come to prepare the equipment for the upcoming jousting.
No armor needed, only the lance.”

 

“Oh, I see.
Did you know that there are also standard lances offered in jousting matches?”

 

The worker said that there was no need to make it there.
Asena nodded her head.

 

“I know.”

 

“Well.
And if lady is going to order custom lances, we’ll need to prepare three or four.
Competition lances break easily.”

 

“I see.”

 

Suddenly, Asena lowered her voice and asked carefully.

 

“…I heard that there is a standard for Lance.”

 

Without knowing why Asena spoke almost in a whisper, the worker also lowered his voice because he didn't want to offend this noble girl.

 

“…Yes, there is.”

 

Even after speaking out, Asena pondered for a moment.
She remembered how happy Cayden was to join the competition.
But soon after, she shook her head.

 

Asena still didn’t want him to shine in front of others.
The problems that would arise by that couldn't be solved easily.
And secretly, she also didn't think others would be able to understand his real charm.
Instead, they would just covet him for things like achievements and his looks.

 

It was said that serious injuries were rare in jousting matches.
It was not impossible, but it was rare.

 

If so, Asena hoped that Cayden would be eliminated quickly.
Then he wouldn’t shine, and there would be no reason for others to covet him.
She spoke with a determined face:

 

“…make a lance a span shorter… no… two spans short than standards.”

 

The worker digested her words for a moment, then asked in embarrassment.

 

“….Yes? Then you will be at a disadvantage in the match?”

 

“I know.”

 

The worker blinked as if he did not understand, but he still nodded his head at her words.

 

“…that…then I will do that.”

 

No one in this academy recklessly disobeyed the nobles.

 

“…Ah.”

 

Asena opened her mouth at the question that came to her mind.
In fact, that was what she was most worried about.

 

“…that…whoever uses this…will not notice that the lance is shortened?”

 

Asena imagined Cayden noticing her filthy behavior.
Probably there was nothing more terrifying than that.
No.
He should never know about it.

 

The worker rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

 

“…If you don’t put the two lances together and compare them, it will be difficult.
The lance is so long that shortening only a span or two is barely noticeable.”

 

“…do it then.”

 

Asena nodded her head.

 

✧ ✧ ✧

 

On the day of the jousting match.

 

“Are you ready, Judy?”

 

Judy took a deep breath, as if nervous, and nodded her head.

 

“…You?”

 

“I’m ready too.”

 

I said and clenched my fists.

 

Judy cheered me with a slight slap on my back.

 

After that, we dispersed and went into our respective waiting rooms.
Even if it was a waiting room, it was a small tent that was built temporarily.
My horse Storm and my armor were ready.
Lance hadn’t come yet.
Asena said she would bring it soon.

 

Outside, looking at the tent entrance, there were a lot of people.

 

Everyone was chatting with excitement and eating snacks wearing beautiful dresses.

 

Since it was the day to take off the academy uniforms, handsome men and women, whom no one knew about, were revealed one after another.

 

It seemed that the whole academy had gathered.
It was the perfect place to increase my reputation and remove the stigma of incompetence.

 

“…Phew…”

 

I shook my body and released the tension.
I didn’t tell Judy, but I was pretty nervous too.
For my plan to succeed, I had to start well here.

 

“Fu-hung.”

 

Storm also snorted and rolled his feet.
He seemed to be excited by the cheers outside.

 

“Good luck, Storm.”

 

I approached Storm, stroked him, and opened the pocket on the saddle.
Fortunately, the items prepared were placed inside without any problems.

 

After that, I started putting on the heavy armor step by step.

 

It was a nice piece of shiny black armor that seemed to show the power of the family.
It was a gift from grandma.
My heart was warmed and I felt stronger.

 

“Oppa!”

 

Keirsey came in while flipping the tent entrance.
She stiffened as she looked at me in armor.
It was my first time wearing this armor.
Judging by her reaction, it seemed okay…
Well, maybe she was just acting.

 

“…it’s okay?”

 

“Yeah, that’s cool.”

 

“Where is Asena? My lance hasn’t arrived yet.”

 

“I’m here.”

 

Suddenly, a voice came from outside the tent.
Soon, Asena entered with a man holding three or four lances.

 

I smiled and thanked her for her sincerity and this gift, she prepared for me.
I was still bitter about gossip, but I was grateful for what I was grateful for.

 

The man carefully set the lances down on the floor.
A small pattern of the Pryster family was printed on the handle.

 

To be honest, my heart was excited that it was only for me.

 

“Thank you, Asena.”

 

I smiled and picked up a lance laying on the floor and snuggled it under my armpit.

 

The handle was soft.
But I felt another impression immediately after.

 

“……?”

 

“…how is it, Oppa?”

 

Asena asked.

 

But I was too engrossed to answer.
Instead, I thought to myself.

 

'What, why is this a little short?'

 

[T/N: Don't forget to read the next chapter.]