Chapter 2: The Failed "Bullying" Scene

Elara stood frozen in the middle of the hall, her jaw almost hitting the floor.

‘Cool? Confident? What is wrong with these people?!’ she screamed internally. ‘I was clearly being rude and arrogant! That is the definition of a villainess!’

She took a deep breath to calm her racing heart. ‘Okay, okay. Calm down, Elara. The first attempt failed, but that’s okay. Villainesses have many tricks up their sleeves.’

She remembered the standard plotline: The Villainess always bullies the poor but kind Heroine.

‘Right!’ she thought. ‘If I can’t scare the Prince, I’ll just bully the main girl! Then the Male Lead will definitely hate me! Mission accomplished!’

She scanned the room and quickly found her target.

In a corner, sitting quietly with a book, was Lia. She had soft brown hair, gentle eyes, and wore a simple but clean dress. She was the spitting image of the classic "Pure Heroine." Everyone loved her, and she was destined to end up with the Prince.

‘Perfect,’ Elara smirked mischievously. ‘Prepare yourself, Lia. Today is your unlucky day!’

Elara adjusted her skirt, put on her most intimidating glare, and marched towards Lia with heavy steps. Thump, thump, thump.

She arrived right in front of Lia's table and slammed her hand down loudly.

BAM!

Lia jumped in surprise, dropping her quill. She looked up with wide, innocent eyes.

"Eek! L-Lady Elara..."

Elara put one hand on her hip and pointed a finger at her, trying to look as fierce as possible.

"You!" Elara shouted. "What do you think you're doing sitting there? This table is obviously reserved for people of high status! Don't you know who I am? I am Elara Vance! How dare you occupy my space, you insignificant little bug!"

She waited for Lia to cry, or for someone to call her mean.

But...

Lia looked at Elara’s angry face, then at Elara’s hand which—unbeknownst to Elara—had accidentally moved the heavy vase away so it wouldn't fall on Lia's book.

Lia’s eyes filled with tears, but not from sadness.

"Lady Elara..." Lia whispered softly. "You... you moved the vase away so it wouldn't hit my book... You were worried about me, weren't you? Even though you act tough, you are actually so kind!"

Elara blinked. ‘Wha—?! I didn’t do that on purpose!’

"N-No! I was just—"

"You are so cool!" Lia suddenly stood up and clasped her hands together. "You pretend to be mean so you can protect people in secret! You are like a tsundere angel! I admire you so much!"

‘Tsundere angel?! What is that?! I’m a VILLAIN!’

Before Elara could argue, Lia grabbed her hands.

"Please, can we be friends? You are so strong and confident! I wish I could be like you!"

Around them, other students who were watching started nodding in agreement.

"Wow, Lady Elara is really nice deep down!"

"She just has a unique way of showing it!"

"She even protected Lia's book! So sweet!"

Elara felt her soul leave her body. She looked around desperately for help... or rather, for someone to scold her.

And that’s when she saw him.

Prince Kael was leaning against a pillar near the doorway, watching the entire scene with his arms crossed.

His face was still calm, but there was a distinct amusement dancing in his eyes. He looked like he was watching the most entertaining show in the world.

When their eyes met, Kael slowly pushed himself off the wall and walked towards them.

The crowd went silent again. Elara straightened up immediately. ‘This is it! He saw me bullying Lia! He’s going to scold me! He’s going to hate me! Yes!’

Kael stopped in front of them. He looked at Lia, then turned his gaze to Elara.

Elara puffed her cheeks out and tried to look as defiant as possible. "What are you looking at? Are you here to scold me? Go ahead! I don't care!"

She was practically begging him to get angry.

Kael looked down at her, his lips curling into that annoying, handsome smile again.

"Scold you?" he asked softly. "Why would I do that?"

"Because... because I was being mean to her!" Elara pointed at Lia.

Kael glanced at Lia, who was still smiling brightly at Elara. Then he looked back at Elara’s flushed, frustrated face.

He leaned down slightly, his voice low enough that only she could hear.

"Mean? On the contrary... You tried so hard to look scary, yet you still subconsciously protected her book. You are trying your best to be 'bad', but your nature is too pure to hide it."

He chuckled lightly.

"You are the worst villainess I have ever seen, Elara. And that is exactly why... I can't take my eyes off you."

He straightened up and addressed the room.

"Lady Elara has a unique way of interacting with others. Anyone who bothers her... will answer to me."

Then he turned and walked away, leaving Elara standing there, completely stunned.

‘Wait... wait! What just happened?!

He didn't hate me!

He protected me!

And he called me cute?! NO, he said I was a bad villainess! Which is true, but still!

Why is everything going wrong?! Why is my life becoming more like a romance novel the harder I try to avoid it?!’

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***