Chapter 464 - Soar, Bird, and Muddy Your Tracks as You Please!
Peaceful days always feel irreplaceable.
But if they go on too long, they inevitably turn into boring ones. How selfish humans are, don’t you think?
Especially for someone like me, who craves constant stimulation—boredom is nothing short of poison.
If I stayed here any longer, I’d surely explode and do something reckless.
I wouldn’t even hesitate to start a war. Pick fights with anyone, cause chaos without a care for society’s rules.
Exactly the sort of villainous behavior that spreads toxicity.
And so, at long last, these regretful yet stifling days have come to an end.
We’re returning to Exembra tomorrow at dawn. The day has finally come.
Today is the night party held just before the Academy’s winter break.
It’s a free-for-all event where female students invite their fiancés or partners, and apparently, it’s quite the grand affair.
I had absolutely no intention of attending—but then the Third Prince invited me, so I had no choice. If I tell myself this is the last time, enduring the hassle isn’t impossible.
After completing all the tedious preparations, I attended, and some time has passed since the party began.
It’s exactly what you’d expect from a gathering of noble children—bright, lively, and vibrant. The emphasis is on fun over refinement, which is kind of endearing.
Most importantly, it’s nice seeing the students I know having a good time. Though personally, I’m dying of boredom.
"Yukari… oh, pardon me. Evilbanshee-sensei, how about this wine?"
Maximilian, the Third Prince of Berliza. What a deliberately slick talker.
Still, I’m surprised a royal would personally attend such a party, even if it’s to add prestige. For me, who’s forced to accompany him, it’s nothing but a nuisance.
"I’ll pass."
With a guy like this, coldness is just about right. I reply curtly, and the prince flashes a warm, disarming smile.
I dredge up faint memories from the past. Even though I’m forgetful, I made a point of remembering a major country’s prince—just in case he’d be useful someday.
Same as when we met once before—his charm is still suspiciously over-the-top. Time hasn’t changed him; he’s still a shallow prince through and through.
"You’re being quite cold. Can’t we talk like we used to?"
"Talk like we used to? I don’t recall anything of the sort. Don’t make up stories on your own."
"How odd. I remember it as a beautiful memory. That time, your captivating…"
He starts spouting meaningless flattery in a teasing tone.
What’s this? Does he seriously think he can charm me like this? If so, he really is a ridiculous fool.
I’m seriously considering punching him when a sudden, noisy commotion begins to shift the party’s atmosphere.
"W-what did you say!?"
"Engaging in an engagement… here?"
"Could it be… Edith-sama…?"
Edith? My keen ears catch the name.
I instantly search for her and spot a curly-haired girl facing off against a young nobleman.
Looking closer, her face is tense, overflowing with dissatisfaction and anger. This mood is anything but fitting for a joyful party. What’s going on?
No, her expression even looks… a little like she’s about to cry?
Wait. Could it be she’s been dumped and is on the verge of tears?
Edith, of all people, being dumped?
That’s shocking. But despite her tough act, she’s still a young girl. Maybe grief and sorrow just spilled over. Still, what kind of situation is this?
"I’ll say it again. Our engagement is hereby dissolved as of today!"
A smug, vaguely handsome noble declares in an overbearing tone.
He seems to enjoy the surrounding confusion, speaking loudly and dramatically, as if it were all rehearsed.
He clearly intends to make a spectacle of Edith and steal the spotlight.
Yeah, that’s probably exactly what he’s doing. Announcing a broken engagement in front of such a large crowd.
What a joke. What’s he playing at?
"There are many reasons, but if I must name one—it’s your improper conduct. Distracted by childish doll play, behaving in ways unbefitting a lady, I simply cannot—"
Such a stupid reason. It’s unbearable to listen to.
I snatch the glass the prince was holding and down the contents in one go. I prefer brandy, but this wine isn’t bad. Though given what’s about to happen, it’s a real waste.
"Phew. Your Highness, there’s going to be a little show soon. Care to watch from the front row?"
"A show? What’s about to happen, I wonder."
The prince replies with a carefree expression. I think he’s insufferable, but I can’t help but appreciate that one trait. I return his question with a smile.
"Even if you don’t realize it, I’m in a position to protect that girl. As her club advisor, as an Academy instructor, I can’t just stand by and watch my student get humiliated."
I begin walking, idly toying with the empty glass in my hand.
How much should I charge for Edith’s humiliation? At the very least, I’ll make sure to wreck this little scene he’s created in spectacular fashion.
"Wait, please! Evilbanshee-sensei, that’s far enough!"
The noble who just broke off the engagement raises his voice with a dramatic pose, as if he’d been waiting for my move. Seems he knows at least a little about me.
His demeanor is slightly different from his earlier arrogance—now a forced, gentlemanly manner. It doesn’t suit him at all.
"A mere Academy instructor has no right to interfere in the affairs of high-ranking nobles. And as for Edith’s misconduct, Evilbanshee-sensei, aren’t you partly responsible? After all—"
What nonsense. Who does he think he is? Like I’d waste time on a brat’s idle chatter.
Giving in to irritation, I lightly slam the glass onto the stone floor. It shatters with a sharp sound, cutting off his words exactly as intended.
The sudden surge of tension swallows the room, and the party’s noise dies in an instant.
Now it’s my turn.
"You were really enjoying your little speech, weren’t you?"
I slowly approach, stepping on the broken shards.
Whether from my presence or sheer intimidation, the man stumbles backward, flustered. Pathetic.
"W-wait. This is a matter among high-ranking nobles—"
Like I care. I don’t like it—that’s reason enough.
And he’s still spouting more pointless excuses. Looks like my threat wasn’t strong enough.
I grab a costly wine bottle from the table.
Hmph, not my preferred brand, I mutter, raising it ostentatiously.
"Wha—"
His voice chokes. I can feel the entire room holding its breath.
Dropping a glass? That’s excusable. But smashing a bottle? No excuse will save him now. That’s what most of these fools are thinking—that a mere instructor would dare such a thing with royalty present.
Not my problem. I swing the bottle down without hesitation, shattering it against the table beside the smug noble.
Deep red liquid spreads across the floor, resembling blood, and my mood lifts slightly.
"Now, continue. What did you mean—that I bear responsibility?"
The hem of my black dress soaks up the spilled wine. Tch, unpleasant.
The noble tries to stammer an excuse, but I keep advancing.
I grab another wine bottle from a nearby table and tap it lightly against the table. His face turns pale. Does he think I’ll hit him?
"Y-you can’t do this! The royal family is present! Such vulgar violence won’t be tolerated!"
"Oh really?"
I lock eyes with the brat from close range, deliberately smiling. He takes a step back, stumbling weakly. Pitiful.
As I step forward again, he tries to turn toward the prince. That low? Honestly unexpected.
"Are you seriously begging the prince for help? What a fine noble you are."
I slowly tilt the bottle, pouring expensive wine freely onto the floor.
It’s a real waste to spill such high-quality wine, but it’s effective for setting the mood. Let them learn—disrespect is the exclusive privilege of true villains. Not some kid’s game.
"Whatever Edith does, she’s my student. You humiliated her, then had the nerve to say I’m responsible? Seems you’re terribly mistaken. Now, how should I correct that?"
I toss the empty bottle onto the floor. It doesn’t break, just rolls with a ridiculous, out-of-place sound.
"You’re not mistaking me for someone powerless, are you?"
I lower my voice. If I wanted to, I could do anything. I’m a villain with real power, after all.
Thinking I might actually kill him, he raises both hands and scrambles backward, utterly cringing. How miserable.
"I-insane! T-to do this here—surely you can’t be serious—"
"Pathetic."
One step. Another. Every time I advance, he retreats.
With each step, the spreading crimson wine soaks deeper into my black dress. So irritating.
"Y-your Highness, this woman has completely lost her—"
He desperately tries to call for help, but his voice cuts off.
He sees my hand reaching for his throat and falls silent. I don’t intend to kill him, but maybe I’ll squeeze just a little.
"Evilbanshee-sensei."
Suddenly, the prince’s voice reaches me.
"Getting in my way?"
"Not at all. Please, enjoy yourself. Though I might suggest avoiding anything that’ll make the cleanup harder."
The prince casually sips his wine, still wearing that shallow smile.
What an interesting man. I can’t like him, but I’ll admit—he’s got guts.
"What do you take me for?"
I say toward the prince, then grab the noble’s collar, yank him close, and whisper in his ear.
"Leave. Never go near Edith again. If you don’t listen, I’ll destroy your family. Hunt you down by any means. Even a child knows it’s reckless to make enemies of me—and House Ribbonstrat. You’re free to defy me, but don’t expect to sleep peacefully for the rest of your life."
He understands I’m serious. The blood drains from his face.
That should suffice as a warning. A high-class noble brat humiliated like this in front of so many people.
Let them all remember—if anyone dares mock my student, the bill comes due.
"Evilbanshee-sensei! I have urgent news!"
Ruth Cleados, the Student Council President of Cleados, comes rushing over—someone who shouldn’t have been at the venue at all.
A perfect lady on the surface, but what’s so urgent that she’d come running like this? Clearly, it’s serious.
Ruth glances at the approaching prince but still delivers her message.
"Do you know Asralylis-sama?"
"Of course I do. What about her?"
"Asralylis-sama has begun moving toward us. She ordered me to inform you immediately."
Fourth Princess Asralylis Lea Berliza. Loved by those close to her, amusing to the general public, and feared by villains.
An heiress who makes a hobby of hunting down evildoers without regard for others’ troubles. Affectionately—and otherwise—known by the nickname “Akki,” the Evil Princess. As her fan, I’ve secretly kept an eye on her for a long time.
But why is the Student Council President involved? Seems she got the info from her father, Count Cleados.
I glance at the prince, who wears an oddly smug expression. What’s that about?
"Asralylis seems quite interested in you. When I told her you were leaving tomorrow, she got all fired up, saying she’d catch you tonight."
"Huh? What’s that supposed to mean?"
Does she plan to arrest me on some charge?
I’ve got connections everywhere, especially with the Intelligence Department and other factions among Berliza’s nobility… So this must be the Evil Princess acting on her own.
Still, outright opposing royalty is risky. It’d mess up my operations in Berliza.
In cases like this, I’ve done it before—running is the only option.
We’re scheduled to leave tomorrow at dawn, so all our luggage is already loaded onto the vehicles.
I don’t know how much the princess knows about my travel plans or route, but judging by timing, probably not in detail. Escaping should be manageable.
"Your Highness, sorry for the disturbance. I’ll be taking my leave now."
"Oh? Leaving already?"
The prince tilts his head, feigning confusion. What a smooth operator.
"The Evil Princess, famous for villain-hunting—I’m actually a big fan of hers. It’s an honor to be her target, but I have no intention of getting caught."
I flash a sly grin, and the prince laughs, amused. Huh. That smile suits him way more than his earlier fake charm.
Well then.
It’s sudden, but my time in Berliza ends here. One last word.
"Edith!"
The curly-haired girl looks up. Her tears seem long gone, but a gloomy face doesn’t suit her at all. Not even a little. Not one bit.
"Don’t worry about that idiotic nonsense. As my student, I expect you to hold your head higher."
"…I know."
Her pitiful expression vanishes, replaced by a defiant grin. Good.
"See you. Say hello to everyone else for me."
I’ve already said my goodbyes to the students I’m close to, mainly from the Magic Doll Club. A quick glance around at the others here is enough as a farewell.
No more words are needed.
As I speak, I start running. Outside the building, the city feels noisier than usual. The Evil Princess’s influence?
"Tch, this is bad. Could the pursuit already be on me?"
Either way, pursuers will head straight for the party venue first. So no problem.
"This is Shinogami. Emergency broadcast to all Kikyo Society members. Repeat, emergency broadcast from Shinogami—we’re leaving Berliza earlier than planned. Leaving now. Assemble immediately at the hotel where the vehicles are. Hurry, assemble now!"
I heard the members returning to Exembra, plus those staying behind, were gathering for a banquet this final night.
I was originally supposed to join right after the party ended.
I heard my little sister would be there too, so assembling shouldn’t be difficult.
Still, worst case, pursuers might already be headed toward the hotel.
But no obstacle is impossible for us to break through. It might get rough, but that’s just how it has to be.
Sorry, Evil Princess, but let’s call our showdown another time.
"This is Valeria. Onee-sama, we’re already near the hotel, so preparation won’t take long."
"Got it! We’ll depart as soon as I arrive!"
It’s hectic, but maybe this is just how we are.
We’ve already had more than enough time to dwell on memories.
Next. Once we’re back in Exembra, another fight is surely waiting for me.
I’ll need to plan new operations too. Expand our ranks, make the organization stronger and stronger.
That’s how we’ll grow our Kikyo Society—until we stand atop the Three Great Families.
It’ll get busy again. Not a shred of nostalgia remains, and no time to think about it.
And if needed, I’ll return in a heartbeat.
After all, we’re powerful villains—we’re freer than anyone.
So I can say it easily.
"Farewell. Until we meet again!"
End! It’s an abrupt ending, but details will be in the activity report.
To everyone who read this far, thank you so much. Finishing such a long story is no small feat—you should be proud! Seriously, go brag about it!
And if you could leave a positive comment, I’d be thrilled. Just one final word, a little feedback—please leave something behind!