◆

The life of Cecily Travasta was akin to that of withered grass.

Everything she did was for the sake of her family, her twin sister, and her house.

Starting from childhood, she had to do all the house chores. If she were to so much as refuse, she’d be locked up in a cold barn for three days. She only ever ate the leftovers of her family. Her clothes were nothing more than hand-me-downs and she never wore anything fashionable, unlike her gorgeous and adorable sister.

She once dreamed that everything would change once she left home and started living in a dormitory at the academy, but… In the end, she spent most of her time taking care of her older sister. In spite of that, she always worked hard at her studies.

She was enrolled in a magical academy where many aristocrats attended. She had little magical power, and couldn’t care less about her appearance…

…Therefore, even if it meant being taken advantage of, she only had her sister.

The nickname ‘Withered Grass Lady’ was suitable for her.

Her sister received all the favor, while she was left with nothing, much like grass drained of all nourishment and withering.

Surely, nothing would change until the end.

I’ll die as nourishment for my sister—

—isn’t that fine?

I’m sick of living like this.

I’ve had enough…

A certain incorrigible villainess from 800 years ago would change that.

—At that time, she didn’t even dare to imagine it, not even in her wildest dream.

◆

—Speaking of which, I hadn’t caught her name.

I intended to ask, but she fell asleep almost immediately.

That’s fine. If you’re tired, the first thing you should do is get some rest.

For the time being, I noticed she was wearing the same uniform as the girls on top of the stairs, along with matching green ribbon.

Are they from the same grade?

After 800 years, pushing your classmates down the stairs is how friends have fun…

I stood up and climbed the stairs as I spoke.

“That’s no way to greet someone as petite as me. I heard that the weaker the pack, the more they flock together. No matter how much time changes, some things never change.”

Fufu, what’s wrong? Why do they look so terrified?

Okay, maybe I lost control of my bloodlust and magic for a bit there~

Anyway, it seemed that the teacher asked me to carry some print outs. Despite that, they shoved such a classmate down the stairs. As expected, I couldn’t think of a single good reason for why they’d do that.

Instinctively, I lifted the chin of one of the girls with my fingertips.

“Cute, so cute… You both think so too, don’t you?”

As I licked my lips at their adorableness—

“—W-what crude things are you saying!?”

My hand was shaken off, …and it was at that moment I realized that after 800 years, I was no longer accustomed to moving a body, and tumbled down the stairs.

…Fufu, did I hit something? My whole body is in pain.

When I stood up again, the girls on the stairs screamed.

Considering it was an academy attended by aristocrats, those screams were quite vulgar.

I tried to look up, but my head was twisted sideways and wouldn’t budge?

“Hm.”

Regardless, I stood up. I could still move my limbs. I had to walk sideways to approach them, but… From the perspective of someone who had been sealed in a crystal for 800 years, it was nothing.

Freedom of movement sure is wonderful—!

Furthermore.

“Fufu, …Ahaha—! It hurts! It hurts so bad!!”

I was hurting everywhere, yet I found it blissful. I felt pain for the first time in 800 years! Ah, this is what it means to be alive! Right, wasn’t I tortured before being sealed? How terribly nostalgic! I couldn’t stop laughing!

I had to express my gratitude to them! So, I started walking again before realizing they were in tears. While letting out screams uncharacteristic of a noble lady, they scrambled down the corridor.

Oh, I’m sorry.

Although I could follow them, I had to do something about the scattered papers… After all, it was considered an unfinished task of the owner of this body. I promised in the contract that I’d do it properly.

It happened when I was about to go down the stair. …I lost my footing. Because my head was still twisted sideways, I couldn’t see properly.

I was somewhat excited for the impact, wondering if the painful sensation would return.

I floated for a moment, but instead of falling down the stairs, I fell into the arms of a certain male student.

Ooh, isn’t he handsome?

The mole near his mouth was sexy. His flaxen-colored hair, which was softer than gold, seemed silky. Despite his bright skin, his contour and muscles suggested he was a boy.

The boy showed me a gentle smile.

“Are you okay? You just fell.”

“Thank you for your concern, but I’m fine, so I’d appreciate it if you would release me soon.”

While I could just get along with the dazzling man, I wanted to postpone romance until later. First of all, I had to get accustomed to student life. In that case, same-sex friends would be better.

However, ignoring my plea, the boy refused to let me go.

“Hee… I was surprised by that exchange just now, but are you really that Cecily Travasta? Did you hit your head?”

…Half-correct.

I didn’t hit my head, but her personality did indeed change.

Yet as there was no way I’d tell anyone else about that, I said, “Excuse me,” while dismissing the hand that was about to touch my head. Slightly sharpening my tone, I continued to complain.

“Will you put me down? I want to pick up my papers.”

“Oh, you mean these?”

He whistled. Immediately, the scattered papers gathered in one place. After glancing at the contents, he cooed again, “The history teacher,” and the bundle of papers flew off somewhere on its own.

Seeing the splendid technique, my eyes went round.

“Oh, so there are people in this world who can practice sorcery!”

“Haha, what are you talking about? It’s just a spell.”

Even though I went to the trouble of praising him, I was laughed at. “Sorcery is just an ancient delusion.”

…I’m sorry to tell you, but I’m the child who practiced said delusion.

But if that was the case, did the concept of sorcery—my favorite subject—no longer exist in this world? I only had a vague understanding of the concept of magic, but the magic in this world seemed to have been built upon a completely different theory.

“—How lonely.”

“Hm? What’s the matter?”

“It’s nothing. More importantly, when will you put me down?”

“Hmm… When we get to the infirmary, maybe?”

And then, he started walking, with me still in his arms.

As such, I couldn’t help but notice…

…The gazes of the other students (especially females) sting. Are you jealous? Certainly, this witchy boy is good-looking.

While being carried by the handsome guy, I waved at the other students. Naturally, I gave them my own greeting, saying, “I wish you all the best for the year ahead.”

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***T/N: What an intro, I’m sure it’s harrowing… for those female students anyway.

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