◆

She had some fond memories of the sports festival.

Of course, she didn’t replace Neria as a player, but… She did make a lunch box for her older sister. Despite being a marquis’ daughter, she was able to cook, perhaps wanting to give off a homely impression.

As Neria took care of all the ingredients and expenses, she was able to purchase luxurious items. Because of that, making bento boxes was a lot of fun! Besides, since Neria said that she could do whatever she wanted with them, she could afford to eat a delicious bento for lunch.

Nevertheless, unlike everyone else, she didn’t have anyone to eat with.

Still, the rice is delicious—!

Just that alone made her feel better, so it was worth it.

Then, as she ate lunch alone under the shade of the academy building…

“That bento sure looks tasty.”

W-why is he talking to me?

The voice belonged to someone so amazing, even calling his name felt like a sacrilege—

—The Modern Era Sage, Eivind Dahl.

Where did he come from? Does he pity me or something? More importantly…

She started looking around.

—If Neria finds out that I’m talking to him, I’ll be in trouble!

Even after confirming that Neria wasn’t around, she didn’t know what to do in that situation.

“Still, this lunch box looks familiar. Did you make one for your sister too?”

Uh-oh, this is why geniuses are scary.

Of course, there was no way she could answer honestly.

“…I, uh, she made it for me…”

“Hmm. Well, it doesn’t matter.”

Then why did you ask me that!?

Of course, there was no way she could say that outright.

Not only that, he casually took the fried egg from her lunch box and bite into it.

W-why!?

He licked his fingers with satisfaction.

“It’s sweet and delicious. Thanks for the food.”

“Ah, uhm…”

“Your sister always makes a fuss when she eats her bento. If she’s going to finish it anyway, shouldn’t she just be honest with the person who made it?”

“A-ah, uhm, I…”

“Anyway, I’ll wait until you’re done eating. Can I introduce you to someone? He seldom has home cooked food like this, so I’m sure he’ll be happy if you give him a taste.”

Thank you! That’ll make all the trouble worth it!

Moreover, that person rarely eats home cooked meals? Just how refined is that person’s palate!?

When I nodded, he chuckled.

“As long as you’re fine with it. Let’s do our best in the competition this afternoon!”

He waved his hand and disappeared once again.

The back of the academy building suddenly became quiet, and she let out a soft sigh.

“That guy is bad news…”

At that point in time, she had no way of knowing.

That at the sports festival a year later, the Incorrigible Villainess who possessed her would cause an incredible commotion…

◆

“Hmm, I wonder if there’s anything I can do?”

“Again? Why don’t you just give up?”

During my lunch break, I thought about it while eating with Anita in the cafeteria.

Of course, I was thinking about the 100 Friends Operation.

In fact, Hana Field, who had recently transferred, seemed to have made a lot of friends at that theater party. Her performance was well-received by the class. Even now, in the same cafeteria, Hana was surrounded by her classmates.

Look at her, smiling ever so lightly… I’m envious.

Maybe I’d stand a chance if I somehow became a transfer student… When Anita heard that, she got irked for some reason.

“Don’t mess with me.”

“What’s wrong?”

“A-are you saying that I’m not enough!?”

Ah, I love my friend so much today, too…

Anyway, I hurriedly made an excuse to Anita who had slammed her plate down.

“That’s not what I meant! But Anita, if it’s only the two of us, isn’t it kind of lonely?”

“N-not really…”

Can I hug her now? But she dislikes excessive skin ship. Which is adorable of her, by the way…

Personally, I wasn’t troubled with it being only the two of us. In fact, thanks to her, I had a lot of fun every day. Nevertheless, that’d have been selfish of me. After all, Anita was Nora’s friend. I also had to make friends for Cecily.

I can’t tell Anita that I’m a villainess possessing Cecily…

Hence why I couldn’t involve her in such a mysterious and bizarre situation. In fact, I remembered saying the exact same thing to someone before… But that’s irrelevant.

Then, right on cue, that someone approached us with food.

“Hey, cute ladies. Can we sit with you? I’ve come bringing some potential new friend.”

“Were you eavesdropping on us? That’s awful.”

“You always talk too loud.”

Having said that, Eivind and his friend, Mark, sat next to me and Anita as we brought our bags and cups together.

“Thank you.” Mark said in a small voice, and I replied with a nod, “No problem.”

Mark was a boy who often hung out with Eivind in the morning and after school. He was a third-year student from the class next door.

I, who judged his magic to be beautiful, had been keeping an eye on him ever since I possessed this body.

Fortunately, he was also a member of Magic Analysis Club, so I was able to get to know him recently.

...However, we only talked during discussion, and fairly little at that.

In fact, during club activities, I acted as Cecily’s spokesperson. It was difficult to say whether she and him had any direct contact.

Well, baby steps…

Basically, Mark seemed to be bad at socializing too. Except during debates, he could be said to be a man of few words. The rude exchange up until now had been solely between me and Eivind Dahl.

“By the way, have you all decided on which events you’ll be participating in?”

“What events are you talking about?”

In response to my question, Eivind simply told me while eating spaghetti.

“The sports festival is next month. Aren’t you supposed to decide what events you’ll be participating in by next week? That’s how it is every year.”

---

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