I Became the Mastermind Who Betrays the Heroines

[Translator - Peptobismol]

[Proofreader - Demon God]

Chapter 26 - Execution (1)

Meanwhile.

The faculty members watched the duel with keen interest.

They all seemed entranced.

"...What an overwhelmingly brilliant talent.”

A muttered comment slipped out from someone nearby.

Normally, such a remark would be met with ridicule, dismissing it as exaggeration, but this time, no one made a sound.

They simply sat in silence.

"...”

They say sometimes silence is a form of agreement.

The professors were hesitant to speak.

However, they were all thinking the same thing.

‘Genius.’

A talent that was nothing short of unprecedented in history.

Today, as they observed the duel, the faculty couldn’t help but be awestruck by the boy’s presence once more.

It was that captivating of a performance.

The professors unconsciously swallowed.

—The son of the Snake, huh? I didn’t expect much, but… what an interesting talent.

—Who would’ve thought a genius surpassing the Princess could exist?

—"Impressive” doesn’t even begin to describe it. His skills are better than some of our teaching assistants.

—To reach such heights at such a young age… the future is indeed promising.

The shock of his class placement test had left quite an impression.

The faculty was already aware of the boy’s potential.

So, when they heard about today’s duel, their expectations were naturally high.

But the boy…

{Shatter.}

…Didn’t just meet those expectations—he shattered them.

The magic that Lady Vanity had unleashed as her trump card was nullified with a mere gesture.

It was an endlessly graceful movement.

The professors were left speechless, frozen in place.

"...Hah.”

"Astonishing.”

"Perfect.”

"I never imagined he could pull this off… he’s far beyond what I anticipated.”

"What was I doing at that age?”

Each of them let out a hollow laugh.

Admiration, acknowledgment, reverence… as the diverse reactions surfaced, the lingering thrill grew even more intense.

A fleeting chill ran down their spines.

The professors couldn’t help but tremble with a smile.

"There’s no denying it.”

"At this age, I doubt he has any rivals.”

"There are still a few rough edges, probably due to his youth, but… in a few years, he might surpass all of us.”

"Where did such a monster come from?”

Their voices were filled with pure admiration.

Even those professors who had been rather harsh in their evaluations during the class placement test couldn’t help but clap in awe this time.

Overwhelming talent is always captivating.

"He’s a student I’d love to have.”

"I’d like to teach him myself… how brilliant might his growth be?”

"I’d love to take him as my assistant.”

"Hah… Do you think that’s enough? I’m willing to offer him the position of head assistant.”

"Is the bidding war starting already?”

"Count me in.”

A subtle yet fierce rivalry sparked.

The professors were already captivated by the boy.

Each expressed a desire to recruit him.

It was clear that they were determined to bring him under their wing.

As the commotion continued for a while…

"...”

A woman quietly observed the scene.

Her long purple hair cascaded down her back.

Her red eyes held a peculiar allure.

Selena was blankly staring at the arena.

Clatter—

As if startled by something, she dropped the bottle she had been holding.

The woman was frozen in place as if time itself had stopped.

"...I’ve found him.”

A murmur escaped her lips.

It was so faint that it could barely be heard, yet her voice carried a hint of excitement.

Selena trembled slightly with her head lowered.

Then.

"I must have him.”

A twisted smile spread across her lips.

Her body quivered as if burning with desire, but she quickly regained her usual cold demeanor.

It was a puzzling reaction.

"...”

The Dean watched the drunken woman.

But he didn’t ask any questions.

He never did.

■■■ turned his gaze away indifferently.

***

{The duel has concluded.}

{Emilia Vanity has been defeated. The victor is Judas Snakes.}

And so, the fierce duel came to an end.

Though the announcement echoed across the arena, a louder sound filled the space.

It was…

"Waaahhh! Sob… Hic…”

The sound of pitiful sobbing.

Emilia was bawling her eyes out, looking utterly wretched.

Her cries reverberated throughout the arena.

The girl’s pants were thoroughly soaked.

A yellow liquid pooled beneath her, forming a puddle. It was a scene that was difficult to even describe.

It felt as if human dignity itself had been shattered.

I averted my eyes and spoke up.

"Um, Lady Vanity?”

"Sniff… Sob…!”

"I didn’t mean to do it on purpose.”

"Waaahhh!!”

Emilia started crying even louder.

It was supposed to be an attempt to console her, but it must have sounded like taunting in her ears.

What am I supposed to do now?

No matter how I think about it, there’s no solution here. I decided to just keep my mouth shut.

I took off the outer coat I had draped like a cloak.

Then, I quietly placed it over Emilia’s legs.

It was to cover her up.

‘Of all things…’

I wanted to use my ability to erase the evidence, but I didn’t have enough power left.

I had used up too much during the duel, caught up in the excitement.

Ding!

[The output of the unique ability ‘Liar’ has been mostly depleted.]

[Current remaining output: 1.4%]

The message was particularly cruel today.

Without my ability, I was no different from an ordinary person.

In the end, I couldn’t be of any real help.

It was the medical staff who finally stepped in to clean up the mess.

They had been on standby in case of injuries and moved quickly to the center of the arena as soon as the duel ended.

"If anyone is hurt, please let us know.”

"There’s no injury, but Lady Vanity…”

"Sniff…”

The medic let out a faint sigh.

She looked around, then nodded as if she had grasped the situation.

Her expression revealed a complicated mix of emotions.

"We’ll take care of things from here. Student Judas, you may leave now.”

"...Understood.”

Reluctantly, I nodded.

I wanted to stay by her side out of guilt, but it seemed that Emilia needed some space to recover.

‘She probably doesn’t want to be near the cause of her… accident.’

In the end, I sighed and withdrew.

A slight regret lingered.

I should have exercised a bit more restraint. I went overboard in my enjoyment and ended up causing a disaster.

To think I failed to recall even a key character’s settings.

I used to be called an expert on [The World Seen by the Little Prince]...

"Time is cruel, isn’t it?”

It was a memory from three years ago.

It wasn’t even mentioned in the main story; it was a single line in an extra booklet.

The fact that I remembered it at all was impressive.

I repeated that non-excuse to myself as I left the public training arena.

As I was leaving, someone called out to me.

A bright voice.

"Lord Snakes…!”

I lifted my bowed head.

In my line of sight was a girl with long, flowing pink hair and sparkling green eyes.

I murmured.

"...Miss Regia?”

"Lord!”

Regia rushed toward me.

The girl quickly closed the distance and then threw her arms around me.

Warmth enveloped me suddenly.

"I’m so glad… I’m really glad…!”

"Hmm?”

"I never thought you’d win against Lady Vanity! I’m so relieved!”

Her pure joy was as radiant as sunshine in spring.

I couldn’t help but chuckle.

"Heh.”

"You said you’d be expelled if you lost to her! I’ve been so worried these past few days…”

Her green eyes curved like lively foliage.

Though she didn’t show it, she must have been anxious. The girl kept expressing her relief and showering me with congratulations.

It was likely her way of showing her joy.

Regia held me tightly.

The warmth spreading across my chest felt a bit awkward.

In response to her hug, I gently patted her head.

"...Ah.”

Only then did the girl realize what she was doing.

Regia, who had been frozen in place like a broken machine, quickly pulled away with a creak.

A faint blush tinged her pale cheeks.

"S-Sorry! I-I got too excited…!”

She hastily offered an excuse.

Whether it was because of the belated embarrassment, the girl covered her face with her hands.

She really is just like the protagonist I know.

Clumsy and foolish, but endlessly kind.

Someone who can truly be happy for others and even shed tears out of concern.

Perhaps a person too kind for their own good.

"With such enthusiastic congratulations… I can only be grateful.”

"D-Don’t tease me…!”

"I mean it.”

I gave her a playful smile.

I found it endearing.

She must have been struggling these past few days due to all the bullying, yet she still worried about others. It was commendable.

Once again, I patted her pink hair.

"Uh… L-Lord?”

"You’ll be fine now.”

"Huh?”

"I’m talking about the bullying. You’ve had a tough time because Lady Vanity targeted you, right?”

I spoke softly, my voice reassuring.

"Now that Lady Vanity has lost the duel… no one will dare to mistreat you anymore.”

"...”

"I’ll be by your side.”

Friends always help each other out, don’t they?

I added playfully.

Regia stared at me as if she had just heard something unbelievable.

I winked lightly at her.

"So, you don’t have to be afraid anymore.”

After all, that’s why I came to the academy.

I didn’t want your story to end in tragedy.

I wanted you to laugh, have fun, be happy, and love… and for it to all culminate in a beautiful conclusion.

That was the only reason for this wretched life.

Was it because she was moved by my sincere encouragement?

Regia remained silent for a while.

Perhaps it was because of the sunset, but her complexion looked especially red.

As if she was embarrassed.

"...Thank you, as always.”

"Heh, we’re friends. There’s no need for thanks.”

"Even so, I really wanted to say it.”

"You really are a good girl.”

Our eyes met briefly.

Sharing a small laugh, we began to walk.

It was the start of a long day’s journey.

"Now that your worries are behind you, I’m sure tomorrow will be filled with happiness.”

"Yes…!”

The Pilot and the Snake.

The two walked side by side.

***

The very next day.

The aftermath of the duel reached me quickly.

"...”

A tense silence filled the room.

Before me sat a girl with blue hair in twin buns.

How much had she cried for her eyes to still be red today? I felt like a criminal.

It was our first encounter since the lemonade incident.

‘This isn’t going to be easy.’

I sighed inwardly and turned my head.

At the opposite desk sat Selena. Her red eyes observed us with an unreadable expression.

She flipped through a few papers.

She was the one who had served as the executor during the duel.

"Well then, let’s proceed with the execution.”

Her tone was purely businesslike.

Today was the day to carry out the conditions set based on yesterday’s results.

It was the final stage.

However.

"Dear Head Professor.”

"What is it?”

"I apologize for interrupting, but may I say a few words before we begin?”

My plan was just getting started.

I subtly shifted my gaze.

The blue-haired girl sat there, looking defeated. She was a fallen villainess on the verge of losing everything and being cast out.

I clicked my tongue lightly.

"There’s a proposal I’d like to make to Lady Vanity.”

"A proposal?”

"It’s related to the execution. I’d like to discuss it with her privately.”

"You have my permission.”

"Thank you.”

My lips curled into a sinister smile.

Humans tend to be more susceptible when they’re down. Emilia would be no different.

It was the perfect opportunity to shake her resolve.

"Heh.”

Now then.

It’s time for some gaslighting.

[Translator - Peptobismol]

[Proofreader - Demon God]