Tilea's Worries

I was surrounded by Elizabeth's cronies.

Leading the group was Elizabeth's cousin, Girotina. Girotina was the number two in this academy. However, despite being second in command, Girotina's abilities were quite mediocre. Her magical prowess was likely below average. But her family background was different. Being related to Elizabeth was a significant advantage. That connection alone held power. Like Elizabeth, Girotina carried herself with an air of arrogance. Perhaps to mask her own insignificance, she focused solely on spreading harm to others.

In some ways, Girotina’s selfishness was even worse than Elizabeth’s.

Girotina wore a twisted smile, like a cat toying with a cornered mouse, contemplating how best to torment her prey.

"So, you think you can go against big sister Elizabeth and still live in this academy—no, in this capital?"

"I-I don't mean to go against her."

"Fool! Anyone who sides with that silver-haired brat is an enemy of Elizabeth-sama," Girotina barked, her lackeys joining in the intimidation.

No one who had defied Elizabeth’s faction had ever escaped unscathed.

I trembled.

A cold sweat ran down my spine.

Miles Vincent thought to herself.

This was inevitable. 

I had tried not to think about it, but deep down, I knew that following Timu-chan, who bulldozed through everything in her path, would eventually lead to this.

I was caught up in it all.

Even though I’m a noble, I’m nothing but a noble in name only. As a fallen noble, I can’t stand up to true nobility.

No, I shouldn’t use my title as an excuse. After all, Timu-chan is just a commoner.

The truth is, I’m just weak. I’m not strong like Timu-chan. My heart is weak.

Realistically, I should distance myself from Timu-chan. The moment I opposed Elizabeth, my life at this academy was in jeopardy.

But…

"Make up your mind already. If you do well, I might even reward you. You want money, don’t you?" Girotina suggested with a malicious grin.

It was an insult.

As if I’d accept money for betraying a friend!

Even though I’m a fallen noble, I still have a shred of pride.

"I-I can’t do it," I managed to reply, my voice trembling with fear.

"Vincent’s family is funded by us, right?"

"Yeah, I heard that poor noble family is neck-deep in debt. If Girotina-sama pulls the funding, they might just off themselves," one of the lackeys sneered.

"P-Please, stop!" I cried out in a panic.

I didn’t want to cause any trouble for my family.

Even though we’re nobles, we can’t afford to live lavishly. My father scraped together enough to pay for my tuition. I can’t repay him by causing more trouble. I don’t want to drop out.

"Then you know what you have to do," Girotina said in a sickly sweet voice, but her eyes told a different story.

Her gaze was like that of a snake, coiling around me. If I refused, I knew she’d retaliate. Her eyes made that very clear.

For the sake of my parents… my heart felt like it was about to break.

"B-But…"

"Ugh, enough of this indecision! You’re scared, aren’t you? Then don’t defy me!" Girotina snapped.

"I-I… Yes…" I whimpered.

I was scared…

If I defied her, I’d be dragged through hell.

Crushed by their intimidation, I was forced to agree.

Tears started to stream down my face.

"Good. From now on, you’re my spy. You’re close to that silver-haired brat. When she lets her guard down, stab her in the back with a knife, or poison her if you like. Just wait for my signal. And if you find any weaknesses, report them to me immediately."

"I…I…"

I had just sold out my friend.

I felt so ashamed, so weak.

Timu-chan, I’m sorry.

I wanted to disappear; I hated myself so much.

I couldn’t stop crying. How did things end up like this? I’ll never be able to return to the school life I once enjoyed, no matter how tough it was.

Now, I’d have to live with this guilt for the rest of my life.

Someone, please save me.

Father, Mother…

Jessica…

I suddenly thought of my friend who had dropped out of school.

I used to think of her as a kind but timid girl.

But I was wrong. When push comes to shove, she has a noble courage.

I remembered a time when our other friend, Edim, had been targeted by the upperclassmen. At the time, I was too new a friend to protect her.

No, that’s just another excuse. I was scared. Just like I am now.

Edim was nearly expelled, but Jessica stepped in to help her. She rallied the trustworthy teachers and older students to protect Edim. She wasn’t like me, too scared to act.

Edim had gotten into trouble in the first place because she stood up to a senior who was bullying someone weaker. I was so proud to have become friends with two such courageous people. And I was ashamed of how weak I was, unable to muster the same courage.

That’s right. I don’t want to feel like that again.

How can I not grow?

Timu-chan…

Arrogant and self-centered.

She probably doesn’t even see me as an equal friend. But that’s okay. Watching her mow down delinquent after delinquent with her average magical power was like something out of a heroic tale.

She has a noble spirit that refuses to bow to even the greatest enemies. I’m not as devoted as Anasie-senpai, who follows her like a servant, but I too am captivated by Timu-chan.

But what really decided it for me…

I could picture Timu-chan’s face, proudly talking about her sister.

Seeing Timu-chan happily eating the lunch her sister made was just too cute.

How could anyone with a heart not feel the urge to protect her from evil?

Even someone as weak as I am can find the courage. I want to protect her, no matter what.

I’m Timu-chan’s friend now.

"I still can’t do it."

"What did you just say?"

"I said, I can’t do it!"

No more hesitation. I looked Girotina straight in the eyes and refused firmly. Girotina and her lackeys looked stunned, as if they couldn’t believe what they’d just heard.

"Did I hear you wrong, or did you just refuse me?" Girotina said, glaring at me with contempt.

I won’t lose to scum like you.

I glared back at her, undaunted.

"You know what I said earlier. If you make me angry, it’s your family that’ll suffer. Do you want us to pull our funding?"

"I don’t care."

"Heh, if you can’t pay your tuition, you’ll be expelled. Your family might even lose its title due to the debt."

"I won’t stay in this academy by betraying a friend. Preserve my family’s title by selling out my friend? No way. My father would understand. In fact, he’d be furious if he knew I betrayed a friend for the sake of the family."

"Hmph, no wonder you’re a fallen noble. You can’t even make a rational decision."

"I’d hate to end up like you."

"Sure, my family may have fallen, but we still hold noble ideals. That’s why, even though I was scared, I fought with my life on the line when the demons attacked."

"What? You’re proud of that? You think that’s something worth bragging about?"

"I’m not bragging. I wasn’t the only one fighting for their life back then. My classmates, my teachers, the city guards… Everyone in the capital fought with pride to protect the ones they cared about. Not a single one of them fled in fear of the demons like you all did!"

"What?! How dare you say we were scared!"

"That’s right. You’ve got some nerve!"

"We were just assisting Elizabeth-sama during that time, that’s all."

Yes, Elizabeth’s faction was conveniently outside the country during the demon attack.

They fled.

While the students at the magic academy, led by the student council president Muvoderi, united against the demons…

Many who fought to defend the nation lost their lives, while those who cowardly ran away survived.

Ironically, this turn of events upset the balance of power between Muvoderi and Elizabeth.

It’s no wonder more foxes sought shelter under the tiger’s influence.

"Do you really expect us to believe that story?"

"It’s simple. If you don’t believe it, we’ll just have to educate you until you do."

"Exactly, as Girotina-sama says."

These people are rotten to the core. Unforgivable.

"Enough with the irrelevant talk. Let’s get back to the spy issue. I’ll ask one more time. Will you do it?"

"No way!"

"Are you scared of that silver-haired brat? Don’t worry, we’ve already done our research. She’s a fool who leaves herself wide open while eating lunch. It’d be easy for someone close to her, like you, to slip some poison in."

"Hey, all you have to do is that, and you’ll be under Girotina-sama’s protection. You should be grateful!"

"Exactly. Besides, that silver-haired brat brings her own lunch,

 like the poor commoner she is. It’s pathetic. Her family’s a lowly restaurant, so she probably just brings leftovers."

"Yes, no matter how much she tries to act high and mighty, she’s still just a commoner with a pitiful diet."

"Shut up! You have no right to look down on my friend! Timu-chan may be a commoner, but she’s more of a noble than any of you! And as for her ‘pitiful diet’? Her lunch is far superior to the garbage you call noble cuisine!"

I couldn’t take it anymore. I shouted out my true feelings with all my might.

Girotina and her group, who had been laughing moments ago, now looked furious.

It seemed they didn’t like being challenged by a fallen noble.

Girotina’s brow furrowed.

"Girotina-sama, it seems convincing her will be difficult. She’s a fool."

"Sigh… I suppose we’ll just have to find another use for her…"

"Girotina-sama, do you mean…"

"Heh, what about using her as a plaything?"

"Woohoo! This is why I stick with Girotina-sama!"

"Truly, we are grateful, Girotina-sama. Heh, and this one’s quite the catch."

Are they really planning to attack me?

A chill ran down my spine.

These people are beyond despicable.

I tried to run, but Girotina and her cronies surrounded me, leaving me with no escape.

"Now, there are plenty of us here. Enjoy it while it lasts. And entertain me."

"D-Do you think you’ll get away with this…"

"Heh, the capital’s security has worsened recently. The royal family doesn’t have the time to listen to complaints from a fallen noble. Neither does the headmaster."

Girotina sneered as she spoke, and at the same time, the men’s lecherous hands reached out for me.

"No! Stop!"

My clothes were torn. The sleeves and the hem of my skirt were ripped to shreds, exposing my skin.

Their eyes were filled with vile desire.

They pinned me down, their weight crushing my hope.

If they’re going to have their way with me, I’d rather…

"Ughhh!!"

Huh!?

Just as I was about to bite my tongue to escape the worst imaginable fate, I heard a man's scream.

When I opened my eyes...

"Timu-chan!?"

"Miles, what are you doing? Slacking off here? How dare my doll wander off on its own!"

"I-I’m sorry..."

It was Timu-chan who had appeared like a gust of wind and slammed the man who was straddling me into the ground. Her silver hair sparkled brilliantly.

Oh, Timu-chan.

She appeared in my moment of need like a hero straight out of a story, saving me.

Tears welled up in my eyes, and my body trembled with overwhelming relief.

"That was pretty harsh, don’t you think?"

"Anasie-senpai!"

Anasie-senpai extended a hand to help me up from where I had fallen.

"Miles, you are my doll. Don’t get dirty on your own. And how many times must I remind you to address me as Camilla-sama!"

"I-I’m sorry..."

"Honestly, you’ll need some education later. And to think you almost let yourself be toyed with by those lowlifes. How weak!"

"Y-Yeah, you're right. It’s pathetic... I’m really ashamed of myself."

I felt disgusted with myself for nearly giving in to those despicable scumbags.

"Indeed, weak. You are fragile to the core... However, I must admit I did enjoy your earlier declaration. Especially when you praised my sister’s bento. You do understand something, don’t you? Yes, if you are my doll, you must at least display that level of pride."

"Eh!?"

I was so happy.

Timu-chan, despite her usual way of speaking, might have actually acknowledged me a little.

"You lot!!"

Girotina suddenly bellowed at the sight of Timu-chan and her companions. She and her cronies glared at Timu-chan with venom, especially at Anasie-senpai, whom they now regarded with deadly intent for her betrayal.

"Anasie, you traitor!"

"The true queen has appeared. It’s only natural. Why remain loyal to a fake?"

"Shut up!"

"You be silent! You stand before Camilla-sama!"

Anasie-senpai silenced them with a sharp rebuke, like a knight sworn to Timu-chan's service.

"Anasie, guard Miles. I shall play with these fools."

"Haha! It will be an honor to witness your valor, Camilla-sama."

Timu-chan walked confidently toward them. Without warning, she punched one of the lackeys who had been standing nearby.

"Ugh! You… how dare a mere commoner—"

"Take this!"

"Ugh! N-No one has ever hit me, not even my father. How dare a mere commoner, s-stop—"

Timu-chan mercilessly pummeled the man. Each punch seemed to land with incredible force. His face swelled rapidly under the barrage of blows.

Timu-chan may have slender arms, but her strength was unbelievable.

"Please, stop, stop it!"

"Hmph!"

"Ughh, someone help!"

"Your pathetic cries make you a poor punching bag," Timu-chan remarked coldly. At this point, it was clear that, in her eyes, even nobles were reduced to mere pests, if not worse.

Girotina and her lackeys were frozen in fear, unable to make a move against Timu-chan. Well, they wouldn’t stand a chance. After all, Timu-chan had already crushed every delinquent and thug in the academy, including Elizabeth’s cronies. Her enemies, whose only claim to power was their family names, were no match for her. And even that didn’t matter to her.

Timu-chan continued to beat the man for a while.

"Hmm, if I keep hitting him, he might die. Anasie, what’s the count?"

"Fifty-three punches, Camilla-sama."

"I see, a new record. It was a challenge not to kill this weak insect, but my control is improving."

"Impressive as always, Camilla-sama."

It felt like they were playing a game.

From their conversation, it was clear that Timu-chan wasn’t even trying her hardest. Her strength was unfathomable.

The man who had attacked me lay twitching, barely clinging to life. Timu-chan casually tossed him aside, her interest in him gone, and she began searching for her next target.

Timu-chan’s rampage continued. She struck and kicked her foes with calculated precision, sometimes throwing them with ancient martial arts techniques. Anasie-senpai watched her with adoration, utterly captivated. Timu-chan had completely bewitched her.

And then… Anasie-senpai, who had been watching Timu-chan with such devotion, began blasting the fallen lackeys with magical energy—Wait, what!?

"A-Anasie-senpai, you’ll kill them!"

"Yes, of course, that’s the idea."

Anasie-senpai smiled sweetly as she continued her cold-blooded killing spree.

True, these people were despicable enough to deserve death, but still…

"Hey, Anasie, what are you doing?"

Timu-chan shouted, noticing Anasie-senpai's actions.

"Camilla-sama, these scum have committed an unforgivable crime by being disrespectful to you. Their only fitting punishment is death."

"Anasie, I told you before, my sister has commanded me not to kill anyone at the academy. Are you trying to make me break my promise to her?"

"No, I am the one killing them, so the promise remains unbroken."

"Hmm, that’s true."

"So, Camilla-sama, there is no need for you to dirty your hands with these lowlifes. Let me handle all the dirty work."

"Hmm, you have a point… No, wait, it’s still no good. You are my tool, my toy. I am responsible for my tools."

"Y-You’re right. Everything of mine belongs to Camilla-sama. Please, forgive this foolish servant and allow me to carry out this execution."

"Hmph. Well, these vermin did insult the bento my great sister made. Their crime is indeed severe. Death is fitting. Very well, Anasie, I will overlook this incident. It’s simply a case of my tool malfunctioning."

"Thank you for your mercy, Camilla-sama."

What… What is this?

I couldn’t keep up with their conversation. Anasie-senpai was completely obsessed with Timu-chan.

With their "heroics," it didn’t take long for Girotina’s lackeys to be lying on the ground, defeated.

Girotina herself was trembling, cowering in fear.

Of course. Timu-chan’s power was like that of a raging god.

"If you dare touch me, Elizabeth-sama won’t stay silent!"

Girotina tried to bluster her way out, but it had no effect on Timu-chan. If anything, it only made things worse.

But if Timu-chan really harmed her, things would escalate beyond control.

Nobles are highly protective of their own blood. The more pride they have in their lineage, the fiercer their retaliation will be against anyone who dares harm them.

"Um, Camilla-sama?"

"What is it?"

"Elizabeth truly cares about this one. If you lay a hand on her cousin, she’ll be absolutely furious."

"Hmm."

Timu-chan seemed to ponder my words.

It might already be too late, but provoking Elizabeth further would be disastrous. Her family isn’t just tied to the royal family—they’re rumored to have connections with the underworld as well.

If we anger her family, we might be targeted by assassins from all over the world.

Timu-chan, please, just let this go.

I hoped she understood.

"Heh, that’s right. Elizabeth-sama dotes on me. Do you understand what that means? If you know what’s good for you, get on your knees and beg for forgiveness!"

Girotina mistook Timu-chan's silence for submission and started barking orders at her, hurling insults one after another.

Oh no, I have a bad feeling about this.

"Anasie."

"Yes?"

"Strip this one naked and hang her from the top of the school building."

"W-Wait, Camilla-sama!"

"What is it?"

"A-Are you really going to do this…?"

I already knew the answer, but I had to ask.

"Why would I lie? In truth, this one deserves to die for daring to lay hands on my property. Not to mention, she insulted me and my sister. She should be impaled and executed. But that would break my promise to my sister, so I’ve decided on a lesser punishment."

"As expected of Camilla-sama."

Anasie-senpai praised Timu-chan.

"B-But…"

"I understand why Miles would object. It’s a lenient punishment, considering the crime. I’ve grown soft."

"No, that’s not what I—"

It was no use. Once Timu-chan made up her mind, nothing could stop her.

Anasie-senpai, ever the devoted follower, had already begun stripping Girotina and binding her with rope. She fully intended to hang her from the roof.

"Fools need to cool their heads at great heights."

Timu-chan watched with satisfaction as the scene unfolded.

"Elizabeth is going to be furious."

"Good. It’s about time she got serious. I’ve grown tired of dealing with her weak minions."

"Heh…"

All I could do was laugh nervously.

Girotina thrashed and struggled, but Anasie-senpai held her firmly. There was no escape. Without hesitation, Anasie-senpai carried Girotina towards the building, climbing up to the roof as if it were nothing.

"Anasie, don’t let her down for three days."

"As you command."

Anasie-senpai, unwavering in response to Timu-chan's merciless command, climbed up to the roof of the school building and tied Girotina to the very top. Despite her curses and shouts, there was no pity to be found. In fact, I couldn't deny the small sense of satisfaction that welled up within me. Girotina had tormented countless students, leaving many trembling in fear. She and her powerful family were seen as untouchable, and everyone believed that going against them meant certain doom. I had believed that too.

But Timu-chan... she acted as if such concerns were beneath her. She didn't show even a flicker of fear.

Maybe I should take a page from Timu-chan's book. Although I still worried about what might come, I couldn't help but feel that Timu-chan was in the right—punishing a villain like Girotina. So perhaps it was okay.

However, it's quite the scene, tying her up so high, right in the middle of the academy. This was bound to draw attention from everyone. The humiliation was undeniable, even if she wasn’t a noble. The uproar when the queen—Elizabeth—found out would surely be something to behold.