I Became the Villain's Trainer-Chapter 85

Chapter 85

The moonlight streamed through the window, casting a pale white glow. Bathed in the light, Ysildus seemed as if he had just stepped out of a fairy tale, with the stars glittering around him like falling dust. Was this what people meant by the ‘main character aura’?

Not only was Ysildus graceful, but he was also an exceptional dancer. Compared to Alexa, who had the benefit of knowing a little about the future as a transmigrator, Ysildus was a perfect cheat character. Alexa twirled in his grasp, thankful that the hours of practice had paid off. Even if she was still far from graceful, at least she no longer felt like a flailing fish.

At this point… maybe like a stiff branch?

‘Is that much of an improvement?’

Alexa moved awkwardly to follow Ysildus’ fluid steps, her rigid body creaking as she traced a curved line in the air. The silence of the room was broken only by Ysildus’ gentle humming.

Goodness, he could even sing well. His voice was like the soft notes of a lyre, though quieter, more like the gentle ripple of a stream.

Without realizing it, Alexa found herself focusing on Ysildus’ voice. He held her hand as they spun again.

“How is it? Do you think you’re getting the hang of it?”

Ysildus whispered near her ear, and Alexa shivered at the sudden warmth of his breath. Startled, she glanced back at him, rubbing her ear with a pout.

“No… I really don’t think this is working for me.”

“See? I told you. Maybe you’d be better off just reading that book.”

Ysildus grinned, nodding toward the bed where a book lay open. How to Become a Princess. Alexa’s face fell. Maybe that really was the answer. In this strange land, no one batted an eye at Ysildus or Terrun wearing dresses, after all.

She had even asked Jane, the innkeeper, about it when she brought in Alexa’s homedress. Jane had laughed awkwardly but offered an encouraging response: ‘It’s best to stick to what you’re good at.’

“Ugh… Maybe if I keep practicing, I’ll get better.”

Isildus nodded as if to say, ‘Suit yourself,’ and trailed after her as she collapsed onto the bed. Of course, he naturally curled up right beside her, earning a sharp glare from Alexa.

“Don’t you feel really cramped?”

“Not at all. But... Alexa.”

“Hm?”

“Do you hate me now?”

“What?”

Alexa shot upright, completely taken aback. All she had wanted to do was mention how it was inappropriate for men and women to share a bed as they grew older, but now, why was this the conclusion he was jumping to? Ysildus, his face still round with youthful softness, buried it in the pillow, peeking up at her with a mournful look.

“Do you really hate me?”

“Of course not!!” Alexa quickly denied it.

She was suddenly reminded of how young Ysildus still was. It wasn’t possible for her to harbor any ill feelings toward him. Not after everything they had been through together. Ysildus had been a huge part of why she was able to adjust to this world. And when he was still a puppy, he had showered her with unconditional love.

How could she ever hate him?

She shook his shoulder gently. “I could never hate you.”

“Then... do you like me?”

Ugh, why did you have to ask like that? Alexa blinked at him. Ysildus stared straight at her, a look on his face that Terrun would probably call the ‘sly fox’ expression if he had seen it. Ysildus didn’t let her hesitation slide.

“…So you don’t like me?”

It felt like one of those awkward questions where someone asks if you like your mom or dad more. She leaned more toward ‘like,’ but for some reason, saying the words felt odd. But seeing his disappointment, she quickly shook her head.

“I like you! I like you a lot.”

“Really?”

“Of course. I like you more than anyone in the world.”

Did she really need to go this far? But seeing Ysildus’ radiant smile, like a blossoming flower, she realized it was the right thing to say. After all, what harm could it do? Ysildus wasn’t asking in that way. It was purely innocent, wasn’t it?

“I like you too, Alexa. More than anyone in the world.”

Wait, what? Did I say something like that? Alexa pressed a hand to her spinning head. It was the same phrase, yet coming from him, it felt different. There was something oddly nuanced in his tone that made her shake her head. No, this was just her overthinking it, an adult who couldn’t take simple affection at face value. Of course, Ysildus liked her, Terrun, the moon – everything. He must have meant it in that sense.

Still, it was true that Ysildus had a special fondness for her. After all, she had saved him and taken care of him, allowing him to grow up strong. Any feelings he had were based on pure, human affection.

Ysildus lifted his head from the pillow and smiled mischievously. If Visten had seen, he would have called him a ‘despicable little wolf.’ In any case, Ysildus locked it in with one more line.

“You like me, I like you – we like each other, right?”

It felt like something a child would say, wanting reassurance that they were still more loved than their sibling. Alexa tried to think of it that way and nodded.

“Right.”

It wasn’t a lie, after all. She gave her answer and let her tired body sink back into the bed. Today had been long and exhausting. Countess Eneroff had announced that she would be putting off lessons for the other young ladies and focusing on Alexa for a while. All in preparation to transform her into a proper County’s Young Lady fit for society.

The way to pour tea, drink it, engage in small talk, smile, and walk. The Countess said Alexa needed to learn all of these, though Carlisle had promptly dismissed the notion.

[‘Society can adapt to Alexa. It’s time the rules of high society were updated.’]

Alexa thought it would be best if Carlisle wasn’t present for her lessons. He always wanted to change things, and Essellia always wanted to buy things. She had spent a good 15 minutes trying to dissuade them from installing mirrors across the entire dance hall.

“Ugh... I’m exhausted.”

“Exhausted?”

“Yeah...”

Ysildus brushed a strand of hair from her cheek. His hands had grown larger with him, enough now to cup her face entirely.

“Sweet dreams, Alexa.”

“…You too, Ysu.”

Ysildus smiled sweetly. How could Alexa remain unguarded and adorable like this? He licked his lips. Watching her peacefully doze off, he murmured softly.

“You said you liked me. No take-backs.”

Not that he had any intention of letting her.

* * *

Morning came early. Thanks to the thorough massage from last night, Alexa’s muscles weren’t as sore as she had feared. She spent the early hours reading, working on homework from Karrolf.

Karrolf had sent her a cylinder of blood. She didn’t even want to ask where it had come from.

Meanwhile, Carlisle had bought her a top-of-the-line microscope. It wasn’t as modern as the one she used in her past life, but thanks to a bit of magic, it was more than enough for cellular observation. The price had almost made her choke on her breakfast.

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Alexa smiled as she set up a sample slide, remembering her college days.

“Having fun?”

“Yeah, it’s interesting. Want to take a look, Ysildus?”

Alexa tapped the side of the microscope, inviting him over.

“Terrsia wants to see too!” Terrun said from nearby.

“Terrun...”

Alexa gave him a sidelong glance and stepped aside. Both Ysildus and Terrun peered into the microscope but quickly shook their heads. Whatever they were supposed to be seeing, it didn’t make sense to them. It just wasn’t their field of interest.

Meanwhile, Alexa quietly sketched out her findings. Sure enough, as she had studied before, the cellular structures of werewolves and humans were fundamentally different. She scribbled more notes, and Ysildus and Terrun exchanged glances behind her.

Terrun bared his teeth. Ysildus, smiling gently as ever, just reflected the light off his sharp canines. Terrun quickly averted his gaze. Keeping such a terrifying creature nearby, Alexa must truly be something special.

* * *

He had failed again. Ever since Girion’s last message, there had been no trace of him, and it seemed like all the money he’d spent had simply vanished into thin air. The Emperor trembled with rage as he slammed his fist on the desk.

“Thersion, Thersion, Thersion!!!”

The Emperor felt that the only way to ease his frustration was to smash that filthy face into the ground, but nothing seemed to go right. He sprang from his seat and paced around.

“The Ninth Prince…”

Perhaps now was the perfect time. After all, the cub was still young. The Emperor’s eyes gleamed, indicating his growing desperation, enough to consider changing his original plans. He quickly turned to the chief attendant.

“How is Jeremiah’s progress?”

The pungent scent of blood crept through the palace.

(T/N: The whole Chapter was almost fluffy, save for this Emperor who destroyed the scene [rolls eyes])