I Reincarnated as the Villain’s Daughter – Chapter 63
The place I followed Lady Kidson to was the student council room in the main building.
It was a place I had never entered before, restricted only to authorized personnel.
As the door opened, bright sunlight poured in.
“…!”
Directly ahead of the entrance was a long black table with chairs enough for at least ten people. At the head of the table sat a large black chair, presumably the student council president’s seat.
Lady Kidson walked forward without hesitation. She gestured for me to take a seat and poured tea for herself with a confidence that left no room for doubt.
When she brought the teapot, I spoke first.
“You said you had something you wanted to discuss, right?”
Lady Kidson, daughter of Count Kidson, adjusted her glasses once. Her sharp gaze scanned me. As if to ease the tension, she poured tea into my cup.
The aroma spread through the room.
“Yes.”
“…What is it about?”
“I’d like to make you an offer, Lady Laila.”
“An offer?”
“I’ve been keeping track of the rumors about you.”
“Have you?”
She took a sip of tea, savoring the fragrance. When she spoke again, her violet eyes shone brightly.
“It’s nothing serious, Lady Laila. I simply… want to ask if you’d like to join the student council.”
“…?!”
I parted my lips slightly.
“…The student council?”
It was completely unexpected. I was at a loss for words, but she continued.
“You must have realized from the start of the semester that you’ve been the center of attention, right?”
“…Yes.”
It was an undeniable fact. I had tried to keep a low profile, but the number of people approaching me had been overwhelming.
“The student council is currently one member short. Being part of the prestigious Lebecam student council is an honor. Many applied, but most were turned away during the interviews.”
“…Why?”
“Because they lacked it.”
Lady Kidson clasped her hands together and looked at me.
“The ability to stand above others.”
“….”
I was unsure how to respond.
“…Are you saying you believe I possess that ability?”
“Of course.”
“…Based on what?”
It was truly unexpected. She stared at me.
“…At the start of the semester, there was an unfortunate incident. A student named… Elia, I think?”
“…!”
At the mention of Elia, I furrowed my brow slightly.
“She fell out of favor with the professors and was bullied by her peers.”
“You know well.”
“I heard about it later. I was preoccupied at the start of the semester. Anyway, I heard that while she was initially ignored, she’s doing quite well now. And apparently, it was thanks to you, Lady Laila.”
“….”
I sipped my tea.
“I don’t understand what you mean.”
“It’s said that the reason Miss Kitten, the ringleader, withdrew was because she incurred your disfavor. Clever people realized it was more advantageous to align with you rather than with her.”
“You’re implying I deliberately manipulated people. I never did such a thing.”
“Didn’t you?”
She looked me directly in the eyes. Silence stretched between us before she took another sip of tea.
“Even if you didn’t intend it, Lady Laila, your influence is enormous. Officially, the highest-ranking female at this academy is you. The student council is looking for someone of your caliber.”
“Just because of my status?”
“That in itself is a skill.”
“Then I must decline.”
Without hesitation, I stood.
“I want to be recognized for my own abilities.”
That was why I had entered this academy—to not be overshadowed by the name of Roshahil, to develop my own skills.
“….”
Lady Kidson looked at me. As we exchanged glances, the student council room door suddenly opened.
“You can wait here…”
A familiar, lazy voice trailed off. He noticed me and Lady Kidson, eyes widening in surprise.
“Oh.”
He walked over quickly and knelt before us.
“….”
I stared at him in disbelief.
“This is a small gift from me, as I once again succumb to the goddess-like beauty before me.”
From his arms, he produced two pure white peony flowers. Watching him hand them to us was almost headache-inducing.
‘…Student Council President Ray.’
“Thank you.”
Lady Kidson accepted the flowers, as if accustomed, and placed them in a vase on the table. Several types of flowers were already arranged there.
“What’s going on?”
“Oh, I just need a brief meeting with those chosen as candidates for the Rose King. The newspaper club requested interviews.”
At Lady Kidson’s professional tone, President Ray sheepishly scratched his head and rose. I glanced at the people behind him—some familiar faces.
Raon, with her mist-colored hair, smiled brightly and waved. Next to her, as always, was the sulky-looking Luclan.
And the tall one beside them…
‘That must be Obern Malv?’
His height surpassed most. His lips were tightly pressed, and his solid build suggested a martial artist. His sharp eyes gave off a cold impression.
Another male student stood nearby, likely another king candidate.
Ray inclined his head slightly and smiled toward us. Lady Kidson stepped beside him slowly—the combination of last year’s Rose Queen and King.
“Are you disturbing Lady Laila’s conversation?”
“You know well.”
“Hahaha, still relentless.”
Ray playfully shrugged.
“Since we’re all gathered here, perhaps Lady Laila, chosen as a Rose Queen candidate, should complete her interview?”
“…Even me?”
“It’s standard for all candidates to undergo at least one interview.”
Reluctantly, with no good excuse to refuse, I nodded. Ray rummaged through papers and soon found the questionnaire.
“Then, Lady, you first.”
He opened a side room door and gestured for me to enter.
“I’ll first inform you that these questions were carefully prepared by the newspaper club using a fair survey process.”
His smooth voice echoed in the small room.
“First…”
I remained tense, listening carefully.
“…When you eat cereal, do you prefer it crunchy or soft?”
“…That’s really on the questionnaire?”
“Just joking. You seemed nervous.”
He raised his hand in surrender.
“Congratulations on registering as a candidate.”
“….”
I lowered my gaze.
“Thank you, but I’m not particularly pleased.”
“Why not?”
He looked at me with interest.
“It feels like I was chosen just for being famous. I thought I could lead a quiet school life.”
“Indeed. Is a quiet school life what Lady Laila desires?”
“I suppose so.”
He let out a brief laugh.
“I understand. Fame can be troublesome.”
“….”
“But sometimes, it can be a powerful weapon.”
“…?”
“You may not feel it now, but the attention you attract, the connections you build here, will serve as a foundation later. After all, this is a small society in itself.”
That again. I frowned slightly.
“Success here translates to success elsewhere?”
“Exactly.”
“Student Council President Ray, forgive me—are you serving as president for this reason?”
“Not entirely, but I can’t completely deny it.”
“…I have a question.”
“What is it?”
“Previously… we had a dispute at the auction, didn’t we?”
I quickly studied Ray.
“Was there a particular reason?”
“I hoped you’d answer honestly.”
“There wasn’t any special reason.”
“…?”
“I simply liked the artist from the start.”
“…That’s all?”
I felt somewhat deflated. I had expected him to provoke me, but…
“Of course, that’s not the whole story.”
Ray continued slowly.
“I was curious why someone would be so passionate about that painting, hearing the voices from the VIP section.”
“It’s a remarkable painting. Any collector would be drawn to it.”
I stated the obvious. Ray smiled slightly.
“I apologize if I inadvertently caused you discomfort.”
“…Prince Siwyst won the auction. How could I be upset?”
“I merely wanted to buy it as a birthday gift for my older brother.”
“Then I apologize even more.”
“There’s no need. It’s already past.”
I bowed my head.
“Let’s continue the interview.”
He slowly turned the pages of the questionnaire.
“…Shall we start with some light questions?”
Watching Ray ask about hobbies and skills, I gradually collected my thoughts.
The interview went smoothly. No questions were inappropriate, and after answering about ten, I could finally stand.
“Thank you for your time.”
“….”
Strangely, Ray said nothing. I glanced at him briefly and passed by.
A voice called from behind.
“Actually…”
“…?”
“I’ve been interested in you for some time.”
I turned slowly. Ray smiled warmly.
“It was an honor speaking with you today.”
He was a peculiar person.
That was my thought.
