Page 275 of The Villainess Whom I Had Served for 13 Years Has Fallen

Another peaceful day at the academy.

"Do you really have to do this?"

Hiding behind a pillar, I looked down at Shuen's violet head, questioning her decision. Even though preparation is important, this seemed a bit excessive.

"Shuen, no matter how much you’ve never held a guy’s hand before, this might be going a bit too far."

"Shush, commoner," Shuen hushed me, her eyes fixed on the target.

Sigh...

"What I need is research, commoner! Right now, I’m gathering data on how to capture a man’s heart!"

"Most people call that stalking, you know."

-Twitch!

Shuen flinched at my words, her shoulders stiffening as she tried to defend herself.

"It’s called observation!"

"Doesn’t seem like it, though."

"Don’t overthink it! If I say it’s right, then it’s right!"

With her one-on-one date with Michail fast approaching, Shuen was preparing herself for the big confession. She was obsessed with figuring out the perfect time to confess, the right facial expression Michail should have when she popped the question—all things that didn’t really matter but were consuming her focus. Thus, her current stalking activities.

-You’re definitely a romantic novice.

-I thought so.

-Grr... Then help me, commoner!

-I have the convenience store to manage.

-Didn’t you say you were looking for a replacement?

-Hannah said she’d cover for me for a while.

-Hannah’s too popular! You need someone with less charisma, like me, who’s already at rock bottom! Wouldn’t that be ideal for you, commoner?

-So, you just want to have all the leftover food for yourself.

-...Twitch!

"Your intentions are too obvious, Shuen."

Shuen had previously insisted she didn’t need any help from a commoner like me. But now, in typical noble fashion, she was claiming that nobles are entitled to change their minds and requested my assistance.

-Hmmm...

Admittedly, her offer was tempting. Since I needed someone to cover my shifts anyway, and Shuen had become somewhat familiar with the convenience store, I figured it wouldn’t be a bad idea.

So, after getting permission from Malik, I ended up here—wasting my time stalking Michail with Shuen.

"But seriously, Shuen."

"What is it, commoner?"

"Do you really think this is going to change anything?"

"Huh?"

"I mean, we’re just watching Michail go to class and the training grounds. What’s that going to change?"

"Ugh?"

Once again, I had struck a nerve. Shuen awkwardly looked up at me.

"You might be right..."

"'Might be right'? What does that even mean?"

"I don’t know either!"

"How impressive."

Scratching her head, Shuen refocused her attention on Michail. It was 6 PM, and the sky was still bright, thanks to the approaching summer.

Michail was once again hard at work in the training grounds, mercilessly slashing at a practice dummy.

-Haaaah!!!!

-Damn it...! Damn it...!

-I need to show something different...!

He’s improved a lot.

Perhaps meeting that apostle had been the push Michail needed. His sword movements were becoming more refined, his strikes swift and precise.

He even changed his sword.

Whatever trauma Michail had faced, it didn’t seem like it had left him worse off. As I mentally listed about ten things Michail could ? Nоvеl?g?т ? (Continue reading) still improve on, I heard Shuen let out a quiet gasp.

"Hooh..."

"Impressive, right?"

"Huh?"

Still busily jotting things down in her notebook, Shuen blinked up at me.

"What’s impressive?"

"Michail’s focus. Don’t you think it’s amazing?"

"Oh?! Right, that’s what I meant!"

"Hold on a second, Shuen. What exactly are you writing in your notebook? Isn’t it supposed to be about Michail?"

Grinning, Shuen proudly showed me her notes.

-Tonight’s dinner menu.

BentoMeatCanned goodsI should’ve known better than to expect anything useful.

After an hour of watching Michail practice his swordsmanship, we finally saw him head back to the dorms, leaving me and Shuen awkwardly looking at each other.

"So, did you learn anything?"

-Nod.

"And that would be?"

Shuen nodded seriously and answered.

"I have no idea."

"..."

For a moment, I wanted to flick her on the forehead.

Instead, I sighed deeply and put her in a headlock. It wasn’t exactly violence, just the best punishment I could offer for the sheer frustration she caused me.

"Gyaaah! Commoner, what are you doing?! How dare you strangle a noble?!"

"I’ll buy you dinner. Just be quiet."

"Commoner!"

Shuen wriggled free of my grip and glared at me, clearly ready to scold me for daring to restrain her. But then, with a defiant snort, she proudly declared:

"I want meat!"

"Sigh..."

"Heheh!"

"Get back here."

"You’re too cocky! Aaah! Sorry! I’m sorry!"

Still in a headlock, Shuen was dragged to a nearby restaurant.

A famous steakhouse in the capital.

-Gulp.

"Commoner."

"Yes?"

"You must really like me, huh? Bringing me to such an expensive place!"

"Just pick something from the menu already."

"Gulp...! If you try to stick me with the bill, I won’t be able to pay!"

I chuckled and responded to Shuen.

"Shuen, I’ve been meaning to ask you something."

"Anything! Go ahead!"

"Are you really a noble?"

"...?"

"..."

"Of course! I am the proud eldest daughter of the prestigious Tetra family—Tetra Shuen!"

"Then why do you act like... Never mind. Forget it."

My unfinished comment made Shuen fidget nervously before she blurted out:

"What was that?! What were you going to say?!"

"Nothing. I was just thinking how well-mannered you are for a noble."

"Hohoho! Thank you for the compliment, commoner!"

"Your positive attitude is enviable."

"Hohoho... But commoner."

Shuen glanced around before lowering her voice to a whisper.

"What should I order? I’ve never been to a place like this before. I can’t even read the menu!"

She pointed to the cheapest item on the menu.

"Should I order the Tears of the Fairy?"

"Shuen."

"Yes?"

"That’s wine."

"Eh...?"

"That section is for drinks."

Shuen stared at the menu, then back at me, disbelief written all over her face.

"I knew it...!"

"I’ll pay, so just pick anything you want."

"Wow... You’re wealthier than I thought!"

"Sigh..."

Realizing just how impoverished Shuen’s life must have been, I shook my head and selected a few of the most expensive dishes before calling over the server.

"W-Wait! You can’t bankrupt yourself just to feed me!"

"Shh. Please, just be quiet for once, Shuen!"

"Pout..."

Sulking, Shuen lowered her head, glancing at me nervously.

"Fine! I’ll contribute a little, too."

-Clink.

"..."

I couldn’t help but smile at the sight of Shuen pulling out three trembling gold coins from her purse.

"Oh dear..."

"Don’t underestimate a noblewoman’s wallet!"

"So, does that mean you’ll be paying for everything?"

"You can mock my wallet as much as you like!"

Shuen’s quick change of tone was amusing.

With a bit of time to spare, I decided to get to the heart of the matter. There were bigger issues at hand than simply sharing a meal at a fancy restaurant.

"Shuen, have you made up your mind?"

"About the menu?"

"No, something more important than that."

"Hmm... I can’t think of anything more important than food!"

"The confession."

"Oh, right!"

Shuen enthusiastically nodded, all while stuffing the complimentary bread rolls into her bag.

"Yes! This time, I’m going to make Michail mine!"

Where do I even start?

Watching her gleefully hoard bread rolls, I decided to offer some essential advice.

"First of all, no bread-stealing in front of Michail."

"That’s obvious!"

"Then why do you do it with me?"

"Good question?!"

Shuen laughed, scratching her head sheepishly.

"I don’t know! Haha!"

What am I going to do with her?

Knowing how this would inevitably turn out, I offered her the best advice I could. After all, the outcome of her confession was already set in stone.

Not just because of the story’s plot, but because this was a path that couldn’t lead to anything good.

Taking a deep breath, I looked at Shuen.

"I’ll give you as much help as I can. On the day, I’ll be nearby, but there are some things you’ll have to do on your own."

"Wow, commoner!"

"Who do you think I am?"

"A pervert!"

"...?"

"Yup, a pervert."

Shuen looked at me with sparkling eyes full of anticipation. I had never felt such a strange form of praise in my life, and I let out a sigh, nodding reluctantly.

"Alright, yes. I’m the famous pervert, so listen carefully to what I’m about to say."

"Understood!"

"First..."

. . .

"I got it!"

Shuen nodded enthusiastically, repeating everything I had told her.

"Where should you confess?"

"Somewhere private!"

"And what about your outfit?"

"As plain as possible!"

"That’s right. Don’t wear a dress, and stick to something simple. Michail doesn’t like flashy things. If you don’t have anything, just wear your school uniform."

"...Got it."

"And what about the leftovers?"

"Don’t take any home!"

Seeing how well she was absorbing the advice, I nodded in approval and sighed in relief.

"Perfect. Just stick to this plan."

"Understood!"

"I’ll write it down for you, so make sure to study it."

-Nod, nod.

And so, the morning of her confession day arrived.

Shuen stood in front of her wardrobe with a serious expression on her face.

"But... isn't this too plain?"

Ignoring the simple outfit I had picked out for her, Shuen rummaged through her wardrobe, layering on more and more accessories.

A giant pearl necklace. A frilly dress. Everything I had specifically told her not to wear, she proudly put on.

"Perfect...!"

Shuen had no idea.

She had no idea this decision would lead to one of the most embarrassing moments of her life.

Absolutely no idea.