The Villainess Whom I Had Served for 13 Years Has Fallen-Chapter 328: The fight (4)
There’s a term called “willful negligence.”
It refers to the psychological state where someone takes an action despite knowing it will likely lead to negative consequences.
'Willful' means being fully aware of the possibility of a certain outcome.
'Negligence' refers to actions taken with the intention of bringing about a specific result.
It’s an amusing phrase, at least when it comes to Ruin, who acts even when he knows everyone will hate it.
—Just leave me alone. —... —I’ll just stand by like some kind of totem, so stop giving me orders... Why do you keep pushing me around? Dragging me here when I didn’t want to come.
Inside the inn’s dining room, a day before the Holy Sword contest.
Ruin sat alone at a table, drinking while glancing at the bustling table beside him.
—So... Yuria, do you have someone you like? —...That’s... —Come on, spill! There are only girls here right now. —Isn’t the president here? —When would I have time for romance? I don’t even have time to stamp all the paperwork. —President, you seem to be in a good mood lately. —Is it that obvious?
Shartia. Hannah. Yuria. And the other female council members.
Ruin, trapped in a space filled with their laughter and stories about each other, suppressed his feelings of envy.
He especially envied how Yuria could speak so freely and comfortably.
There was a time when the seat next to Yuria was his. Now, he couldn’t even approach her, let alone sit beside her. This situation made Ruin feel increasingly irritated.
'Damn it.'
Yuria was thriving. She shone so brightly now that he felt small and insignificant by comparison.
Compared to when she had been bullied by Olivia at the academy, she seemed far more at ease now. It was as if she had given up on being loved by everyone and also on understanding everyone. Though he had to admit, she looked better now.
—Stop teasing...! —Look at her blushing...! —I’ll get mad, I swear!
Ruin, who felt stuck in the past, looked at Yuria’s smiling face with a distant expression.
'She’s really brightened up.'
The angelic image she once had, always trying to show love even to those who had ostracized her, seemed to be fading away. She was still kind and beautiful, but the indiscriminate generosity she once had had disappeared.
Now, she resembled that red-haired guy more and more.
“Damn it.”
Ruin sighed, looking down at his bulging belly. He felt pathetic, both physically and emotionally, as he sat there, a wreck of his former self.
What confidence had he once had?
“...”
What confidence had he had to lie about seeing through people? He used to be someone who only looked at appearances.
He had liked her. He had really liked her. It infuriated him that he was the one who had dragged their relationship down.
“Pathetic. Disgusting.”
Ever since Hans had stolen his magic, his confidence had been shattered, and there was no sign it would recover anytime soon.
“Is this how that bastard felt?”
Ruin, who suddenly found himself considering Hans’ perspective, hung his head. Now he finally understood why Hans had once told him, 'You don’t understand me.'
It was ironic that he had to lose his magic to understand. But it was too late to think about that now.
He had once thought he was so great, but now he was just a piece of trash. He should have known this day would come. Ruin looked at the empty seat beside him and sighed.
“Hah...”
There was nothing he could do.
He couldn’t even use magic properly. All he did was disappoint the grandfather who believed in him.
Love. Pride. Damn it.
He had no clue how to fix a life that had been shattered beyond repair.
“...”
He had been roped into this ridiculous quest for the Holy Sword only because his grandfather had pushed him into it.
—I said no. —It’ll be a good opportunity for you. —You’re regretting it too, aren’t you? That you didn’t train a different disciple instead of a loser like me. —... —Oh right, you have that Shoen girl, the one you’re always praising. —Ruin. —Whatever. Do what you want.
It was really ridiculous.
—Bam!
Lost in his self-reproach, Ruin was startled by the loud sound of someone pulling out a chair across from him.
“Who’s there?”
The man ignored Ruin’s words and grabbed a glass on the table, downing it in one gulp. He wiped his mouth and let out a satisfied sigh before looking down.
“...”
Ruin squinted his eyes at the man. He wasn’t in a good mood. Just as he was about to tell the man he had picked the wrong time to pick a fight, he recognized his face.
“It’s me.” “...Senior Director?” “Call me sir, you academy delinquent.”
Malik, who had taken the seat opposite Ruin, brushed back his hair as he glanced at the bottles stacked on the table.
“Don’t drink too much. We’re leaving at dawn, and it would be a problem if you caused delays.” “And you?” “I’ve got this.”
As if expecting the question, Malik pulled a bottle of mandrake hangover cure from his coat and showed it to Ruin.
“What’s that?” “Mandrake Hangover Elixir.” “Huh?” “It’s the best hangover cure available. Made from 100% polar mandrake extract for maximum detoxification...” “Are you here to sell something?” “Ahem.”
Malik sheepishly put the hangover cure back into his pocket, giving Ruin an awkward smile.
“If you want, I can sell it to you for one gold.” “...Are you really here to sell something?” “I’ve already sold a few. Yuria, Shartia, Hannah... Rather than be a corpse tomorrow, invest one gold...” “Shut up. If you’re here to sell stuff, get lost. I wouldn’t touch it.” “Very well.”
Malik nodded as he looked at Ruin.
“...” “What...” “...”
Ruin frowned at Malik, who showed no sign of leaving. Despite his words, Malik wasn’t moving. He found it quite annoying.
“Why aren’t you leaving?” “Why should I? There’s an empty seat.” “Hah...” “Where did you learn that sighing habit from?” “Are you going to expel me?” Malik shook his head in response.
“I was planning to fire the professor who taught you that.” “...” “A professor who teaches such nonsense is no better than a toddler.” “Damn, not a single normal person in this academy... Maybe I should quit.”
With an irritated look, Ruin emptied his glass.
“You’re a real piece of work.” “Mind your own business. You’re the only one who doesn’t know about my bad attitude.” Malik laughed as he poured more alcohol into Ruin’s empty glass.
“Listen up, kid.” “...What?” “I’m talking to you, you little punk.”
Ruin glared at Malik for calling him a kid. He hated being treated like a child. If he still had his magic, he’d have blasted Malik out of his chair.
Clenching his fists, Ruin snarled at him.
“Don’t treat me like a kid. It pisses me off.” “Ah, that filthy mouth is so childish.” “...You little...!”
As Ruin moved to get up, Malik’s cold voice stopped him in his tracks.
“Sit down.” “...” “I said sit down before I make you.”
Malik meant it. The deadly look in his eyes made it clear he wasn’t kidding. Ruin swallowed hard, realizing he had no choice but to sit back down.
“Damn it.”
He sat back down with a deep sigh.
“Just get to the point.” “Sure.”
Seeing Ruin settle down, Malik gave a satisfied smile.
“I met an academy student a year ago.” “...” “He was a real piece of work. Had nothing to his name but loads of pride, and he had the nerve to lecture others.” “So you beat him up?” “Not at all.”
Malik let out a hollow laugh as he refilled his glass.
“If I’d tried to beat him down, I wouldn’t be sitting here right now.” “...What?” “He was incredible. I, who had dismissed him, ended up asking him for advice because he was so strong and capable.” “Hey.” “Thanks to him, a lot has changed.”
Malik ignored Ruin’s sharp gaze as he scanned the room. He took in the chandelier, Shartia’s smiling face, and his sister Hannah, with a gentle look in his eyes.
“He was someone who had every right to look down on others.” “...” “He had enough backbone to show off, and he had earned the right to lecture others.” “...” “Unlike the brat in front of me, who just throws tantrums and makes trouble for everyone.”
Ruin instantly knew who Malik was talking about.
“Everyone keeps talking about that bastard.”
He knew Malik was referring to Ricardo.
It made him angry.
He hated hearing the name of the person he despised most, the one who had taken everything from him. Hearing Malik praise Ricardo only filled him with more anger.
“But what about you?”
Malik’s question shut him up.
“You don’t know how to do anything, but you cling to your useless pride.” “...” “At a time when you should be striving for an important goal, all you do is drink.” “...” “You’ve shown no sign of making an effort, and you ruin the team’s morale.” Malik stared at Ruin with piercing eyes.
“If you lack the qualifications, you should at least make an effort to earn them.” “...” “Shouldn’t you, at the very least, show a will to improve?” “Shut up. You don’t know what you’re talking about.” “I know all too well. I’ve seen idiots like you countless times.” “Do you have a death wish?” “The Archmage personally asked to include you in the team, and this is what you do?” “...” “Disrupt the atmosphere.” “...” “Drag down morale. What’s your deal?” “...” “The Archmage vouched for you, saying you’d prove your worth, saying you’d be rough around the edges but ultimately helpful. He even bowed his head to a mere temporary director for you. What are you doing?” “...” “Do you really think you’re that great?”
Malik glared at the trembling Ruin with cold eyes.
“Do you think you’re better than the Archmage who bowed his head for you?” “...” “I don’t see it that way.” “...” “If you’re not confident, pack your bags and leave now. You’re nothing but a leech bringing bad influence here.” “...” “The Archmage’s favor only goes so far. If you think people will always look kindly on you, think again.” “...”
Malik scanned the room, watching the others laugh and drink, before continuing.
“To your eyes, it probably looks like they’re all laughing, right?” “...” “Of course it does. With your thick-headed brain, you probably can’t see that they’re just trying to soothe their fear through conversation.”
As if to confirm Malik’s words, Shartia’s hand trembled slightly. She was forcing a smile, but her shoulders were weighed down by the burden of responsibility.
—So... that’s why. —...Hah. —...Sigh.
“You’re just a kid.” “...” “A kid who only knows how to throw tantrums.”
Malik’s words pierced Ruin like a thousand knives. Malik looked him straight in the eyes and delivered his final warning.
“This is the last time.” “...” “If you keep acting like this, I’ll crush you. Archmage’s student or not.”
Ruin lowered his head, fists clenched, feeling nothing but shame and humiliation.
Late that night.
Malik, having gone outside for a smoke, let out a deep sigh and spoke softly.
“I know you’re there.” “...” “Come on out. I know you’re there.”
As Malik’s voice echoed into the night, a man stepped out, chuckling as he did.
“How did you know?” Seeing the man’s face, Malik smiled and shook his head.
“I figured you’d be there.” “Am I some kind of servant who appears when called?” “Aren’t you?” “Excuse me?” “Pfft! Just kidding.”
Red hair. A butler’s black uniform.
With his uncanny intuition, Malik had hit the mark. I scratched my head, feeling a bit sheepish, and approached Malik.
I looked at him and said,
“I heard what you said earlier.” “What part?” “The part where you praised me. I didn’t know you thought so highly of me; I’m touched.” “I only spoke the truth.” “Do you not know the word ‘embarrassment’?” “What’s that?”
Malik’s nonchalant response made me laugh. This wasn’t quite the reaction I had expected.
With a slight smile, I asked Malik,
“Are you sure about that?” “Sure about what?” “You spoke quite harshly earlier. You hit hard.” “Haha...”
Malik laughed as he exhaled a puff of smoke.
“I had to speak harshly.” “...” “It’s the only way that kid will toughen up.” “That’s true.”
Malik looked at me, asking,
“What do you think?” “About what?” “Do you think he’ll show up tomorrow?” “Well... With his fragile state of mind, I’d say he probably won’t.” “Hm...” “But I think...”
I glanced up at the light in Ruin’s room, a small smile forming on my face.
“I think he’ll be there. He’s the Archmage’s disciple, after all.” “Is that so.” “That’s why you spoke like that, wasn’t it?”
Malik let out a small laugh and nodded.
“That’s what I think too.”
Stretching, I turned to Malik and began to discuss our next move.
“It’s time to get to the main point.”
There’s a term called “willful negligence.”
It refers to the psychological state where someone ❀ Nоvеlігht ❀ (Don’t copy, read here) takes an action despite knowing it will likely lead to negative consequences.
'Willful' means being fully aware of the possibility of a certain outcome.
'Negligence' refers to actions taken with the intention of bringing about a specific result.
It’s an amusing phrase, at least when it comes to Ruin, who acts even when he knows everyone will hate it.
—Just leave me alone. —... —I’ll just stand by like some kind of totem, so stop giving me orders... Why do you keep pushing me around? Dragging me here when I didn’t want to come.
Inside the inn’s dining room, a day before the Holy Sword contest.
Ruin sat alone at a table, drinking while glancing at the bustling table beside him.
—So... Yuria, do you have someone you like? —...That’s... —Come on, spill! There are only girls here right now. —Isn’t the president here? —When would I have time for romance? I don’t even have time to stamp all the paperwork. —President, you seem to be in a good mood lately. —Is it that obvious?
Shartia. Hannah. Yuria. And the other female council members.
Ruin, trapped in a space filled with their laughter and stories about each other, suppressed his feelings of envy.
He especially envied how Yuria could speak so freely and comfortably.
There was a time when the seat next to Yuria was his. Now, he couldn’t even approach her, let alone sit beside her. This situation made Ruin feel increasingly irritated.
'Damn it.'
Yuria was thriving. She shone so brightly now that he felt small and insignificant by comparison.
Compared to when she had been bullied by Olivia at the academy, she seemed far more at ease now. It was as if she had given up on being loved by everyone and also on understanding everyone. Though he had to admit, she looked better now.
—Stop teasing...! —Look at her blushing...! —I’ll get mad, I swear!
Ruin, who felt stuck in the past, looked at Yuria’s smiling face with a distant expression.
'She’s really brightened up.'
The angelic image she once had, always trying to show love even to those who had ostracized her, seemed to be fading away. She was still kind and beautiful, but the indiscriminate generosity she once had had disappeared.
Now, she resembled that red-haired guy more and more.
“Damn it.”
Ruin sighed, looking down at his bulging belly. He felt pathetic, both physically and emotionally, as he sat there, a wreck of his former self.
What confidence had he once had?
“...”
What confidence had he had to lie about seeing through people? He used to be someone who only looked at appearances.
He had liked her. He had really liked her. It infuriated him that he was the one who had dragged their relationship down.
“Pathetic. Disgusting.”
Ever since Hans had stolen his magic, his confidence had been shattered, and there was no sign it would recover anytime soon.
“Is this how that bastard felt?”
Ruin, who suddenly found himself considering Hans’ perspective, hung his head. Now he finally understood why Hans had once told him, 'You don’t understand me.'
It was ironic that he had to lose his magic to understand. But it was too late to think about that now.
He had once thought he was so great, but now he was just a piece of trash. He should have known this day would come. Ruin looked at the empty seat beside him and sighed.
“Hah...”
There was nothing he could do.
He couldn’t even use magic properly. All he did was disappoint the grandfather who believed in him.
Love. Pride. Damn it.
He had no clue how to fix a life that had been shattered beyond repair.
“...”
He had been roped into this ridiculous quest for the Holy Sword only because his grandfather had pushed him into it.
—I said no. —It’ll be a good opportunity for you. —You’re regretting it too, aren’t you? That you didn’t train a different disciple instead of a loser like me. —... —Oh right, you have that Shoen girl, the one you’re always praising. —Ruin. —Whatever. Do what you want.
It was really ridiculous.
—Bam!
Lost in his self-reproach, Ruin was startled by the loud sound of someone pulling out a chair across from him.
“Who’s there?”
The man ignored Ruin’s words and grabbed a glass on the table, downing it in one gulp. He wiped his mouth and let out a satisfied sigh before looking down.
This chapter is updat𝙚d by freeweɓnovel.cøm.
“...”
Ruin squinted his eyes at the man. He wasn’t in a good mood. Just as he was about to tell the man he had picked the wrong time to pick a fight, he recognized his face.
“It’s me.” “...Senior Director?” “Call me sir, you academy delinquent.”
Malik, who had taken the seat opposite Ruin, brushed back his hair as he glanced at the bottles stacked on the table.
“Don’t drink too much. We’re leaving at dawn, and it would be a problem if you caused delays.” “And you?” “I’ve got this.”
As if expecting the question, Malik pulled a bottle of mandrake hangover cure from his coat and showed it to Ruin.
“What’s that?” “Mandrake Hangover Elixir.” “Huh?” “It’s the best hangover cure available. Made from 100% polar mandrake extract for maximum detoxification...” “Are you here to sell something?” “Ahem.”
Malik sheepishly put the hangover cure back into his pocket, giving Ruin an awkward smile.
“If you want, I can sell it to you for one gold.” “...Are you really here to sell something?” “I’ve already sold a few. Yuria, Shartia, Hannah... Rather than be a corpse tomorrow, invest one gold...” “Shut up. If you’re here to sell stuff, get lost. I wouldn’t touch it.” “Very well.”
Malik nodded as he looked at Ruin.
“...” “What...” “...”
Ruin frowned at Malik, who showed no sign of leaving. Despite his words, Malik wasn’t moving. He found it quite annoying.
“Why aren’t you leaving?” “Why should I? There’s an empty seat.” “Hah...” “Where did you learn that sighing habit from?” “Are you going to expel me?” Malik shook his head in response.
“I was planning to fire the professor who taught you that.” “...” “A professor who teaches such nonsense is no better than a toddler.” “Damn, not a single normal person in this academy... Maybe I should quit.”
With an irritated look, Ruin emptied his glass.
“You’re a real piece of work.” “Mind your own business. You’re the only one who doesn’t know about my bad attitude.” Malik laughed as he poured more alcohol into Ruin’s empty glass.
“Listen up, kid.” “...What?” “I’m talking to you, you little punk.”
Ruin glared at Malik for calling him a kid. He hated being treated like a child. If he still had his magic, he’d have blasted Malik out of his chair.
Clenching his fists, Ruin snarled at him.
“Don’t treat me like a kid. It pisses me off.” “Ah, that filthy mouth is so childish.” “...You little...!”
As Ruin moved to get up, Malik’s cold voice stopped him in his tracks.
“Sit down.” “...” “I said sit down before I make you.”
Malik meant it. The deadly look in his eyes made it clear he wasn’t kidding. Ruin swallowed hard, realizing he had no choice but to sit back down.
“Damn it.”
He sat back down with a deep sigh.
“Just get to the point.” “Sure.”
Seeing Ruin settle down, Malik gave a satisfied smile.
“I met an academy student a year ago.” “...” “He was a real piece of work. Had nothing to his name but loads of pride, and he had the nerve to lecture others.” “So you beat him up?” “Not at all.”
Malik let out a hollow laugh as he refilled his glass.
“If I’d tried to beat him down, I wouldn’t be sitting here right now.” “...What?” “He was incredible. I, who had dismissed him, ended up asking him for advice because he was so strong and capable.” “Hey.” “Thanks to him, a lot has changed.”
Malik ignored Ruin’s sharp gaze as he scanned the room. He took in the chandelier, Shartia’s smiling face, and his sister Hannah, with a gentle look in his eyes.
“He was someone who had every right to look down on others.” “...” “He had enough backbone to show off, and he had earned the right to lecture others.” “...” “Unlike the brat in front of me, who just throws tantrums and makes trouble for everyone.”
Ruin instantly knew who Malik was talking about.
“Everyone keeps talking about that bastard.”
He knew Malik was referring to Ricardo.
It made him angry.
He hated hearing the name of the person he despised most, the one who had taken everything from him. Hearing Malik praise Ricardo only filled him with more anger.
“But what about you?”
Malik’s question shut him up.
“You don’t know how to do anything, but you cling to your useless pride.” “...” “At a time when you should be striving for an important goal, all you do is drink.” “...” “You’ve shown no sign of making an effort, and you ruin the team’s morale.” Malik stared at Ruin with piercing eyes.
“If you lack the qualifications, you should at least make an effort to earn them.” “...” “Shouldn’t you, at the very least, show a will to improve?” “Shut up. You don’t know what you’re talking about.” “I know all too well. I’ve seen idiots like you countless times.” “Do you have a death wish?” “The Archmage personally asked to include you in the team, and this is what you do?” “...” “Disrupt the atmosphere.” “...” “Drag down morale. What’s your deal?” “...” “The Archmage vouched for you, saying you’d prove your worth, saying you’d be rough around the edges but ultimately helpful. He even bowed his head to a mere temporary director for you. What are you doing?” “...” “Do you really think you’re that great?”
Malik glared at the trembling Ruin with cold eyes.
“Do you think you’re better than the Archmage who bowed his head for you?” “...” “I don’t see it that way.” “...” “If you’re not confident, pack your bags and leave now. You’re nothing but a leech bringing bad influence here.” “...” “The Archmage’s favor only goes so far. If you think people will always look kindly on you, think again.” “...”
Malik scanned the room, watching the others laugh and drink, before continuing.
“To your eyes, it probably looks like they’re all laughing, right?” “...” “Of course it does. With your thick-headed brain, you probably can’t see that they’re just trying to soothe their fear through conversation.”
As if to confirm Malik’s words, Shartia’s hand trembled slightly. She was forcing a smile, but her shoulders were weighed down by the burden of responsibility.
—So... that’s why. —...Hah. —...Sigh.
“You’re just a kid.” “...” “A kid who only knows how to throw tantrums.”
Malik’s words pierced Ruin like a thousand knives. Malik looked him straight in the eyes and delivered his final warning.
“This is the last time.” “...” “If you keep acting like this, I’ll crush you. Archmage’s student or not.”
Ruin lowered his head, fists clenched, feeling nothing but shame and humiliation.
Late that night.
Malik, having gone outside for a smoke, let out a deep sigh and spoke softly.
“I know you’re there.” “...” “Come on out. I know you’re there.”
As Malik’s voice echoed into the night, a man stepped out, chuckling as he did.
“How did you know?” Seeing the man’s face, Malik smiled and shook his head.
“I figured you’d be there.” “Am I some kind of servant who appears when called?” “Aren’t you?” “Excuse me?” “Pfft! Just kidding.”
Red hair. A butler’s black uniform.
With his uncanny intuition, Malik had hit the mark. I scratched my head, feeling a bit sheepish, and approached Malik.
I looked at him and said,
“I heard what you said earlier.” “What part?” “The part where you praised me. I didn’t know you thought so highly of me; I’m touched.” “I only spoke the truth.” “Do you not know the word ‘embarrassment’?” “What’s that?”
Malik’s nonchalant response made me laugh. This wasn’t quite the reaction I had expected.
With a slight smile, I asked Malik,
“Are you sure about that?” “Sure about what?” “You spoke quite harshly earlier. You hit hard.” “Haha...”
Malik laughed as he exhaled a puff of smoke.
“I had to speak harshly.” “...” “It’s the only way that kid will toughen up.” “That’s true.”
Malik looked at me, asking,
“What do you think?” “About what?” “Do you think he’ll show up tomorrow?” “Well... With his fragile state of mind, I’d say he probably won’t.” “Hm...” “But I think...”
I glanced up at the light in Ruin’s room, a small smile forming on my face.
“I think he’ll be there. He’s the Archmage’s disciple, after all.” “Is that so.” “That’s why you spoke like that, wasn’t it?”
Malik let out a small laugh and nodded.
“That’s what I think too.”
Stretching, I turned to Malik and began to discuss our next move.
“It’s time to get to the main point.”
Meanwhile, Ruin sat at his desk, gritting his teeth.
“Damn it...”
The words he had heard earlier that day echoed in his mind.
“Fine, I’ll show them...!”
It was the start of a change.
