The Villainess Just Wants to Study

Chapter 10 ~ Welcome to Faerchester

"Lady Dylan," Mina said, smiling as she drew open the curtains of the carriage windows. "We're here."

A gentle breeze blew past as Dylan dismounted the carriage without an escort. Her stomach was bubbling with so much excitement that she couldn't wait. 

"Milady, you"—Jessie, the other maid who was selected to accompany Dylan to the academy, frowned—"really must conduct yourself properly. Demonstrating proper etiquette is essential when you are around other nobles."

Unlike Mina, Jessie was a servant from a noble household. She was specifically selected to assist Dylan with her appearance, including make-up, hairdressing, clothing, accessories, and even shoes. She was also well educated on the lifestyle of people with the highest levels of wealth and social status.

'Since I know nothing about high society, it'll be useful to have her around. Since I can't get rid of her, I'll use her for now until I figure something out.'

"Lady Dylan," Jessie said, dismounting the carriage properly with the help of the coachman. "There will be lots of eyes and mouths here. You really must be careful."

"I will be, Jessie. There's no need to worry."

'I have no plans on ruining my reputation like in the novel.'

While Dylan stopped for a moment to look around the academy grounds, someone bumped hard into her shoulder.

The girl was tall with splotches of freckles staining her glossy skin. In the sunshine her hair, straight and long, reflected the sunlight like a mirror. It was a pale yellow colour with a hint of ginger—a sort of strawberry blonde. From under long bangs shone eyes the colour of honey. 

'Those eyes—I've seen them before.'

The girl's face turned venomous. "Ha, how insolent!"

"I apologize for bumping into you," said Dylan. She held her chin high as she faced her. "However, you also bumped into me. It was the fault of both parties."

"Wh-what? You, right now, did you just imply it was my fault?"

Dylan's gaze never wavered. "You are misunderstanding. I said it was both of our faults. I apologized, so don't you think you should as well?"

The girl furrowed her eyebrows in disbelief. 

"Lynette," a deep, low voice called. 

Dylan turned towards the voice, her eyes meeting the face of a young man with the same strawberry blonde hair. Unlike the girl's deep brown eyes, his were a shade of emerald green—a colour that reminded Dylan of vast forests and springtime. 

"Stop that and apologize," he said. "Quickly. You don't want to be scolded again, do you?"

"B-but, brother!"

"It was an accident and you are also at fault, just as the lady said. You should know better."

Lynette clicked her tongue. "My apologies, it was also my fault."

Dylan squinted her eyes and contemplated. The name Lynette was foreign to her, but there was something about the girl that seemed oddly familiar. She just couldn't get a solid grasp on it.

"My name is Lucas de Ruenz," the man said with a smile, bowing politely. "This is my younger sister, Lynette de Ruenz. Please forgive her behaviour—she's still young and learning."

'Oh. It's my father's children.'

"That's alright," Dylan said with a soft smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you both."