I Became A Third-Rate Villain In The Hero Academy-Novel

"Ahem."

Feeling embarrassed, I let out a fake cough.

My gaze naturally wandered to... Amy's plump and protruding spot, no, her hand.

Her delicate, fair hand.

It was the hand I saw in my dream.

It looked so lovely.

But now was not the time for such thoughts.

"..."

"..."

A heavy silence filled the room.

I unintentionally committed an act of harassment, and I was at a loss for words.

Amy, with her lips tightly shut, avoided my gaze.

If things continued like this, it would become a bigger problem.

In a hurry, I blurted out something.

"…I just woke up, so my body doesn't feel like my own. My hand slipped... What time is it now?"

"…It's a little past 11 PM, young master."

"I must have slept for quite some time... Uh, ugh."

As I reached for a glass of water, I felt an intense muscle ache.

Not just my arms, but my legs, waist, and neck – there was no part of my body that wasn't hurting.

Once the anesthetic-like drowsiness disappeared, I realized how battered my body had become.

"Here you go, young master."

Amy quickly handed me a glass of water.

"Thanks."

But my fingers could barely grip the glass.

'Damn, It's so difficult just to drink water.'

Somehow managing to hold the glass, I awkwardly brought it to my lips with movements resembling a cheap ball-jointed doll.

Amy looked up at me with concern.

"…Young master, I think you've been pushing yourself too hard lately. It's good to train, but perhaps you should take better care of your body."

"I have to overcome this."

"Even so, this time was quite severe, young master. May went out in a hurry when she heard that you had collapsed and found you sleeping on a wooden chair in front of the dormitory. Sleeping in that kind of place is not hygienic. You could catch a cold or worse."

...I had no choice at that time.

I was on the verge of collapsing.

"Ah, also... young master..."

"Hmm?"

Amy hesitated for a moment before speaking.

"Have you experienced any significant changes in your body recently?"

"...What do you mean?"

"I'm asking if you've acquired something like a new trait."

By now, Amy looked at me with serious eyes.

Her gaze seemed to say, 'I know everything, just tell me.'

It seemed like I should tell her to some extent.

She had been watching Theo for a long time, so it would be strange if she didn't notice the change.

Judging by her expression, she wouldn't believe me if I said no anyway.

And a brief article about it would be released on Monday.

"Yes, I gained a new trait."

I told her, albeit briefly.

"I thought so."

Amy nodded, seemingly convinced.

In this world, traits are like an all-purpose cheat key.

Some people change drastically after acquiring a good trait.

And although rare, there are traits that change one's personality or mental state.

Fortunately, Amy didn't ask any more questions.

As I shakily took a sip of water with my trembling hand,

grrr-

An unseemly sound came from my stomach.

Come to think of it, I hadn't eaten anything since lunch.

I had eaten lightly on purpose before the duel at lunchtime.

"···I'll prepare something simple for you to eat."

"No, it's fine."

"Nutrition is essential for recovery. Please wait a moment, Young Master."

With that, Amy stood up and left the room.

Of course, I was hungry, and I needed nutrition, but······.

'I feel sorry for her.'

Wouldn't she die if it goes on like this?

At the common kitchen area on the 10th floor of the dormitory, it was past 11 PM, and Amy was the only one in the spacious space.

She initially thought of making a stew, but due to time constraints, she decided to make a simple soup with meat and potatoes instead.

A sandwich with thin ham and vegetables between the bread should satisfy hunger.

Lately, the kinder Theo would eat without complaints.

If it were before, he would have been furious and asked if this was what he was supposed to eat.

Chop, chop, chop, chop, chop-

Amy quickly chopped with her knife.

'She said it wasn't something to just let go.'

In her head, she recalled the reply from Equilibrium, and with her hands, she continued cutting the vegetables.

'Young Master, no, Theo might become a new member of Equilibrium?'

With familiar movements, she made a sandwich with the prepared vegetables, ham, and bread.

'Watch over him while taking good care of him until the end of the second semester······.'

A semester at Elinia Academy lasts a total of 16 weeks.

With the third week just over, there were about three months left.

'Fortunately.'

It's fortunate that they've grown close.

Having been at Theo's beck and call for quite some time, she seemed to have developed some affection.

And lately, he has been so kind that it's sometimes disconcerting.

'If it were like this lately, it wouldn't be bad to continue serving······ No, no.'

Think of this as the time to get her thoughts together.

Equilibrium's decision might change, so she shouldn't get too attached.

'Even if he's the heir of the Waldeurk family······. If the leader decides to, they'll certainly recruit him.'

Equilibrium won't shy away from any means to achieve their goals.

And they have the ability to achieve them.

For the sake of obtaining an artifact sealed in the heart of the Arminon Kingdom, Equilibrium once perpetrated a massacre in the kingdom's capital.

A mere assassination group waged war against a nation.

No, at this point, it wasn't just an assassination group.

"I want to get out."

My younger sibling is being held hostage by the group. If she becomes useless, they'll kill her immediately.

The sibling who I haven't seen even once since I was trained as a professional assassin and infiltrated the Waldeurk family – a sibling who's three years younger. I hope they aren't skipping meals.

"When will I be able to live normally again? I miss you, Selena."

Lost in thought, the soup finished simmering. Shaking my head, I erase the gloomy thoughts.

I have to return to my usual composed maid persona.

"…Let's go."

Amy takes the cooked food on a tray and heads back to Theo's room.

***

Clink.

A spoon falls to the floor.

"…"

I can't seem to put any strength into my fingers. It seems like I used up all my energy just lifting the water glass earlier.

… I shouldn't use Overload unless it's absolutely necessary. Even though it's a great special effect, the cost is too high.

This body is too weak.

"Please wait a moment, young master. I'll bring a new spoon."

Amy leaves the room again.

… Amy will probably think I am causing trouble.

Recently, I forgot that in this route, I could die at any moment.

I could be sliced in half by Irene's longsword, poisoned by Aisha, stabbed by Piel's treasured sword, or have my throat slit by Amy's dagger.

There are countless other variables that could lead to my death.

… Ugh, not only is my body in poor shape, but my head is also aching.

While closing my eyes and taking deep breaths,

Squeak.

Amy returns with a new spoon.

"Here's a new spoon, young master."

"Alright."

I carefully hold the new spoon in my hand.

I was worried about dropping it on the floor again, so I gripped it while sitting on the bed –

Thud.

The spoon dives onto the blanket. My fingers still can't seem to put any strength into holding it.

"You can't put any strength into your hand?"

Amy looks at me with worried eyes.

"… Yes."

It's extremely embarrassing.

Not even able to hold a spoon. It feels like my life as a man is over.

At that moment.

"Understood."

Amy picked up the spoon I dropped and wiped it clean with a cloth.

And then,

"Please, say 'ah'."

She scooped up a spoonful of soup and brought it to me.

"..."

Baffled, I tried to keep my expression neutral as I stared at her.

This is when 'Twisted Noble's Dignity' comes in handy.

Without it, I wouldn't be able to maintain my composure, looking ridiculous instead.

"My arm hurts."

Amy avoided my gaze as she spoke.

"Ah."

I reflexively ate the spoonful of soup.

"How is the taste... young master?"

"It's hot."

I didn't even have time to taste it.

It was so hot that I almost burned my tongue.

A look of dismay crossed Amy's face.

"I-I apologize, Milord. I should have been more careful. Please forgive me–"

"It's fine."

Saying that, I opened my mouth again.

As the pain subsided, I could finally taste the soup.

It's delicious.

In the original work, Amy was known as a gourmet.

She's excellent at cooking as well.

"It's delicious. Can you do this more often?"

"Of course, young master. And you don't need to ask. I am your... loyal servant."

Amy scooped up more soup, carefully blew on it to cool it down, and then offered the spoon to me.

After eating the soup, I spoke.

"Amy."

"Yes, young master?"

Amy looked up at me.

For some reason, I'm reminded of an obedient cat.

"It's nothing. I just hope you can make such delicious meals often."

I want to convey my gratitude, but I feel too shy to say it.

Amy nodded slightly, smiling.

"Of course."

No more conversation took place.

Only the sound of blowing on the soup and eating could be heard occasionally in the room.

***

After finishing the meal with Amy's help.

"I'll go back to sleep now. Have sweet dreams, Amy."

I laid down in bed and spoke.

Sleep is the best medicine for muscle soreness.

Amy stood up, carrying the empty dishes, and bowed her head.

"Yes. Young master, have sweet dreams as well. I'll come to serve breakfast tomorrow morning."

Hm, tomorrow is Saturday.

And by tomorrow, I should be able to move my fingers, right?

"You don't have to do that."

"No, it's best if you rest as much as possible. I'll take my leave now."

With those words, Amy left the room.

In no time, I was alone in the room.

"..."

Well, it's not a bad sign if she wants to help me, right?

I hope that's the case...

Anyway, time to sleep again.

***

Bonus chappy! This one is thanks to Sam!

Enjoy the chappy!