Chapter 74 (1/2)

My name is Christina Noir; and – I am a genius.

It has been ten years since my genius was recognised. Now that I am thirteen, I shall attend the Royal Academy alongside most other noble children.

And this school will become the stage for scenes of the game, just like in my memories of my previous life. Of course, the me right now does not even slightly resemble that stupid role of a villainess. Reigning as a lady of character, I plan to push aside that good-for-nothing idiotic crown prince and cultivate power and influence among the top aristocrats.

For my ‘School Domination Plan’, I was currently sitting with the people who would become my number one and two pawns.

“And with that, tell me how the exam went.”

“Exam? Aaah, do you mean the entrance exam?”

We currently sat in a quiet corner of the church in the neighbourhood. It was a place I had become familiar with after visiting so many times over the past two years.

Playing against my usual boardgame partner; I took their knight and advanced forward with my piece while I talked.

“What other exam would I mean? Yes, the entrance exam for the Royal Academy. How did you go?”

“Mmm, I think I probably passed. There weren’t any problems I couldn’t do after all.”

“Wow.”

Even while you say ‘probably’ you’re actually feeling quite confident. To say there wasn’t a problem you couldn’t do, you must be feeling pretty brave. I thought to myself.

His face is still that of a boy, looking at it makes it seem that he won’t grow up for many years. However, even though he’s already so tall, he just keeps growing. Even though I know I’ll also grow some more, it’s frustrating.

Leon Nardo. He was a commoner the same age as me, with black hair and eyes.

Honestly, as a commoner there’s no way he should be able to sit next to a noble like me, but I allow it since my heart is so incredibly generous. Even if they’re a commoner, if they’re smart and funny then I don’t mind being around them.

“Well as long as you pass it’s fine.”

I smiled complacently. Since Leon is going to be my no.2 pawn, my plans are counting on having him helping me out. I’d be in a difficult spot if he didn’t make it in.

It is said that an aristocrat’s duties begin in earnest after graduating from the Royal Academy, but that is a huge mistake. The people who will rise to the top socially and politically will have already begun networking for their future before they arrive at the Academy, and continue making connections.

With my genius, I will certainly stand above them all. As the daughter of the Noir family, one of the three great houses of this country, it is my duty to do so. I must build up an overwhelmingly superior powerbase while I’m a student for my future standing.

But most importantly, it is my duty as the elder sister to make the school a comfortable playground for Michelie when she enters.

With my genius intellect, previous life’s information and my current information network, I am unrivalled. Not to mention with my handy pawns – I will be completely invincible. Hehehe. Laughter bubbled up from within me.

As I laughed in my heart, Leon gave a shiver.

“Did you guys feel something cold just now…?”

“It’s probably just your imagination. We’re indoors after all.”

I cannot let my future henchman know of my scheming, he might reject the honor of serving me if he knew my true intentions. So, of course, I deny the real reason behind his shivers.

“Or maybe it’s because of preparing for the exam? Perhaps you overdid it and exhausted yourself.”

“No, Miss Mariwa told me not to overdo it, so that can’t be it.”

“Why’s Mariwa being all sweet to you?”

There’s no way Mariwa would say that to just anyone. The same Mariwa who is always mercilessly pushing me to the breaking point. She never says anything that caring to me about my health.

“She’s not being sweet, Isn’t Miss Mariwa always like that? She’s not the sort to teach by forcing a student to overdo it.”

“No way, Mariwa follows the ‘If there’s a will, there’s a way’ approach.”

The same person should be tutoring both of us, but his classes sound a lot less harsh than mine for some reason.

“Well whatever. It is Mariwa after all. So Surfania, what’s your next move going to be?”

“…Shut it.”

My future no.1 pawn, Surfania, was taking a long time to make her next move. Well, even if the game isn’t over yet, against a genius like me the winner isn’t really in question. After all, to this day, I have never lost to Surfania… Although I have never won against Mariwa, but let’s just ignore that for now.

I’m pretty sure Surfania just hasn’t improved at all. A shut in as always, same barbed tongue, constantly a sore loser, quick to tears. She hasn’t grown up at all.

After considering her options for ages, Surfania finally makes a move. Since it was an expected move I could immediately counter it.

“If by any chance Leon does fail the exam, Mariwa will probably strangle him.”

“Don’t say such scary things…”

Leon shuddered, already imaging what would happen. It seems that after all these years Leon had at least come to understand just how truly frightening Mariwa was.

“Putting aside such fun talks…you probably passed right? As long as you answered each question; there’s no need to worry about failing. If you’re going to worry, then it should be over your school life starting from spring, commoner.”