Even Though the Gender Ratio Has Changed, My Attempts at Flirting With Women Are Unsuccessful - Chapter 11: I’ve Been Reincarnated as a Villain, but Academy Life Begins

Chapter 11: I’ve Been Reincarnated as a Villain, but Academy Life Begins

The morning of the entrance ceremony.

I finished getting ready and could head to the academy anytime, but…

“Ark-kun and Sheffy-chan have grown so much… sniff. You’ve both become so splendid since back then! You’re both my pride!”

Mom, seeing me and Sheffy in our uniforms, was crying big tears. Even the maids nearby were wiping their eyes with handkerchiefs, joining her tears.

We showed them our uniforms before, though.

I think their reaction is a bit over-the-top, but now that I’m on their side, I get it. Seeing Sheffy in her uniform warmed my heart too.

Then, the maids gathered around Sheffy all at once.

“Sheffy, do your best at the academy!”

“If anything tough happens, tell us anytime, okay?”

“Protect young master Ark! And enjoy your academy life too!”

“Come back and tell us lots of stories!”

Sheffy, swarmed with their words, nodded shyly but firmly.

It’s heartwarming to see how the maids, who came from the same orphanage, treat Sheffy like a little sister.

But… isn’t anyone going to say something to me? It’s nice that the girls are excited, but I’m going to the academy too.

“Ark-kun!”

“Mom…!”

As expected, Mom has words for me. She’s bound to say something to fire me up…

“If anything happens at the academy, tell Mama right away! I’ll handle it!”

“…Oh, uh, thanks.”

Wait… does she think I’m weak? I’ve grown up physically, but is she worried I won’t survive at the academy?

When I trained with Tiana, only Sheffy, my personal maid, was around. I was mostly forbidden from going out, so I never got to show off my progress.

I get why Mom doesn’t know my strength, but…

Oh well! The academy is merit-based, with clear grades. I’ll get good scores and surprise her!

◆◆

Our carriage stopped at a rotary on the academy grounds, and Sheffy and I stepped out.

“This is the academy we’ll attend for three years…”

Before me stretched a vast campus and a grand school building, beyond anything I imagined.

This is the Royal Magic Academy Altet, where we’ll study for three years. It trains talented people, noble or commoner, to excel.

It’s merit-based, with skilled teachers, high-quality classes, and great support, making it very popular.

The competition this year was fierce. The people who passed and are here now are amazing!

I couldn’t help but look around, but what caught my attention most was…

“Look! A boy!”

“I’ve never seen such a cool boy…”

“He looks like a high-ranking noble. Even through the uniform, you can tell he’s got a great body!”

“But boys get special treatment in exams and are protected… Isn’t training your body kind of pointless?”

“Still, it makes a difference! Slim is nice, but muscles are good too. Girls like us appreciate it!”

“Living with such a wonderful guy…”

Even at a glance, there were way more girls. It’s almost like a girls’ school.

Since I’m a guy in this crowd, I could feel their stares intensely…

Is the 1:9 gender ratio affecting this? There should be at least one guy for every ten people, but…

It’s fine. The 1:9 ratio isn’t that different from my old world.

“Ark-sama, you’ve been looking around. Are there any uncomfortable stares?”

“…Huh? No, nothing. I’m just excited to be at the academy!”

“Good. As long as I’m by your side, you can feel safe.”

“Oh, uh… thanks.”

Sheffy’s probably trying to fulfill her role as my attendant seriously.

But it’s the academy. She should act more like a student. I need to step up for that!

We arrived at the auditorium for the entrance ceremony.

In my past life, gyms were standard, but this is another world. The place was lavish, with red carpets and dazzling decorations.

The chairs weren’t metal pipes—they were soft and comfy.

Sheffy and I sat next to each other. Boys have to have an attendant, so we might sit together in class too.

“Ark-sama, if you feel unwell, please tell me right away. It’s a crowded space.”

“Yeah, thanks.”

Sheffy… did she notice I’m a bit sleep-deprived from being too excited about the academy? As expected of my personal maid.

The ceremony started and went smoothly.

On the stage stood the academy’s headmaster, an elegant and beautiful woman.

“Our school shifted to coeducation a few years ago and has focused on nurturing male students. This year, we’re thrilled to welcome ten male students, more than usual.”

Ten boys… isn’t that too few? I thought there’d be more.

Even though it’s been coed for a few years, this academy, once a girls’ school, might still feel intimidating for boys.

As I thought about this, the ceremony moved on to the new student representative’s speech.

The person who appeared at the podium was familiar.

“Tiana… top of the class, that’s amazing.”

Yes, the new student representative was my childhood friend, Tiana.

Last night, she came to our house to tell me she was chosen for the speech because she ranked first.

Tiana has been top of her class in elementary, middle, and now high school.

Her magic talent earns her the nickname “genius,” but…

Having trained with her, I know it’s the result of her effort.

Her clear explanations and precise magic control—all from hard work. Tiana’s always been a hard worker.

“—Tiana Keith, new student representative.”

Her speech ended, and the crowd clapped loudly. I clapped with all my might too.

Then, our eyes met briefly. I gave a small wave so no one else would notice.

“…Hehe.”

Tiana smiled. Then she quickly left the stage.

“Hey, did the genius lady just smile…?”

“No way, right? There was no reason to smile.”

“I’ve been with her since elementary, and Tiana-sama never shows emotion or hangs out with anyone.”

“Plus, she’s the only daughter of the Keith family, one of the four great nobles. It’s too daunting for us to approach her.”

The crowd buzzed a bit… maybe because the ceremony was almost over?

Next, class assignments would be posted on a board in the plaza outside the auditorium.

I’m excited to see which cute girls I’ll be in class with!

◇ Brief Character Introduction ◇

Tiana Keith

She has glossy white hair and sharp, light pink eyes, with a cool, mysterious appearance. The only daughter of the Keith family, one of the four great noble families, and Ark’s childhood friend. She’s skilled in magic and often called the “genius lady,” but she doesn’t seem to like it. She likes Ark to an extreme degree. She’s open to creating a done deal.