The adorable Villainess is mine - Chapter 11- Trash

Carter sat alone in his room.

To say things were back to normal with Grace would be a bit too hopeful. Still, he could confidently say they weren’t back to square one either.

Thanks to that kiss, she finally believed he wasn’t lying. That his feelings were real.

“Her reaction was completely adorable…” He sighed, a soft smile lingering on his lips.

Just seeing her expressions each day had become a quiet blessing for him.

But what exactly were his feelings? Pity? Maybe a little. But more than anything, he knew one thing for sure—he wanted to protect her, no matter what.

Carter couldn’t let her suffer through the same nightmare she had in the original story.

He had always looked for a way to save her, digging through every possible route, trying to find a way to change her fate. But back then, he never could.

Now, however, he had a chance. And he was determined not to waste it.

“I need to plan things properly…” He reminded himself.

He knew the canon. That alone gave him an edge.

This world was just as dangerous as the one he came from. But unlike before, he didn’t have his old party members to rely on.

Even so, he had something far more valuable—knowledge.

He’d played the game many times before. He knew what was coming, what threats lay ahead, and how to prepare for them.

The next arc would be the field trip.

The third-year students would be heading to the mountains to learn about survival, tracking, and hunting.

This time, though, things would play out differently—not just because of his presence, but also because Grace would be there.

That alone could raise the danger level. So Carter needed to be ready.

“Alright, let’s see…” He stood up from his bed and walked over to his wardrobe.

Inside were a few small pouches and a wooden box.

He grabbed them all and brought them back to the bed.

Opening the pouches first, he began counting the coins inside.

“Hmm… thirty gold and two hundred silver,” he muttered to himself.

It was a decent amount by this world’s standards. Two gold coins were enough to support a middle-class family for a month.

But Carter wasn’t gathering funds to survive. His goal was different.

*Click.*

He opened the wooden box—and just as he hoped, its contents were all there.

Potions.

The lid lifted to reveal three small compartments.

The first held healing potions—three in total.

The second contained four enhancement potions—each meant to boost strength, speed, or focus in battle.

The third compartment was reserved for poison—four vials, all dangerous and highly effective when used right.

Carter had used these before. He knew exactly how they worked, and he knew he’d be needing them in the arc ahead.

As a prince, he could ask for more money or resources. But that would only raise suspicion.

Instead, he quietly earned what he needed by taking small jobs here and there—helping with paperwork, organizing data, and handling tasks that most nobles wouldn’t even consider.

Consider writing a letter back home? That’s not an option.

And truth be told his goal wasn’t to protect everyone. He was done with his job as a hunter where public safety was his only focus.

He was given another chance in life, so he was going to live it as he wanted. He would only protect those who actually matter to him.

And that person is Grace.

….

“Ahhhh!” Grace screamed into her pillow, kicking her legs in embarrassment.

Her face was buried deep in the soft fabric, but no amount of hiding could calm the storm swirling inside her.

She couldn’t believe it.
As someone raised in nobility—taught etiquette and grace since childhood—this was completely unbecoming of a proper lady.

She had asked him for a…k-k-kiss!
How bold. How reckless!

What was I even thinking?!
Did she ask just to test his feelings? Or was it because she secretly wanted something more…?

No, no, she couldn’t accept that.
But deep down, Grace knew the truth—she wanted him to kiss her.

They weren’t even engaged anymore, and yet she had made such a forward request. How utterly shameless.

Does he think I’m an easy woman now? she fretted, her stomach twisting at the thought.

The idea of what he might be thinking about her was driving her crazy. It clung to her like a stubborn shadow she couldn’t shake off.

And yet… despite all the panic and regret… There was something she now knew with complete certainty.

He truly wanted to grow closer to her.
Otherwise, he wouldn’t have said yes to her ridiculous request.
And it wasn’t just a simple peck—it was deep, intense… real.

She still felt his warmth on her lips.
The memory of it made her curl up even tighter, groaning into her pillow again.

Grace’s cheeks were burning, but her heart?
It was fluttering.

Just then,

*Knock* *Knock*

Grace frowned upon hearing the hurried knocks on the door.

She rushed towards the door and upon opening it, she found two of her classmates there, who looked in a panic.

“Grace! Carter…h-he…fell in the garden and is bleeding pretty badly!”

Grace’s eyes widened as, without a word, she rushed out of the room and descended the stairs.

They just parted ways half an hour ago…so, what happened so suddenly?

Panic and concern were written over her face as she finally reached the garden within seconds…only to find nothing but a trash can flipped on the grass.

She frowned and looked around to find Carter…only to hear from behind,

“Can’t find your beloved? He is lying just there~”

Grace gritted her teeth before she spun on her feet and saw six girls standing there, grinning.

The one who can knock on her door said with a grin, “Can’t spot your trashy two-timing lover?”

“Angela…I warn you-”

“Oh, really? Can you? After getting badly mouthed by every single student in the academy and neglected by your family, can you really threaten me?”

With her gaze turning condescending, Angela added, “You are nothing but discarded junk. So know your place.”

Saying so, she turned around and left with the others.

Grace bit her lip…once they used to be friends. Their family has a good relationship…but then something changed, and just like everyone, Angela hates her as well.

Turning towards the trash can, Grace decided to clean it up before leaving.

Unbeknowst to her, Carter saw everything from a corner.

°°°°°°°°

A/N:- Thanks for reading.