The Villainess Who Was Dumped Got Married into My Family, a Mob Noble from the Frontier, and Turns Out, She's an Amazing Capable Wife? - Chapter 32: Dungeon Practice

Chapter 32: Dungeon Practice

In the school’s curriculum, there’s a thing called dungeon practice.

It’s where students practice the magic they’ve learned in class against monsters inside a dungeon. 

Why would a school attended by nobles have such a dangerous activity?

It’s supposed to be in line with traditions left by ancient wise men, or so they say. 

Although all the teachers are mobilized to ensure safety, there’s still a risk of getting seriously hurt if you’re not careful during these lessons.

In the game, Alicia sets up a teleportation magic circle. This causes an accident where the player and a target character, who has reached a certain point in their relationship, are teleported deep into the dungeon.

It’s interesting to think who will take on the role of villain in a world without one.

At the school, the reverse harem is peaceful, and occasionally Ekaterina, who has risen to the role of a villainess, takes on the task of making snide remarks to the “fake” protagonist, but it’s hard to believe she would set a trap that could kill a high-ranking noble.

“I’m nervous, but I was looking forward to having class with Alicia!”

“Right. It’s dangerous to go alone, so I’m glad we’re doing this together.” 

Mariana, holding her sword in its scabbard with a tense look, and Alicia, standing proudly with her arms crossed, were chatting. 

Seeing them not in uniforms but in light armor is refreshing. 

Alicia, with her long silver hair tied back, looks imposing. 

The sight of her, standing defiantly with scars from a burn on her eye, could make one’s heart flutter uncontrollably.

Of course, since it’s a group activity, Patricia and her reverse harem members are also gathered, hinting at the potential for unexpected turmoil.

“Patricia, I will definitely protect you, so don’t worry.”

“Edward…”

“Hey hey, don’t forget about us, okay?”

“Right, Your Highness. We’ll all protect Patricia together.”

“Don’t try to look cool on your own and overdo it.”

The rest is omitted.

They created a pink space around them, not caring about the stares from others. 

Is it really pink?

It feels more like a foolish color is radiating as their aura. 

The dungeon event, which turned out to be a significant event where they accidentally teleported to the depths of the dungeon and discovered a sacred artifact, makes me wonder what will happen with that fake.

“What’s with that outfit? It’s not suitable for a dangerous dungeon! Are you here just to be protected, despite being a sage’s progeny?”

“No, that’s not it…”

Voices could be heard at the entrance to the dungeon levels. 

Ekaterina was picking on Patricia.

“His Highness said we should go together…”

“Hmph. Don’t you think you’re taking the dungeon practice too lightly? Someone like you will only put His Highness in danger.”

Those words are a bit different, but it’s something the villainess version of Alicia might say.

It’s not a threat or advice; it’s genuinely a dangerous situation. Alicia, driven by resentment, was quite dangerous.

“Won’t you stop, Lady Ekaterina?”

“But, Your Highness!”

“I invited her. I’ve heard that Patricia, being a commoner, feels out of place in class. As royalty who must protect the people, I can’t allow her to go through the dungeon practice alone.”

“Ugh…”

Ekaterina’s face twisted, glaring at Patricia fiercely.

Patricia, receiving such a gaze, let out a small shriek and hid behind Edward.

There were no magic worms around, so Ekaterina was just picking on Patricia for no reason.

“Why not try to understand each other before you resort to such pointless bullying?”

“Exactly. What do you think His Highness is trying to promote by taking the lead in interacting?” 

“Even though there are differences in status, sages’ progenies are chosen by the ancient wise men themselves, so we believe there’s a lot we can learn from them.”

The rest is omitted.

Following Edward, each member of the reverse harem stands in front of Ekaterina one after another, like in a team of heroes determined to protect their princess at all costs.

“Hmph! You’ve killed my mood! I’m leaving!”

Pressured, Ekaterina backed down with a snarl.

Watching this scene unfold, one might think about the game. 

Alicia, having been utterly devastated by a broken engagement, is haunted by a mix of jealousy and a desire for revenge, continually bothering the protagonist. But what’s Ekaterina’s reason?

Was she just a follower of Alicia, going this far to bother someone simply because they’re deemed unfit?

It’s baffling why she would go out of her way to make snide remarks when influential people within the school are actively working towards a culture where being a commoner or anything else doesn’t matter.

While it might be easy to dismiss the discrimination against me or Alicia as simply bad character, it’s genuinely twisted.

“The atmosphere has gotten really bad, hasn’t it?”

Mariana said, looking troubled. 

Alicia, who had been quietly watching, replied with just one sentence, “That was normal.”

It seemed like she had more on her mind, so I quietly moved closer to her.

“It’s the complete opposite of the Brave territory. Here, no matter how bad the atmosphere gets, you won’t die, but in the Brave territory, even though the air is clean, you could die if you’re not careful.”

“…Pfft, that Brave joke is unusually funny.”

Eh, but that was a fact, not a joke? 

But seeing her smile made me feel like I did a good job.

“Is it really such a scary place…?”

“It’s not scary at all; it’s a very nice place. I’m going back there with Ragna for the summer break. Would you like to come with us?” 

“Really? I can?”

“Yes, you can.” 

It would likely be easier for Vorsea if things went that way. 

While we’re at it, let’s leave a lingering scent of Onyx on her as well.

Dragons are naturally powerful and superior beings. It would be nice if her fate power could be enhanced that way. 

“Oh god, what’s that smell? From the scarred one to the throwaway ape, and a commoner, this place seems to be filled with outcasts, doesn’t it?”

Ugh, here comes Ekaterina. 

I had anticipated it would be impossible to avoid here, but she never learns. 

As I was thinking about how to handle this situation, Alicia moved to protect Mariana.

“Even after what His Highness said, you haven’t learned your lesson.”

“Kuh, how dare you, a scarred one who lost to a commoner! Because of you, commoners are getting too bold in the academy. How do you plan to take responsibility for this?”

“I’ve already faced my punishment. I have no relation with His Highness anymore.”

Seeing Alicia, standing tall and defiant, Ekaterina’s face twisted in anger.

It was twisted so much, it wouldn’t be surprising if her face started cramping.

“Do you realize how embarrassed we felt because of your disgraceful defeat? After all we did for you?”

“You haven’t changed, huh? Always acting like I owe you something.”

“Ugh, you scarred one!” 

“Mock me all you want. I’ve done what I did. But it’s not your concern anymore.”

Alicia stated firmly. 

“If you have something against me, just fight me with all you’ve got, whether it’s a duel or whatever. Not that I think you can win, nor do I care about the outcome anymore.”

“Do you really think you can feel good about yourself, being a scarred one, leading a throwaway ape and a lame commoner? Well, suits you! Spend your life drinking coffee. Ah, can’t stand the smell of coffee?”

“I like coffee, so I plan to keep drinking it.”

“Tch, how pathetic! I’m leaving!”

Ekaterina left in frustration, completely brushed off by Alicia.

Alicia’s firm response was cool. 

Just as I thought, Alicia is a strong woman. 

I like her even more now. So brutal.

“I guess I got you involved with some weirdo because of me, sorry about that.”

“It’s okay. You were cool. That’s the Brave family for you.”

“Fufu, thanks.”

“Now, should I just go ahead and kill her for calling you a scarred one?”

“Down.”

Woof woof.

Bringing a collar all the way to the dungeon, what were you planning to do?

Well, it’s a joke. 

I won’t make a move as long as she retreats disgracefully.

But, if Ekaterina tries to use a teleportation magic circle and harms Alicia in any way, I’ll have to crush her. It doesn’t matter if she’s a student.

“Alicia… that person just made fun of coffee, you know?”

“Eh?”

“Huh?”

The unexpected killing intent came from Mariana. 

“Making fun of my friend and even coffee… I won’t forgive that. Even if she’s a noble, I absolutely won’t forgive her.”

“Mariana, calm down? Please?”

Truly a coffee yokai.

Or in the terms of this world, a coffee monster.