The Villainous Me Turned the Losers into Blackened Bosses-Chapter 18 - The Little Witch’s Other Side

With this plan in mind, Leah decided to visit an old acquaintance at Entark’s First Academy.

“Leah, it’s been so long since we last met. I think the last time was after last year’s competition, wasn’t it?”

Sitting in the luxurious office of Mary, the Vice Principal of Entark’s First Academy, Leah faced the elderly woman dressed in formal robes.

Mary, ever since taking on the role of Vice Principal, had been beloved by her students and dedicated to her research. Her hard work and reputation made her an irreplaceable figure at the academy, and despite her advanced age, no suitable successor had been found.

Her small frame seemed to sink into the oversized, plush chair of the Vice Principal’s office. Her eyes, surrounded by wrinkles, were barely visible as she leaned on her cane. Dressed in a magical robe and wearing a large witch’s hat, she looked more like the stereotypical witch from fairy tales—the kind that boiled children in cauldrons.

—If not for her kind and gentle smile.

“U-Um… maybe don’t call me ‘sister.’ It feels… strange.”

Leah instinctively avoided Mary’s gaze and smile.

They always reminded her of decades ago, when she first met Mary—a fearless girl with a bright smile and clear, innocent eyes.

Mary had been her mother’s student. Witches rarely interacted with ordinary humans, but Mary had ventured into the forest alone, wandering through the witches’ maze for a day and a night before finally finding their small cottage. She had begged Leah’s mother to take her as a student.

Mary repeated this three times, and her persistence won Leah’s mother over, making Mary her first student.

They had even ventured into dungeons together in search of ancient magical materials.

To Leah, it didn’t feel that long ago, but…

In the blink of an eye, the girl who once called her “sister” had grown into a mature Vice Principal…

And aged.

While Leah remained the same child she had always been.

Leah glanced at her own small hands, which were so tiny that even the smallest teacher’s robe extended past her fingertips.

Looking up, she saw Mary’s white hair gleaming under the warm light.

Her relentless dedication to magic, her tireless work at the academy, and her disregard for her own well-being had aged her faster than her peers.

Leah couldn’t help but think that one day, not too far from now, she would attend Mary’s funeral. She would stand among the students laying flowers, quietly observing from the sidelines, pretending to be just an ordinary acquaintance before leaving.

This, perhaps, was what her mother had repeatedly taught her—that witches must always face loneliness.

“Well, you must have a reason for coming here. The competition isn’t far off. I’m curious to see what surprises you’ll bring us this year, Leah.”

Mary reached out with her right hand to lift the small teapot beside her, intending to pour tea for Leah.

“Don’t even mention last year… I’d rather erase it from my memory…”

As she spoke, Mary’s frail, wrinkled hand trembled, and the teapot slipped slightly from her grasp.

But before it could fall, Leah’s small hand, as if waiting for this moment, swiftly caught the teapot handle.

“You’re as careless as ever. Pouring tea is such a small task; there’s no need to trouble the Vice Principal. I can handle it myself.”

Leah pouted in mild annoyance.

Mary, however, smiled warmly at Leah’s scolding tone.

“Leah, you know my right hand has been weak ever since the injury… You were watching closely, ready to catch the teapot the moment I slipped, weren’t you?”

Leah lowered her head, her hat brim hiding her expression. She poured tea for herself and then filled Mary’s cup as well.

“Sigh… I’d almost forgotten. I injured my right hand in a dungeon years ago. Back then, you helped me with all the heavy lifting for quite a while.”

“Oh? Did I? I don’t even remember.”

“Still the same, Leah. You say you don’t remember, but you notice every little detail about the people around you.”

“No, I don’t. I let most trivial things slip from my mind.”

“So, Leah, what brings you here today?”

“Well… there’s… there’s a class I’m very interested in… The one with the Hysterm child in it…”

Mary’s eyes, hidden in her wrinkles, lit up.

“Oh? Leah, are you finally thinking about integrating into the academy? That’s wonderful news! And you’ve even taken an interest in a student.”

She clapped her hands lightly, though her frail frame made the sound barely audible.

“I’ve always been curious about the kind of student you’d choose, Leah. After all, I worked so hard to get your mother to take me in. As her daughter, your standards must be even higher.”

“No, it’s… it’s for another reason!”

“That’s fine. I’m just happy you’re taking this step. I’ve always thought that, as a witch, you and your mother should try interacting more with ordinary humans…”

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Mary bent down slowly, reaching into her cabinet to retrieve an application form. She carefully signed it before handing it to Leah.

Leah watched her, both trying to convince herself and denying her intentions as she replied:

“There’s… no need.”

“Actually, we have many outstanding students at the academy. Leah, despite your age, I think your personality is more like that of my younger students.”

As Mary signed the form, she spoke as if she were trying to help Leah open up, treating her like one of her students.

“You’re just calling me immature in a roundabout way.”

“Oh, not at all. I mean, our school doesn’t forbid teacher-student relationships. You might find one of our students quite suitable. These boys graduate after three years, all strong and vigorous…”

“Hey!”

Before Leah could retort, Mary quickly handed her the form, cutting her off.

“Here, I’ve filled it out for you. But don’t forget about the competition.”

“By the way, Mary… can I skip the competition? That book my mother left behind is a witch’s legacy. Can’t I just have it directly?”

“No. Leah, that book was entrusted to me by your mother. She said it’s a gift for talented fire magic users because only the best need to study stronger ice defenses.”

Mary’s tone was gentle but firm.

“Your mother specifically said that you, in particular, must pass this test… No, in fact, she set the condition to test you and only you.”

“Fine, fine, I get it. It’s nothing a genius witch like me can’t handle. Just wait and see!”