A Regressed Villain: Heroines, Villainesses and Me?

Chapter 174- Amrita's Expulsion

"S-Sir, I mean—Professor, please, have a seat," the director of Elite Academy said, noticing that Marquess Croceaus had once again returned to the academy despite having already submitted his resignation. Aria, a student at the academy, seemed startled as she followed him in, prompting the director to correct himself.

"Director, I would like you to grant leave to Aria," Avendial stated as he entered the office, his hand resting casually in his pocket. He walked past the stunned director and took a seat in the head chair beside the desk, folding his legs and fixing a penetrating gaze on the director, who appeared taken aback.

"Huh? Does that...?" The director hesitated, tightening his grip on his cane. He cast a sidelong glance at Aria, who had moved to sit on a nearby couch. Her disregard for the academy's norms, not to mention her disrespect for the director, prompted a frown from him. However, he quickly grasped that Marquess Croceaus had chosen this department primarily to pursue the girl in question.

What surprised him even more was that a student from the academy had managed to capture the interest of such a distinguished figure, prompting him to attend the academy solely for her. Though he could've objected, he maintained his composure.

Given the circumstances and the code of conduct at the academy—where students occasionally received privileges for research purposes—he decided to acquiesce. "I understand. I will process that request for Miss Aria as soon as possible."

Badump

Silence filled the room. Aria, seated on the couch, exhibited a natural weariness, her lips pressed together in clear exhaustion. Her nonchalance, especially towards the esteemed director—who was supposed to command respect—filled her heart with a flutter of excitement. The shift in the director's tone, acknowledging her presence as if she held weight, made her pulse quicken.

'She is adapting well,' thought Avendial, observing the change in Aria's demeanor. Her indifference towards the director was commendable; if one belonged to him, they should never bow their heads to others.

His male ego, while not entirely unreasonable, demanded that those close to him maintain their confidence—and doubtlessly, he wouldn't have it any other way.

After all, she ought to kneel only before him...

Yet Avendial's gaze shifted to Rivia, who stood near the door, her expression distinctly grim. The irritation and annoyance were palpable, evident from her tightened grip on the hilt of her sword and her rigid stance. It was clear she was far from pleased with Aria's presence.

But given the urgency of the current matters at hand, he chose to set aside any issues concerning Rivia for the moment, casting her a cold glare to deter any foolishness.

"Good, and director, remove Amrita from the academy."

'!?!'

'Wh-what?!'Aria was taken aback by his second order, her head snapping in his direction, her eyes wide with disbelief. She hadn't expected him to go that far, prompting her to stammer, "Wait, Avendial—"

In that moment, Aria felt compelled to clarify that, despite Amrita holding the title of heroine and playing a significant role in the unfolding events, she was not to blame, especially due to Lin and their destined paths.

After all, just like Aria, that woman needed to be shattered, left vulnerable enough for someone to piece her heart back together.

"What?!" The director gasped, taken aback and struggling to digest the Marquess's assertion. Despite his doubts regarding the veracity of the claim, the serious gaze from Avendial compelled him to lower his head in acknowledgment. Though he yearned to retaliate and refute the assertion, he understood that expelling Amrita from the academy had become a grim necessity.

"I... will do it..." The director replied, his voice tinged with defeat. His pride as the head of the Elite Academy and his aspiration to serve as a role model for future generations were now hanging by a thread. It felt as if he were undergoing a final test to determine his worthiness of upholding his principles.

"Good," Avendial said as he turned to leave, deliberately walking past the director's desk. He noted the director's body language with keen awareness.

The likelihood of the director defying Avendial seemed far slimmer than that of him complying with the demands put forth, but it wasn't nonexistent.

If Amrita, as a student, were to plead with this director, it would become evident that the director, driven by his inherent humanity, might not hesitate to go against Avendial's will.

And this was exactly what Avendial wanted.

Naturally, the true aim behind this whole expulsion scheme wasn't merely to cast Amrita out of the academy; it was to reduce her to a state where she would be begging the director for clemency.

"M-Marquess—" Aria stammered, visibly shaken by a look on his face that was unlike anything she had witnessed before, leaving her to question whether what she saw was an illusion. Just as she began to formulate her thoughts, he regarded her with a smile, 'Oh...'

That smile reassured her; no, he was indeed the same person she knew. Her gaze shifted toward the director's seat, where the old man sat with his head bowed, gripping his cane, his body visibly trembling.

"Rivia," Avendial called as he moved closer to her, tugging Aria along with him and holding her hand tightly. This gesture was meant to provide her with the mental space she needed to process the scene, while also assuring her that he hadn't changed. This particular facet of him was merely one aspect of his complex nature. He aimed to lead her into a state of mind where she could start crafting justifications for his unpredictable behavior.

It was akin to the adage about love rendering one blind; emotions could distort perception, causing individuals to overlook their partner's flaws and rationalize their missteps.

This was Avendial's strategy—to create a psychological bond through physical contact, encouraging Aria to subconsciously start making excuses for his actions. At the same time, he intended for her to experience an internal struggle, ultimately fostering an equilibrium that would blur her judgment regarding his faults.

"Yes, Master?" Rivia responded, her eyes flicking toward the hand that held Aria's, igniting feelings of frustration within her. Yet, the sound of his voice soothed her nerves, bringing her focus back to him.

"Record everything that occurs inside this office," Avendial instructed confidently, handing his phone to Rivia without a second thought. His intention was for her to discreetly capture a video of the unfolding events, completely oblivious to the implications for both the director and Aria.

After all, their opinions were irrelevant in this context, and that recording would undoubtedly make things much easier.