Chapter 7: Try taking a step forward

‘What kind of future will I have?’

Although Lila constantly reminded herself to focus on the present, she could never resist retreating into a quiet corner, counting through her life, and trying to imagine a perfect future.

But the tightly bound fate that shackled her told her otherwise.

Just like her previous life, she would wait only to be disappointed, and in the end, meet her conclusion in despair.

Yet life was precious, immeasurably so.

Because she had died once, she understood how valuable it was to be alive.

If she were given the chance to return to the moment she stepped into that alley…

She would turn around and leave without hesitation.

Therefore, even if bound by fate, Lila still wanted to struggle with everything she had to survive.

And the boy before her was her only lifeline.

Thus, she had to grasp him tightly, never letting go.

“You’re saying you plan to seek guidance from the swordsmanship instructor this afternoon?”

Though these thoughts filled her mind, Lila revealed none of it, instead questioning Simon with an overbearing tone.

“Yes, Miss. I have to participate in the arena matches. If I don’t, I’ll fail my assessment and won’t be able to graduate.”

Simon answered truthfully, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.

In reality, he had planned to keep this from Lila.

But after only taking a few steps, he had run into her…

As if she had been waiting for him.

He could only lament his terrible luck, unaware that his actions had always been within Lila’s expectations.

All he could do was hope that today, Lila wouldn’t suddenly act crazy and would let him go about his business.

“You do know my level of swordsmanship, don’t you?”

His hope shattered instantly.

Lila’s lips curled slightly, forming a faint, almost imperceptible smile.

Her crimson eyes narrowed, a sly glint flashing within them.

There’s no escaping this.

The more Simon looked at that smile, the more uneasy he felt.

This was no kind smile.

Whenever that demon revealed such an expression, misfortune would follow.

Simon understood this deeply.

“Miss ranked first in this year’s swordsmanship competition. Many instructors have also lost to you.”

He could only grit his teeth and answer.

“Then wouldn’t it be better for you to ask me for guidance, Simon?”

Though Lila was smiling, Simon felt a chilling cold radiating from her.

“Your time is precious, Miss. I wouldn’t dare trouble you.”

Though his words were respectful, inwardly he had already cursed her countless times.

“No need. I still have time to teach my servant. So Simon, there’s no need to be polite.”

Simon felt her smile grow even colder.

‘This red-haired witch had to be a demon!’

Seeing him hesitate, she patted his shoulder.

“Good, Simon. Training begins now. Go run.”

“Now?”

Simon hadn’t even processed what was happening.

“When else?”

Lila pointed out the running path and continued.

“Run along this route. Don’t stop. Otherwise, you’ll regret it.”

And just like that, on his way to find a sword instructor, Simon inexplicably began running laps.

Meanwhile, Lila stood there, counting each time he passed by her.

At first, it was manageable.

But as the run continued, Simon felt his legs grow heavier.

His throat burned, dry and aching, each breath like swallowing sandpaper.

More importantly, that witch showed no intention of stopping him.

She simply sipped tea as if none of this concerned her.

‘Since she can’t see me here… maybe I can rest for a bit?’

‘Yeah. Why should I listen to that witch? She’s clearly using training as an excuse to torture me.’

As that thought crossed his mind, Simon slowed his pace.

But the next moment, the voice he had labeled as demonic sounded from behind him.

“Thinking of stopping, Simon?”

Simon nearly burst out in curses, at Lila and at the world itself.

‘How is this demon everywhere?!’

Since he had been caught, there was no escaping it.

He forced himself to accelerate again.

The pain intensified.

His legs felt like they were filled with lead.

He could only gasp heavily.

It felt as though a massive stone pressed against his chest.

With every step, the pressure increased, as if crushing his heart and lungs.

Even breathing became a struggle.

The world spun and tilted before his eyes.

He could no longer endure it.

Meanwhile, Lila had already followed closely when she noticed he was nearing his limit.

Seeing him push himself so desperately, she couldn’t help but feel a trace of admiration.

If this was his limit, then Simon was already far stronger than an ordinary person.

Leaning forward was the only way Simon could keep moving.

But his vision had blurred.

He failed to notice a small uneven bump on the ground.

The next step…

His balance collapsed.

The uneven ground rushed toward him.

Out of instinctive fear, he shut his eyes.

But instead of impact…

The rushing air vanished.

His body stopped midair.

He felt an arm wrapped around his waist, slowly lifting him upright.

“Thank you!”

Before even opening his eyes, Simon blurted out his gratitude.

He caught a faint scent, like cornflowers.

Light, gentle, and pleasant.

“No need to thank me, Simon. This is what I should do.”

It was a pleasant female voice.

Feeling the softness of the arm holding him, Simon imagined it must be a kind and beautiful girl who had saved him.

But… why did this voice sound a bit like that villainess Lila?

A jolt ran through his heart.

He immediately opened his eyes.

What he saw…

Was a pair of captivating crimson eyes, watching him with curiosity.

It was Lila.

His heartbeat stalled.

Simon could only bitterly laugh inwardly.

It seemed his life was truly doomed the moment he crossed paths with this villainess.

Who knew what was so special about him that drew her attention?

He quickly pulled himself free from her arms.

“Simon, you did well. Now it’s time for the next step.”

Lila smiled, seemingly satisfied with his performance.

She instructed him to lean against the wall, legs bent at a right angle.

“That’s right. Hold it. If you do this, your legs won’t ache tomorrow.”

This villainess really puts on a convincing act.

But who knows if it actually works?

Simon grumbled inwardly.

If he had the chance, it would probably be more reliable to seek out the shop owner later.

“Can’t hold on anymore? Just a bit longer, Simon.”

‘Easy for you to say.’

Simon wanted to retort, but held it in.

In the end, he collapsed onto the ground.

Lila glanced at the time.

“Mm, that’s about enough. You came too late today, otherwise I’d have trained you longer. Remember to come again tomorrow. I’ll teach you properly.”

With that, she ignored Simon completely and left on her own.

Simon could only curse at the empty air before struggling back to his feet.

He decided to visit the shop owner.

Ever since experiencing that warm Holy Light last time, he felt almost addicted to it.

That comforting warmth was something he had never experienced before.

Though he desperately wanted to feel it again, he had restrained himself from troubling the shop owner.

This time, at least, he had a reason.

Of course, he would never thank Lila for it.

If possible, he wished he would never meet her again in his life.

Following the familiar path, he arrived at the restaurant—

Only to find it closed.

The sign outside read “Closed,” and the lights inside were off.

Usually, no matter how busy the shop owner was, she would come by at night to check the accounts.

It seemed he was simply unlucky today.

With no choice, Simon turned back toward the dormitory.

Then he heard a voice…

“Hm? Simon, what are you doing here so late?”