I Became The Novel's Biggest Antagonist

Chapter 128 James' Confession

"Follow me," Eline said.

"Why?" James asked, raising a brow.

"Because I'm asking you to," Eline replied, narrowing her eyes.

James stared at her for a beat, before a smile creeped onto his face. With a shrug, he uncrossed his legs and hopped down from the nook bench.

"See ya, Angie," he called out, waving casually at Angel as he trailed after Eline.

"..." Angel's gaze lingered for a moment on the bracelet dangling from James's wrist. Then, without a word, she returned to her lunch.

"You're dead," one of Lucas's followers muttered under his breath as James passed by.

James glanced back with a carefree smirk that only fanned the flames of the man's anger.

"You should learn to conduct yourself properly in Ocryphia. This isn't kindergarten. You're here to study Exorcism at the most prestigious academy in Aurion," Eline said as they walked.

"Is there any way to earn money here?" James asked abruptly, completely ignoring her scolding.

Eline's brows furrowed. "What?"

"I mean, are there competitions where you can win money, gold, or artifacts?" James clarified, blinking innocently.

Eline sighed, clearly unamused by his priorities. "Within certain clubs, there are opportunities for remuneration, but it depends. There are also competitions with rewards, especially during the second semester," she said.

"Nice," James said with a nod, clearly pleased. If he was going to waste time at Ocryphia, he might as well turn it into a profitable adventure. That would certainly make things more interesting.

"Where are we going, anyway?" James asked, glancing at her. He had expected her to pull him aside for some scolding, but it seemed like they were heading somewhere specific.

Eline didn't reply, keeping her focus forward. They exited the building and walked briskly toward the academy's main building.

Finally, they stopped in front of a grand office door. Eline knocked crisply. "Lady Asterion," she called.

"Enter," a voice replied from within.

Eline pushed open the door and stepped inside, James following close behind.

Seated behind a grand desk was Isabel Asterion, the acting Headmistress of Ocryphia.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

The last time James had seen Isabel was during the events involving Azrael's persona—when Queen had slapped her away like a mosquito. Isabel, by Ocryphia's standards, had been an immensely powerful figure, but against Queen, she hadn't stood a chance. She seemed to have recovered since then, though her gaze was colder and harder now. The incidents following Cattleya's kidnapping and the so-called 'Goddess and Angel' affair had clearly left their mark.

"Director. Is there a problem?" James asked casually, stepping forward.

Isabel's eyes locked onto him before she snapped her fingers. Instantly, a shimmering barrier encased the office—a clear precaution against eavesdropping, or perhaps to stop James from escaping. If it was the latter, it was almost laughable. Breaking through Isabel's barrier wouldn't be much of a challenge for James.

"That's all we're asking," Isabel replied, nodding in appreciation.

James took a deep breath, then said, "I'm in love with Cattleya Starlight."

"..."

"..."

Both Isabel and Eline froze, blinking at him in stunned silence as they tried to process what he'd just said.

Isabel recovered first, her gaze narrowing. "Lies won't—"

"I'm not lying," James interrupted. He leaned forward, slapping a hand on her desk as he locked eyes with her. His red gaze glinted with quite intensity. "I'm completely serious."

Isabel visibly bristled, but James continued on. "I've had my eyes on her for a while. That's how I noticed the demons targeting her in the first place. I've saved her life twice already because I love her. As a woman. That's the truth. I joined Ocryphia to be closer to her. Everything I told her parents? Fake. I made it all up because let's be real—they'd never hand their daughter over to someone like me. A pirate, no less. But I'm confident I can win her heart now that I'm here."

"..." Isabel stared at him, completely speechless.

James looked as serious as he could possibly manage. Of course, he wasn't serious at all. He was expertly relying on the weight of his 'Kingly' influence to sell the act.

"Otherwise," he said with a casual laugh, "why do you think I'd join the academy?"

He had a point. Neither Isabel nor Eline could come up with any plausible reason for his presence, no matter how hard they tried. As ridiculous and cliché as his love-struck excuse sounded, it somehow fit the situation. Isabel had even seen that clip of him with Cattleya—his bold, almost forceful approach. Maybe...

James stood up then. "If you want to kick me out of the academy, go ahead," he said, turning toward the door. Then he glanced back at them one last time. "But believe me when I say I'm the best ally she's got."

'Because if I'm not, your granddaughter's going to end up trapped by far worse demons,' he thought but kept to himself, the faintest smirk tugging at his lips.

James pushed open the door, stepping out. However, from the corner of his eye, he caught sight of someone leaning against the wall just outside. It was a young woman, her cheeks flushed and her eyes wide in shock.

Ah. It seemed his little performance had one unexpected witness.

And it had to be Cattleya Starlight.

She had arrived at her grandmother's office, summoned by a call, only to find another visitor already inside. Standing outside the door, she couldn't help but overhear a conversation she never expected.

"Oh, Cattleya Starlight," James muttered, his gaze sweeping over her.

"..." Cattleya recoiled, feeling his stare.

She quickly averted her eyes as well.

"Well, tell your grandmother not to kick me out, or I'll have to resort to more... persuasive methods with your parents," James threatened with a gentle smile before walking away.

"..."