Transmigrated as the Villainess Princess - Chapter 75

Chapter 75: Wronged

Ahcehera had been taking pleasure in the momentary relaxation of a peaceful stroll when she heard a flurry of commotion.

Turning her head slightly, she saw Khaterine rushing down the narrow academy pathway, tears streaking her face and her movements frantic.

What now? Ahcehera thought, already wary. It seemed like Khaterine was so lost in her emotions that she might not even notice her.

Ahcehera subtly moved to the side of the path, hoping to avoid any unnecessary confrontation.

But just as she shifted her steps, Khaterine altered her course as well, her tear-filled eyes locking onto Ahcehera with an intensity that made her pause.

The girl barreled forward, clearly intending to collide with her. Ahcehera’s instincts kicked in, and she deftly dodged to the side. Has she lost her mind?

Khaterine’s momentum carried her too far, and with a sharp gasp, the girl stumbled, tripped over her own feet, and tumbled sideways into the shallow waters of the nearby lake.

Ahcehera froze, her eyes wide with disbelief. Did that just happen? She jumped into the lake!

Khaterine flailed in the water, her voice piercing the air with shrieks. “Ahcehera pushed me! She shoved me into the lake!”

Ahcehera blinked, her mouth slightly agape. “What?” she muttered under her breath, incredulous. Is she here to make trouble? Who gave her the courage?

Without hesitation, she took several deliberate steps back, distancing herself from the scene. “Twenty steps,” she murmured to herself, keeping track, her face calm but her mind racing.

By the time she had retreated far enough, a small crowd had already started to gather, drawn by Khaterine’s cries. This woman is crazy! Why is she dragging me into her mess?

Students whispered among themselves, their gazes darting between the soaking-wet Khaterine and the composed Ahcehera, who now stood at a safe distance.

“She pushed me!” Khaterine screamed, pointing a trembling finger at Ahcehera, her eyes wild with accusation.

Ahcehera folded her arms and raised an eyebrow. Her voice, when it came, was as cold as the winter wind.

“I did no such thing. If I recall correctly, you were the one rushing at me. It seems like you couldn’t keep your balance.”

The murmurs in the crowd grew louder, some nodding in agreement, others looking skeptical.

“Why would she push her?” one student whispered.

“Yeah, the Princess isn’t that type of person,” another added.

“I did not even see them intersect.”

“She must be delusional.”

Khaterine’s face twisted with frustration as she struggled to climb out of the lake, her wet clothes clinging to her, making her plight all the more pitiable.

“You… you’re trying to humiliate me!” she cried, her voice breaking.

“This lady, I don’t even know you,” Ahcehera let out a sigh, her patience wearing thin. “If you’re going to accuse someone, at least make sure you have evidence.”

Several instructors arrived at the scene, their faces stern as they assessed the situation. One of them, a middle-aged man with sharp eyes, turned to Ahcehera.

“Your Highness, may I ask what happened here?”

Ahcehera’s gaze didn’t waver. “I was walking. She ran toward me, crying, and tried to bump into me. I stepped aside to avoid her, and she fell. That’s all there is to it.”

Khaterine’s voice wavered as she tried to plead her case. “She’s lying! She pushed me…”

The instructor held up a hand, silencing her. His eyes scanned the gathered students. “Did anyone see what happened?”

The crowd hesitated, but one brave student spoke up.

“I… I saw it. That lady was running toward the Princess. It looked like she was trying to… I don’t know, confront her? But the Princess didn’t touch her.”

“What is your name?”

“Khaterine Imee Lumagloria.”

The instructor nodded, his expression unreadable. He turned back to Khaterine. “Miss Khaterine, please come with us to dry off and explain yourself further.”

There was no more word from Ahcehera. Despite the chaos all around her, she merely pivoted on her heel and left, moving at a steady, controlled pace.

The heroine is in trouble, she thought, her eyes narrowing. But if she thought she could trip me up with such obvious schemes, she’s mistaken.

Ahcehera sat at the head of the table in the council chamber, her presence as dominating as ever. I do not know why she even framed me.

Her posture was regal, her gaze sharp, and her hands rested lightly on the armrests of her chair. She should be ready for her punishment.

Khaterine arrived shortly after, flanked by a few members of the disciplinary committee.

The girl’s usual self-assured demeanor had faltered, replaced by a mix of apprehension and indignation.

“Take a seat, Miss Lumagloria,” Director Eva said, her voice steady but laced with an unmistakable edge.

Khaterine complied, though her movements were hesitant. The members of the disciplinary committee exchanged glances, sensing the tension in the room.

Director Eva didn’t waste time. “I summoned you here, to address an egregious breach of protocol and respect.”

Khaterine’s brows furrowed, and she opened her mouth to protest, but Director Eva raised a hand, silencing her.

“You addressed the Princess by her name earlier today,” Director Eva continued, her tone measured but firm.

“As you know, you are required to address the Princess with the respect her titles command. Who gave you the authority to disregard the protocols of addressing royalty and academy officials?”

Khaterine’s eyes widened, and her mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water. “I… uh…”

Director Eva’s gaze pinned her in place.

“You didn’t think about that, did you? Or perhaps you thought you were above the rules that govern this academy and this kingdom. Let me be clear, Miss Khaterine… I will not tolerate such blatant disregard for decorum.”

One of the committee members spoke up, their voice tentative. “Princess Ahcehera, do you wish to file an official report against Miss Khaterine for her misconduct?”

Ahcehera’s lips curved into a cold smile.

“Yes. File the report and mark it under ‘disrespect toward academy leadership and royalty.’ Let this serve as a reminder to all students that no one is exempt from following the rules.”

Khaterine’s face turned pale. “I didn’t mean to disrespect you! I was…”

Ahcehera’s voice cut through her plea like a blade. “Intent is irrelevant. Your actions have consequences, and you must face them.”

Everyone in the room grew silent as Ahcehera’s comments weighed heavily on them.

“This will also serve as a warning. Do not mistake my patience for leniency. Should this happen again, I will escalate the matter to the royal court.”

Khaterine lowered her gaze, clearly shaken. “I understand. It won’t happen again,” she mumbled.