Flag-Breaking Villainess: The Story of How Breaking the Romance Flags of the Otome Game's Protagonist Ended Up Creating New Flags Between the Reincarnated Villainess and the Heroine - Chapter 6.1

Starting today, classes officially began.

Each day consisted of two lessons—one in the morning and one in the afternoon.

Since nobles considered early rising a practice for commoners with neither time nor money to spare, their mornings started late.

Naturally, the academy, designed for aristocrats, followed the same schedule.

Compared to the schools from my past life, the number of daily lessons was significantly lower—likely to prevent noble students from being overburdened with studies.

In the original game, mornings and afternoons were left open for players to choose how to spend their time—whether it was increasing stats or triggering events.

However, reality was different.

Here, classes were mandatory—I couldn’t skip them or wander off as I pleased.

This was one of the stark differences between the game and the real world.

The morning lesson was magic theory.

Since it was the first class, the content was basic.

I attended while keeping an eye on Liel.

She looked extremely drowsy, but aside from that, she didn’t seem to struggle.

At this rate, I expected her to keep up without much trouble—

Or so I thought.

The afternoon lesson proved more challenging.

Since the academy catered to nobles, it included equestrian studies, a skill considered essential for aristocrats.

Today’s class was the first horseback riding lesson, and its purpose was to allow students to familiarize themselves with the academy’s horses—learning to ride at a gentle pace, adjusting to the movement, and growing comfortable in the saddle.

For noble students like myself, this was second nature.

Most of us mounted our horses effortlessly, riding with ease.

But for Liel, a commoner who had never ridden before, it was a different story.

The instructor helped her onto a horse, but the height immediately frightened her.

Sensing her unease, the horse neighed and shifted anxiously.

Concerned for her safety, the instructor had her dismount.

This happened three times before the instructor’s patience ran out, and he dismissed her from the lesson, ordering her to observe instead.

I watched as Liel sat on the sidelines, looking utterly dejected.

Dismounting my own horse, I approached the instructor and requested permission to teach Liel myself.

After securing approval, I walked over to her.

“Liel, lift your head.”

She flinched slightly before looking up at me.

“L-Lady Lilia…?”

She looked completely disheartened.

I wasn’t particularly skilled at comforting people.

However, in my previous life, I had seen enough similar scenarios in anime and games.

If she were a heroine, she would be comforted.

If she were a protagonist, she would be encouraged to push forward.

Liel was the latter.

“You have potential. If you believe in yourself, this will be nothing.”

“Thank you… but I just can’t help being scared.”

I let out a soft sigh before gently taking her hand.

“Then let’s ride together. If we do, you won’t be afraid.”

“Ride… together? With you, Lady Lilia?”

“I told you, didn’t I? If you’re struggling, I’ll be your teacher.”

Leading her to the horse I had been riding, I called for Urs, who had been watching from the sidelines while casually snacking on sweets.

With Urs’s assistance, I mounted first, then carefully helped Liel up behind me.

“H-hiii!”

“Hold on tight.”

As soon as I spoke, Liel clung tightly to me.

I kept the horse still, waiting until her fear subsided.

Gradually, I felt her trembling lessen.

“Ugh… Lady Lilia…”

Or so I thought.

Instead of relaxing, she tightened her grip on me, her voice shaking slightly as she fidgeted against my back.

Sensing her anxiety, I spoke gently to reassure her.

“Don’t worry, I’m right here with you.”

Liel suddenly went still.

After a brief pause, she mumbled, “Um… okay. I-I’m fine now.”

“Good. I’ll start with a slow walk.”

I lightly pulled the reins, and the horse moved forward with steady, deliberate steps.

“Liel, right now, it’s just the two of us. Enjoy the ride.”

“Yes!”

Her voice was bright and free of anxiety.

Relieved, I guided the horse forward at a leisurely pace.

Liel, now more at ease, let her body rest against my back.

“Ahh… this is so nice…”

Her relaxed sigh and soft, affectionate tone were endearing.

I couldn’t help but chuckle.

After a while, I brought the horse to a stop.

“It seems you’ve gotten used to the height. Now it’s your turn to lead.”

“I’ll do my best!”

With Urs’s assistance, I helped Liel into the front position this time, while I mounted behind her.

To keep her secure, I wrapped my arms around her.

She immediately tensed up, her posture stiff with nervousness.

“Relax. Horses can sense your tension.”

“Y-yesss…!”

This wasn’t going to work.

Referring to an event from the original game, I decided to engage her in conversation to ease her nerves.

“Liel, say my name.”

“Lady Lilia?”

“No, for now, call me Professor Lilia.”

Liel gave a small nod.

“P-Professor Lilia…”

I leaned in and whispered in her ear.

“Good girl, Liel.”

I felt the tension in her body loosen instantly.

“Hyaah…!”

She didn’t just relax—she completely melted against me.

It seemed she was too pliant now.

Still, it was better than having her remain stiff with fear.

And… her reactions were adorable.

“Alright, let’s start slow. Gently pull the reins and guide the horse forward.”

Following my instructions, Liel hesitantly tugged the reins.

The horse began moving at a gentle pace.

A small breath of relief escaped her lips.

“You’re doing great, Liel. Keep going just like that.”

I whispered words of praise into her ear.

“Thank you, Professor Lilia. I think… I’m getting used to it little by little.”

From that moment until the end of the lesson, we rode together.

Once class concluded, we led our horses back to the stable and began heading toward our rooms.

That’s when I noticed something—Liel’s movements seemed a bit off.

She was fidgeting, shifting her weight awkwardly as she walked.

“Is something wrong?”

At my question, Liel hesitated, her gaze flickering as though she was struggling to find the right words.

Finally, after a long pause, she whispered:

“…M-my stomach feels a little off. I need to… pick some flowers before heading back. Please go on ahead.”

Ah.

A delicate matter.

Understanding her embarrassment, I didn’t press further.

“I see. Take your time.”

I returned to my room without questioning her any further.

However, if she still looked unwell when she came back, I would make her drink an Elixir—whether she wanted to or not.