I Regress if the Villainess Dies! Chapter 22: Chapter 21 The Grid Maze

Read chapter 22 of I Regress if the Villainess Dies! by Yuzai_Rearu on NovelPedia.

“Why?” Lucinelle questioned, still doubtful. Aleandro stared at Lucinelle, who had given him a lackluster response. “... I wasn’t informed. But I’m taking the two of you regardless.” Displeased by the lack of respect, the barrier lifted both of them. The two swordmaidens drew their swords and attempted to break free. The barrier cracked under their strikes a few times, but it quickly restored itself under Aleandro’s gaze. Seeing that, Serika inhaled deeply and condensed aura into her sword, unleashing an aura-imbued slash that sliced through the barrier. Lucinelle followed with a series of slashes to widen the opening, each strike traced with bright green light. They both dashed out at the same time, only to land in a soft ground, submerged up to their waist. However, they didn’t attack, as the familiar magic brought a familiar voice. “Oh my, these two cuties are still as cautious as ever.” Another instructor had come, attracted by the commotion. Serika and Lucinelle turned to the woman who had just arrived. They flinched upon seeing her, especially Serika. Had this been any time apart from wearing their uniform, they would’ve cheerfully rushed over and hugged her. “Instructor Celine. You are late.” But the other instructor wasn’t so pleased. “Yes, Aleandro. I had a good sleep last night, so I ended up sleeping a few extra minutes.” “… You are two hours late,” the man said sternly. “I had to preside over all of the entrants due to your negligence.” “I see! Aleandro sure is capable, hmm?” the instructor called Celine then proceeded to pat the mans shoulders with a smile. “This will be deducted in your performance rating and pay.” “Ehhh!? No waaayyy! That’s so mean Aleandro!” “Sis, it’s Miss Celine!” While the two instructors bickered, Serika nudged Lucinelle, who also seemed slightly perturbed. “Shh, Seri. We’re on duty.” She was someone they looked up to back in their academy days. Just like many other prospects from various families, the two of them were no different. Sponsored by the Duke’s household, they entered the academy to learn and strengthen themselves Back when they were still students, Celine was an instructor who helped them in various ways and acted as their guardian. She protected them from those who sought to damage their reputation and push them down from the class rankings. Miss Celine stopped arguing with Aleandro and turned her gaze toward the two girls. She took out a colorful staff decorated with what appeared to be a toy cat’s head at the tip. “Ey!” The two girls were ejected from the ground as her staff emitted a magic circle of a strange pink color that passed through them. With that, their armor turned into furred clothes with their stomachs exposed, along with matching cat ears and paws. “Gyaa! Miss Celine! Noo!” “Ghk!” Serika screamed in fright, shivering as she recalled the days when they were punished to wear this embarrassing outfit. Lucinelle grunted but endured it silently as her face reddened. “You two are still the same kittens as before hehe, so lively.” “Miss Celine, I have been tasked to take them to the headmas—“ “Yes, yes, Alea. Let’s do that later, I have something to say to these students of mine." “Alea… Please refrain from referring to me as such…” Aleandro with his veins bulging and brows twitching complained. “Okay! If you say so! In the meantime, wait until our conversation is over, okay?” This time, Miss Celine’s gaze became a bit more serious as she spoke. “There’s still some time until the examination is done anyway. I’m just going to do my duty as an instructor. These two unpolished gems have finally returned to our academy after all.” “… Do as you wish.” Sighing, Aleandro gave up. He could take the two girls later. At that, Celine expressed her gratitude before facing the students. “So, you two. What’s with leaving the academy and your studies behind, hm?” Behind that sweet smile was something both swordmaidens feared. They did not want to risk being turned into puppet dolls