“I won’t treat you poorly anymore. So please… continue to be my maid.”

When I said those words, Kyoko’s eyes widened in surprise.

But she quickly regained her composure and fell into thought.

After a few seconds of silence… she gave a small nod.

My initial elation quickly faded as I replayed the exchange in my mind.

She hadn’t met my gaze or verbally agreed.

Just a small nod.

It could be interpreted as agreement, or simply an acknowledgement of what I’d said.

Either way, the lack of a clear response likely meant… my assumption that she disliked me was correct.

This was going to be tough.

If she disliked me, I needed to tread even more carefully.

Nevertheless—

“Thank you for your response, Kyoko.”

I spoke, and Kyoko’s shoulders twitched.

Huh? She didn't need to be so wary…

But even if she disliked me, she’d responded, and that was because she was kind. I had to acknowledge that.

Besides, even a small nod meant there was still a chance to turn things around.

Alright, this was my chance!

I would focus on raising Kyoko’s favorability, not causing her trouble!

I clenched my fist, as if to reassure myself.

“…Then, may I ask something of you as well?”

Kyoko spoke, a serious expression on her face.

I straightened my back involuntarily.

I was ready to hear whatever she had to say.

“S-Sure!”

“Well…”

Kyoko cleared her throat.

“Even if you change your behavior now…”

Her opening words made me freeze.

They sounded familiar, and a sense of foreboding washed over me.

Was this going to be one of those “It’s too late to realize your mistakes” scenarios?

No way!

Was my doom already sealed?!

As panic swelled within me, Kyoko continued.

“—There’s no changing the fact that you’ll be attending a co-ed school.”

“Co-ed school?”

My eyes widened at the unexpected words.

Kyoko, maintaining her cool expression, went on.

“You are the next head of the Hazumi family, Young Master. Now that you’re fifteen, you must acquire a certain level of social skills and common sense. Therefore, instead of continuing your studies at home with a private tutor… you will attend high school starting this spring. And it will be a co-ed school.”

A co-ed school…?

That was amazing!

Studying alongside girls… it was a dream come true!

My previous life’s high school had been all-boys. Not by choice, mind you, but because my parents had decided for me.

“I understand, Kyoko. I’ve decided to change!”

I couldn’t help the excitement in my voice, but… it should be fine!

However, high school life was also the greatest trial for a reincarnated villain like me.

Yes, high school, or any school setting, was the main stage of the story—a place where countless doom flags awaited.

And that’s where the protagonist and main heroine would be!

My fate, whether heaven or hell, depended on how I interacted with them.

But enrollment was still two months away.

My top priority was still raising Kyoko’s favorability.

But what should I do?

I had no experience with being popular with girls, no female friends due to attending an all-boys school, and my past life memories were useless in this regard. I’d been racking my brains, but…

The keywords “co-ed school,” “villain reincarnation,” and “favorability up” sparked an idea!

This was the first thing a reincarnated villain should do!

“To prepare for school… I need to get in shape!”

“…Huh?”

I thought I heard Kyoko make a sound, but… surely my favorability hadn’t already dropped?!