The Villain Professor's Second Chance

Amberine strode through the bustling streets of the city with an air of triumph. Her bag, now stuffed with a hefty sum of cash, weighed heavily on her shoulder, but it was a weight she welcomed. For the first time in her life, she felt invincible. The world, which had always seemed so intent on crushing her, now felt like it was bowing at her feet. A million Elnes.

No more worrying about rent, tuition, or scraping by at her part-time job. She was rich.

She spotted Maris and Elara sitting under a shaded tree near the university's entrance, and her grin widened. Perfect timing.

"Hey! There you are!" Amberine called out, her voice carrying through the open courtyard. She waved dramatically, her red hair catching the sunlight as she made her way over to them.

Maris looked up, her gentle smile spreading as she saw Amberine approach. Elara, ever calm and collected, simply gave a small nod in acknowledgment, her golden eyes as sharp and observant as always.

Amberine practically skipped the last few steps before plopping down onto the bench beside them, her bag thumping heavily as it hit the ground. She leaned back, stretching her arms wide with a cocky smile plastered across her face.

"Guess what, ladies?" Amberine began, her voice filled with smug satisfaction. "Your girl just hit the jackpot."

Maris blinked, confused. "What do you mean?"

Amberine reached into her bag and pulled out a handful of crisp, neatly bundled Elnes notes. She tossed them in the air like confetti, letting the bills flutter down around her like falling leaves. "I'm rich, baby!" she declared, a gleeful laugh escaping her lips. "Rolling in cash!"

Elara raised an eyebrow, though her expression remained neutral. "Where did you get all of that?" she asked, her voice calm but with a hint of curiosity.

Amberine puffed out her chest, her smile growing even wider. "Oh, you know, just a little financial aid—full sponsorship, actually. They gave me enough money to buy ten houses! Can you believe it?"

Maris gasped, her eyes widening in shock. "Ten houses? That's… that's unbelievable!"

Amberine grinned and waved her hand dismissively. "I know, right? So, here's the deal: whatever you guys want, I'll pay for it. Your debts? Covered. Need new gear?

I got you. I can pay off my loans to everyone and still have enough left overto live like a queen!"

Maris looked both impressed and slightly overwhelmed by Amberine's sudden windfall. "That's so generous of you, Amberine, but—"

"No 'buts,' Maris! I'm serious!" Amberine interrupted, her excitement spilling over. She reached over and grabbed Maris by the shoulders, shaking her gently. "Tell me what you need, and I'll double it! You've been such a good friend to me, always helping me out when I was broke, and now I'm going to return the favor."

Maris laughed, though there was a hint of uncertainty in her eyes. "I don't think I need double anything, Amberine."

"Nonsense! You deserve it!" Amberine insisted, her tone light and teasing. "Come on, Maris. You can't tell me there's nothing you want! New robes? A better wand?

A vacation to the coastal city of Aldoria? Name it, and I'll make it happen."

Maris smiled, shaking her head gently. "You're too much."

Elara, who had been watching the scene unfold with her usual composed demeanor, finally spoke up. "Amberine, I assume you're aware that this sudden wealth won't last forever." Her voice was even, but there was a subtle undertone of warning.

Amberine rolled her eyes dramatically. "Oh, come on, Elara! You always have to be the serious one, don't you? Just let me enjoy this for a bit, okay? I'm not going to blow it all in one day. I'll be smart about it… eventually."

Elara crossed her arms, her golden eyes narrowing slightly. "Eventually?"

Amberine grinned sheepishly. "Yeah, yeah, I know. But seriously, Elara, loosen up! This is a time to celebrate! I've never had this much money in my life, and I want to share it with my friends."

Elara gave a small shrug, her expression softening just a fraction. "As long as you're careful."

Amberine waved her hand dismissively. "I'll be fine. Besides, I've got Ifrit here to keep me in check, right?" She glanced down at her robe, where Ifrit's familiar warmth still lingered, though he remained silent.

Maris laughed, her tension easing as Amberine's infectious excitement began to wear her down. "Well, if you're so determined to spend money, maybe we could go out for a nice dinner? There's that new restaurant in the city that's supposed to be amazing."

Amberine's eyes lit up. "Dinner? Pfft, I can do better than that! We're going to the finest restaurant in the whole city, and I'm paying for everything! Drinks, appetizers, dessert—everything! What do you say, ladies?"

Maris chuckled, finally giving in. "Alright, Amberine. If you're offering, I guess I can't say no."

Elara sighed softly, though there was a faint glimmer of amusement in her eyes. "I suppose a nice meal wouldn't hurt."

Amberine clapped her hands together, beaming. "Perfect! Let's go! This is going to be the best night ever."

___

The restaurant Amberine had chosen was one of the most lavish in the city, with elegant chandeliers casting a warm glow over the pristine white tablecloths and finely dressed patrons. It was the kind of place Amberine had never even dreamed of stepping foot into, let alone dining at. But tonight, none of that mattered. She was rich, and nothing was out of reach.

The maître d' greeted them with a polite smile, though his eyes widened slightly as Amberine handed over a fat stack of cash for their reservation. "Right this way, ladies," he said, his tone more deferential now that he had seen the money.

Amberine practically floated to the table, her friends following behind with a mixture of amusement and disbelief. Maris looked around the restaurant with wide eyes, clearly impressed by the opulence, while Elara remained as composed as ever, though Amberine could tell she was secretly enjoying herself.

They were seated at a table by the window, overlooking the bustling streets below. The view was stunning, and Amberine felt a surge of pride as she looked out over the city, knowing that tonight, they would be dining like queens.

"Order whatever you want," Amberine said with a grin, handing them the menus. "No limits."

Maris picked up her menu, her eyes scanning the list of dishes. "Are you sure, Amberine? These prices are… extravagant."

Amberine waved her off. "I told you, I'm rich! Don't hold back. Get the lobster! The most expensive wine! Let's live it up!"

Maris hesitated for a moment before finally smiling and nodding. "Alright, if you insist."

Elara, always practical, glanced at the menu but didn't seem fazed by the prices. "I'll just have the filet. And water."

Amberine rolled her eyes playfully. "Water? Come on, Elara, at least get a drink! We're celebrating!"

Elara shook her head, but there was a hint of a smile on her lips. "You know I don't drink."

Amberine sighed dramatically. "Fine, fine. Water it is. But I'm ordering the finest champagne for the rest of us."

When the waiter came to take their orders, Amberine didn't hold back. She ordered the most expensive dishes on the menu, as well as several bottles of wine and champagne. By the time the waiter left, the total bill was already more than what she used to make in a month. But she didn't care. Tonight was about indulgence, about enjoying her newfound wealth with her friends.

The food arrived soon after, and Amberine's eyes lit up as the dishes were placed in front of them. Lobster, steak, caviar, delicate pastries—everything was as luxurious as she had hoped. She dug in eagerly, savoring every bite as if it were the last meal she'd ever have.

Maris, though more reserved, was clearly enjoying herself as well. She took small bites of her lobster, her eyes widening in delight with each taste. "This is… amazing," she said between bites. "I've never had anything like this before."

Amberine grinned, her mouth full of steak. "I told you it'd be worth it!"

Elara ate more slowly, her posture as elegant as ever. "It's quite good," she admitted, though she didn't seem as dazzled as the other two.

As the evening wore on, the conversation flowed easily, the wine loosening their tongues and making them laugh more freely. Amberine regaled them with stories of her adventures—embellished, of course—and how she was planning to live her best life now that she was rich.

Maris laughed at Amberine's wild gestures and dramatic retellings, while Elara listened quietly, occasionally chiming in with a dry comment that made them all laugh even harder.

By the time dessert arrived—an extravagant chocolate soufflé that Amberine insisted they all share—she was feeling on top of the world. The night had been perfect, the food was incredible, and her friends seemed happy.

Amberine leaned back in her chair, feeling the warmth of the wine buzzing through her veins as she surveyed the remnants of their meal. Plates were cleared, glasses emptied, and the chocolate soufflé was nearly demolished, with only a few crumbs remaining on the elegant white dish.

"See?" Amberine declared with a satisfied grin. "I told you this was going to be the best night ever. I can get used to this kind of life, you know? Fancy dinners, expensive wine—this is the way to live."

Maris giggled, clearly feeling the effects of the wine as well. Her cheeks were flushed, and her usual shy demeanor had melted away over the course of the evening. "It really was amazing, Amberine," she said, her voice warm. "Thank you for treating us. I've never experienced anything like this before."
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"Neither have I," Amberine said with a laugh, taking another sip of champagne. "But you know what? We deserve it. After everything we've been through, it's about time we enjoyed ourselves."

Elara, ever the calm observer, sat back with her water glass still untouched. She had been more reserved throughout the meal, but Amberine could see a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "You certainly went all out," Elara commented, her golden eyes gleaming slightly in the dim candlelight of the restaurant. "But just remember, Amberine, wealth like this comes with responsibility.

It's easy to get carried away."

Amberine waved her hand dismissively, though there was a playful smirk on her face. "Don't worry, Elara. I'm not going to spend it all in one place. I've got plans—big plans." She leaned forward, lowering her voice dramatically. "And besides, with the money I've got now, I can live like this for a long time."

Elara raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical. "A hundred million Elnes can disappear faster than you think."

Amberine stuck her tongue out at Elara playfully. "Not if I'm smart about it! But come on, Elara, just for tonight, let's not talk about being responsible. Let's just enjoy the moment."

Maris laughed again, nodding in agreement. "Yeah, Elara! Tonight's about fun!"