After Starting a Thread as a Reincarnated in an Unknown Otome Game, I Got Caught in a Battlefield of Beauties - Chapter 33: The Blunder King Helps the Protagonist (It Won't End Easily)

Chapter 33: The Blunder King Helps the Protagonist (It Won’t End Easily)

“—I wonder what will happen if I tell Leticia about your misdeeds? I don’t know about Duke Freezing’s family, but… Leticia will definitely despise you…”

“Ugh…”

“No, it can’t be…”

I put on the most evil smile I could muster to threaten the three female students.

The two who looked like her followers turned pale and stepped back, but the blonde girl, who seemed to be the leader, glared at me with a resolute attitude.

“Hmph, do as you like! You’re just Leticia’s fiancé, and your rank is lower than mine, a marquis’ daughter! Besides… I have the backing of the Aerial family, which rivals the Freezing family—What, what is with that creepy smile…!”

The marquis’ daughter yelled, visibly shaken by my expression. Her comment made me realize I was smiling.

Oops… Looks like it showed on my face.

But, you know… I’ve already won this argument.

“Sorry, unknown girl. The truth is, Duke Xenon of the Aerial family holds me in high regard. Just yesterday, he even asked me, ‘Why don’t you marry my Sena?’ Of course, I refused because I have Leticia. Don’t get the wrong idea, okay?”

If there’s a misunderstanding, I’m definitely the one who would be in trouble.

“Wha…!?!!”

Finally, the marquis’ daughter’s expression broke. I decided to press on since she was starting to panic.

“Furthermore… I also have connections with His Majesty the King and Princess Lara. We’ve even had drinks together. And with Princess Lara—”

“—W-What are you after!?”

Realizing she couldn’t win, the marquis’ daughter interrupted me with a shout. 

Her followers were completely defeated, shaking with fear, so I didn’t need to worry about them anymore.

I slowly walked up to the marquis’ daughter, glanced at the fallen Aria for a moment, then looked down at her.

“—Never go near Miss Aria again. Don’t spread strange rumors about her either. If I find out you’re involved, even indirectly…”

I activated the “Cloak of Darkness.” 

A torrent of immense magical power surged around me, enveloping me in a cloak darker than black.

“—I’ll show you all a glimpse of hell.”

“Hiii—”

My words, mixed with magic and killing intent, finally made the marquis’ daughter collapse in shock, landing on her backside. 

I dispelled the magic and met her eyes.

“What are your names?”

“…E-Ellia…”

“R-Rai…”

“E-Eri…”

Hmm… I’ll probably forget soon. 

But it’s enough for them to know that I know their names.

“Alright, I’ve got your names. Next time, I won’t be so lenient. I’ll dropkick you in the face without hesitation, so don’t pull this again.”

“”Y-Yes…!!””

As the three of them ran away, I turned my gaze to Aria, who was still lying there, staring at me blankly.

…What should I say…?

Maybe just ask if she’s okay.

“Uh… Are you okay?”

“Y-Yes.”

“You don’t have to be so scared…”

How did I end up scaring even the main character…

But Aria quickly shook her head side to side.

“N-No, that’s not it! I just…”

“Just?”

“In lov—I was just surprised!”

Didn’t you start to say something else before that?

Well, digging into it seems like a bad idea, so I won’t ask. Lately, I’ve gotten good at spotting landmines, probably because I’ve become one myself…

While I was lost in thought, Aria, who had stood up with my help, bowed her head.

“T-Thank you so much for saving me…!!”

“Ah… It’s fine. Anyway, see you.”

It was Mr. Han’s request in the first place. 

Besides, I’m getting a lot of money for it. I’ll use the money to pay back the 10 million mani I owe Mr. Han and Mr. Zen, with interest.

As I was about to leave the classroom, Aria grabbed my arm.

“W-Wait! I can’t just do nothing! Isn’t there anything I can do for you!?”

“No… It was really nothing. I’m fine…”

Such a sincere girl… If it were me, I’d probably just say thanks and leave.

But what would I even ask for… Honestly, the only thing on my mind is the meeting with Duke Xenon and the King in a week.

“I can’t think of anything…”

“But… I’ll do anything!”

“Whoa—hey, a girl shouldn’t say she’ll do anything!”

Does she realize how many guys would be swayed by those words?

Besides, Aria, the main character of the original story, is genuinely stunning. 

Her black hair and black eyes are rare in this world, but that’s what makes her special. How many men could resist such a beautiful girl saying she’ll do anything? Probably none… except me!!

And besides, Leticia would be terrifying if I made any improper requests!

“It’s really okay… Oh, I know. How about you treat me to lunch in the cafeteria tomorrow? I’m from a super poor viscount family, so I’ve never eaten there.”

Well, to be precise, I couldn’t afford to eat there, but it’s not a lie.

When I suggested this, Aria’s face lit up with a big smile.

“Y-Yes!! I’ll treat you as much as you want!”

“Just once is fine…”

“I-I see…”

When I insisted once was enough, Aria looked visibly disappointed.

But having a girl treat me every time would make me a total jerk… not that I’m not already.

Okay, I’ll just aim to become casual friends who greet each other in passing.

Unaware of my thoughts, Aria looked up at me and asked,

“Um… should I wait for you at the cafeteria tomorrow?”

“Yeah, I’ll come to the cafeteria, so wait for me there.”

“Y-Yes!! Oh, I’ll clean up this classroom, so you can go ahead and leave!”

“Oh, okay… thanks.”

Following Aria’s lead, I left the classroom with a sense of accomplishment and confidence in myself.

“…Sir Alto… was so c-cool…”

Alto didn’t know that becoming casual friends who greet each other in passing was already an impossible goal.

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