I Decided To Abandon My Family In My Seventh Life (Dropped) - Chapter 08: I was... happy...

Chapter 08: I was… happy…

“I intend to seek revenge against the Glenville Marquisate… against my family.”

At that moment, Meltreza-sama’s eyes widened in surprise.

“What do you mean? Aren’t you seeking a marriage with me for the benefit of the Glenville Marquisate?”

“That is purely the desire of the Glenville Marquisate. It is not my own wish.”

As she questioned me with a perplexed look, I answered while shaking my head.

“…Do you care to explain the reason?”

The reason, huh… 

Telling her that I’ve already lived six different lives is something she would never believe. 

Yet, I feel I won’t gain her trust unless I reveal the truth. 

After all… her eyes seem to hold a tiredness, a shade of weariness towards lies.

“Yes… Please, allow me to share this absurd and trivial tale of a foolish man’s life…”

I recounted everything about my past lives. 

Born through a political marriage, I was shunned by my family and the entire Glenville Marquisate after my mother’s death. Desperate to become a part of that family, I strove to curry favor and survive. I repeated this life six times, and each time, I met my demise at the hands of my own family.

“…And now, I am living my seventh life.”

“I see…”

As I finished recounting everything, I strangely felt a sense of relief.

Heh… Perhaps, I just wanted someone to listen to this absurd tale of mine, no matter how trivial…

“…I am well aware that it might be hard to believe. Therefore, I leave the decision about my fate entirely to you, Meltreza-sama.” 

I said, bowing my head and awaiting her judgment.

And then…

―Hug.

“You’ve endured… so much until now.” 

Meltreza-sama said in a gentle tone as she embraced me.

Her actions were unexpected, and I was surprised, bewildered…

“M-Meltreza-sama…”

“I have seen the malice and lies of many people before… but from you, I sense none of that.”

“Y-Yes…”

Her sweet whisper made my heart tremble slightly.

“That’s why I choose to believe in your words.”

Slowly pulling away, she looked at me and smiled.

“A-Ah…!”

It was the first time. 

For someone like me, who had always been shunned, treated as a nuisance, and looked down upon, had I ever received such a warm gaze? Had I ever been spoken to with such kindness?

It could just be a whim. It might be mere sympathy.

“Ah, ahh…!”

But… even so…

“Ah, ahhhhhhh…!”

I… I was happy…

◇

“Are you… alright?”

After crying out like a young child and finally regaining composure, Meltreza-sama peered into my face with concern.

“Y-Yes… I apologize for showing you such an unsightly side of me…”

I closed my eyes as if forcefully containing the tears that wouldn’t stop and answered in that manner.

“Please don’t blame yourself… It’s me who asked unnecessary questions, and I apologize.” 

Saying this, she bowed deeply.

“P-Please, stop! You’ve done nothing wrong!”

I hurriedly lifted Meltreza-sama’s body.

“B-But… that question was rather insensitive…”

“There’s no need to say that! It’s only natural for you to doubt me, and besides…”

“…Besides?”

“Forgive me for saying this… but I truly feel grateful that you listened to me from the heart.”

Yes… I was happy that she had listened to me. Happy that she believed me…

“If you say so, it eases my heart as well.”

She moved away from where I kneeled and slowly stood up.

“Hugo-sama… I shall heed your request, Meltreza of Woodstock will make sure of it…”

“! T-Thank you so much…!”

Her words made me tremble with joy.

But… at the same time, I felt a sense of doubt.

I wondered if this happiness was directed towards fulfilling my revenge against my father, stepmother, younger brother, younger sister, and the Glenville Marquisate. Or perhaps… was it a joy directed at me… for being seen, for being believed in…?

“Fufu… Well then, let’s start with the engagement between you and me, Hugo-sama.” 

“Ah…”

That’s right… I had originally come here to join the Woodstock Ducal Family, so it’s natural that I would be engaged with Meltreza-sama. And that would entail her becoming a sacrifice to my revenge…

At that thought, a prickling pain shot through my chest. I had sworn during my sixth death that I would only focus on revenge and need nothing else.

“…Please rest assured. I’m speaking hypothetically, of course.” 

Saying so, Meltreza-sama smiled sadly.

Ah, it seemed I had given her the wrong impression.

“N-No, that’s not it! …I genuinely feel delighted at the prospect of being with you, aside from my revenge. What bothers me is… well, it’s about using you for the sake of my revenge…”

I desperately tried to make myself clear to Meltreza-sama. A remarkable woman like her was far too precious for someone like me.

At this point, her being a vampire was no longer a concern for me.

More than that, it was the weight of guilt that clenched my heart…

And then…

“Fu, fufu… You truly are an unusual person, even considering your purpose. Saying you’re happy to be with someone like me, a vampire…”

After a brief moment of shock, she spoke as if trying to deceive.

However, if it’s her… if it’s her who believed in my impossible story, then she should understand that my words are sincere.

“Among all the people I’ve encountered, you are the most beautiful woman… And your inner beauty even surpasses your appearance.”

“Ah…”

Upon hearing that, Meltreza-sama became flustered. 

Despite understanding that my words were genuine, she seemed unable to believe them.

How could I make her genuinely accept my words? 

I pondered, and as a result, an idea formed in my mind.

“Meltreza-sama.” 

“Yes!”

Still seemingly perplexed, her voice trembled.

I took a slow breath.

“Um… if you’re willing, would you consider making me your subordinate…?”