Reincarnated as a Villainous Aristocrat in an Otome Game, So I Bought the Main Heroine with Money - Chapter 09: Feeding the Beautiful Girls

Chapter 09: Feeding the Beautiful Girls

I had a younger sister, though there was a bit of an age gap between us.

Growing up, I did all sorts of things to protect her and make her happy.

What was it that made her the happiest, I wonder?

Mornings at the Egrid estate were always quiet and orderly. That was the “normal” here. But this morning, the kitchen was unusually lively.

“Lord Cerios… in the kitchen?”

One of the maids spoke up in surprise. Even Arnaud, the ever-composed butler, widened his eyes at the sight.

“Lord Cerios, who is usually in the study or the training grounds… What has brought this on?”

Ignoring the puzzled looks around me, I picked up an apron and quietly put it on.

“Why are you so surprised? I’m just making pancakes.”

Hearing this, Arnaud’s expression grew even more bewildered.

“Pancakes? You’re going to make them yourself, Lord Cerios?”

“Yes. Once in a while, it’s not a bad idea to serve something I’ve made myself.”

“Serve them, you say?”

Arnaud looked at me, utterly stunned.

It was true—no one had ever seen me step into the kitchen before. But the reason was simple. I’d noticed how busy Liese, Faina, and Maria had been lately. I wanted to do something to bring a little joy to their day.

“You don’t think I’m going to mess this up, do you?”

When I said that, Arnaud hurriedly shook his head.

“N-No! Not at all. Just, please be careful…”

Feeling his watchful gaze on my back, I started moving my hands. Flour, eggs, sugar, milk—the ingredients were all there.

The memories of making pancakes countless times for my younger sister naturally guided my actions.

As the sweet aroma began to fill the kitchen, Liese peeked in curiously.

“Lord Cerios…? What are you doing?”

“I’m making pancakes.”

“That’s amazing! Lord Cerios, you can cook?”

Faina entered the kitchen as well, her typically cool demeanor giving way to a rare look of surprise.

“I didn’t know you could cook. And pancakes, of all things…”

“Do you have a complaint?”

When I gave her a sharp look, Faina kept her expression neutral and shook her head.

“Not at all. I’m just… concerned.”

“I won’t mess it up. Anyway, they’ll be ready soon. Go call Maria.”

“Understood.”

After Faina left, Liese stayed behind, watching me intently over the counter, looking a bit restless.

“Lord Cerios… What do pancakes taste like?”

Seeing her smile, I couldn’t help but smile back. It was still early, but as I watched the pancakes turning golden, my anticipation for the final result grew.

Before long, as the freshly cooked pancakes were being arranged on plates, Maria entered the kitchen.

“My, Lord Cerios, what are these soft-looking treats?”

Her surprise was evident, but her warm smile added a gentle touch to her reaction.

“Sit and wait. I’ll bring them out in a moment.”

With a slight blush, Maria quietly took her seat. Faina and Liese followed suit, sitting at the table and patiently waiting for the pancakes to be served.

I placed a pat of butter on each pancake, drizzling them generously with syrup before plating them. Then, I brought a plate to each of them and set it before them.

The power of wealth was remarkable. Sugar was a luxury in this world, and using it so liberally for a treat like this was almost unheard of.

“Now, try them.”

Liese eagerly picked up her fork and took the first bite. Her eyes lit up as she looked up excitedly.

“It’s so delicious! It’s fluffy and sweet… I’ve never had anything like this before!”

Faina, in her usual composed manner, took a bite as well and closed her eyes slightly, savoring the taste.

“Amazing! It’s delicious!”

“Arnaud, would you like some as well?”

“May I?”

“Of course. I’m always grateful for your hard work.”

“Lord Cerios! I’m so moved!”

Tears streamed down Arnaud’s face as he ate the pancake, clearly overwhelmed. Well, if it made him happy, that was fine by me. 

Maybe I should get some coffee beans next time. Or perhaps I could try making chocolate with cacao. There’s still a lot I can do with the power of money.

Maria slowly took a bite of her pancake, her gentle smile growing even warmer.

“It’s truly delicious, Lord Cerios… I’m deeply grateful for such kindness.”

“I just wanted to eat some myself, that’s all.”

As I watched everyone happily enjoying the pancakes, a small warmth spread through my chest. Their smiles reminded me of the joy on my sister’s face when she was happy.

It made me feel like the effort was worth it.

“Lord Cerios, please make these again!”

In the past six months, Liese had grown quite attached to me. She even made playful requests like this with excitement.

“If I feel like it.”

As I answered, I couldn’t help but smile, watching their joyful expressions.

Faina and Maria continued eating with contentment, so I prepared some tea for the four of us to enjoy as a refreshing conclusion to the meal.

In that peaceful moment, I began to wonder if my fate as a villain might not be as inevitable as I once believed.