Reincarnated as a Villainous Aristocrat in an Otome Game, So I Bought the Main Heroine with Money - Chapter 16: Growing Feelings

Chapter 16: Growing Feelings

《Liese’s POV》

Lord Cerios is always busy.

From the day he brought me and my mother to this estate until now, I’ve rarely seen him take a moment to rest.

In this vast mansion, he’s always walking with a straight, dignified posture, spending hours in the study tackling an endless pile of documents, and facing the problems of the territory head-on.

It’s an admirable sight, but every time I see him like that, my chest tightens.

He saved my mother and me. He gave us food, a place to sleep, jobs, and even wages.

Yet, no matter how hard I try, I feel like I haven’t done anything to repay him. Even when I work diligently in the mansion, it doesn’t feel like I’m truly helping him in any meaningful way.

This morning, like every other day, the door to the study remains shut as Lord Cerios continues his work. Through the door, I can hear the sound of his pen scratching against paper or the occasional light tap of his hand on the desk, telling me how absorbed he is in his tasks.

I stop in front of that door and let out a small sigh.

Should I knock and offer, “I brought you some tea”? Or should I quietly enter and leave the tea without disturbing him? Even trivial decisions like these revolve entirely around Lord Cerios.

I feel so pathetic for not knowing how to truly be of help to him.

“Liese.”

My mother’s gentle voice suddenly called out from behind me. Turning around, I saw her standing there, gazing at me with a soft smile.

“Why do you look so troubled?”

“…I feel like I’m not doing anything at all.”

The words came out, and they tightened my chest more than I expected. My mother reached out and gently took my hand. The warmth of her touch lightened my heart just a little.

“Liese, you’ve been doing your best. And you’ll be attending the academy with Lord Cerios, won’t you? When that time comes, you’ll be able to support him.”

“Yeah… Thank you, Mother.”

I nodded slightly at her words.

But I couldn’t help feeling frustrated at myself for being stuck with just thoughts and no actions. I couldn’t shake that emotion no matter how hard I tried.

That night, I lay awake in bed, unable to sleep, lost in thought.

I thought back to when Lord Cerios saved us.

Back then, I was filthy, and I’m sure I wasn’t the kind of person a noble boy would want to save.

But Lord Cerios accepted us without the slightest hesitation or disgust. He brought us to his estate, helped clean not just my body but also my heart.

Since then, not once has he treated my mother or me poorly. Instead, he’s poured his effort into making sure we can live comfortably, never holding anything back.

“What can I possibly give back to him…?”

Seeking the answer, I closed my eyes and pictured Lord Cerios’s face.

His noble profile, always so serious, with moments when a hint of fatigue would appear—those expressions were etched deeply into my heart.

As I unconsciously pressed a hand to my chest, my thoughts continued to revolve around him. Every part of me wanted to support him.

It wasn’t just words—it was a much deeper, instinctual emotion that welled up within me.

I wanted to protect his smile.

When he was weary, I wanted to be by his side, even if it meant abandoning everything else.

No matter how difficult his future path might be, I wanted to be the light guiding his way.

Every part of me existed for Lord Cerios.

The next morning, the estate woke to its usual routine, but something in my heart felt slightly different.

I had resolved to give everything I had for Lord Cerios. Just making that decision left me feeling lighter and more at ease.

By midday, I carefully timed my approach and knocked on the door of his study.

“Lord Cerios, may I have a moment of your time?”

“Come in.”

Opening the door, I saw him seated at his desk, focused on the documents in front of him. Just the sight of his face warmed my heart and filled me with nervous energy, my hands trembling slightly.

“What is it?”

His voice made me lower my head deeply.

“Lord Cerios, may I speak with you for a moment?”

He paused his work and turned his serious gaze toward me. Feeling slightly overwhelmed by his intensity, I took a deep breath and gathered my resolve.

“I want to support you in everything, from now on.”

I noticed his eyes widened slightly at my words. But I didn’t stop.

“I’m here because of you, Lord Cerios. That’s why I… I want to dedicate my life, my heart, my everything to you.”

I forced the words out, feeling as if my heart might burst from how fast it was racing. Even so, I kept my gaze steady, refusing to look away from him.

A few seconds of silence passed before Lord Cerios let out a small chuckle.

“Liese, you’re so earnest.”

His words made my cheeks grow warm. Then, he stood up from his desk and came to stand before me.

“I appreciate how you feel, but don’t overdo it. I don’t want to burden you with everything. And if being happy means letting go of me, you shouldn’t hesitate to do so.”

He spoke as if I wasn’t being completely serious, his hand gently patting my head, like a father comforting a child.

Wait… is he treating me like a kid? Could it be that Lord Cerios sees me as nothing more than a child?

“L-Lord Cerios? I’m serious. I want to be useful to you!”

He paused, his expression thoughtful for a moment, then gave a small nod.

“I understand. I truly appreciate your feelings, Liese. Thank you for telling me.”

No, this isn’t right! He doesn’t truly see me, does he? I can tell. I get it now.

But I won’t give up! I’ll make Lord Cerios see me as a woman, someone he wants by his side. I’ll make him want me, not just as someone to help him, but because he desires me.

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[Afterword]

Hello, it’s Iko again!

That’s all for today! Thank you for your support!