Reincarnated as a Villainous Aristocrat in an Otome Game, So I Bought the Main Heroine with Money - Chapter 17: Attending the Entrance Ceremony

Chapter 17: Attending the Entrance Ceremony

《Cerios’ POV》

“…So the day has finally come.”

I stopped in front of the massive gates, gazing up at the grand academy spread out before me. The Royal Alven Academy—the kingdom’s most prestigious educational institution.

Maria’s face suddenly came to mind. I wanted to see her. But this academy only allows attendants close in age to accompany students.

Beside me stood Liese, looking a little nervous, and Faina, my personal maid, smiling calmly.

For Liese’s sake—and to avoid her condemning me—I couldn’t act like a villainous noble. I had to behave like a proper noble and be a dependable master for both of them.

But the world of the “otome game” I remembered from my previous life had already begun the moment I became Cerios.

And here, in this academy, were the seven men meant to be Liese’s romantic interests.

Leaders destined to shape the kingdom’s future, men with hidden ambitions, and those who live in the shadows. This place gathers all kinds of “chosen ones.”

“Let’s head to the entrance ceremony, both of you.”

“Yes, Lord Cerios!”

“As you wish.”

For now, both Liese and Faina followed my lead. But once they saw how handsome the “capture targets” were, who’s to say they wouldn’t betray me?

When we entered the auditorium for the entrance ceremony, I took a seat in the section reserved for nobles. It didn’t take long for me to spot one of the targets seated at the front.

He was the first prince of the kingdom and the leading candidate to be the next king.

“Edward von Luclair.”

Golden hair, blue eyes, and a face that could captivate anyone. His graceful and flawless demeanor only added to his charm. Intelligent and charismatic, he was the kingdom’s idol, admired by all. He looked every bit the perfect prince, but beneath that polished exterior lay a shadow in his heart. It’s this darkness that Liese would eventually heal, turning him into a devoted admirer.

Despite being born into poverty, Edward’s brilliance and kind nature often led him to fuss over Liese, whose values sometimes clashed with his own. The more time he spent with her, the deeper his affection grew.

“You’re the only one who truly understands me.”

With lines like this, he would charm Liese. His good looks seemed to make anything he said forgivable, and that annoyed me to no end.

I muttered a silent jab at him in my mind.

Next to Edward sat another familiar figure.

“Raul Diego Albert.”

Raul was the son of Duke Albert and the kingdom’s prime minister. He had long silver hair, sharp eyes, and signature glasses. A prodigy with a keen intellect and no discernible flaws, his composed and rational demeanor often came across as somewhat cynical.

He was the quintessential “cool glasses guy.” Like Edward, Raul carried his own burdens, which drew Liese closer to him over time.

“You’re the only one who can understand me on my level.”

Raul had a high opinion of himself and a significant amount of pride, but Liese’s sharp mind would eventually break through his defenses, melting his heart bit by bit.

Knowing the current Liese, she’d have no trouble winning him over.

I turned my gaze further to the opposite side.

There, I saw the son of Count Reinhardt, whose father was the commander of the royal knights.

“Gald Reinhardt.”

With short reddish-brown hair, a rugged face, and a strong, muscular build, Gald was the picture of a straightforward and loyal hot-blooded man. Despite his rough exterior, he cared deeply for his comrades and always acted with sincerity.

The three of them—Edward, Raul, and Gald—were childhood friends, always moving as a group of high-ranking nobles.

“I like strong people!”

That was Gald’s bold declaration. In the game, he began to see Liese as someone he needed to protect, and over time, he fell in love with her.

Among the three, he was the easiest to win over. Simply training alongside him was enough to make him fall head over heels. Honestly, what a simple-minded character.

These three made up what was considered the “main route” of the story: the prince and his closest associates as romantic interests.

“Lord Cerios? You’ve been staring at the prince and his friends for a while. Is something wrong?”

“Not at all. Liese, what do you think of those three?”

“Hmm… They seem like amazing nobles, that’s all.”

“I see.”

Even asking Liese now, it was impossible to tell who she would end up choosing. Honestly, I didn’t care who it was—as long as it didn’t lead to me being condemned.

Unfortunately, I, Cerios, already had a complicated history with these three. I was an outsider in their group, someone they’d already labeled as a villain.

In short, I wasn’t on good terms with them.

And then, there was one more person—someone I, Cerios, found most troublesome of all.

A rare individual who could wield divine arts.

“Noah Clausel.”

With silver hair and clear purple eyes, Noah was a man so pure and virtuous that he was often called a saint. Possessing the power to heal and save others, he held a sincere and untainted love for Liese.

“I want to touch your heart.”

It was his pure nature that made him fall for Liese, captivated by her strength and determination.

“Looks like he isn’t here today.”

These four—Edward, Raul, Gald, and Noah—were the characters available for capture from the beginning of the game.

Each of them had their own unique traits, designed to tug at the heartstrings of women.

“So many people are here.”

“Indeed. This academy is the kingdom’s finest educational institution, welcoming talented individuals from all walks of life. Commoners and even people from other countries can enroll here. While there are strict rules for nobles to serve as role models, it’s a great place for others to receive an education.”

“You know a lot about it, Lord Cerios.”

Of course I knew. This was the world of the otome game I had played several times before, helping my younger sister with her strategies.

Some of the capture targets required specific events to be triggered before they could be won over. Each character had their own troubles and relationships to navigate, and introducing Liese into their lives created its own set of problems that needed to be resolved.

“If I can graduate from the academy peacefully, that’s all that matters. Liese, Faina, make the most of your time here—study and build connections as you like.”

“Yes! Thank you.”

“Thank you very much.”

I honestly had no idea what paths these two would choose, but as long as I could avoid interfering and triggering a future where I’m condemned, I’d be satisfied with that.

To be completely honest, I’d rather just finish my time at this academy and return to my territory right away.