Reincarnated as a Villainous Aristocrat in an Otome Game, So I Bought the Main Heroine with Money - Chapter 18: Responding to Snark with Snark

Chapter 18: Responding to Snark with Snark

The entrance ceremony had ended, and as we stepped outside, I let out a small sigh of relief.

“Well… at least the ceremony ended without any issues.”

I walked down the corridor with Liese and Faina. Liese, amazed by the grandeur of the auditorium, whispered, “Wow, this place is incredible,” her eyes sparkling with wonder.

Internally, I thought to myself, So this is the start of life at the academy, and braced myself for what was to come.

However, my brief moment of relief didn’t last long.

From the other end of the hallway, I saw three high-ranking nobles approaching—the very same trio I had observed during the entrance ceremony.

It wasn’t unexpected to run into other nobles in this area, but I had hoped to avoid them by leaving a little early. Luck, it seemed, wasn’t on my side.

Leading the group was none other than the first prince, Edward von Luclair. His golden hair gleamed even more brightly under the sunlight streaming through the windows, making him appear every bit the perfect prince.

His flawless posture and graceful steps were practically screaming ultimate light attribute protagonist.

Behind him followed Raul Diego Albert, the prime minister’s son. His silver hair swayed elegantly as he walked, and he adjusted his glasses with one hand while casting cold, piercing glances at his surroundings.

Bringing up the rear was Gald Reinhardt, the son of the commander of the royal knights. His muscular physique was evident even through the academy’s uniform.

The moment Gald saw us, his brows furrowed, making no attempt to hide his displeasure.

“Oh my, if it isn’t Lord Cerios of the Egrid family.”

Raul spoke with a voice laced with sarcasm. Despite his elegant silver-haired appearance, his eyes glinted with cold mockery.

“I’m quite surprised to see you enrolling at this academy. The arrogant and lazy lord of Egrid, taking an interest in academics? Oh, forgive me, perhaps this is part of your territory management plan?”

With a faint smile, he directed his words at me, clearly intending to provoke. Faina gasped softly.

“Raul, that’s enough. As long as Lord Cerios has been permitted to enroll, he’s now a fellow student here to pursue academics.”

Edward interjected. His voice carried an undertone of indifference. His gaze swept over me from head to toe, his demeanor exuding a sense of appraisal.

“That said, I hope you’ll ensure the Egrid family name isn’t tarnished by your actions. This is an academy where the future leaders of the kingdom gather. Those with a bad reputation are expected to conduct themselves appropriately.”

The classic royal condescension phrased as advice. How fitting for someone of royal blood. I sneered inwardly at his haughty comment.

“What are you all bickering about? He’s one of us, isn’t he? Cut him some slack.”

Gald unexpectedly spoke up, his arms crossed. Irritation flickered in his eyes, but just as his words hung in the air—

“However, Cerios, whether you have any strength is another matter. If you show any pitiful weakness, I won’t acknowledge you as one of us.”

There it is! In the end, that’s the kind of remark they go for. Still, I had to admit Gald’s straightforwardness deserved some credit. Of course, his words carried a hidden provocation, testing how I’d respond.

“…Is it really that surprising for me to come to this academy?”

I replied calmly, keeping my emotions in check and speaking as evenly as possible. Losing my cool here would only play right into their hands.

These three had suffered from Cerios’s tantrums when he was a child, and it seemed they were still holding onto those memories even now that I was fifteen.

“Unfortunately, I’m here to study as a lord. I don’t think someone without a title has any right to say anything to me. Or are you three speaking as titled nobles? Surely you’re not using your parents’ status to bolster your words, are you?”

If they want to dish out snark, I’ll give it right back. After all, I’m a villainous noble. I have no intention of backing down easily.

“Ugh.”

“Hmph!”

Raul, with his pride, looked like he’d just bitten into something sour, while Gald snorted heavily in response. The prince, on the other hand, merely glared at me without changing his expression.

“I’m here to study. That’s all. No need for unnecessary speculation.”

Raul let out a small chuckle.

“Unnecessary speculation? My apologies. However, it’s admirable that you’re committed to studying while shouldering the heavy responsibilities of a lord. I sincerely hope you’ll maintain that attitude.”

Edward gave a slight nod at Raul’s words.

“Raul, that’s enough. I’m expecting great things from you, Lord Cerios. In a good way, of course.”

That face definitely doesn’t look like someone with genuine expectations.

“Lord Cerios, are you alright?”

I heard Faina’s soft voice from behind. I gave her a small nod and replied, “I’m fine.” But the fact that she was concerned made it obvious she’d noticed the cold sweat on my back, which only made me feel more pathetic.

“Liese, is something wrong?”

When I glanced at her, she was looking down, her lips tightly pressed together. For someone as young as her, this kind of exchange must have been difficult to endure.

“Don’t let it bother you, Liese. We’ll just keep walking our own path.”

At my words, she gave a small nod.

“I won’t forgive them.”

“Eh?”

“The way they treated you, Lord Cerios! I hate those three so much!”

No, they’re your romantic interests!

As I watched the three of them walk away, I let out a deep sigh. Those guys don’t even realize they’re already disliked by their future bride.

I understood perfectly well why they hated me.

To them, I was a noble with no real power to manage a territory, no charisma, and a lingering reputation tarnished by my past. No matter how much I improved the management of my domain or how hard I worked, those who knew the old me wouldn’t change their opinions so easily.

It didn’t matter.

I clenched my fist tightly. I knew I’d inevitably have to deal with them in the future. But in my own way, I was determined to navigate this academy life and come out on top.