Reincarnated as a Villainous Aristocrat in an Otome Game, So I Bought the Main Heroine with Money - Chapter 19: Reuniting with a Childhood Friend

Chapter 19: Reuniting with a Childhood Friend

Once I enrolled in the academy, I figured everything would work out somehow.

It all depends on how Liese feels about it.

As for me, my goal is to finish my time at the academy peacefully, return to the territory, and work on its future with Maria and Kanon.

If I have to take a wife someday, could Maria or Faina become my partner? Either of them would be wonderful—raising children together and building the future of the territory by my side. That would make me happy.

But, of course, all of that comes after securing a safe and stable future.

I don’t know if I’ll ever have the luxury of thinking that far ahead, but for now, I’ll focus on doing what I can to reach that peaceful future.

While lost in thought, I wandered around the academy grounds and eventually came across a garden with a beautiful fountain.

The garden was surrounded by meticulously cared-for flowers, their fragrances carried gently by the calm breeze.

“Finally, a quiet spot.”

The academy was vast and luxurious, but it was also crowded with people.

The events of the entrance ceremony and the assembly in the auditorium still weighed on my mind a little. Especially the stares from that trio—Edward, Raul, and Gald. Their gazes made me feel uneasy.

And above all, I had no interest in sitting side-by-side with them in class.

I let my guard down for just a moment, hoping to relax in the quiet garden. And that’s when it happened.

“What are you doing in a place like this?”

A cold yet elegant voice reached me from behind. Turning around, I saw a young lady standing with poise and grace.

Her name was Clarice von Everett, the fiancée of Crown Prince Edward and the daughter of the prestigious Everett Ducal family.

Her lustrous chestnut-colored hair flowed over her shoulders, and her sharp blue eyes were fixed on me. Her posture was flawless, exuding the dignity and refinement befitting the Crown Prince’s fiancée.

But to me, she was also a troublesome figure—my childhood friend.

“It has been a while, Lady Everett.”

Since she belonged to a higher-ranking noble family, I greeted her politely as etiquette required.

Her expression remained unchanged. Instead, her narrowed eyes seemed to scrutinize me as though she were evaluating my worth.

“You’ve grown quite humble, haven’t you? The you I remember would never have greeted me like that. You’d throw a tantrum and leave me exasperated.”

As she spoke, a cold smile appeared on her lips.

“Do you remember? When you were a child, you’d throw a fit the moment something displeased you, troubling everyone around you. You especially made things difficult for me, forcing your problems on me time and time again.”

…Ugh. I couldn’t deny it. Back when I was a child as Cerios, I caused her no small amount of trouble. Her cold gaze reminded me of those memories without mercy.

“Well, there’s no point dwelling on the past. Still, I’m genuinely surprised you enrolled in this academy. What are you plotting?”

“Plotting…?”

“Yes. I can’t imagine the you I knew ever taking studying seriously in a place like this.”

Clarice’s provocative words made me take a deep breath internally. Reacting to her every remark would only mean falling into her pace.

“Could it be that you came here to indulge your whims and torment the commoners?”

“It’s true that I was terrible in the past. I remember causing you a lot of trouble too.”

I responded calmly, and her sharp blue eyes widened slightly.

“That’s exactly why I thought enrolling in this academy was necessary. There are still so many issues in my territory that need addressing. I believe what I learn here will help me find solutions.”

For a moment, Clarice’s expression seemed to falter, but she quickly masked it with her usual cold smile.

“You’ve started saying such serious things. It’s like you’re a completely different person from the past.”

“Maybe it’s just that I want to say I’m different now. But it’s true that I believe I need to change.”

As I spoke, she crossed her arms and stared at me intently, her gaze probing, as if trying to read my thoughts.

That piercing look, combined with the strength and beauty of her eyes, left me feeling a little unsettled.

“…Fufu, you’ve grown a little, Cerios.”

With those words, Clarice slowly turned her back to me.

“But don’t forget. No matter how much effort you put in, you’ll never stand as high as someone like His Highness Edward. Still, I’m genuinely glad to see you’ve changed. Keep trying.”

Her voice carried no mockery; instead, it felt more like her way of encouraging me.

“I know. I have my own path to follow. That’s why I’m here—to figure it out.”

When I said that, her expression briefly showed surprise. But it quickly faded, replaced by her usual cold smile.

“…You really have changed. I’ll give you that.”

She turned back toward me and spoke with a firm, composed voice.

“Don’t forget. While we may be equals here at the academy, in truth, we’re not entirely on the same level. I’ll be watching to see how much you can truly change.”

With that, Clarice walked away gracefully, her posture radiating the dignity and elegance befitting the fiancée of the Crown Prince.

“…Haah.”

I relaxed my shoulders and let out a deep sigh. Though there had been some sharpness in her words, I also felt a warmth hidden within them. She didn’t entirely doubt my ability to grow. Still, the image of “the old me” in her mind wouldn’t fade so easily.

“My childhood friend and former fiancée has risen in status, becoming the Crown Prince’s betrothed.”

As I muttered those words, I clenched my fist tightly. Accepting Clarice’s words head-on felt like something I needed to do.

Meeting her again made me realize just how challenging life at this academy was going to be.

“I have no choice but to do this.”

I told myself that and started walking once more.

Not to rely on Liese, but to figure out what I could accomplish on my own.

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[Afterword]

Hello, this is Iko, the author.

That’s all for today!!

Thank you so much for your support! (๑>◡<๑)