Reincarnated as a Villainous Aristocrat in an Otome Game, So I Bought the Main Heroine with Money - Chapter 20: Talking About Romance with Liese

Chapter 20: Talking About Romance with Liese

A few weeks had passed since our academy life began.

My new daily routine with Liese and my personal maid, Faina, was slowly taking shape.

As always, Faina continued to support me as my personal maid, even at the academy.

Since she spent most of her time by my side, she was labeled as “the maid of that infamous lord” and was largely avoided by others at the academy.

On the other hand, Liese, with her naturally cheerful personality and her earnest effort in classes, had started to attract a bit of attention despite being a commoner. Most of all, her natural beauty had begun to spark rumors among the students. To ensure Liese didn’t offend any nobles, Faina would step in to assist her whenever necessary.

But recently, something had been bothering me.

“Liese, are you not interested in romance?”

This academy is exactly like the setting of the otome game I knew before my reincarnation.

It’s filled with notable nobles like Crown Prince Edward, Raul, Gald, and others who are meant to be romantic interests. The academy is supposed to be a gathering of men who captivate women.

Normally, in the game, someone like Liese would get close to one of them, triggering a romance event. However, Liese spends most of her time either attending classes or by my side, without forming any special bonds with anyone.

Actually, she gets along with everyone, so it’s not like she’s disliked.

I’ve even seen her exchange polite greetings with Prince Edward in class.

Curious about her lack of deeper connections, I decided to visit the library after class. Liese mentioned she needed to find a book for her assignments, so I accompanied her.

“Lord Cerios, may I borrow this book?”

Liese pulled a book from the shelf and showed it to me. Her expression was completely serious.

“Ah, sure. But that one’s a bit advanced. It might be hard to read.”

“Even so, I want to give it a try!”

Liese smiled as she said that. Her smile was completely different from when I first met her at the estate. It was now healthy and full of life.

The book she chose was about pharmacology and medical techniques. Perhaps she still felt regret over not being able to cure her mother’s illness.

If that’s the case, maybe she’ll end up befriending someone like Noah Clausel, who specializes in sacred arts, even though they haven’t met yet.

“Liese, how are you getting along with your classmates? Are you managing to connect with them?”

Curious, I asked her. She tilted her head slightly, looking as if she was thinking it over.

“I do talk with everyone, but… I haven’t become particularly close with anyone.”

“I see. But surely you’ve had chances to talk with Prince Edward, Raul, or Gald, haven’t you?”

When I brought that up, Liese’s eyes widened in surprise.

“Well, they have spoken to me on occasion. But… I feel like someone like me doesn’t deserve to be talking to them. And besides, they said such horrible things to you during the entrance ceremony. I don’t think I could bring myself to get close to them.”

“I-I see.”

When I replied, Liese blushed faintly.

“Yes… As long as Lord Cerios is with me, that’s enough.”

She said that with a small smile, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that something about her words lingered in my mind.

“Is that really all there is to it?”

Faina, who had been silently standing beside me, suddenly spoke up.

“Lord Cerios, perhaps Liese hasn’t reached the stage where she’s interested in romance yet.”

“…That might be true.”

I nodded at Faina’s calm words, but deep down, I couldn’t fully accept that answer.

“What about you, Lord Cerios?”

Liese’s sudden question caught me off guard, making me stop in my tracks.

“…What do you mean?”

“Is there anyone you’re interested in, Lord Cerios?”

Her question left me momentarily speechless. I hadn’t expected Liese to ask me something like that.

“Me, huh…”

I took a moment to think, searching for an answer.

“No, I don’t have the luxury to think about that right now. Between the territory and my studies at the academy, I have my hands full.”

That was the honest truth, but Liese looked somewhat dissatisfied with my response.

“Lord Cerios, you’re an amazing person. So many women have approached you… Are you sure there’s really no one you’re interested in?”

Her eyes gazed straight at me, her earnest look making me feel slightly uneasy.

“…What about you, Liese?”

Before I knew it, I had responded to her question with one of my own.

“Eh? Me?”

Liese looked a little surprised, but she quickly smiled.

“I… well, yes, there is someone.”

“There is?! Who is it?”

“I can’t say! Besides, right now, I want to stay by your side and learn as much as I can. That’s what matters most to me right now.”

Her words stirred an indescribable feeling within me.

“Is this really okay?”

Liese seemed to be enjoying her academy life in her own way. But as the protagonist of the otome game, she’s bound to face a future where she has to choose someone.

Thinking about that made it impossible for me to stay calm. I exhaled softly, careful not to let her notice my unease.

“I see. Then you should keep doing what you want to do.”

“Yes! Thank you, Lord Cerios!”

Watching Liese answer with a bright smile, I let out another sigh in my heart.

“Maybe just staying by her side like this isn’t enough…”

As I murmured those words, a quiet determination began to grow in my chest—I needed to consider my next step.