Reincarnated as a Villainous Aristocrat in an Otome Game, So I Bought the Main Heroine with Money - Chapter 21: Why Do Boys I Don’t Like Keep Coming to Me?!

Chapter 21: Why Do Boys I Don’t Like Keep Coming to Me?!

《Liese’s POV》

My academy life had been very fulfilling, but there were plenty of unpleasant things as well.

In class, I sat alongside the prince and the sons of high-ranking nobles in a classroom filled with the top-performing students.

That day, we had exams—both written and practical.

In the written test, I ended up competing for the top score against Raul Diego Albert, the son of the Chancellor’s family. The result? I won.

I owed it all to Lord Cerios, who had taught me so much from a young age. Without him, I wouldn’t have been where I was now.

Next was a practical test with Gald Reinhardt, the son of the Marshal’s family. He wielded a massive greatsword, while I used a thin, lightweight rapier.

Honestly, it was a tough fight, but thanks to my training with Lord Cerios and Captain Kanon, I somehow managed to end in a draw.

That said, I found both of them unpleasant.

I couldn’t shake the bad impression they had left on me after seeing how coldly they treated Lord Cerios.

I understood they were both brilliant—Raul excelled academically, and Gald had matched me evenly in the sword match. Their results spoke for themselves.

Because of this, they had started paying attention to me. But for me, that attention was nothing but a nuisance.

After the exams, I took a moment to relax in the garden when they approached me.

“Hello, Liese. Taking a break here?”

Approaching with elegant strides was Lord Raul. As always, he wore a faint smile, his gaze fixed on me.

“…Lord Albert.”

“You can call me Raul. A talented woman like you is truly admirable.”

I maintained only the bare minimum of courtesy and showed no further reaction. However, he didn’t seem bothered at all and took a seat beside me, continuing to speak.

“Today’s exam truly surprised me. I didn’t expect you to surpass me.”

“That was just luck. Please don’t think much of it.”

I replied in a calm and detached tone. He smiled as usual and adjusted his glasses.

“There’s no need to be modest. Your knowledge and abilities are genuine. On top of that, you’re incredibly charming, both in personality and appearance.”

“…Lord Albert, what exactly is your goal?”

I asked firmly, my tone unwavering. For a brief moment, his expression shifted.

“My goal? Nothing at all. I’m simply intrigued by you as a person.”

“If you’re interested, could you please direct it toward someone else? You have a fiancée, don’t you? I have no intention of associating with you.”

My words seemed to catch him off guard, but he quickly gave a wry smile.

“You’re quite cold. But maybe that’s part of your charm.”

No matter what I said, he didn’t seem to listen. I had no desire to hear more, and thankfully, that was when it happened.

“Hey, Raul! What are you doing bothering her?”

I heard Gald’s voice. Turning around, I saw him striding toward us with powerful steps. The moment I saw him, I let out a small sigh in my heart.

“Lord Reinhardt… Do you need something?”

“Need something? I’m here because you’re here! That match earlier was amazing! I’ve never fought someone like you before.”

Gald laughed heartily as he spoke. His bold and cheerful demeanor might have captivated others, but to me, it was nothing but a nuisance.

“Thank you. But I’m still inexperienced.”

“Don’t be so modest! Your swordsmanship is the real deal. And… you looked stunning while fighting.”

“…Flattery is unnecessary.”

I replied coldly. Yet, he didn’t seem bothered at all and kept smiling.

“Don’t you both have other women you should be focusing on? Now, if you’ll excuse me.”

I added sharply, making my irritation clear. Raul chuckled quietly at my remark.

“It seems like we’re both disliked.”

“Of course you are. Do you have any idea how disrespectful you’ve been to Lord Cerios?”

At my words, their expressions stiffened for a moment.

“Cerios… You really trust him, don’t you?”

Raul muttered, and Gald nodded, folding his arms.

“Still, that has nothing to do with this. You yourself deserve to be acknowledged.”

“I don’t want to be acknowledged.”

My firm response seemed to leave them at a loss for words.

“…You’re truly harsh.”

“Naturally. I have no reason or need to get along with either of you.”

I stood as I said this, and they both remained silent for a while.

“I understand. I won’t say anything more. But… I truly respect your talent and hard work,” Raul said at last, and Gald followed with, “I’m looking forward to our next match,” before they both walked away.

Once they were gone, I let out a deep sigh.

“Those two are truly exhausting…”

Feeling the irritation welling up inside me, I sat back down on the bench. And as I did, an image of Lord Cerios came to mind.

“Lord Cerios would probably stay calm even in moments like this…”

That thought helped me settle my feelings, if only a little. If only Lord Cerios had been here. Why was it that only unpleasant people seemed to approach me?

“I can’t wait to see Lord Cerios.”

Every day, I found myself looking forward to the end of classes. Why was it that these feelings of mine never seemed to reach him?