Reincarnated as a Villainous Aristocrat in an Otome Game, So I Bought the Main Heroine with Money - Chapter 22: Tested Resolve

Chapter 22: Tested Resolve

《Liese’s POV》

Since starting my academy life, I had gradually begun attracting attention.

My strong performance in written exams and evenly-matched results in practical tests had caused some students to take an interest in me—interest that went beyond seeing me as “Lord Cerios’s attendant.”

I knew very well that this kind of attention wasn’t always pleasant.

And now, Lord Cerios had started keeping his distance from me, barely paying me any attention!

Even so, in the afternoon, I still had to head to the library to prepare for classes. While searching for the necessary reference books, I suddenly heard a voice from behind me.

“You must be Liese.”

Turning around, I saw none other than Edward, the Crown Prince, standing there.

He gazed at me with unwavering eyes. His refined features and dignified presence were befitting of his status as a prince. I made sure to act with proper decorum to avoid offending him.

“…Yes, I am Liese. Your Highness, is there something you need?”

I bowed and answered as calmly as I could. However, my impression of him was far from positive. I hadn’t forgotten how he had spoken poorly of Lord Cerios.

Still, his overwhelming presence made me feel slightly intimidated.

“I don’t have any specific reason to speak to you. I’ve simply been hearing your name more often lately and became curious about what kind of person you are.”

Edward’s voice was calm, free of any hostility. Yet, knowing he was an enemy of Lord Cerios sent a subtle tension through my heart.

It wasn’t every day one was personally approached by the Crown Prince. Such an opportunity would normally have been unthinkable.

“Your Highness Edward, it’s rare to see you chatting so casually with someone.”

A woman’s voice suddenly echoed through the library. Turning toward it, I saw none other than Clarice von Everett.

She was His Highness Edward’s fiancée.

Already bestowed a noble title by the King as a candidate for queen, she had firmly joined the ranks of the aristocracy.

Clarice’s beauty was said to be the finest in the kingdom. Her refined features, her poised and upright posture—all of it commanded respect within the academy. Yet, her gaze carried an unsettling glimmer.

“Miss Clarice von Everett…”

Her name escaped my lips before I realized it. Her sharp eyes pierced me in an instant.

“You’re Liese, aren’t you? I hear you serve Cerios. I’ve heard quite a bit about you—how you excel in academics and receive high praise in practical skills as well.”

“I’m honored…”

I replied while lowering my head. At the same time, I carefully tried to read between the lines, attempting to discern the hidden meaning behind her words.

“For someone who claims to be honored, your demeanor is remarkably confident.”

Clarice’s words felt laced with subtle thorns, as if she were testing whether I truly deserved the praise I had received.

“Clarice, that’s enough.”

Edward interjected, his tone carrying a hint of unease.

“Enough of what? I’m not being confrontational. I was merely…”

Clarice’s gaze grew sharper as she stared directly at me.

“Curious about the person serving Cerios and supporting him. If he trusts you, then perhaps I should consider trusting you as well.”

The moment I heard her mention Lord Cerios, my heart stirred. I hadn’t expected Clarice to bring him up.

“Lord Cerios is my benefactor. Supporting him and being of help to him is everything to me.”

I held her gaze firmly as I responded, making sure my voice didn’t waver in the slightest.

Clarice narrowed her eyes briefly before a small smile appeared on her lips.

“…That resolve of yours is admirable.”

Her unexpected words left me slightly confused. I couldn’t grasp what Clarice was thinking, but the smile she directed at me, despite her earlier sharpness, carried a surprising warmth.

“Clarice, it’s rare for you to praise someone.”

When Edward spoke, sounding surprised, Clarice shrugged lightly.

“It’s not praise. I simply recognized the strength of her unwavering resolve.”

“I see… Liese, you must be someone remarkable to earn Clarice’s recognition. Have confidence in yourself.”

The prince’s kind words eased my tension a little. But more than that, the weight of Clarice’s gaze lingered in my mind.

“Thank you… Your Highness, Lady Clarice.”

I bowed deeply and expressed my gratitude to both of them. Then, Clarice stepped closer and whispered in my ear.

“If you’re going to stay by Cerios’s side, be prepared. Supporting him won’t be an easy task.”

Her voice was soft, but her words struck deep within me.

After the two of them left, I stood frozen in place for a while.

“Prepared…”

Clarice’s words kept echoing in my head. I couldn’t fully grasp what she meant, but there was a certain weight to her message.

“I’ll be fine. For Lord Cerios, I will…”

Whispering those words to myself, I left the library.

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[Afterword]

Hello, this is Iko.

That’s it for today!!! Thank you for your support!