Reincarnated as a Villainous Aristocrat in an Otome Game, So I Bought the Main Heroine with Money - Chapter 23: These Feelings I Have for You Can’t Be Stopped

Chapter 23: These Feelings I Have for You Can’t Be Stopped

《Liese’s POV》

Ever since my academy life began, I had devoted myself solely to “effort.”

Whether it was written exams or practical tests, I gave my absolute best, relying on Lord Cerios’s teachings as my guide. I believed that doing so was the only way I could repay him.

As a result, I scored full marks in the written exams and managed to fight on equal terms with someone as skilled as Lord Gald in the practical tests. All of this was thanks to Lord Cerios. Yet, it was only recently that I realized how much attention this had drawn within the academy.

“Is Liese really just a noble’s attendant?”

“Getting a perfect score on the written test? Even royals and high-ranking nobles struggle with that!”

“And to think she fought Sir Gald to a draw… is that even possible?”

“Not to mention, she’s as beautiful as the upper nobles, isn’t she?”

Every time I walked through the corridors, I could hear my name being mentioned.

The conversations were almost always about my grades, exam results, or appearance. But to me, none of it was a source of joy.

“I’m just doing my best…”

The quiet words escaped my lips and vanished into the silence of the hallway.

One lunchtime, while I was reading in the courtyard, a nobleman approached me. He was tall and wore a frivolous-looking smile. Standing in front of me, the first thing he said was:

“Miss Liese! Would you join me for tea?”

“…Tea?”

At the sudden invitation, I lifted my eyes slightly from my book to look at him. He smiled confidently, the kind of smile that some women might find charming.

“It’s not every day I get the chance to talk to someone as brilliant as you. I’d love to hear your thoughts on many things.”

“My apologies, but I’m currently reading. Besides, I don’t have the time to join you for tea. If you want answers, I suggest you put in the effort yourself.”

I declined firmly. He chuckled, shrugging his shoulders.

“How cold. But I suppose that’s part of your charm.”

With that, he walked away. Watching his retreating back, I let out a sigh. Men like him had become more frequent lately.

The next person to appear seemed quiet and intellectual at first glance, but there was something calculating in his gaze.

“Miss Liese, I really admire your performance on the written exams.”

He spoke in a calm voice, and I cautiously met his eyes, trying to discern his intentions.

“Thank you. So, is there something you need?”

“Actually, the student council is looking for new members. I think someone as exceptional as you could really help improve the academy as a whole.”

It seemed he was an upperclassman who had come to invite me to join the student council. His words were polite and reasonable, but I shook my head.

“I’m sorry. I have my studies and my duties as an attendant, so I don’t have the time to participate in student council activities.”

Even now, the time I spend with Lord Cerios is limited. I don’t want it to be reduced further.

Hearing my response, he looked a bit surprised but quickly smiled.

“I see. I respect your decision. But if you change your mind, feel free to let me know anytime.”

His polite demeanor wasn’t unpleasant, but my priorities lay elsewhere.

Then, another boy appeared—short in stature with a cheerful disposition. Standing in front of me, he gave me an innocent smile.

“Big sister Liese! Let’s have lunch together!”
“Please don’t call me ‘big sister.’ We’re the same age, you know?”

I replied calmly, but his unbothered smile remained, which was slightly unsettling.

“But Miss Liese, you’re so mature! You just feel like a big sister!”

“I’m an only child. I am not anyone’s sister. That way of addressing me is improper. Also, I have no intention of dining with you.”

At my words, he casually waved his hand and said, “Alright, maybe next time!” before walking away.

But the stream of boys approaching me didn’t stop. Among them, one stood out—a shadowy figure exuding a gloomy aura.

“Someone like me… someone so insignificant… could someone as radiant as you even notice me?”

He murmured in a low voice as he came closer. It was unnerving, and I wanted to run away.

“I didn’t notice you intentionally. Our eyes happened to meet, nothing more. It holds no meaning beyond that.”

I replied coldly. He gave an awkward smile and left.

Despite doing nothing on my part, boys kept approaching me. Meanwhile, I could sense from the rumors spreading that I was being hated by the female students.

“She’s always sucking up to the boys, isn’t she?”

“Seriously, a commoner like her trying to cozy up to nobles and the rich? Disgusting.”

“What an awful girl.”

The constant approaches from boys and the baseless rumors left me mentally exhausted.

“I’m just trying my best…”

The only thing I came to the academy to do was to work hard and earn Lord Cerios’s approval. Anything beyond that was unnecessary.

During class that day…

I happened to spot Lord Cerios napping in a secluded corner of the courtyard.

“Lord Cerios…”

Surely, the constant classes and correspondence with the territory must have left Lord Cerios exhausted.

Gently, I lifted his head and rested it on my lap.

Lately, I’ve started to resemble my mom, Maria, with my chest growing larger, sometimes making it harder to see Lord Cerios’s face clearly. Even so, I hoped that resting on my lap would be more comfortable for him than sleeping on the grass.

I softly took Lord Cerios’s hand and pressed it against my cheek.

“Lord Cerios, as long as you need me, that’s all I could ever want.”

Then, I moved his hand from my cheek to my chest. His large, calloused hand, hardened from wielding a sword, touched me.

At that moment, even in his sleep, Lord Cerios seemed to grasp for something in his dream, and his hand tightened around my chest.

“Ah!”

It hurt a little, but my heart raced uncontrollably at the thought of Lord Cerios holding me so firmly. A strange desire to feel his touch more began to stir within me.

I gently took his fingers into my mouth.

“Lord Cerios…”

“Mmm?”

His soft murmur showed he was stirring, and I quickly returned his hand to its original position, careful not to wake him.

“Hmm? Liese?”

“Good morning, Lord Cerios.”

“What time is it? Isn’t it during class?”

“Yes, I noticed you were sleeping and decided to stay by your side as your attendant.”

“I see, thank you. Oh, a lap pillow! Wasn’t that tiring for you?”

“No, it’s no trouble. Would you like to stay like this a little longer?”

“No, I’ll get up now. Huh? Why do my fingers feel wet?”

Lord Cerios looked puzzled, but I only smiled silently, my cheeks turning red.

“Well, never mind. Let’s head back.”

“Yes, Lord Cerios!”

As I stood up, I pressed my hand against my racing heart, feeling both the excitement and the joy of having Lord Cerios’s hand touch me.