Reincarnated as a Villainous Aristocrat in an Otome Game, So I Bought the Main Heroine with Money - Chapter 24: Feeling the Weight of Stares at the Academy

Chapter 24: Feeling the Weight of Stares at the Academy

《Cerios’ POV》

Since starting at the academy, I had instructed Liese and Faina to focus on their studies and personal growth, assuring them they didn’t need to worry about me. As a result, I often found myself alone.

The lingering rumors of my past misdeeds in noble society meant few dared to approach me. On top of that, the altercation with the high-ranking nobles during the entrance ceremony had quickly spread as gossip.

Whenever I walked through the academy, I could feel the weight of stares following me.

“Again, huh…”

I had lost count of how many times this had happened since starting my life at the academy. This time, a group of unfamiliar male students stood in my path, openly glaring at me.

“Lord Egrid, we need to have a word with you.”

The one who seemed to be their leader spoke, his cold gaze and the tense atmosphere impossible to miss. Behind him, his followers stood with their arms crossed, mirroring his attitude.

“With me, huh?”

I furrowed my brow but kept my tone calm as I responded. The leader crossed his arms, his eyes scanning me from head to toe as if appraising me.

“You’re always with Lady Liese, aren’t you?”

“…Yeah, I suppose so. Why does that matter?”

I could already predict where this conversation was headed. I had a good idea of what they wanted to say and the kind of accusations they might throw my way.

“We believe you should refrain from actions that might trouble her.”

“Trouble? Me, troubling Liese?”

Their words left me momentarily puzzled, and I widened my eyes in confusion.

But I quickly realized what they meant. Their real goal was simple—they wanted to meddle in the relationships around Liese.

Since coming to the academy, Liese had become a focal point of attention almost instantly.

Her exceptional grades, combined with her striking beauty, had made her stand out. On top of that, she had outperformed even Raul in the written exams and held her own against Gald in the practical tests.

It was no surprise that she had become a hot topic among the male students, earning the title of “the academy’s prodigy.”

However, because she was always by my side as my attendant, I had become the target of envious stares and growing resentment.

“A noble with a tarnished reputation like yours standing beside someone as exceptional as Lady Liese… don’t you think that’s a bit of a mismatch?”

At his words, I let out an internal sigh.

“Ah, so that’s what this is about.”

In other words, they believed that my presence next to Liese was preventing them from approaching her.

Their jealousy and tendency to confront me over something so trivial were nothing short of tiresome.

“This has nothing to do with you, does it?”

I replied calmly, and their expressions immediately grew tense.

“This isn’t something you can dismiss. We just want to prove that we’re worthy to stand by her side!”

“…I see. Then do whatever you want. But leave me out of it. Or do you think that being at the academy gives you the right to disregard proper manners when addressing a noble?”

I lowered my voice as I said this, and their confident expressions faltered. They seemed unsure of themselves and retreated.

Even after that exchange, I could still feel envious stares in the classroom and hallways. The attitudes of the other boys remained unchanged, and sometimes I could even hear their whispered remarks.

“Isn’t it unfair for that Egrid to be by Lady Liese’s side?”

“Her talent is wasted serving someone like him.”

“How did he manage to win her loyalty?”

“Could he have threatened her?”

Their wild speculations spread, and I couldn’t help but think that if they had time to gossip, they should use it to better themselves. But this is the reality I had to deal with.

What puzzled me even more was Liese’s behavior.

No matter how much attention she received at the academy, she stayed by my side as always. And the way she looked at me… her gaze carried an intensity that was difficult to put into words.

Later that day, as I walked down a quiet hallway after class, I heard a voice call out from behind me.

“Lord Cerios!”

Turning around, I saw Liese standing there. She was smiling softly, her eyes fixed directly on me.

“What is it, Liese?”

“It’s been a long day, hasn’t it? Is there anything I can help you with?”

Her offer caught me off guard for a moment, but I quickly shook my head.

“No, I’m fine. I don’t have anything pressing to do and was just about to head back to my room.”

“I see. In that case, may I accompany you to your room?”

Her words stirred something in my chest. The earnest look in her eyes felt as though she was trying to convey something deeper.

As we walked back, she stayed a step behind me, her gaze fixed on me the entire time. I couldn’t understand the meaning behind her look and sighed inwardly.

(Lately, it feels like the way she looks at me has changed…)

Liese had always been devoted, but recently, she seemed even closer, as if she didn’t want to miss a single action of mine.

Could it be that she’s keeping an eye on me? Did I do something to make her suspicious? Or maybe the other boys planted some ideas in her head.

(Whatever she’s feeling during this time at the academy… I just don’t understand.)

One thing was clear: her behavior was only fueling the jealousy of the other boys even more.

When we finally reached my room, I thought I’d be able to relax. However, Liese remained standing at the door, her gaze fixed on me.

“Liese?”

“Lord Cerios, I…”

She started to say something, but the sound of voices from the hallway interrupted her.

“Is he monopolizing Lady Liese again?”

“We need to find a way to get closer to her somehow…”

Hearing those whispers, Liese furrowed her brows. She cast a brief glance down the hallway before turning back to face me.

“Lord Cerios, as your attendant, I wish to remain by your side for as long as I can.”

I still didn’t fully understand the depth of her words, but the unwavering resolve in her gaze was unmistakable.

“I see. But I think it’s admirable that you’re working so hard for yourself. Just remember not to overdo it, alright?”

The envious stares from others, the intensity in her eyes—it all formed a tangled web of mystery around me. As I considered how to navigate through it, I encouraged Liese and bid her farewell.