Reincarnated as a Villainous Aristocrat in an Otome Game, So I Bought the Main Heroine with Money - Chapter 25: Having Tea with the Villainess

Chapter 25: Having Tea with the Villainess

Ever since starting life at the academy, I’ve had no time to waste dealing with the noise around me—whether it’s the gossip, envious stares, or people approaching me out of curiosity.

I have far more important things to focus on.

Since being reincarnated into this world, I’ve come to realize just how crucial effective territorial management is.

The Egrid territory, once burdened by oppressive taxes, was a place where the cries of suffering commoners went unheard. The original Cerios, who should have borne responsibility, was lazy and incompetent, wielding authority for his own benefit.

As a result, the territory fell into ruin. Even with heavy taxes, the rampant banditry wasn’t curbed, and lawlessness spread. Decent citizens were left with little hope for the future.

When I first learned of this after reincarnating, I wanted to fix it, but I had no idea where to start.

I had no prior experience in “territorial management” from my previous life, and simply grasping the customs and systems of this world proved to be an overwhelming challenge.

That’s why I decided to use my time at the academy to gain as much knowledge as possible.

Economics, governance, diplomacy—subjects I had no interest in before—have now become things I study relentlessly.

As I attended classes, I began to understand the structures of the kingdom, its policies, and how society functioned. It’s surprisingly fascinating to see the pieces start to come together.

But when it comes to whether life at the academy is enjoyable… that’s a different story.

The constant stares and whispers around me are exhausting. My reputation from the past doesn’t help, and being around Liese and Faina only draws even more attention.

One day, as I was reading a book on administrative management in the library, someone suddenly sat down beside me.

“You’re as serious about studying as ever.”

At the sound of her voice, I looked up to see Clarice standing there.

Lately, she’d been approaching me often.

“Clarice… here again?”

“Again? That’s rude. I’m taking the trouble to speak to someone who doesn’t have any friends, you know. Not that I mind—I just thought it was amusing to see you so engrossed in your book.”

With a graceful smile, she glanced at the book I was reading.

“An administrative management text? Isn’t that a bit difficult for you? When did you start acting like a proper noble?”

“It’s not about being a noble. I’m reading it because I need to.”

“Need to? For your territory?”

When I didn’t respond, Clarice sighed and sat down in the chair next to mine.

“Surprisingly diligent, aren’t you? But don’t you get tired, working so hard all the time?”

“I know it’s exhausting, but I don’t have a choice. There’s so much I need to learn. Without parents, it’s my duty to protect the people of my territory.”

“Hmm…”

She gave me a curious look before suddenly changing the subject.

“Speaking of which, your attendant… Liese, was it? She’s become quite famous lately.”

“…Yeah. She’s always been talented.”

“Even my fiancé seems taken with her. That Prince has been paying her a lot of attention.”

“And you’re fine with that? Isn’t he your fiancé?”

I replied with a hint of sarcasm, causing Clarice to frown slightly.

“Well, the official decision won’t be made until after we graduate, so for now, being a ‘fiancée candidate’ is fine, don’t you think?”

Clarice was in the position of the classic villainess. If Liese were to end up with the prince, Clarice would inevitably face condemnation. Just as I was the villainous noble in this story, my childhood friend would share the same fate.

“You seem pretty calm about it.”

“Of course. If my engagement to the prince is annulled, I could always marry you instead.”

“Pfft—!”

“My, how crude.”

“That’s because you said something ridiculous!”

“Fufu, and yet you used to pull all sorts of pranks on me in the past, doing things you couldn’t possibly tell anyone about. And now you’re flustered over something like this?”

What on earth did you do, Cerios?! I have no memory of any such things.

“Anyway, has the prince been speaking with Liese?”

“Yes, quite politely, actually. But why, I wonder? It’s odd that someone would show interest in her just because she’s your attendant.”

I sighed internally at her comment. It was true—Liese naturally attracted attention. Given the game’s setup, she was on the main route, so it wasn’t surprising.

“Liese hasn’t done anything inappropriate, has she?”

“Of course not. I’m just curious about your attendant because she’s become so well-known. That’s all. And, to be honest, I don’t really care much—for the prince or your attendant.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. Watching you is far more entertaining right now.”

Am I some kind of exotic animal to her? Honestly, Clarice probably just doesn’t have anyone she can talk to casually because she’s a high-ranking noble.

That afternoon, Clarice invited me to have tea in the garden’s tearoom. Faina joined us as well.

The tea Faina brewed was as excellent as ever. She maintained her usual calm demeanor and conversed pleasantly with Clarice.

“Lord Cerios, you’re really taking your academy life seriously.”

“Well, I’m just desperate. If I return to the estate without having learned anything useful, it would all be for nothing.”

Clarice chuckled softly at my response.

“So? Has the knowledge you’ve gained at the academy been useful so far?”

“Bit by bit. It’s been a good opportunity to rethink how the kingdom operates and the responsibilities of nobles. I’ve also learned quite a bit about managing a territory—things like administration, development, taxes, and legislation.”

“Fufu, you actually sound like a proper noble. But I can’t say I dislike that attitude.”

Her words surprised me a little. She usually spoke with a sarcastic tone, so I hadn’t expected such a straightforward comment.

“Still, your attendants are remarkably capable. Faina, if he ever falls from grace, come work for me. I’d hire you immediately.”

“Thank you.”

Clarice took a sip of her tea as she made the remark.

“Both of them certainly do their jobs well.”

“For someone who thinks so, you don’t seem to show much appreciation for their efforts.”

“…I don’t plan on dwelling on it. Anyway, Faina, sorry for taking up your time during tea.”

“Not at all, Lord Cerios. I really enjoy talking with Lady Clarice.”

Faina’s soft expression made even Clarice narrow her eyes in approval.

“The dynamic between you and your attendants is rather intriguing, Cerios. Could you tell me more about it sometime?”

“Only if it’s necessary.”

I brushed off Clarice’s smile and took another sip of my tea.

While there were plenty of frustrating aspects to life at the academy, moments like these—where I could gain knowledge and form connections—made it feel worthwhile.

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[Afterword]

Hello, this is Iko.

Thanks to all of you, we’ve reached 5th place in the weekly romantic comedy rankings! I truly appreciate your support!!

That’s it for today!!