Reincarnated as a Villainous Aristocrat in an Otome Game, So I Bought the Main Heroine with Money - Chapter 29: Being Scolded by the Villainess

Chapter 29: Being Scolded by the Villainess

I already knew this.

From the very beginning, it was clear that Liese would end up with the prince.

That was how things were supposed to be. For me, as long as I wasn’t condemned, I could just live happily with Maria.

Liese has her own happiness to chase.

Still, thoughts of Liese kept crossing my mind, lingering for a moment before fading away.

The one Liese chose was the prince. I was just a stepping stone, a stand-in for practice, someone to experiment on.

I understood that. I always did.

Even so, deep down, a part of me wondered: if I managed to help the main heroine before the story began—using the power of money or whatever—maybe she would end up liking me.

Hadn’t I entertained that thought before? Maria had shown her affection for me, so somewhere inside, I might have thought Liese would feel the same.

If I stayed out of trouble, focused on my studies, and seriously thought about managing my territory, I could spend my days at the academy quietly and peacefully. I figured I’d complete my school life uneventfully, return to my territory with Faina and Liese, and live a calm, happy life.

Then, since I didn’t have a fiancée, I’d marry someone close to my age—either Liese or Faina. Together, we’d start a family and live a life filled with happiness.

“Hey, hey! You’re not listening at all, are you?”

“It seems that way. Lately, he’s been like this—lost in deep thought, even when Liese or I try to talk to him.”

“Is that so? But… I think I might have figured it out.”

“Eh? You know what’s going on?”

I could hear Faina and Clarice talking. Their voices reached my ears, but the words didn’t register.

Still, one thing was clear—they were talking about me.

“Hey, Cerios. Have you ever been in love?”

Clarice’s sudden question snapped me out of my daze.

“Love?”

“Oh, he reacted.”

“He really did react.”

Clarice’s voice brimmed with triumph, while Faina sounded surprised.

“Yes, from the look on your face just now, I’d say… you look like a man who’s been heartbroken and rejected.”

“Wha!? I haven’t confessed to anyone!”

“Indeed. You haven’t confessed. But isn’t it possible to feel rejected even before confessing your feelings?”

Clarice’s words hit me like a lightning bolt and my sluggish mind suddenly roared to life.

Love? Rejected? Who rejected whom? Me, rejected by Liese? No, that’s impossible. I’ve known from the beginning that she’s the main heroine of this world, destined to experience a whirlwind romance in this otome game.

No matter how cute she looks, how talented she is, or how obediently she acts as my attendant, she’s still just a person fated to end up with one of the game’s love interests. The idea of me being rejected by her is completely absurd.

“Sorry to interrupt your intense overthinking, but I don’t have all day, so let me be blunt. Isn’t it possible that you like Liese?”

“Wha?! Why would I… with Liese?”

“Wow, that reaction is just so obvious it’s almost refreshing.”

Clarice let out a sigh, clearly exasperated.

“Our master is wonderful, even for that.”

“You’re spoiling him too much, Faina.”

“I-I don’t think so…”

“Anyway, Cerios, if we’re talking about the women in your life at the academy, it’s probably just me, Faina, and Liese, right? And since Liese is the only one not here right now, isn’t the answer pretty obvious?”

Clarice’s deduction left me shaking my head in denial.

“What… what are you even saying? I’m just her master, doing my best to support her future!”

“Do you realize how nonsensical that sounds?”

“Huh?”

“Listen, it’s simple. Maybe the two of you keep missing each other because you’re more alike than you think. Liese is working hard, trying to better herself for you. She’s studying, trying to become more beautiful, and yes, even learning about territory management to support you and your efforts.”

Liese… studying for me? No, no, that can’t be right. She’s doing that to get closer to the love interests, not for me.

“You’re such an idiot. Honestly, you haven’t changed a bit from before. You’re still completely clueless about how other people feel. Sure, Liese is incredibly charming, and I’m sure plenty of men have misunderstood her intentions. But you’re no different. You’re acting on your feelings for her, and at the same time, she’s trying to express hers in a way that doesn’t get in your way. That’s why it’s all so complicated.”

Clarice slammed her hand on the desk with a loud bang and glared at me.

Her expression was angrier than I’d ever seen before, but at the same time, it was filled with so much raw emotion that it was almost breathtakingly beautiful.

“It’s not about who Liese likes; it’s about how you feel about her. Maybe I was wrong to mention how close she seems with the prince, but I never thought you’d overthink it this much.”

“No, but Liese was talking with the prince. And they looked like they were getting along well.”

“You’re such a fool. He’s the prince! Where in the world would you find a commoner girl who could outright ignore him? If she acted that way, it’d be considered treason.”

…Clarice wasn’t wrong.

But my feelings? Liese’s position? And the idea that Liese and I are alike? There were too many things I couldn’t make sense of.

“Cerios, listen. If you’re going to think things through, stop worrying about the other person for a moment and face your own feelings first! Do you like Liese or not?”

Clarice’s words hit me like a flash of blinding light.

Me? Like Liese? Is that really true?

“Then, I’ll buy everything you have with my money. You wouldn’t like that, would you? If not, then don’t let it bother you.”

“No! Please, let me serve you!”

That memory suddenly came rushing back to me. Liese’s words when I saved her, when she swore her loyalty to me.

Back then, Liese said she was serious.

Maybe it was just a childish promise, but even so, from that moment on, I had decided to protect her.

“Is it really okay for me to put myself first?”

“If you don’t, who else will?”

Each word from Clarice hit me like a heavy punch to the chest.

“Thank you, Clarice. You’re an amazing woman.”

“What are you saying now? Isn’t that obvious? I’ve always been an amazing woman.”

Clarice’s smug expression was radiant, so much so that it naturally brought a smile to my face.

“Seems like you’ve made up your mind.”

“Yeah, thanks.”

“Then let’s settle something else while we’re at it. Faina, it’s time you make things clear too!”

“Wha—me?!”

Clarice’s sharp focus turned away from me and landed squarely on Faina.

“Cerios is about to move forward for Liese. Before that, Faina, you need to tell him how you feel!”

“B-But…!”

“If he takes that step, the chance will be gone. Or are you planning to just sit back and take the leftovers?”

Clarice’s provocations made Faina clench her teeth in frustration. Watching the exchange, I finally pieced together what was happening.

“Lord Cerios, I’ve admired you since we were children!”

I really was clueless. I thought I understood Faina, but I’d never truly considered her feelings.

“Thank you, Faina. I’m happy to hear that. But… can I ask you to wait for my answer? I need to settle these feelings first. You’re important to me too, which is why I want to handle this properly.”

Liese, the other love interests—none of that really mattered to Faina.

But right now, I wanted to prioritize my own feelings.

“Of course! I’ll wait for you as long as it takes, Lord Cerios.”

I gave Faina a firm nod before turning and running off to find Liese.