Reincarnated as a Villainous Aristocrat in an Otome Game, So I Bought the Main Heroine with Money - Chapter 31: Spending Time Together

Chapter 31: Spending Time Together

《Cerios’ Side》

After the commotion in the courtyard, I found myself alone with Liese.

Walking quietly beside her, I was overwhelmed by an awkward, indescribable sense of self-consciousness.

What am I supposed to do in this atmosphere…?

I glanced at her from the corner of my eye. Liese walked with her usual graceful stride, but there was a small smile on her lips.

Seeing that expression, I felt my heart beat just a little faster.

Clarice had said I liked Liese. Was that really true?

“Lord Cerios, is something the matter?”

Noticing my silence, Liese tilted her head slightly as she asked the question.

That simple gesture was so adorable that I couldn’t help but look away.

“No, it’s nothing. I was just… thinking about something.”

When I said that, she nodded, her smile growing even brighter.

“I see. You always look so serious when you’re deep in thought, Lord Cerios. Honestly, it’s a little intimidating.”

“Intimidating? Did I really look like that?”

Surprised, I asked her, and she hurriedly waved her hands, shaking her head.

“No, not scary… more like… strong and dignified. I think it’s quite handsome.”

Her words made me stop in my tracks. My heart skipped a beat, pounding loudly in my chest.

“Handsome…?”

As I repeated her words, Liese’s face turned bright red. Lowering her gaze, she mumbled in a small voice.

“T-That’s not exactly what I meant. I just… think you’re a truly wonderful person, Lord Cerios.”

Her shy demeanor was so endearing that I couldn’t help but let out a soft laugh.

“Thank you. Hearing that from you… gives me a little confidence.”

When I said that, she looked up at me in surprise.

“Lord Cerios lacking confidence…? Is that even possible?”

“It is. I’m not perfect. Far from it, actually. There’s so much I don’t know. That’s why I’m here at the academy, learning about history and the knowledge I’ll need to manage a territory.”

I answered honestly, and she smiled gently in return.

“To me, you always seemed perfect, Lord Cerios. You’re always moving forward, thinking about others, and holding yourself to such high standards. And… I believe in you, Lord Cerios.”

Her words struck a deep chord in my heart.

Why does she look at me so directly, so sincerely?

“Liese, you really are a mystery.”

“Am I? I haven’t changed at all, not now or in the past.”

“Not changed?”

“Yes. From the moment you saved me, Lord Cerios, I’ve stayed the same. Back then, you asked me, ‘I’ll buy everything of you with my money. You wouldn’t like that, would you? Then don’t worry about it.’ And I responded, ‘No! Please, let me serve you!’“

Liese repeated the exact words she had spoken that day, words etched in my memory.

“I’ve always been serious. I gave everything I had to you, Lord Cerios.”

Her unwavering words left me speechless.

“Even now?”

“Of course.”

She answered without hesitation, and the sincerity in her response made my chest tighten once again. She really hadn’t changed.

From the beginning, she had accepted everything.

Her cheeks flushed slightly as she smiled at me.

“Being by your side, Lord Cerios, makes me feel so safe. I’d like to do many things together if I could—studying, practicing swordsmanship, everything.”

“Yeah.”

Our conversation felt awkward, but in a way that was oddly comforting, like the innocent clumsiness of a couple just starting out.

Eventually, we sat down on a bench in the courtyard. The breeze was pleasant, and for a while, neither of us spoke.

Then, Liese broke the silence.

“Lord Cerios, would you… let me stay by your side… forever?”

Her words made me catch my breath. Her eyes met mine, unwavering and filled with sincerity.

And yet, I couldn’t help but remember—the same line she was supposed to say to the prince in the game, accompanied by a beautifully drawn illustration.

“…Yeah.”

The response slipped out naturally. Her face lit up with joy, and warmth spread through my chest once more.

“Thank you. I want to stay by your side too, Lord Cerios.”

Her small hand gently touched mine, and at that moment, my heart seemed to leap.

“…Liese.”

When I called her name, she smiled—a radiant, heartfelt smile that outshone any jewel.

I clasped her hand in return and murmured softly, 

“Let’s keep walking forward together.”

“Yes, Lord Cerios.”

I hadn’t told her I loved her, not in so many words. But in that moment, words felt unnecessary.

We simply sat there, feeling each other’s warmth, sharing a peaceful moment that felt more precious than anything else.

Was this the right choice? Doubts lingered in my mind. But I knew one thing for certain—I didn’t want to let her go. I didn’t want her to belong to anyone else.

I might be nothing more than a man who bought her with money, but I found myself wishing for this moment to be real, for it to last forever.

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[Afterword]

Hello, this is Iko.

That’s all for today!

Opinions may vary, but twists and turns make things more exciting, don’t they? (๑>◡<๑)