Reincarnated as a Villainous Aristocrat in an Otome Game, So I Bought the Main Heroine with Money - Chapter 34: Pride and Reality

Chapter 34: Pride and Reality

《Liese’s Side》

Lord Cerios came looking for me.

When I was in the courtyard, speaking with the high-ranking nobles, he called out to me.

It was the first time he had ever done that since I came to the academy, and I couldn’t stop my heart from racing. The warmth spreading through my chest made me so happy.

The conversations with the prince, Lord Raul, and Lord Gald felt so formal, so hollow. In those moments, I was nothing more than a decoration, a pretty object to fill the space.

None of it touched my heart.

But Lord Cerios’s voice was different.

“Liese, may I have a moment?”

Those words felt like they gave me a place where I truly belonged.

It was like a beam of light breaking through, showing me that I was needed. That thought alone made my body move without hesitation.

“Lord Cerios! Of course, I don’t mind!”

Even I was surprised at how loud my voice came out. I noticed the slight surprise on Lord Cerios’s face, but that didn’t matter—I just wanted to be by his side as quickly as possible.

I couldn’t remember a single word of the chatter that followed after.

When we were finally alone, our conversation was short and awkward, yet it made my heart feel so full.

Lord Cerios cared about me. Just knowing that brought me so much happiness. Even now, thinking back on it makes my face feel warm.

When we sat together on the courtyard bench, Lord Cerios gently touched my hand. That small warmth he offered gave me a deep sense of comfort and peace.

“Let’s keep walking forward together,” he had said.

Those words resonated gently in my heart.

Lord Cerios needed me. Even if it was just as his servant, that was enough for me. Wanting more would feel too selfish.

I do have feelings for him. But they’re the kind that can only come to fruition if Lord Cerios recognizes them. I’ll keep trying to show him, but I must never become a burden to him.

Still… if even the slightest hint of his words or actions shows that he sees me as someone special, then that alone makes me happy.

“Yes, Lord Cerios.”

I was sure the smile I gave him in that moment shone with a joy I couldn’t contain.

After parting ways with Lord Cerios, I found myself walking through the academy courtyard, my heart racing as I replayed our conversation in my mind.

But that happy moment was suddenly shattered.

“Are you the commoner Liese? We need to have a word with you.”

A cold voice called out, making me turn around.

Standing there were two noblewomen.

One was Lady Astarcia Duran, the fiancée of Lord Raul.

The other was Lady Mireille Grantz, the fiancée of Lord Gald.

Both of them were renowned beauties, celebrated even within the academy for their grace and elegance. But now, they stood before me, their expressions filled with anger.

“You’ve been shamelessly flirting with the gentlemen again, haven’t you?”

Lady Astarcia’s words carried unmistakable hostility.

I had been warned before about speaking with Lord Raul. I had promised that I wouldn’t initiate conversations with him. However, when Lord Raul himself spoke to me, I couldn’t simply ignore him. I had explained this countless times, but my explanations were never accepted.

“No, it’s not li—”

As I tried to deny it, Lady Mireille cut me off with sharp words.

“Don’t lie! Just now, in the courtyard, you were happily chatting with Lord Gald and the others. And after that, you were even cozying up to Cerios von Egrid! How many men do you need to ensnare before you’re satisfied?!”

Their accusations pierced my heart. I had been careful ever since the initial warning.

It was true that I spoke with them earlier, but it wasn’t by my choice. They were the ones who approached me, and as someone in my position, I couldn’t refuse to respond.

And as for Lord Cerios, he is my master.

The idea of me flirting with him or any of the others was absurd. If flirting were enough to make him fall for me, I’d gladly do it as much as needed!

But deep down, I knew it was useless to explain myself to them. Their goal wasn’t to have a fair conversation or clear up misunderstandings—they wanted to humiliate me.

And for that, I couldn’t entirely blame them. After all, I had inadvertently wounded their pride.

“…I’m sorry.”

All I could do was lower my head in apology.

I understood that this was their victory. Someone in my position could never defy them. That was the reality of life at this academy.

“Hmph, as long as you understand. Learn your place.”

Lady Astarcia said curtly, turning her back to me.

Lady Mireille followed suit, walking away without another word.

I watched their retreating figures, swallowing the bitterness rising in my chest.

Finding a quiet corner in the courtyard, I sat down alone.

The happiness I’d felt just moments ago seemed like a distant memory. My heart now felt heavy.

The words “learn your place” echoed in my mind, over and over.

Lord Cerios trusted me, but to them, I was just someone unworthy of respect. Why…?

Then, Lord Cerios’s words came back to me.

“Let’s keep walking forward together.”

Those words brought warmth back to my heart.

No matter what they said, as long as Lord Cerios believed in me, I could keep moving forward.

So I wouldn’t let this defeat me. Even with the frustration and sadness weighing on me, I decided to keep walking forward.

As long as Lord Cerios needed me, I would give him my all.

Because that was my pride.

ーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーー

[Afterword]

Hello, this is the author, Iko.

That’s it for today! There’s only about a week left in the year.

Thank you for taking the time to read, even during this busy season!!

I’ll do my best to make this a little something you can enjoy in your spare time! (๑>◡<๑)