Reincarnated as a Villainous Aristocrat in an Otome Game, So I Bought the Main Heroine with Money - Chapter 38: Watching the Three Fools Get Cornered

Chapter 38: Watching the Three Fools Get Cornered

Part of me was curious to see how they would retaliate, almost anticipating it.

I felt like I could clearly read Edward’s emotions now. After all, this was the world of an otome game, where each love interest had their own troubles and darkness.

The heroine’s role was to unravel those troubles, deepening the bond and increasing affection.

So, what about Edward, Raul, and Gald?

They, too, carried their own burdens and darkness. From my perspective, they seemed consumed by it. But in the context of this world, it was part of the appeal—the idea that a woman could uncover their secrets and become the one person they needed.

And Edward…

His “darkness” was his crippling lack of confidence.

He was serious, righteous, and outwardly sparkled like a perfect prince. But beneath the surface, he was uncertain, lacking self-assurance, and struggling to find a clear sense of himself.

“And this… this is your grand plan? Using the influence of your fiancées’ families to condemn me? Are you serious?”

At my words, the three high-ranking nobles glared at me sharply.

“What’s the matter? Feeling scared?”

“No, not at all. If anything, I’m even more baffled. Why did you think they—of all people—could bring me down? Lady Clarice may be from a ducal house, and yes, her family has been our ally for years…”

However, if you ask whether Clarice’s father was a good neighbor or a capable guardian, the answer would be no.

The so-called villainess’s father was far from an ideal mentor.

He mismanaged his territory, neglected his responsibilities, and offered no guidance.

One could call it a hands-off approach, but in reality, it was abandonment.

“That said, while Lady Clarice’s house may command respect as a ducal family, it does not hold enough authority to condemn me.”

“T-That’s…!”

I had assumed they might try to leverage the royal family’s power, but it seemed they lacked the means to do so.

“May I speak now?”

As I pushed Edward further into a corner, Clarice spoke up, shifting the atmosphere. For Edward, it was a lifeline. His previously flustered expression softened as he turned to her, seeking support with a hopeful smile.

“Of course, Clarice. You’re Cerios’s childhood friend and must know all about his countless misdeeds. And as my fiancée, I’d like you to lend me your strength.”

Hearing such a pitiful plea, I felt my head ache. This farce was growing tiresome. Honestly, Gald shouting for a duel and charging at me would have been less irritating than this ridiculous drama.

“If I may, then. I believe everyone here has gathered to witness the condemnation of Lord Cerios von Egrid.”

At Edward’s urging, Clarice began addressing the gathered nobles and students, her voice clear and commanding.

“First, I ask that everyone remain until the end to witness what transpires. I humbly request your patience.”

The audience, captivated by Clarice’s beauty and her confident tone, fell silent, holding their breath.

♢

《Clarice’s Side》

With all eyes on me, I took a quiet step forward.

Prince Edward had called the three of us here with full confidence, no doubt expecting us to serve as his “witnesses.” But if he thought everything would go according to his plan, he was sorely mistaken.

I had been watching closely from Cerios’s side, and I knew better.

“Clarice von Everett, now reveal his wrongdoings. It’s true that we may not be able to judge Cerios here and now. But with the crimes you confess today, I will act—both within the academy and before the kingdom.”

Prince Edward’s voice carried an air of authority, but I didn’t miss the tension hidden beneath it. He was desperate.

He knew that if he failed to condemn Cerios in front of such an audience, his own status and position would be at risk.

The nobles around us remained silent, watching intently. But their gazes were a mix of curiosity and disdain. It was clear that the outcome of this farce could shape Edward’s future.

I allowed a graceful smile to grace my lips, adopting the elegant demeanor befitting a noblewoman, and began to speak.

“Your Highness, I understand that you summoned us here to expose the alleged crimes of Lord Cerios von Egrid.”

“That’s correct!”

“However…”

I paused deliberately. Prince Edward’s brow twitched, and behind him, Raul and Gald wore visibly tense expressions.

“Is such an action truly in the best interest of the kingdom or Lady Liese?”

My words shifted the atmosphere in the room entirely.

Prince Edward tried to maintain his composure, but beads of sweat formed on his forehead. It was clear he was growing increasingly anxious.

“Clarice, what are you saying?! Cerios is a lord who ruled unjustly! And Liese collapsed because of his commands! Isn’t exposing his crimes the most important thing?”

“Your Highness.”

I interrupted his shouting with a cold, deliberate tone. The effect was immediate—he fell silent, startled by my firm demeanor.

“Are you certain about that? After your summons, I conducted my own investigation. It’s true that there was a time when Lord Cerios imposed harsh policies. However, with the funds raised during that period, he hired mercenaries, formed a knightly order, and provided aid to those in need, restoring his territory in the process. Isn’t that also one of Lord Cerios’s achievements?”

I had reviewed the materials Prince Edward and his allies had gathered. While they painted Cerios as a villain, his successes had been conveniently omitted, concealed to manipulate the narrative in their favor.

“What is your true goal here, Your Highness? Is this really for Lady Liese’s sake? Or are there personal grudges mixed in?”

A murmur spread through the crowd. Prince Edward’s eyes widened, and for a moment, he seemed utterly at a loss for words.

This was where it really began. My friends, Lady Astarcia Duran and Lady Mireille Grantz, had also been hurt in this ordeal.

It’s often said that a woman’s worst enemy is another woman, but this entire situation was absurd. This wasn’t just blind love—it was reckless behavior by men who had let their emotions for a single woman spiral out of control.

“Lord Cerios may have made mistakes in the past. But does that justify condemning him and using Lady Liese in this way? And as for you, Lord Raul and Lord Gald—haven’t you been neglecting your own fiancées while constantly seeking Lady Liese’s attention?”

“U-Using her?!”

“I-I only spoke to her because we’re at the same academic level!”

“I-I was just sparring with Liese because she’s a worthy opponent!”

The three fools’ protests were weak, their voices trembling. I maintained my calm smile and pressed on.

“Your Highness, are you trying to condemn Lord Cerios here because you think doing so will somehow help you win over Lady Liese?”

At my words, Prince Edward’s face turned bright red.

“Don’t be ridiculous! I’m only doing this for Lady Liese’s sake—”

“Then why isn’t Lady Liese present here today?”

The room fell silent. I let the weight of my words settle as I continued, the attention of the nobles firmly on me.

“Lady Liese is currently unwell and resting. Doesn’t it seem strange to use her as the basis for condemning Lord Cerios when she’s not even here to speak for herself?”

Prince Edward opened his mouth to respond but seemed unable to find the words.

I slowly turned, letting my gaze sweep across the gathered nobles.

“Ladies and gentlemen, this is how Prince Edward, a member of the royal family, operates. He seeks to strengthen his position by condemning Lord Cerios under these circumstances.”

A murmur rippled through the room as the nobles exchanged glances. Their gazes shifted to Prince Edward, filled with doubt and criticism.

“Clarice, that’s enough!”

Prince Edward’s voice rose, but the desperation in his tone was unmistakable.

I took a step back, gracefully bowing.

“I am merely stating the truth. Please, feel free to proceed as you see fit.”

With that, I turned my gaze toward Cerios, offering him a small, knowing smile.

ーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーー

Merry Christmas!

Hello, it’s Iko!

Thank you so much for all the bookmarks and stars I woke up to this morning. I’m still hoping for more presents, so please keep them coming!
I’ll be looking forward to them (๑>◡<๑)