Reincarnated as a Villainous Aristocrat in an Otome Game, So I Bought the Main Heroine with Money - Chapter 40: I Will Share All My Feelings!

Chapter 40: I Will Share All My Feelings!

《Liese’s Side》

In my hazy state, the cool touch on my forehead felt incredibly soothing.

“Liese, can you get up now?”

Faina’s gentle voice reached my ears. My body still felt heavy, and the fever hadn’t fully subsided, but I was starting to feel a bit better.

With Faina’s help, I managed to sit up, and she wiped the sweat from my face. My head spun slightly, so I closed my eyes and took a deep breath to steady myself.

“I suppose… the medicine Lord Cerios brought must have worked.”

“Yes, it seems my fever has gone down thanks to him.”

“Even so, you mustn’t overexert yourself.”

Her words were reassuring, but my heart still felt heavy with worry. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw Lord Cerios’s troubled face, or the way he looked when he seemed angry.

I had caused him concern. I wanted to support him, to do my best for him, but it seems I had pushed myself too far. I felt guilty for worrying him.

“Liese, I know you should still be resting, but may I tell you something?”

“Yes… what is it, Faina?”

“Actually, I’d like you to know how Lord Cerios is doing.”

“Lord Cerios?”

At my urging, Faina’s expression darkened slightly.

“Actually… Lord Cerios was summoned by Prince Edward. He told me not to tell you, saying he didn’t want you to worry.”

“What…?”

Her words made my chest tighten. Lord Cerios was summoned? By Prince Edward? Why?

“I believe it might have started because of your collapse.”

“Because I collapsed?”

My mind swirled with confusion, but one thought became clear—I needed to go to him. Without hesitation, I tried to climb out of bed. My legs felt unsteady beneath me, but the urge to reach Lord Cerios drove me forward.

“Are you really going?”

“Yes! Please, Faina, take me to Lord Cerios.”

She sighed in resignation, though her gentle hands steadied me by the shoulders.

“Fine, but later, we’ll both have to endure Lord Cerios’s scolding together.”

“Thank you!”

When we arrived, a large crowd had gathered. The air was tense and filled with murmurs and gasps.

At the center of the commotion stood Lord Cerios and Prince Edward, swords drawn and facing each other.

A sharp pain gripped my chest at the sight. Behind Prince Edward, Raul and Gald stood ready to intervene. Three against one? How could they stoop so low?!

I wanted to run to Lord Cerios’s side, to fight alongside him. But before I could act, Faina held me back firmly.

“Let’s trust our master.”

“But—!”

As if proving Faina’s words, Lord Cerios defeated all three of his opponents.

For the first time, I saw him fight. He was so strong, so dignified—it was breathtaking.

“He may have picked up the sword later in life, but he has stood on the frontlines, fighting for his people. Someone who has survived as he has could never be weak.”

Faina’s faith in Lord Cerios was incredible, and I found myself in awe as I watched him.

Lord Cerios, though breathing heavily, remained standing. Around him lay the three men, bloodied and collapsed, while the eyes of the entire crowd were fixed solely on him.

“Lord Cerios…!”

I couldn’t stop myself from calling his name. He turned to look at me, and the relief on his face made my chest tighten.

I tried to walk toward him, but my legs gave way beneath me. As I stumbled forward, my body ready to fall, Lord Cerios rushed over and caught me in his arms.

“Are you alright?”

His deep voice murmured softly near my ear, and tears began to stream down my face. I could only nod in response, overwhelmed by his presence and his care.

“I’m sorry… for pushing myself… but I couldn’t stop worrying about you, Lord Cerios.”

Lord Cerios supported me with a gentle smile.

“You didn’t need to come all this way. But thank you for worrying about me.”

His kind words warmed my heart, and before I knew it, I clung tightly to him, unable to hold back my emotions.

However, our moment was interrupted as Prince Edward rose unsteadily to his feet, his voice filled with anger.

“Liese! I fought for you! To protect you! Why do you go to him instead of me?!”

At his outburst, I lifted my head, meeting his gaze. His expression was a mixture of frustration and confusion. I knew it was time to say what I’d been holding back for so long.

“Your Highness Edward… I never wanted you to fight for me! Please, stop hurting Lord Cerios!”

I could feel the weight of everyone’s eyes on me, but I was no longer afraid. No matter how disrespectful it seemed, I was determined to speak my truth.

“I’ve wanted to say this for a long time… I don’t like you, Prince Edward. Nor do I like Lord Raul or Lord Gald! From the very first time we met, the three of you have treated Lord Cerios horribly. I’ve hated you all ever since!”

A murmur of shock rippled through the crowd.

Placing my hand on my chest, I took a deep breath and looked directly into Prince Edward’s eyes, my resolve unshaken.

“The one I truly love… is Lord Cerios!”

My words froze the air in the room. The atmosphere turned heavy, and Prince Edward’s expression crumbled, his gaze wavering in disbelief.

“Lord Cerios may have saved me with money, but to me, that was salvation. He gave me a reason to live! Please, don’t take that away from me!”

Tears streamed uncontrollably down my face, and in that moment, Lord Cerios’s arms wrapped around me even tighter, as if shielding me from the world.

“That’s enough, Liese. Thank you.”

Hearing him, I finally felt at ease. The tension left my body, and I let myself lean fully into his embrace.

Then, to my astonishment, Lord Cerios lifted me into his arms, carrying me like a princess—a moment I had only ever dreamed of.

Prince Edward, his fists clenched tightly, said nothing. He turned and walked away in silence. The eyes of the crowd followed him, but no one dared to speak.

As we stood there, Faina rushed over to us.

“Liese, it’s alright now. Let’s go back.”

Carried in Lord Cerios’s arms, with Faina’s soothing voice beside me, I finally felt safe.

“Thanks to you coming here, everything is finally resolved. Thank you, Liese.”

Hearing his words, I silently offered my gratitude in my heart.

As long as he is by my side, I know I can stand up again, no matter how many times I fall.

But for now, please let me rest in your arms.

With that thought, I let myself drift away into unconsciousness.

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[Afterword]

Hello, this is Iko!

Thank you so much for all the bookmarks and stars as Christmas presents yesterday.

Thanks to everyone’s support, this story has reached #1 in the daily and weekly rankings for romantic comedies!

I’m truly overjoyed. It’s the best Christmas gift ever, and it makes me feel like this has been such a great year! (๑>◡<๑)