Reincarnated as a Villainous Aristocrat in an Otome Game, So I Bought the Main Heroine with Money - Chapter 45: A Mother’s Jealousy, A Daughter’s Determination

Chapter 45: A Mother’s Jealousy, A Daughter’s Determination

《Maria’s Side》

The warmth of his embrace… The thought of letting go felt unbearably lonely. Yet, knowing he had finally returned brought me immense joy.

The quiet evening light filtered through the window, casting a soft glow across the room.

I sat on a chair, watching Liese as she perched on the edge of the bed beside me.

As her mother, and as someone who cherishes her deeply, I have watched over her growth with pride.

But she was no longer just my “little girl.” She had returned as a young woman, carrying feelings for Lord Cerios within her heart.

“Mother… is something wrong?”

Liese tilted her head slightly, smiling gently. 

Her kind voice reminded me of her childhood, but the unwavering strength in her eyes told a different story.

“No, I just wanted to talk for a bit. Would you sit with me?”

Without hesitation, Liese nodded and pulled a chair over to sit in front of me.

Her features had grown more beautiful with each passing day—far more radiant than I had ever been in my youth.

“Liese… you love Lord Cerios, don’t you?”

At my words, a faint blush colored her cheeks, and she lowered her gaze for a moment.

Her reaction was endearing—so innocent and pure.

But when she spoke, her voice was steady and filled with conviction.

“…Yes. I love him.”

Hearing those words, my chest ached just a little.

Of course, I wished for my daughter’s happiness with all my heart. But at the same time, as a woman, I couldn’t completely deny the feelings I had for him.

“I see…”

I offered a gentle smile and continued speaking softly.

“Liese, you’re young, beautiful… and you’ll grow into an even more wonderful woman. I can’t help but feel a little envious of that. Perhaps that makes me a failure as a mother.”

“Mother…?”

Seeing the confusion in her expression, I let out a small chuckle and carried on.

“But tell me, Liese… what will you do if Lord Cerios turns his heart to another woman?”

Her eyes widened at my question.

I knew it was a cruel thing to ask—selfish and ugly, even. But Lord Cerios was a noble, and such things were inevitable in his world.

Liese hesitated for a moment, as if carefully considering her response. Then, she gave a soft, serene smile.

“…I would feel jealous, I think. But I wouldn’t let those feelings affect him.”

“Why not?”

“Because jealousy is something I can’t avoid feeling… but it won’t change my desire to support Lord Cerios.”

There wasn’t the slightest trace of doubt in her eyes.

She was so radiant—so unwavering in her resolve—that it made me feel ashamed of my own insecurities.

“Ever since Lord Cerios saved us, I have given everything to him! Even if he loves another woman and no longer loves me, I will accept it all—because I have decided to dedicate my life to him.”

Hearing those words, I felt a tight squeeze deep in my chest.

“…So this is the life you’ve chosen.”

I murmured softly, gazing into her clear, unwavering eyes. Looking at her, I couldn’t help but feel ashamed of my own selfish feelings.

“Liese, I… I’m so proud of you. But at the same time, I can’t help feeling jealous… as a woman who also loves Lord Cerios.”

“Mother…”

Liese’s eyes widened in surprise, but soon enough, her expression softened into a gentle smile.

“Mother… you feel the same way as I do, don’t you?”

“Yes, I do. And maybe… that’s why your determination feels so dazzling to me, and why I can’t help but feel jealous.”

I let out a self-deprecating laugh, but Liese gently took my hand in hers.

“Mother, I think it’s kind of funny—how we both love the same person. But having you by my side makes me feel stronger! Let’s make sure we shower Lord Cerios with so much love that he won’t even glance at anyone else!”

“Liese… fufu, you’re truly strong, aren’t you?”

Her straightforward words made my chest feel warm. Perhaps the jealousy I felt wasn’t just because of her youth or beauty.

It was because I realized that she possessed something I once had—the resolve to bear and nurture a child, the willingness to embrace an uncertain future.

Liese had that same reckless courage.

“I feel the same way, Liese. I truly wish for Lord Cerios’ happiness. Even if that happiness ends up being with someone else… I will accept it. Though I can’t say I wouldn’t be jealous.”

“Mother… fufu, we’re alike, aren’t we?”

“Yes, of course. Fufu.”

Laughter escaped between us.

The crackling of the fireplace filled the room with a gentle warmth.

“But, Liese. Let me say just one little thing.”

“Hmm?”

“Right now, I’m one step ahead of you.”

“Huh?”

I teased her playfully, and Liese let out a soft giggle. Her smile was so dazzling that I had to look away for a moment.

“Mmm! But Lord Cerios protected me too!”

Before we knew it, we were laughing together, holding each other’s hands tightly—mother and daughter, yet also two women sharing the same feelings.

“Thank you, Liese. I’m really glad we could talk like this.”

“I feel the same, Mother.”

Feeling the warmth of our bond, we quietly spent the night together.

At that moment, I felt certain—together with Liese, we could support Lord Cerios.

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[Afterword]

Hello, this is Iko!

Since everyone’s on break now, I thought there might be more people reading at night. So, I decided to post just one more chapter, haha!