Reincarnated as a Villainous Aristocrat in an Otome Game, So I Bought the Main Heroine with Money - Chapter 48: Encounter with a Young Boy

Chapter 48: Encounter with a Young Boy

《Liese’s Side》

It feels so good to be back home.

Hearing Lord Cerios say that we’ll work together to make the territory flourish fills my heart with joy.

I want to study hard, of course, but above all, my greatest happiness comes from dedicating myself to my daily duties as a maid.

Serving Lord Cerios and working for his sake is my purpose in life and my greatest joy.

Today, I’m heading to the village market with a shopping list my mother gave me.

I still remember when I was younger—my clothes were tattered, and people used to shoo me away, saying, “Go somewhere else!” or “We have nothing to sell to you.”

I lost count of how many times I thought about stealing the food right in front of me.

Even though my mother worked so hard to put food on the table, I was never satisfied as a child.

But now, I can walk through the market, pick out fresh vegetables, fruits, and even some special spices—and pay for them with my own money.

Shopping has become enjoyable, and thanks to my studies, I can read labels, calculate prices, and shop properly. It makes me truly happy.

It gives me a sense of pride, knowing that in my own way, I’m helping Lord Cerios.

As I made my way through the bustling market, a faint groan caught my attention from a shadowy corner along the outskirts of the village.

“…Is someone there?”

I stopped in my tracks and called out softly.

There was no response, but I could sense movement in the bushes. Thinking it might be a stray cat or dog, I cautiously stepped closer—only to find a young boy lying there.

He had an incredibly beautiful face.

“…!”

I gasped at the sight before me.

The boy’s hair was as white as snow, and his thin, frail body was covered in tattered, dirt-stained clothes. Scars and bruises marred his slender arms and legs, telling a painful story.

“Are you okay?”

I rushed to his side and spoke gently.

His eyes slowly fluttered open, but he could only look up at me weakly, unable to even speak.

At a time like this, Lord Cerios would surely help without hesitation.

“Please hold on! I’ll take you somewhere safe!”

Placing my shopping bags on the ground, I carefully lifted the boy into my arms. He was so light, like a fragile leaf caught in the wind.

“There’s an empty house not far from here. Let’s rest there for now.”

Supporting him carefully, I made my way to an old abandoned house on the outskirts of the village.

Once we arrived, I gently laid him down on a bundle of straw, which would have to serve as a makeshift bed.

I cleaned his wounds with a fresh cloth and did some basic first aid. Fortunately, I had experience from taking care of my mother, and I had also learned simple medical treatments at the academy.

“This should help a little…”

As I wiped his forehead with a damp cloth, he let out a faint whisper.

“…Why…?”

Even in pain, his uncertain eyes looked up at me.

“Don’t worry about it. Helping you is the right thing to do. My master would have done the same without hesitation.”

Hearing that, he drifted off into sleep, completely exhausted.

Once he was asleep, I carefully removed his tattered clothes and treated his injuries. Then, I dressed him in some clothes I had bought with my own money.

“There, that should be better.”

Leaving him to rest, I returned to the mansion to drop off my things. After that, I brought back some food and water to check on him again.

When I arrived, I saw that he was awake and looking slightly better. His wounds had already started to heal little by little.

“You’re awake.”

“…Who, you?”

His voice was weak but curious.

“I’m Liese. I work as a maid here in this territory. And you?”

At my question, he looked down, seeming a little hesitant.

“I’m… Kiru.”

“Kiru, how did you get hurt?”

“I messed up at work… and had to run away.”

“I see. That sounds tough. For now, focus on healing and getting some rest.”

With a gentle smile, I handed him the bowl of soup I brought. He hesitated for a moment before taking it and sipping cautiously.

“…It’s good.”

He didn’t say much, and his expression barely changed. But hearing his honest words warmed my heart.

For the next few days, I visited the abandoned house every day to take care of Kiru.

I prepared meals, treated his wounds, and watched as he slowly regained his strength.

One day, he suddenly asked in a quiet voice,

“Liese, why are you helping me?”

“Because I know my master would do the same.”

“…Your master?”

“Yes! My master is a wonderful person! He saved me when I was in a terrible state, taught me how to study, and gave me the chance to work as a maid!”

Before I knew it, I found myself talking about Lord Cerios to Kiru.

“…Do you like your master?”

“Eh?!! W-Well… yes!”

“I see…”

When I admitted it, he fell silent and soon drifted off to sleep.

A few days later, most of Kiru’s wounds had healed.

“You seem to be doing better now. What are you planning to do next?”

When I asked, Kiru thought for a moment before answering.

“…I’ll go back to work.”

“Are you sure you’re okay?”

“Yeah. I understand what I did wrong now, so I won’t make the same mistake again.”

“So it’s an important job for you?”

At my question, he shook his head slightly.

“It’s for my sister.”

“Your sister? Fufu, you must be really close.”

“Yeah.”

He nodded, his snow-white hair swaying with the movement. Then, he looked at me with serious eyes.

“Thank you, Liese. I’ll never forget your kindness.”

His words filled my chest with warmth, and I felt tears welling up in my eyes.

“Stay safe, Kiru. I’d love to see you again someday.”

Kiru smiled softly before walking out of the abandoned house.

In the days that followed, I often found myself thinking about him.

I hoped that somewhere out there, that white-haired boy was living a good life.

If I could do for someone what Lord Cerios had done for me, then I was sure he would be proud of me.

It would be wonderful if one day, Kiru could grow up and work for Lord Cerios too.