Reincarnated as a Villainous Aristocrat in an Otome Game, So I Bought the Main Heroine with Money - Chapter 50: Time Alone with Faina

Chapter 50: Time Alone with Faina

《Cerios’ Side》

Surrounded by a mountain of paperwork in the study, I couldn’t get Clarice out of my mind.

Frustration and unease swirled inside me, fueled by the uncertainty of her situation. Letting out a deep sigh, I stared blankly at the documents in front of me.

How did things come to this? I knew she had the reputation of a villainess, but I thought we had avoided the future where she’d be condemned—thanks to the fallout between Liese and the prince.

Who could have predicted this kind of irregularity, this threat of condemnation?

(Even if I focus on work… without new information, there’s nothing I can do. Nothing’s moving forward.)

Still burdened by irritation, I was just about to set my pen down when a gentle knock came at the door.

“Excuse me, Lord Cerios.”

It was Faina. She entered the room quietly, carrying a tray with tea as she always did.

“I thought you might be tired. Would you like to take a short break?”

“…Ah, sorry. But I’m not in the mood right now!”

“My apologies.”

I caught her glancing at me out of the corner of her eye as she set the tea on the desk. My frustration must have slipped into my voice because her shoulders tensed slightly, and she looked genuinely apologetic.

“How can you stay so calm, Faina? Aren’t you and Clarice childhood friends?”

Faina’s eyes widened in surprise. Seeing her reaction, I immediately realized I should have held my tongue.

“…I’m sorry. I let my frustration get the better of me and took it out on you for no reason.”

I knew I had to stay rational, but anger kept bubbling up inside me—anger at myself for being powerless to help Clarice, the one person at the academy who had truly supported me.

“…No, it’s alright,” she replied softly, lowering her gaze. Yet, there was a hint of sadness on her face that pricked at my heart.

“Sorry.”

“Lord Cerios…”

“What is it?”

I asked, noticing her hesitate before she raised her head, as if summoning all her courage. Her eyes, unwavering yet tinged with unease, met mine.

“Is there anything I can do to help?”

“There’s no need for you to worry about me, Faina. I was the one in the wrong.”

I said honestly. But she gave a small, wistful smile and shook her head.

“I’m not just trying to be considerate. I want to be of help to you, Lord Cerios. Lately, it feels like you’ve started to open up a bit more—to Maria and Liese.”

Her words left me momentarily speechless.

Her expression was serious, and her sincerity shone through. There was a purity in her gaze that made it impossible to dismiss her words.

“You think so?”

“Yes. But… the only ones who’ve truly known you since you were young are Sir Arnaud and me.”

It was unusual for Faina to bring up the past like this.

“What’s the matter?”

“I just feel… a little lonely.”

“Huh?”

“I’m the only one who truly knows Lady Clarice. She wasn’t particularly close to Liese.”

“Ah, that’s true.”

I was still a little confused about what she was trying to say.

“And I believe I’m the only one who understands how you feel about Lady Clarice.”

Her rare display of self-assertion surprised me. Faina was usually the type to stay quietly in the background, always offering her support without drawing attention to herself.

But when I thought about it, she might truly be the only one who understood both the me from the past—short-tempered and immature—and the person I’d become now.

And she had accepted both versions of me.

“Lord Cerios, will you share your struggles, frustrations, and worries with me?”

“Share them?”

“Yes. Please, this way,” she said, gesturing toward the sofa where she had prepared tea.

Following her lead, I sat down on the couch by the table where the tea she’d made was waiting.

Faina, who was always standing behind me or quietly pouring tea, did something different today—she sat beside me.

“Recently, I think you’ve been doing wonderfully, Lord Cerios. But I’m worried that if you push yourself too hard, you’ll collapse.”

Her gaze was filled with genuine concern. It was the look of someone who had been watching over me for a very long time—someone who truly cared.

“…Um, Lord Cerios?”

“What is it?”

“If you’d like… would you like to use my lap?”

“What?”

Faina gently patted her thighs over her maid uniform, signaling for me to rest my head there.

“Are you sure?”

“Of course.”

Hesitantly, I lowered my head onto her lap. Her hand moved gently, stroking my hair with a soothing touch.

“It’s alright. Lady Clarice is a strong person. I believe she’s still fighting even now. But before it’s too late, Lord Cerios, please go and help her.”

Her calm, gentle voice eased the irritation that had been building inside me, almost as if it were melting away.

“Thank you, Faina.”

“If my being by your side isn’t a bother… I’d like to continue supporting you, always.”

“…That would never be a bother.”

At my words, Faina’s eyes widened slightly in surprise. But soon after, a warm and happy smile spread across her face.

“Thank you! Oh… I-I mean… excuse me!”

Her cheeks flushed red as she hurriedly withdrew her hand, flustered. The sight of her awkward movements made me chuckle unintentionally.

“Don’t be so flustered. I’m not angry.”

“R-Really…! Then, I’ll excuse myself!”

“No, not yet. It’s my first time resting my head on your lap, so I’d like to savor it.”

“S-Savor it?!”

“That’s right, savor it.”

“Fufu. If that’s what you want, Lord Cerios, I’ll gladly do it every day.”

“That’s kind of you, but if it happened every day, I’d lose the sense of gratitude. Let’s leave it to you—do it when you feel it’s right.”

At those moments, I’d probably be struggling or feeling weak.

And Faina would notice. It was a small thing, but the thought of it filled me with an unexpected happiness.

“Understood. Faina’s lap is exclusively for Lord Cerios.”

“Thank you, Faina. I truly appreciate you. I love you and cherish you deeply.”

For once, I was able to confess my feelings to her naturally, without hesitation.

“Thank you so much!”

“I love you too, Lord Cerios. I’ve always admired you!”

Faina, who had been gently stroking my head, suddenly pulled me into a warm embrace.

Thanks to her, I was able to find a moment of peace.

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[Afterword]

Hello, this is Iko.

That’s all for today!!!

Tomorrow is the last day of the year! Thank you for sticking with me until the very end (๑>◡<๑).