Reincarnated as a Villainous Aristocrat in an Otome Game, So I Bought the Main Heroine with Money - Chapter 59: A Promise Under the Moonlight

Chapter 59: A Promise Under the Moonlight

The faint glow of the moon spilled into Duke Everett’s estate, casting long shadows in the stillness of the night.

Under its veil of darkness, I slipped through the window, silently entering Clarice’s room.

It hadn’t been easy.

To get past the estate’s strict security, I had relied on Kanon and Emma’s help. In exchange for a temporary bonus, they had handled the guards.

The silk curtains swayed gently, carrying the faint scent of her room.

As my eyes adjusted to the dim light, I saw Clarice standing by the window.

Sensing my presence, she turned around.

But instead of surprise, her eyes held a calm, steady brilliance.

“…Cerios, is that you?”

Her voice was quiet, yet firm as she spoke my name.

“At this hour… I didn’t expect you to come as an intruder.”

“I couldn’t think of any other way to see you. Even if I requested an official meeting, your father would never let me discuss what truly matters. It wasn’t exactly the kind of conversation I could have while standing in his hall.”

I stepped toward her as I spoke.

Her gaze followed my every movement, unwavering.

“Back at the academy, we could talk so easily. I never imagined it would come to this. Give me a moment—I have something I need to say.”

“Fufu. You’ve always been selfish, haven’t you? That part of you hasn’t changed. And honestly, you’re quite bold. The estate must have been heavily guarded, yet you still managed to slip inside. Talking here is far too dangerous.”

“I knew the risks. But I still had to come.”

She sighed quietly and sat down by the window.

Her expression was composed, but the faint tremble in her fingers betrayed her unease.

“Fine. I’ll hear what you have to say.”

I knelt in front of her, lifting my gaze.

“Clarice, I owe you a debt. But it’s more than that—I want to save you. No matter what it takes, I swear I’ll get you out of here.”

For a brief moment, her eyes wavered.

But almost immediately, she fixed me with a sharp, unwavering gaze.

“And you thought breaking in here was the best way to do that?”

“Yeah. And one more thing…”

I took a deep breath.

My heart pounded so hard it felt like it might burst.

“Clarice… will you be my wife?”

Her eyes widened in shock.

I couldn’t tell what emotions were swirling behind them.

“Do you understand what you’re saying? I have been disowned, Cerios. My father is trying to send me to another country to preserve my noble status. But if I choose to stay in the kingdom, I will be nothing more than a commoner.”

“I know. And even so, I still want to be with you.”

“Cerios… Did you come all this way just to joke? You’re a noble, and you already have Liese and Faina by your side. They care about you.”

Maybe this was pointless.

Maybe everything I had done was a mistake.

But I had taken this risk because I needed to make things clear.

“I told them both about my decision to save you. And Faina… she was the one who asked me if I was truly prepared to welcome you into my life.”

“Faina? Fufu, so this is her way of paying you back for pushing her forward? Looks like I walked right into it.”

“Clarice, I respect you—not as a noble, but as a person. And… I’ve realized that I’m drawn to you.”

For a moment, she fell silent.

Then, she let out a soft smile—a smile tinged with sadness.

“Cerios… Thank you. Hearing that from you means a lot.”

“Then—”

“Give me some time. I won’t be forced into marriage anytime soon. But right now… I just need to think.”

“Is that so?”

She understood her position perfectly—far better than I did.

“Yes, unfortunately, the kingdom isn’t in a stable position right now. Other nations are likely watching, waiting for the right moment to intervene.”

“…I see. I just needed to tell you how I feel. I won’t push further tonight. But no matter how dangerous it gets, I am ready to save you, Clarice.”

“I never imagined I’d hear those words from you.”

I took her hand and pressed a kiss to the back of it before sliding a ring onto her finger.

“This is my vow. Even if you choose not to accept me, keep it as a charm.”

“You really are a possessive man.”

“I take what I want. I’ve never been one to hold back.”

“Fufu… That’s true.”

Before leaving, I brought up something else.

“I have another issue to deal with first. Before you make your decision, I need to take care of it.”

Clarice’s eyebrows twitched slightly, but she said nothing—just watched me.

“Is it dangerous?”

“A little troublesome, but nothing I can’t handle. And… I think someone needs my help.”

“Then… if you can truly save them, maybe I’ll consider giving myself to you as well.”

Clarice had always been the one to push me forward.

“I’ll save both of you. I swear it.”

Hearing my determination, she let out a slow breath.

Then, she stood from her chair and stepped toward me, her movements calm yet deliberate.

There was no hesitation or anger in her gaze.

Only conviction.

“Cerios… I respect your strength.”

Clarice gently placed her hand on my shoulder.

The warmth of her touch wrapped around me like a quiet reassurance.

“May victory be yours.”

Then, she pressed a soft kiss to my cheek.

“Clarice!”

“If you truly wish to make me your wife, then prove it. Be loved by many, surpass my father, and stand at the top.”

Her words were both powerful and beautiful.

Faced with her unwavering resolve, all I could do was bow my head.

“Thank you, Clarice. I will come for you. And when that time comes, I promise I’ll be a man worthy of standing by your side.”

She smiled and gave a small nod.

“I’ll be waiting, Cerios.”

As I stepped onto the window frame, ready to leave, she watched me intently.

“Be careful. No matter who your enemies are, you must return alive.”

“You don’t have to tell me that. I’m stubborn. Even after being disowned by the royal family, I’m still standing, aren’t I?”

I turned back with a smirk, but Clarice simply smiled at me—a smile that carried both her strength and kindness.

“Cerios… I believe in your path.”

“Yeah. I’ll come back for you, Clarice.”

With those words etched into my heart, I vanished into the night.

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[Afterword]

Hello, this is Iko, the author!!!

That’s all for today!!