Reincarnated as a Villainous Aristocrat in an Otome Game, So I Bought the Main Heroine with Money - Chapter 67: Declaring My Resolve

Chapter 67: Declaring My Resolve

《Cerios’ Side》

The massive iron gates of House Everett creaked open slowly.

This was my second visit.

But this time, it was different.

This time, I carried resolve in my heart.

I was here to prove to Duke Everett that I understood what he demanded from me.

“You may proceed, Lord Cerios von Egrid.”

The ducal butler led me through the estate’s grand halls.

The sheer opulence of the mansion—the intricate gold embellishments, the priceless artifacts lining the corridors—stood as a silent declaration of power and wealth.

But I wasn’t here to admire it.

I wasn’t here as an equal.

This time, I was here to stand above him.

“I have been expecting you, Lord Egrid.”

At the far end of the grand chamber, Duke Everett sat upon an imposing chair, his gaze sharp as ever—watching, measuring my resolve.

“Thank you for granting me this audience, Duke Everett.”

I bowed slightly as I spoke.

His presence still carried an undeniable weight—one that would have made most men falter.

But not me. Not today.

“During my previous visit, I was greatly indebted to you. However, this time… I am here to speak with you about the resolve that your house demands of me.”

“…”

A faint smile touched the duke’s lips.

It was not one of amusement.

It was a test—a sign that he was waiting to see if I was truly worthy.

“Lord Egrid, let’s hear it first—your reason for standing before me. Speak.”

At Duke Everett’s direct command, I met his gaze head-on, unwavering.

“I’ll be blunt. I wish to take Lady Clarice as my wife.”

“Hou?”

The duke, who had been leaning slightly forward, slowly reclined against his chair, watching me with keen interest.

“I have investigated your actions, your political maneuvers, and the unseen workings of House Everett to maintain its influence—through Emma’s network.”

“Hmm… And knowing all that, you still wish to take Clarice as your wife?”

“Yes!”

“Then tell me—what exactly do you think I have done?”

His voice carried a subtle challenge, but I didn’t flinch.

“First, the rumors of your harsh rule over your territory—I have determined those to be false. However, there is clear evidence of House Everett engaging in resource extraction from my territory, control over trade routes, and manipulation of royal policies through bribery.”

“…”

The duke remained silent, yet something flickered in his eyes—interest.

“Furthermore, you have exerted influence over nobles and even members of the royal family through financial loans. Many aristocrats are clearly indebted to House Everett, making them your puppets.”

Duke Everett chuckled.

It was a knowing, almost amused smile.

But that calmness… only made it clearer—this man was far more formidable than he appeared.

“And so what? Do you intend to criticize my methods?”

“No.”

I answered immediately.

“I’m not here to condemn you. In fact, I’m here to answer the challenge you set before me—your demand for resolve.”

“Resolve, you say?”

“Duke Everett, you used Lady Clarice’s annulled engagement as an opportunity—to reposition her as a more valuable piece on the political board.”

His eyes narrowed slightly at my words.

“…Go on.”

“You intend to marry her off to a powerful noble within the kingdom—or even to foreign royalty—to ensure House Everett’s influence remains intact. That is your true objective, isn’t it?”

The duke leaned back into his chair, his piercing gaze locked onto me.

“And how does that relate to your so-called resolve?”

“You once told me that I had not yet shown my resolve. And I understand now… it was because my goal was still unclear—because I hadn’t declared what I was truly fighting for.”

“Hmm…”

So this is what it means to prove my resolve.

“I make this vow here and now. No matter what sacrifices I must make, I will claim the position you deem necessary.”

“Hou? Do you truly understand what that entails?”

I stepped forward, locking eyes with him.

“If you demand that I become a king, then I shall become a king.”

A heavy silence settled over the room. 

“You do realize that what you just said amounts to treason against the kingdom, don’t you?”

“Of course!”

“And why are you willing to go that far?”

“For Clarice.”

I answered without hesitation.

“At the academy, and even in her engagement to the royal family, she fought to protect the honor of House Everett. And in doing so… she saved me. I want her by my side.”

A heavy silence filled the grand hall.

Duke Everett remained still, his gaze locked onto me, as if searching for any sign of hesitation.

Then, slowly, he spoke.

“Cerios von Egrid…“

For the first time, there was a depth of emotion in his voice that I hadn’t heard before.

“I have heard your words. And I have seen your resolve.”

I swallowed hard.

“You may have Clarice. However… your careless talk of rebelling against the royal family is reckless.”

“…”

“But… it is amusing! You plan to make me the father of a king, do you?”

“If that is what you desire, then I will make it happen. Even if it means walking a path of darkness—I have made my decision.”

“Kuku… Very well. Then I shall support you. This is a gamble. But understand—Clarice will be disinherited.”

“…!”

“To demonstrate loyalty to the royal family, it must be done. You may take her, but she will be cast aside from House Everett. This is my final decision. If you cannot accept it—then this conversation never happened.”

For the first time, Duke Everett’s smile held a softness I had never seen before.

And in that moment, I knew—he had acknowledged my resolve.

This battle was far from over.

No… it was only just beginning.

But I was certain of one thing—with the duke as an ally, the path forward would open.

“I understand. Thank you!”

“Don’t be so eager. This is merely the beginning. All you’ve done is make a bold declaration—you haven’t acted on anything yet. Never forget… I can cast you aside at any time.”

“I know.”

With that, I rose to my feet and stepped out of the room.

Without hesitation, I strode down the long hallway—straight toward Clarice’s room.

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[Afterword]

Hello, this is Iko!

That’s all for today!

See you again tomorrow! ⭐︎ I really want to hit 5000 likes… (;_;)!