The Reincarnated Villainous Noble Still Won't Try His Best! - Chapter 23 : Madness and Pleading

Chapter 23 : Madness and Pleading

Lately, nothing but troublesome things have been happening to me.

I saved a member of the royal family and ended up getting engaged with her, got invited on a date and was threatened, gave a present only to get caught up in an event I knew about, and just when I thought my cousin had arrived — she gave me a lap pillow.

Who would believe that all of this happened within such a short period?

Especially the lap pillow at the end — that was shocking.

If it had only been a lap pillow, I could have let it slide. But my foolishness didn’t stop there.

Flora, the victim in all of this, avoided saying anything outright, but there was no doubt — I had done something embarrassing to her.

Considering that I was half-asleep at the time, I must have either touched her somewhere or mumbled something to her. It had to be one of the two.

Either way, it was undeniably a moment of shame.

I had no confidence that I’d be able to face her and hold a proper conversation again.

Honestly, I wished she’d just kill me and put me out of my misery, but she was too kind for that.

And besides, I was too much of a coward to even consider taking my own life, no matter how humiliating the memory was.

All I could hope for was that Flora would return home before I had to face her again—without exchanging another word.

But this was the Greylord Ducal Estate. My home.

There was no way I could just stay in my room and avoid moving around.

There were meals. There were baths. And more than anything, my father and the servants would never allow me to shut myself away.

Because of that, I inevitably found myself facing Flora in the dining hall that very evening.

Honestly, if there were a hole nearby, I’d crawl right in.

“How about it, Lady Flora? Do our dishes suit your taste?”

In the dining hall, my father’s boisterous voice echoed.

“Yes, it’s very delicious. The chefs at the Count’s household are talented as well, but as expected of a Duke’s estate — this is on another level.”

“Hahaha! Is that so? That’s wonderful to hear. There’s plenty more, so please, eat to your heart’s content.”

“Thank you very much.”

With just a few polite words, my father was already in a great mood.

She’s good at handling him. I was honestly shocked at how easy my father was to please.

“…Hm? What’s wrong, Marius? You’re not eating as much as usual today. Normally, you’d have a healthy appetite. Are you feeling unwell?”

“Huh? N-No… I’m fine.”

I smiled to deflect the question.

When in doubt, evade.

“Hm? Now that I think about it… I heard you were enjoying a nice chat with Lady Flora in the courtyard today. It seems the two of you have grown quite close.”

“—Kugh!?”

At my father’s words, I nearly spat out my food.

“Marius!? What’s wrong with you!?”

“I-I’m fine… I just choked a little.”

“Is that so? As long as you’re alright… Lady Flora, did my son cause you any trouble?”

“No, not at all. He’s grown into quite a respectable young man—it’s honestly a bit embarrassing for me.”

“What are you saying? I’ve heard plenty about you as well. You’re called the ‘Saint’ in the capital, aren’t you? A fitting title, I’d say.”

“That’s not true. I just… I only pray that I can save as many children as possible.”

“That’s admirable. Personally, I’ve never quite seen the point in helping commoners… but if they appreciate it, then it’s a wonderful thing. Yes, that’s good.”

“Ah… haha… Thank you.”

At my father’s rather unfiltered words, Flora gave a strained smile.

Feeling sorry for her, I decided to step in.

The timing seemed just right.

“—Father, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be returning to my room now. Thank you for the meal.”

“You’re done already? Want another serving?”

“I’m not that hungry today. Lady Flora, please excuse me as well.”

I put on a pleasant smile and said that—

“Oh, in that case, I’ll join you. I had something I wanted to discuss with you, Marius.”

—but for some reason, she decided to come along.

This wasn’t how I imagined things going.

“Eh?”

The surprise slipped out naturally.

“W-With me?”

“Yes. It won’t take long, so please, spare me a moment.”

“…I understand.”

She’s acting really scary.

I had no choice but to nod, but all I wanted was to run back to my room.

Still, I couldn’t do anything reckless in front of my father.

So, I walked down the hallway alongside Flora.

We walked along the long corridor leading to my room.

At first, Flora remained silent, looking down.

But eventually, as if she had made up her mind, she spoke.

“…I’m sorry, Marius. And thank you for stepping in.”

“…You mean with my father?”

I caught on immediately—what else could it be?

“Yes. The conversation was getting a bit difficult to navigate, so I appreciate it.”

“Don’t worry about it. Even as his son, I find it troublesome. Also, you don’t have to be so formal. My father isn’t around.”

“Oh… okay. Thanks again, Marius. You’ve become such a considerate young man.”

“I’m not letting you get away with that. Stop treating me like a kid.”

“Eh!? Why not?”

“Obviously, because I don’t like it.”

“Even if I ask nicely?”

“No. That hurts my self-respect.”

“Too bad… but this is fine for now. This feels just right.”

“Well, as long as you’re satisfied… So? Was that all you wanted to say? I’d like to head back to my room now, so you should go rest too.”

“No. Actually, there’s something else I wanted to ask of you… or rather, a favor.”

“A favor? As long as it’s not something weird, I don’t mind.”

“…W-Weird, huh~?”

Flora averted her gaze.

I could tell she was a little flustered.

So, I—

“…That’s impossible.”

—rejected her on the spot.

“That’s mean! You didn’t even hear me out!”

“If it’s a weird request, I don’t want to. Denied. Rejected. Impossible. Not happening.”

“That far!? You’re so mean, Marius! At least hear me out!”

She pounded her fists against my shoulder in frustration.

It didn’t hurt, but it was annoying.

“…Alright, alright. Calm down, Flora. I’ll listen, so just tell me. I’ll at least consider it.”

“Really? Thank you. Then, um… here I go.”

“Yeah?”

“…Umm, could you… let me give you a lap pillow again? Like this afternoon…”

“Good night.”

I waved my hand with a forced smile and left.

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Reuloaded Chapter 23-24-25 because of some site error which was later fixed. Apologies for the delay.

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TL : zenon_xt