The Reincarnated Villainous Noble Still Won't Try His Best!

Chapter 35 : The Dress Of That Day

Cecilia Aquamarine, the Duke’s Daughter.

Meeting her within the royal castle grounds, I once again reflect on who she is.

She is the daughter of Duke Aquamarine, one of the Four Great Ducal Houses, just like my own family, the Greylord Dukedom.

A strong-willed, righteous woman who refuses to bend when she believes she’s right—the textbook definition of a proper heroine.

In terms of my past life’s perspective, she’s the ‘student council discipline officer’ type.

But it’s not just her noble status that defines her. She’s diligent, excelling in both academics and combat. With her refined, Yamato Nadeshiko-like appearance, she enjoys considerable popularity.

And that wasn’t just true in my past life. Even in this world, she’s admired by many noble sons.

However, for Cecilia, romance is something she dreams about. As an absolute beginner in love, she holds onto the naive ideal of only dating someone she can truly fall for—a rather embarrassing sentiment.

Because of that, countless men have confessed to her, only to be utterly rejected. In the end, the only ones left pursuing her are the troublesome types—making her quite an amusing character.

That said, she’s also the kind of person with unexpected contrasts. Deep down, she harbors a desire to be influenced by the person she loves—an M-type girl, so to speak. She starts off as a sharp-tongued, feisty heroine, but the moment she falls for someone, she turns completely lovestruck. Many fans were won over by this drastic shift in demeanor.

To be honest, I don’t dislike it either.

And now, that very heroine stands before me.

Looking back on her like this, I can only think:

—Yeah, I really don’t want to get involved with the heroines. I just wanna go home.

But no one will let me.

Not my father, not His Majesty the King, not Lilia, and certainly not Cecilia, who stood right in front of me.

So, with no other choice, I steeled myself and faced her.

“What a coincidence, Marius. Did you just get here as well?”

“Yeah. Honestly, I had no intention of coming, but I was dragged here against my will.”

“Obviously… You’re the guest of honor at today’s party, after all. Ah, my apologies for the late greeting. Duke Greylord, Duchess Greylord, it’s a pleasure to see you again. I’m glad to see you both in good health.”

“It’s been a while, Lady Cecilia. How is Duke Aquamarine doing?”

“He’s been working diligently as always. I believe he’s already arrived at the party venue by now.”

“That’s good to hear. I’ll be sure to greet him once I arrive. Well then, I’ll head into the castle first. You two can take your time and come at your own pace.”

“See you later, Cecilia-chan.”

With that, my father and mother disappeared into the crowd ahead of us.

“Why did they leave me behind?”

“Isn’t it obvious? You’re supposed to escort me. Now, be a gentleman and protect this delicate maiden from any scary individuals, will you?”

“And where exactly is this delicate maiden?”

“I’ll kill you.”

“Sorry. But calling yourself a delicate maiden is a bit much, don’t you think?”

“I-It’s fine! Any girl is a maiden at heart! We all dream of being the heroine of a story!”

“I didn’t say that much… But, wait—you actually admire heroines?”

“M-Me? …W-Well… I guess… sort of…?”

Cecilia’s gaze wavered when she heard my words.

Yeah, no doubt about it—she totally admires them.

Not that it’s surprising. I already knew this much.

Trying to hide it is pointless, girl.

“Hmm. Well, whatever. More importantly, let’s hurry to the party venue. We stand out too much out here.”

“Ugh, you’re so irritating.”

She stomped down on my foot with full force.

Heels are lethal weapons.

“Ow—!? What the hell, Cecilia!?”

“You were the one asking questions, and then you just dismissed it with ‘whatever.’ Making a girl mad like that? You fail as a gentleman.”

“Huh? I never said I wanted to be one.”

“Enough. Just escort me already. It’s a matter of noble etiquette.”

“You’re such a naggy girl.”

She stepped on my foot again.

“Owww—!? That seriously hurts, you know!”

“That’s what you get for spouting nonsense. Can’t you say something more proper?”

“Something proper? Like what?”

“…Like, um… complimenting my dress, for example?”

“Your dress?”

My gaze drifted downward to take in her outfit.

And that’s when it hit me.

I knew I had seen that dress somewhere before—

It was the same one I had once told Cecilia would suit her, back when I was on a date with Lilia.

While it had been further adorned with extravagant accessories, there was no mistaking it.

“…That one from back then? You actually bought it?”

“I-I just happened to need a new dress! It’s not like I bought it because you said it suited me, okay!? I already wanted this dress from the beginning! Got it!?”

“O-Oh… I see. Well, good for you, then.”

“And? Compliment it. You were the one who recommended it, after all.”

“Yeah, yeah. Like I said back then, that dress really suits you, Cecilia. It looks beautiful.”

The dress does of-course.

“B-B-B-Beautiful!?”

The dress, I meant. Hope she is not living in the delusion that I am complimenting her.

“Idiot! Idiot, idiot! You can’t just say stuff like that so casually… Ughhh!!”

For some reason, Cecilia glared at me with a frustrated look.

Her face, flushed bright red, made her seem as though she were trembling from embarrassment.

Actually, no—she was trembling!

“You really are the worst kind of guy, Marius!”

“I gave you a compliment, and this is the thanks I get? Give me my words back.”