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

Chapter 7 : Someone Tell Me It’s A Lie

The day after finding the lost item of the third princess, Lilia Twilight.

Despite my insistence that no thanks were necessary, fate came knocking at my door.

Princess Lilia visited the Greylord Dukedom with one sole purpose… to discuss our engagement.

Upon hearing this, I felt like the world had ended.

“What… I-I’m to be engaged to Princess Lilia!? How did it come to this?”

I couldn’t help but raise my voice. However, Princess Lilia, sitting beside me, responded calmly.

“As Duke Greylord mentioned earlier, there have been frequent discussions about an engagement between the Greylord family and the Royal family. As for why the topic of an engagement between myself and Marius-sama suddenly arose, to put it simply, it is because of me.”

“Because of Princess Lilia?”

“Yes. It is embarrassing to admit, but after yesterday’s incident, my heart has been completely captivated by Marius-sama. I couldn’t sleep well last night, thinking only of you…”

Princess Lilia’s cheeks turned a deep shade of red… But why is she blushing?

I’m not pleased with how quickly things are turning out to be. Can I even refuse this engagement? If possible, I’d like to send her away immediately…

I glanced at my parents sitting in front of me. They seemed thrilled with the discussion of our engagement. There was no way I could bring myself to turn down the engagement

However, as a villainous noble, I am firmly opposed to an engagement with royalty. Even succeeding the family title feels burdensome, let alone establishing ties with the Royal family. It’s exhausting just thinking about it.

I should reject this engagement, even if it means getting scolded. Surely, my wishes will be somewhat considered.

“It is a great honor, but I feel that an engagement with Princess Lilia is too grand and inappropriate for someone like me. Perhaps we could take more time to consider this matter?”

“Are you saying you do not wish to be engaged to me?”

She was smiling while looking at me but that smile sent chills down my spine, making it feel like winter had suddenly arrived.

She was too terrifying.

“It’s not that I don’t wish to marry Princess Lilia…”

“Then it’s fine, isn’t it? Considering our family status, age compatibility, and there are no issues at all, it seems perfect, doesn’t it?”

“However, it could be a temporary infatuation. If you calm down, you might find someone more suitable than me—”

“There is no one… There is no man in this world more suitable than Marius-sama.”

She declared confidently and I was too scared to look at her.

I am sure she must be staring at me right now.

No matter what excuses I come up with, she remains unfazed. I guess it’s pointless saying anything which can save me from this situation…

Since my struggles are going to be futile, I should accept the engagement now and break it off later. After all, isn’t there someone in this world who will save me?

Do your best, protagonist.

I am a villainous noble, but I have no pride. If someone takes Princess Lilia off my hands, I am willing to pay a reward. Though, if she finds out, she might stab me.

“It’s no use, Marius. Princess Lilia values you highly. As the future head of the Greylord Dukedom, and as a man, you must accept it.”

“That’s right. You shouldn’t embarrass a girl. There are things you will see after getting engaged. I saw many sides of your father after our marriage, and my love for him grew each time. I hope the same for you two.”

“Maria…!”

“Dear…!”

Hey, you two. Don’t flirt in front of the princess and your son. Consider the time and place, you lovey-dovey couple!

Well, it’s great for them. They found the perfect engagement partner, getting a link with royalty is itself a big thing.

But that’s not the case for me. I feel differently.

Duty, responsibility, expectations… Being burdened with such things is the worst.

Moderate work, peaceful times, lazy holidays — this is the life I seek.

Marrying into royalty means none of that will be possible anymore.

…But.

“Since both of you parents are fine with it, I’m sure there won’t be any problems with our engagement. Or do you perhaps… dislike me?”

“Ugh… I…”

I couldn’t escape her strange pressure.