When I Reincarnated as the Villain of a Game World, I Created a Harem and Broke the Protagonist's Heart and Efforts!

Several days had passed since we received the invitation from the House of Ruinveil.

We visited the Ruinveil Count’s residence in the imperial capital on a day off from the Magic Academy.

The Ruinveil Count’s mansion stood in a corner of the noble district, where only privately owned residences of the aristocracy were lined up. I helped Lilia and Lulua out of the carriage that had stopped in front of the mansion.

“Thank you, master.”

“Thank you, Wraith-sama.”

Lilia and Lulua expressed their gratitude as they took my hand and descended from the carriage. As I lowered my hand, Serena disembarked with a displeased look.

“And you won’t lend me a hand?”

“Consider where we are before you speak.”

We were in front of the Ruinveil Count’s mansion, surrounded by other noble residences. If I were to assist a woman in a maid’s uniform here, it would raise unnecessary suspicion among other nobles. Given that my father is the chancellor of the empire, being seen could cause significant complications.

‘So, Serena, stop looking so annoyed. I’ll assist you once we’re back at the mansion.’

I conveyed this with my gaze, and she seemed to understand, her expression softening slightly. Relieved, I heard a voice from behind.

“Wraith Heaville. You arrived sooner than expected. Thank you for coming.”

I turned to see Reina, accompanied by a maid, walking toward us. Reina appeared to have been training with a sword, dressed in training attire and pants.

Her figure was quite striking. If I dressed Lilia the same way, it would be even more impressive.

“…Master, you’re such a pervert.”

“……”

Lilia blushed faintly and murmured.

For some reason, Lilia sometimes saw through my thoughts. As a member of the ducal family, I should be adept at masking my emotions and thoughts.

After a brief exchange with Reina, we walked toward the mansion. As we passed through the doors opened by the maid, a grand entrance hall fitting the status of the count’s family unfolded before us. The decor was not excessively flashy or ornate, typical of the nobility, but tastefully simple and well-arranged.

While casually observing the entrance, Reina spoke up.

“Wraith Heaville, I must excuse myself for a moment. The maid here will guide you to the reception room. Please follow her.”

“Understood.”

As I responded, Reina turned and walked away, likely to change clothes and summon her father, the head of the house.

Following the maid’s guidance, we entered the reception room. I sat on one of the sofas facing each other across a table, with Lilia and Lulu beside me and Serena and Leviana standing behind us. While sipping the tea brought by a different maid, we waited for Reina and the head of the family.

After a while, a knock echoed in the room, and the door opened. A man, around in his forties, and Reina, now in a different outfit, entered. They sat across from us, turning their gaze toward us.

“Thank you for accepting our invitation. I am Diego Ruinveil, head of the Ruinveil County and Reina’s father.”

“Wraith Heaville.”

I took Diego’s outstretched hand and shook it.

Diego’s grip was firmer than I expected. He likely trains himself even while managing his duties as the head of the house. This dedication is rare among the often indolent nobility.

“First, I must express my gratitude.”

After the maid placed tea in front of Reina and Diego, he spoke.

“Reina has told me. You provided her with a panacea. Thanks to you, my other daughter, Reina’s sister, was saved. Thank you.”

Diego bowed his head, and Reina followed suit.

Even though they were facing a higher-ranked ducal family, bowing so readily indicated their immense gratitude towards me. To me, it was merely an action to obtain what I desired.

“Raise your heads. It’s uncomfortable having you bow for so long.”

“I apologize, but I hope you understand our deep gratitude.”

“I do understand.”

Diego relaxed his expression slightly, reaching for the teacup on the table. After taking a sip of tea and setting the cup down, he fixed his gaze on me again.

“Next, I wish to discuss the compensation for the panacea. Is that alright?”

“Go ahead.”

“According to Reina, you requested her body as compensation. Is that correct?”

“Yes. I gave the panacea in exchange for Reina’s body.”

As I confirmed, Diego’s brows furrowed slightly.

It must be difficult for him to hear that I demanded his daughter’s body as compensation.

Diego continued.

“May I ask why?”

“Why?”

“As a father, it is natural to be concerned about the reasons as to why someone wants his daughter.”

“I see…”

Diego clearly cares deeply for his children, as evidenced by his earlier gratitude. In the original story, Reina was still unmarried at 18, likely due to Diego’s wish for her to marry someone she loves.

“So, why do you desire Reina?”

Diego’s gaze intensified as he asked again. Meeting his eyes, I answered confidently.

“I wanted Reina. That’s all.”

“…As a woman?”

“Haha, of course not. I’m not interested in her as a woman. What I desire is her strength.”

“Strength?”

Diego voiced his confusion, understandably so. At this point, Reina does not possess the power I seek. That will become apparent in the future.

I proceeded without detailing this, as I had no intention of explaining.

“I’ve answered your question. Can I take Reina as compensation?”

“Then… Just one promise. Do not treat Reina unjustly. As her father, I will not stand it.”

“I can’t guarantee that. I always prioritize my own interests. In doing so, I might unintentionally treat her unjustly.”

As I spoke, I put my arms around Lilia and Luluq. Both were accustomed to my actions and accepted them without reaction.