LGHTNOVELBOOK Chapter 79.2
Stage 3-12. Battle And Resolve For The Three
I returned her embrace, holding her slender frame tightly.
Until recently, I thought she was fragile, but now her warmth felt incredibly reliable.
“…Thank you, Reina. Your words have lifted me up.”
“You’re welcome. …Though Mashiro and Karen would’ve likely said the same if they were here.”
“Haha… Maybe I’ll ask them later.”
“Do. Everyone would drop everything to follow you, Ouga-kun.”
…I’m loved, aren’t I?
One frivolous thought crossed my mind—me fleeing from Frone and the battle.
…What a pitiful sight that would be.
I can’t show such a shameful back to those who admire me, even if they respected my choice.
This is my pride as the villain I aspire to be.
Does such a pathetic person have the right to call themselves a villain?
Taking what I want—that’s my way. To be robbed is unthinkable.
Heh… Very well, Frone. Bring it on.
Mashiro, Karen, Reina—I won’t let any of you slip through my grasp.
I’ll uphold my resolve and crush your ambitions…!
My mind is made up.
Resolve for the battle. Resolve to face the three.
When I triumph over Frone, I’ll marry all three of them.
This summer, I’ve been planning to cross that final line with them.
I might’ve been pretending otherwise, but deep down, I knew.
My feelings for Mashiro, Karen, and Reina.
“…Alright. I’ll talk to Father once he returns.”
“You seem much better now. Like a weight’s been lifted.”
“Thanks to you.”
I stroked Reina’s head as she remained in my arms.
We couldn’t stay here forever.
Peeking through the spyhole to ensure the study was empty, we returned to the surface.
“Before we have a tea party, let’s get some fresh air and stretch a bit. That room is too cramped.”
“Really? I quite like it. It’s cozy, and I feel closer to you, Ouga-kun.”
“Heh. Teasing me won’t get you anything, Reina.”
In my past life, I’d been teased countless times and misunderstood people’s intentions.
…But now, even if it’s a misunderstanding, I’ll press forward!
Reina must definitely have feelings for me after all I’ve done for her… right?
Then, my short-term goal will be to turn her ‘like’ into ‘love.’
With random women, I’d use power without hesitation, but for Mashiro, Karen, and Reina… I want a proper romantic marriage.
Having decided I want to marry them changes the game entirely.
The problem is my lack of romantic experience, but I’ll learn in due time.
“…Ouga-kun, you might be incredibly dense.”
“Sorry? Did you say something?”
“No, just that I need to work harder too.”
Distracted by my thoughts, I missed Reina’s words.
…I need to stop doing that. It’s a negative point.
Next time, I’ll make sure not to miss anything.
For now, let’s head to the courtyard and soak in the sunlight… huh?
Stepping out the front door, I spotted Alice with a serious expression, accepting several envelopes from a courier.
There are two types of couriers for the Velet family:
Those delivering important documents for my parents and the family, and those used mainly by commoner servants.
This was the latter. Likely why Alice received it.
“Alice? Something wrong?”
“…Lord Ouga.”
Startled, she turned toward me, then quickly returned to her usual self.
But she clutched the bundle of envelopes tightly to her chest, creasing them slightly.
“They’re letters for the servants. Nothing unusual.”
Alice doesn’t receive letters. She changed her name, and Chris Lagunica no longer exists in the registry.
…Could she feel lonely?
Other servants occasionally get letters from family. She has no such opportunity.
Hence, she holds these envelopes so tightly.
Heh. Then I’ll erase that loneliness.
“Alice.”
“…Yes?”
“Come to my room tonight. I have something for you.”
Something good… a letter of thanks from me.
Alice causes me many headaches, but I’m equally grateful.
Without her, I wouldn’t have my current strength, and Reina wouldn’t be by my side.
She, my fanatic, will surely cry tears of joy.
While my relationships with Reina, Mashiro, and Karen are crucial, neglecting Alice, my closest supporter, isn’t an option.
Even when I inherit Father’s position, I’ll rely on her. A letter or two is a small price.
Fresh air sharpens the mind.
With my worries lifted, nothing can stop my thoughts now.
“Enjoying yourself, Ouga-kun?”
“Reina, you sound like Father. Stop that.”
“Don’t worry, Lady Reina. Such a thing is impossible. Absolutely impossible.”
Hmm. Alice seems to understand perfectly.
She emphasized it strongly.
“Thank you, Lord Ouga. I’ll visit your room tonight.”
“Good. And after distributing the letters, could you bring Mashiro and Karen to the courtyard? We’ll take a break there.”
The sun’s angle and temperature are just right.
We’ll relax on the open terrace in the courtyard.
“Understood. I’ll also bring some tea snacks.”
“Thanks.”
Alice bowed and quickly turned back toward the mansion.
Her steps seemed quicker than usual.