Chapter 25: I Tried Having Tea with the Villainess.
Since school life began, I’ve had no time to deal with the surrounding clamor, the gazes of jealousy, or the attitudes driven by mere curiosity.
I have a mountain of things I need to do.
Since reincarnating into this world, I’ve keenly felt the importance of Territory Management.
The Aegrid Territory was once a place where the voices of its people, suffering under heavy taxes, went unheard. Serios himself, who should have borne that responsibility, was lazy and an incompetent who only flaunted his authority.
As a result, the territory fell into ruin. In the end, merely imposing heavy taxes couldn’t eliminate the bandits, and they ran rampant. The good people of the territory were on the verge of losing their hope to live.
I learned of this reality immediately after reincarnating and tried to do something about it, but at first, I didn’t know what to do.
I had no experience with “Territory Management” in my previous life, and just understanding the common sense and systems of this world was a struggle.
That’s why I had decided to gain as much knowledge as possible during my school life.
Economics, public administration, diplomatic strategy—these were supposed to be fields I had no particular interest in, but now I’m desperately studying all of them.
Actually attending the classes, it’s interesting how the structure of the country, its policies, and the workings of society gradually become clearer.
However, if you ask whether life at school is comfortable, that’s another story.
To be honest, I’m fed up with the stares and rumors from those around me. There’s my past bad reputation, and being with Liese and Faina draws even more attention.
It was on one such day.
As I was reading a book on public administration in the Library, someone casually sat down next to me.
“Still studying diligently, I see.”
Raising my head at the voice, I saw Claris there.
Lately, she’s been talking to me often.
“Claris… You’re here again?”
“Saying ‘again’ is rude, you know. I’m doing you the favor of talking to you since you don’t have any friends. Not really. I just dropped by because it was amusing to see you reading so seriously.”
Smiling gracefully, she peeked at the book I was reading.
“A book on public administration? Isn’t that a bit difficult for you to read? Since when did you become so noble-like?”
“It’s not particularly because I’m a noble. I’m just reading it because it’s necessary.”
“Necessary? For Territory Management?”
As I remained silent, Claris sighed and sat down on the chair next to me.
“You’re surprisingly hardworking, aren’t you? But won’t you get tired if you push yourself so hard?”
“I’m well aware that it’s tiring. There’s just so much I need to learn right now. Since my parents aren’t around, I have the duty to protect the people of my territory.”
“Hmm…”
She gazed at me with a somewhat intrigued expression. Then, she suddenly changed the subject.
“Speaking of which, your attendant… Liese, was it? She’s become quite famous, hasn’t she?”
“…Yeah, I suppose so. She was always talented.”
“Even my Fiancée is giving her attention. That Lord Edward seems quite taken with her.”
“Is that alright with you? He’s your Fiancée, isn’t he?”
When I retorted sarcastically, Claris frowned.
“Well. It only becomes official after we leave school, so he’s just a Fiancée-candidate for now. Perhaps it’s fine?”
Claris is in the villainess position. When Liese ends up with the prince, she’ll face Judgment. Just like I’m the villainous noble, she, my childhood friend, will also be judged.
“You seem quite composed.”
“Indeed. If my engagement with the prince is broken off, I can just marry you.”
“Bffft?!”
“Oh my, how crude.”
“That’s because you said something weird, isn’t it?”
“Fufu, you used to play so many pranks on me and even did things you couldn’t tell others. And you get flustered by something like this?”
What on earth did you do, Serios! I have no memory of it, so I don’t know anything!
“More importantly than that, is the prince talking to Liese?”
“Yes, he was speaking to her politely. But I wonder why? To think she’d attract interest just by being your attendant.”
At those words, I sighed inwardly. Certainly, Liese is someone who attracts attention. In the game’s setting, it’s the main route, so it could be said to be expected.
“It’s not like he did anything rude to Liese, right?”
“Of course not. It’s just that your attendant is so famous, I was a little curious. Besides, I’m truly not very interested. Neither in the Prince nor in your attendant.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes. Watching you is more interesting right now.”
Am I being treated like some rare creature? Good grief. Claris is also a high-ranking noble, so she probably just doesn’t have anyone she can talk to casually.
That afternoon, I was invited by Claris to have Tea at the tearoom in the Courtyard. Faina was there with us too.
I gratefully accepted the delicious Tea Faina prepared. She, as always, had a calm demeanor and was speaking amicably with Claris.
“Lord Serios, you truly are living your school life so diligently, aren’t you?”
“Well, I’m just desperate. If I can’t do anything when I return to the territory, then it’ll all be for nothing.”
When I said that in response to Faina’s words, Claris chuckled.
“So? So far, does the knowledge you’ve gained at school seem like it will be useful?”
“Little by little, yes. It’s a good opportunity to rethink the structure of the country and the roles of nobles. Plus, I’ve learned a fair bit about administration, development, taxes, and laws, which are important for Territory Management.”
“Fufu, you say surprisingly noble-like things. But I don’t dislike that attitude of yours.”
I was a little surprised by her words. Usually, our conversations were filled with sarcasm, so I didn’t expect such a straightforward remark.
“Be that as it may, your attendants are excellent. Faina, when he falls from grace, come to my place. I’ll hire you immediately.”
“Thank you very much.”
Claris said, taking a sip of her Tea.
“It’s true, they both do a great job for me.”
“For all that, you don’t seem to appreciate them much, do you?”
“…I don’t intend to make a show of it. More importantly, Faina, sorry for taking up your Tea time.”
“Not at all, Lord Serios. Speaking with Lady Claris is very enjoyable.”
Faina offered a gentle smile. At this sight, Claris also narrowed her eyes.
“Your Master-Servant Relationship… it piques my interest a little. Serios, will you tell me a bit more about it next time?”
“If it’s necessary.”
Brushing off Claris’s smile, I once again brought the Tea to my lips.
This school life often has many things that are exasperating, but I feel that the knowledge and connections I occasionally gain like this are valuable.
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Afterword
Hello, this is the author, Iko.
We managed to reach 5th place in the weekly rom-com rankings.
This is all thanks to you, our readers! Thank you so very much!!
That’s all for today!!