◇ Quick recap of the story so far ◇
His engagement to Karen sealed, Ouga presents Mashiro with a ring to mend her mood. Without realizing the meaning of the gift was different from the giver’s intent and the receiver’s, he makes it through safely, only for what was awaiting him to be a Karen freed from her crossdressing — and from concealing her sizable chest.
It was definitely not because he lost to boobs, but Ouga accepted the engagement with Karen.
Headmistress Milfonti tries to get him onto the Council using the ruthless move of offering Reina herself.
But Ouga’s will is firm, and he refuses this time too.
In the middle of that conversation, sensing something change in the Headmistress’s atmosphere, Ouga grows curious about Reina and ends up inviting her to lunch.
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
The Lichberg Magic Academy’s famous lunch-break spot — the central courtyard.
Normally it’s a lively place where students of every year gather, but right now it was unnaturally quiet.
The reason being — we had positioned ourselves around the center and were eating in silent stillness without uttering a word.
“They — they’re here! Lady Satia……!!”
In an instant, the earring-type communication implement (transceiver) at my ear caught a transmission from the lookout girls.
I — Shultaud Satia — felt joy and tension at the target’s arrival simultaneously, and ended up with an indescribable expression.
But it didn’t seem to be just me; looking around, everyone wore similar faces.
Fufu, well — it can’t be helped, can it.
”—— It’s Lord Ouga Veret……!”
We — comrades, members of the (unofficial) Lord Ouga Veret Fan Club — were assembled here, after all.
“As gallant a figure as ever today……!”
“Aah…… his whole body looks like it’s radiating a golden aura……!”
“Just one glimpse of Lord Veret nourishes the heart.”
A flood of praise rushed in.
We were the gathering of those who’d been moved by witnessing Lord Veret’s duel with Crown Prince Arnia, and his figure putting his own body on the line to defend love.
Among nobility, marriage carries a strongly political meaning, and it’s not unusual to have one’s future spouse decided at birth.
We understand we were born into a fortunate position — but the desire to occasionally experience a free-form romance does well up.
The popularity of romance plays and novels among noble ladies has a real foundation.
And then we were shown a grand love between two ducal-house scions.
The many love-overflowing actions Lord Veret had shown (performed) toward Lady Lebetsenka at the arena.
And he hurled all of it at Crown Prince Arnia — possessor of the right to the throne — without taking a single step back. There’s no way not to be captivated.
Above all, the powerful figure he revealed even as he was being restrained had kindled the fire of admiration in our hearts.
“L-Lady Satia!”
“Is something the matter? Report calmly.”
“M-Milfonti, the Council President, is with him……! So the rumor really was true!”
The rumor in question — that Lord Veret is joining the Council.
Who started it remains unknown, but Council President Milfonti is apparently quite taken with Lord Veret’s abilities.
She is rumored to have had a hand in the duel with Crown Prince Arnia, even.
…… If that’s true, then it’s no wonder they’d be having lunch together.
But spreading unconfirmed information and causing trouble would be a disgrace to a Fan Club member.
Especially with regard to House Veret — to misjudge how we handle information would invite what kind of disappointment……? Just thinking about it is terrifying.
“This isn’t yet confirmed information. Do not speak of it under any circumstances. Understood?”
“U-understood.”
I’m pleased that Lord Veret is shining, but that’s purely my circumstances.
In truth, when I had a secret meeting with his attendant maid, I was told that Lord Veret moves entirely for the sake of others.
It is by no means a popularity ploy as a noble.
In that case, there’s also a real possibility he’ll decline the time-consuming Council role.
”…… Lady Satia. Lord Veret and Council President Milfonti are headed toward the target point, and will pass directly in front of you.”
“Understood.”
The target point indicates the table the maid was preparing.
The path to it ran past my own table.
In other words, the live Lord Veret would pass right beside me…… fufu, even I’m getting nervous, contrary to my usual self.
The tea in the cup I was holding had begun to ripple.
I was trembling, finely. My hand.
“This won’t do. Now is the time to steady my breath——”
“——and so, I had a menu I thought would pair with the tea prepared on this side. Enjoy it fully.”
“Thank you. To be honest, the dishes the Veret family is selling have many unfamiliar items, and I’ve been curious about them for a while.”
“——ngh——!!”
I couldn’t steady my breath, so I respond by holding it……!
He’s shining! Those sharp eyes — anyone pierced by them would fall in love without fail!!
“Lady Satia? What’s the matter?”
”……No, it’s nothing.”
…… Whew, calm down.
I am a courtyard plant. An ornament. The air……
Yes…… something merely sharing the same space. Never let emotions surface.
“All right, everyone. Today as well, watch over Lord Veret without disturbing him.”
"""Yes!"""
To gaze at a moment in that person’s history, even from afar.
That alone is happiness for us.
…… But, everyone.
“I’d like you all to carry yourselves with a touch more lady-like decorum.”
The eyes you’re directing at the seated Lord Veret are a bit ravenous——eh!?
From this seat I can’t see his noble face……!!
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
A perfectly clear day. The right warmth for a break outside.
“As expected of Ducal House Veret. So many brands one can hardly find on the open market.”
With a clatter, Alice was laying out the tableware, and Milfonti was watching with keen interest.
I’d had Mashiro and Karen step away today.
I wanted a little time to talk with Milfonti alone.
…… But right now, I have something else bothering me.
From the moment I sat down — these stares are intense!!
I particularly felt the gaze of a blonde-with-vertical-ringlets girl directly behind me, sharp on my skin.
And it wasn’t the kind of curiosity-driven gaze I’m used to receiving.
It carried a strong pressure of some kind.
“Fufu. You’re popular, Veret-kun.”
Milfonti must have noticed too.
Popular, huh.
…… I see. In a sense, maybe.
This is only a guess…… but the people sending these looks are probably the girls who’d been intimate with Arnia.
Since that incident, Arnia hasn’t come to school.
The cause, without question, is me.
Holding a grudge against me wouldn’t be strange.
I could leave them alone…… but right now I want quality time with Milfonti. No way I’ll get honest words out of her while we’re under all this resentful surveillance.
If that’s how they want to play, let me deal with them directly.
Bold and daring — like a villain should.
“Milfonti, wait here for me a moment.”
So saying, I walked over to the blonde with the vertical ringlets.
She noticed mid-approach that I was headed toward her — visibly thrown into a panic.
Her eyes darted left and right, the contents of her cup spilling and devastating the tabletop.
“Oi. Pretending you don’t know me at this point won’t work. I noticed you from the start.”
“Y-yeshh!”
“If you have something to say, I’ll hear it. Go ahead.”
I tugged the corner of my mouth up and put on the most villainous smile I could.
Based on what I’d seen so far, this one has no guts whatsoever.
This alone should be enough to drain her spirit.
“E-er, I’m — that is……”
Unfortunately, I’m a man who treats men and women equally. I show no mercy.
Tail between her legs and fleeing — fine. Hurling abuse at me — fine.
So — what kind of response will she show me……?
“——P-please shake my hand!!”
…… What?
◇ Hit a serious slump!! Sorry!!
Apparently while I wasn’t posting, [The Misunderstood Holy Life of a Villainous Young Master] Volume 1 (this work, retitled and revised) was released — seriously!?
Herigaru-sensei’s lovely illustrations are packed inside, so if you’re even a little interested, please check out the sample. If you buy it, I’ll express my gratitude with full prostration. ◇