His Reincarnation Was a Villainous Little Duke in His Own Novel - Chapter 6

From today, this would be the room where she would live. And this is “An”, she will be Felicia’s maid.

 

“I’m An. Felicia-sama, it’s an honor to meet you.”

 

“I’m very pleased to make your acquaintance as well, An.”

 

Felicia and An exchanged greetings.

 

…Now, let them rest until tonight’s reception.

 

“Well then, I’ll take my leave. We’ll be holding a welcome party for you tonight, so please relax until then.”

 

“Ah… um…”

 

“Is something the matter?”

 

Seeing Felicia trying to hold onto my hand, I felt a flutter for a moment.

 

But then, I quickly regained my composure, turned back, and smiled gently.

 

“No… it’s nothing…”

 

“Is that so… Well then…”

 

I immediately withdrew my hand, watching Felicia bow her head, I bid farewell once again before leaving the room.

 

Haha… What was I expecting?

 

There’s no way she could have feelings for me.

 

I had once betrayed and abandoned her.

 

And that story was one I had written.

 

I brushed aside those futile hopes, shaking my head as I returned to my room.

 

◇

 

Knock, knock.

 

“Come in.”

 

“My lord, all preparations for the party are ready.”

 

“Very well. So Maurice, is Felicia ready… and… has she put on the dress?”

 

“Yes. An is helping her change into it.”

 

“I see…”

 

In preparation for today’s reception, I had prepared a dress for her.

 

For her, even having daily clothes prepared was a rare occurrence in her family, and when she arrived here today, she was still wearing the same outfit as our first meeting.

 

However, since I hadn’t measured her size, I had tailors ready to measure and adjust. If that’s the case, there surely won’t be any issues throughout the day.

 

“However, I didn’t expect you to be this attentive to Felicia-sama.”

 

“Of course. Because she is my fiancée and…”

 

…And she is the important person I had put through the most unwarranted experiences.

 

Haha… It seems this is a bit contradictory…

 

“…Indeed. But at least, you should not show such an expression in front of Felicia-sama.”

 

“…Yeah, I know.”

 

Those words weren’t in his usual teasing tone, but rather words of concern for me.

 

This butler at a time like this…

 

“Alright!”

 

I slapped both my cheeks and refocused.

 

“Now, let’s go greet my fiancée.”

 

“Yes, sir.”

 

Maurice and I left the room and headed towards the room where Felicia was waiting.

 

Knock, knock.

 

“Felicia-dono, everything is rea…!”

 

Upon seeing her, I was immediately struck speechless.

 

But that was unavoidable.

 

Because… Felicia, wearing the dress I had prepared, was so beautiful she could make even goddesses pale in comparison.

 

“Ah… Gilbert-sama…”

 

“Eh…? Oh, uh, uh… That’s right, th-that, you look beautiful, Felicia-dono…”

 

“Huh!? …Oh, thank you…”

 

After being called by name, I finally snapped back to reality and could only stammer out those few words.

 

Hearing my words, Felicia lowered her head, her lovely cheeks turning bright red.

 

She’s very adorable! I can’t believe I wrote such an adorable character in the story… But now’s not the time to think about that.

 

“Ah… Yes, well then shall we proceed to the banquet hall, Felicia-dono.”

 

I shook my head, then stood up, extending my right hand to Felicia.

 

“Th-Thank you.”

 

Felicia placed her delicate hand on my right hand.

 

And I led her, heading towards the banquet hall… But there was a slight…

 

“Um… Um… Gilbert-sama…”

 

“What is it?”

 

“…Why are you being so kind to me… like this…?”

 

Ah… Right… I understand… Indeed, she had endured much suffering in her previous life and now it’s the second time… So, it’s natural for her to be this insecure.

 

“Of course. Right now… you are my precious fiancée…”

 

“…I see…”

 

She looked straight at me, her eyes tinged with sadness and bowed her head.

 

Yeah… Looking at this situation… Indeed, she’s suffering because she’s become engaged to someone like me.

 

But at least, until she starts attending the Royal Academy, where the main story officially begins, let her stay peacefully in the Duke’s mansion.

 

And of course, I’ll avoid meeting her.

 

“Please, this way.”

 

“!? This is…!”

 

As soon as we entered the banquet hall, Felicia’s emerald eyes widened.

 

Haha… I had put in a lot of effort, trying to surprise her.

 

All the finest dishes, wonderful music from the orchestra, and important people had gathered here to congratulate her.

 

And of course, none of the Pleisted family members – those who had mistreated her – were present here.

 

If they were, this special welcome party would become meaningless.

 

And so…

 

“Show your best, because tonight you are the only protagonist of this party.”

 

I told her and led her to the center of the dance floor.

 

To honor Felicia Pleisted, the protagonist of this story.

 

“Why…?”

 

“?”

 

“Why are you doing all of this…?”

 

Before I realized it, her sapphire eyes were brimming with tears, and Felicia looked straight at me and asked.

 

Biting her lovely red lips, barely holding back her tears.

 

“Of course! Because you are a woman more wonderful than anyone else.”

 

That’s right… I understand now… Because she is the important protagonist in the story I wrote, and I understand her better than anyone else in this world.

 

More than anyone… She is the most wonderful woman with a kind heart.

 

And I… I love her more than anyone else… But…!?

 

“Sniff… sniff…”

 

“F-Felicia-dono!?”

 

“Uaaahhhh!”

 

Finally, Felicia couldn’t hold back anymore. She burst into tears, embracing me and crying.

 

Seeing this scene, I panicked, not knowing what to do.

 

S-Stop! Why is this happening!?

 

Currently, she has lived through her life for the second time… And I am the source of her hatred.

 

And yet, Felicia, why…?

 

“…My lord, first help Felicia-sama calm down,” Maurice said.

 

“Right, yes… I apologize, everyone, please continue to enjoy the party.”

 

As the guests and servants looked at us with worried eyes, I gently took Felicia’s hand.

 

“Felicia-dono… Please follow me…”

 

“Ah… y-yes…”

 

I led her back down the hallway to return her to her room.

 

“Is… everything alright?”

 

Sitting down beside the bed, I knelt on one knee and looked into her face, asking so.

 

Really… Why am I like this…?

 

I was prepared to receive sarcastic words from her at the party.

 

…No, it could have been worse, like being hit.

 

“I… I…”

 

“You don’t need to force yourself to speak… If you’re feeling troubled… If you’re hurting… Say everything… If you want, pour it all out on me…”

 

Yes. If it’s difficult, let it all out. Frustration, hatred, everything.

 

But… She just shook her head and grasped my hand.

 

“Felicia-dono…”

 

From then on, I just held her hand, until she stopped crying.