His Reincarnation Was a Villainous Little Duke in His Own Novel - Chapter 7

“Sniff… I’m… I’m alright now…”

 

After a while, Felicia stopped crying and wiped the tears from her face. She said this while tears still lingered on her cheeks.

 

“Felicia… your eyelids are so swollen… should I call An right away to cool your eyelids?”

 

“N-No need… please wait a little longer…”

 

“I see…”

 

Because she stopped me, I held her hand tightly again.

 

Her hand is so delicate…

 

And then…

 

Knock knock…

 

“…Gilbert-sama, I’m sorry to disturb you. May I have a moment of your time?”

 

The one who came was An, Felicia’s maid.

 

Normally I would refuse, but An’s eyes looked like they were pleading for something.

 

“…Wait for me a moment, please.”

 

I said to Felicia.

 

“…(Nods)”

 

Since she agreed, I gently let go of her hand and went to An.

 

“…What’s the matter?”

 

“Actually…”

 

An said with a pained expression.

 

She told me that when she was changing Felicia’s clothes, she saw bruises and whip marks all over Felicia’s body.

 

Moreover, on her back was a scar so large it was hard to imagine.

 

“…She’s only 13 years old, and her skin is so beautiful, I can’t believe she had to endure such cruel beatings…!”

 

“I see… I understand, thank you.”

 

I signaled An to leave and closed the door.

 

And then, out of anger, I almost slammed the door hard but managed to hold back.

 

If I did that, Felicia would surely be startled.

 

“…I’m sorry… for keeping you waiting.”

 

I knelt on one knee in front of her again and held her delicate hand tightly.

 

“…Gilbert-sama…”

 

“…Is something wrong?”

 

“Why… why are you crying…?”

 

“Ah…”

 

It seems I had shed tears of anger and sorrow for Felicia’s situation… the wounds she had to endure.

 

“I’m… I’m sorry…”

 

I hurriedly apologized and wiped my tears with my sleeve.

 

Haha… I shouldn’t make her feel more worried when what I need to do is heal her wounds…

 

But…

 

“Ha ha…”

 

Seeing me like this, she laughed softly.

 

“Ah, aha… I don’t look cool at all, do I, Felicia-dono.”

 

“No, not at all… Gilbert-sama is not uncool.”

 

I smiled awkwardly and Felicia shook her head in denial.

 

Her expression seemed to have returned a little, with some hint of joy.

 

“Gilbert-sama, even though you took the time to prepare such a special reception for me, I’ve ruined it. I sincerely apologize.”

 

“No… don’t worry about that. But regarding the party, we’ll postpone it for another day.”

 

“No…! That won’t do! Can we continue now…?!”

 

Felicia looked at me with her emerald eyes, earnestly requesting so.

 

Of course, if that’s what she wants, I don’t mind.

 

“…I understand… well then…”

 

“Yes…”

 

I took her hand and we headed towards the banquet hall.

 

An was waiting anxiously by the door. An followed us as well.

 

“Everyone, I apologize for keeping you waiting. We will continue the reception for Felicia!”

 

I announced with a cheerful and energetic voice to dispel the chaotic atmosphere in the reception. But when Felicia looked troubled and was about to bow her head, I stopped her.

 

“Felicia-dono, today you are the protagonist of this party. So, if you feel guilty towards me, enjoy this party with a smile on your face. To me, that’s more important than anything.”

 

“Ah… oh, yes!”

 

My words finally made Felicia smile.

 

And then, the welcome party for Felicia began.

 

◇

 

“Felicia-dono, try eating this too.”

 

“Yes, ah… it’s delicious!”

 

Since the reception began, I had been constantly offering Felicia food and drink. I knew that her eating habits at home were terrible, so it was natural that I wanted her to eat these delicious dishes… However, watching her eat heartily was truly precious.

 

At that time…

 

“Oh, the performance is starting.”

 

“Ah, yes…”

 

Well then, there’s only one thing to do.

 

I knelt before Felicia and extended my hand.

 

“Felicia… would you dance with me?”

 

“Eh!? Oh, well… I’ve never danced before so I don’t know how…”

 

She said so with embarrassment and discomfort. Of course, I had anticipated that Felicia had never danced before.

 

“It’s alright. I’ll guide you.”

 

“Is it okay?…”

 

“Of course. Come here.”

 

“Oh… um, yes…”

 

I was a bit forceful, but I took her hand and led her to the center of the dance floor.

 

And then…

 

“Ah… fufu!”

 

“Ha ha! That’s right, Felicia-dono, keep going like that!”

 

We enjoyed the dance together to the fullest. Although there were times when she stumbled on my feet due to nervousness, it was quite fun.

 

Her joyful smile as she laughed under the lights of the hall made my heart race.

 

Oh… I wish this moment could last forever.

 

However, the performance ended.

 

Along with it, our dance came to an end.

 

“It’s over… isn’t it?”

 

“Yes…”

 

Felicia and I looked at each other with regret.

 

But…

 

“Ha… ha…”

 

As if we were both compelled, the next performance began.

 

“Felicia!!!”

 

“Yes…”

 

We held hands again and continued dancing.

 

And we thoroughly enjoyed dancing together to our heart’s content.