I Have a Stalker of Noble Status. And to Make Matters Worse, their Numbers are Increasing (BL) - Chapter 19

“Whoa, this is amazing! I didn’t know herbs could grow in such large clusters!”

“Fufufu, this is a secret spot! Lord Raymond, Lord Patrick, you must keep this ab-so-lute-ly confidential, okay?”

Angelica placed a finger to her lips in an adorable “shh” gesture.

Ray visibly flinched, while Lord Douglas’s face turned slightly red.

Hmm, the contrast in their reactions is pretty amusing.

But more importantly—herbs! Precious herbs!

Rare herbs could fetch a good price, making this place a literal treasure trove.

“Look, Angelica! Isn’t this one of those herbs that sells for a high price in town?”

“Too naive, Lord Patrick! When it comes to buyback value, this herb actually sells for even more!”

“Seriously?!”

The fresh air and lush greenery reminded me how much I had missed being surrounded by nature. Herb gathering was even more enjoyable than I had expected, and soon, I was completely absorbed in the search.

Angelica and I excitedly combed through the area, hunting for the most valuable herbs we could find.

“…They look like they’re having a great time.”

“Indeed.”

“So, Lady Angelica… is she always like this?”

“Angelica? Yes, she’s as charming as ever.”

I overheard Ray and Lord Douglas talking nearby.

Oh.

Oh.

Lord Douglas is definitely already interested in Angelica, isn’t he?!

I couldn’t help but feel a little thrilled at the unexpected romance unfolding before me. I mean, we’re at that age, after all.

…Wait.

No, this is bad!!

Max’s words from before echoed in my mind.

“A romance target’s affection level can’t be too low, but it also can’t be too high. If one character’s favorability gets too high, they’ll automatically enter that character’s love route.”

A cold sweat trickled down my back.

That’s right—if we’re aiming for the Eternal True End, Angelica and Lord Douglas entering a romance route would be a problem!

“When it comes to romance routes, you especially need to watch out for the muscle-brains.”

“Huh? Why?”

“They’re ridiculously easy to sway. If someone praises them like, ‘You’re amazing!’ or ‘You’re so cool!’ they fall for it instantly.”

“…That’s literally how Angelica speaks by default.”

“…………”

Oh no.

Oh no, no, no.

What should I do?!

Wait, calm down.

It’s not like Lord Douglas definitely has feelings for Angelica yet… right?

“Hm? What’s wrong, Lord Patrick?”

Angelica looked at me curiously. Just moments ago, I had been enthusiastically gathering herbs, but now I had suddenly fallen silent.

“A-Ah, I just realized… you and Lord Douglas have gotten pretty close in such a short time.”

“Doug?”

…She’s already calling him Doug?

She’s on a nickname basis with a count’s heir?!

Her ability to close the distance with people is frightening!

Angelica tilted her head in confusion.

Wait… is she just naturally clueless? Or is she fearlessly bold? Which is it?

Meanwhile, Ray was staring at her with deep suspicion.

You two need to average out your affection levels!

Just as I was silently struggling with this dilemma, a rustling sound came from the bushes behind us, hidden from view.

The moment I turned to look, a Horned Rabbit lunged straight at Angelica.

“Kyah!?”

“Watch out, Angelica!”

In an instant, I unsheathed my practice sword and struck the Horned Rabbit square in the body, intercepting its attack.

Since training swords aren’t designed to cut, the best way to use them in real combat is for blunt force.

“Are you alright, Patrick?!”

“Angelica!!”

Ray and Lord Douglas, caught off guard by how quickly everything happened, rushed over in alarm.

“That was incredible! Lord Patrick, you’re so strong!”

Angelica looked up at me with sparkling eyes.

…So this is how she charmed Lord Douglas, huh?

“It was just a Horned Rabbit. No big deal.”

I replied with a wry smile—only for Ray and Lord Douglas to immediately close in on me.

“No, that was remarkable!”

“I’ve never seen that form before! Where did you learn swordsmanship, Lord Patrick?!”

Uh—wait—why are they so intense?!

Do nobles in the capital not get much real combat experience? Did I just mess up somehow?!

“Ah, well… I wouldn’t say I formally studied swordsmanship or anything. My territory is in the countryside, so we just trained in real combat situations as part of daily life.”

“I see—actual combat training!”

Lord Douglas’s eyes gleamed as he leaned in closer, looking at me like a predator who had just found his prey.

I swear, he’s a hundred times scarier than the Horned Rabbit.

“Lord Patrick, if you don’t mind… I’d love to spar with you!”

Lord Douglas placed a hand on the hilt of his sword, stepping forward with an eager glint in his eyes.

Wait, wait, wait, WAIT, Squire!

You’re holding a real sword!!

Just as I instinctively backed away, Ray swiftly stepped between us.

“Calm down, Lord Douglas. Patrick’s sword and yours wouldn’t make for a fair match.”

“Ugh… Y-You’re right…”

Coming back to his senses, Lord Douglas slumped dramatically, looking utterly dejected.

“If I had known, I would’ve brought a wooden sword today as well…”

No, no, don’t worry about me! Use that sword to impress Angelica instead, Lord Douglas!

…Wait. No, that’s also bad! That would just trigger a romance flag!

As I hid behind Ray, racking my brain for a solution, Lord Douglas suddenly lifted his head with renewed determination.

“Then, tomorrow! Lord Patrick, do you have any plans for tomorrow?!”

—Oh.

Oh no.

I messed up.