I Have a Stalker of Noble Status. And to Make Matters Worse, their Numbers are Increasing (BL) - Chapter 3

“Who exactly are you?”

“Again?!”

◇◇◇

It has been a week since Lord Raymond inexplicably started following me around.

My school life, which had already stumbled right out of the gate, could only be described as a disaster looming over me.

Every morning, he arrived in his fabulous carriage to pick me up. At lunchtime, he insisted we dine together in an exclusive private room reserved for high-ranking nobles. After class, he would come to escort me from my classroom…

And today—of all things—he was sitting next to me in the library during a regular break while I was reading a book.

Wait. This is… isn’t this stalking—cough, cough—I mean, never mind.

A noble would never engage in something as lowly as stalking.

No, even if he did, it would never be considered stalking in the first place.

Indeed, Lord Raymond was never seen as a stalker. Instead, I was the one being treated with suspicion—“How did that guy manage to worm his way into Lord Raymond’s favor?”

Unfair. Completely unfair.

Then one day—

As I was hurriedly packing my things for our next class, which required moving to another classroom, the class representative, Lord Maxwell, approached me.

Lord Maxwell was the son of a marquis and the highest-ranking noble in our class.

On top of that, he was good-looking, intelligent, and highly respected by the teachers. A man who had the full package. Clearly, someone like me—a mere heir of a countryside noble—should have no reason to cross paths with him.

“Patrick, may I have a moment?”

Lord Maxwell was a completely different type of beauty compared to Lord Raymond. Unlike the latter’s dazzling charm, he was a composed, cool-headed figure who never wasted his smiles. His simple silver-framed glasses suited him perfectly today, as always.

“Yes, what is it?”

“There’s something I’d like to confirm as class representative. We can talk while moving to our next class if that’s alright.”

What could it be? I couldn’t think of anything that would warrant his attention.

Of course, refusing was not an option.

As I agreed and prepared to leave the classroom with him, murmurs and whispers spread throughout the room.

Ah… I’ve drawn attention again…

Slumping my shoulders, I trudged behind Lord Maxwell.

Perhaps because I was too busy looking down to avoid the stares, I failed to notice where we were headed.

As I absentmindedly answered his casual questions, I soon realized something strange.

We had somehow ended up in the deserted back garden.

Lord Maxwell suddenly turned to face me, and the air around him was different from how he was in the classroom.

“Now… let’s get to the real matter at hand.”

“T-The real matter…?”

As he took a step closer, I instinctively took two or three steps back.

“There’s no use pretending. You must have some idea why I’m asking this.”

No, I have absolutely no idea.

If I had to guess, it would be something related to Lord Raymond…

But that has nothing to do with me, right?!

Perhaps frustrated by my silence, Lord Maxwell suddenly slammed his hand against the wall beside me.

“Who exactly are you?”

“Again?!”

The overwhelming déjà vu made me blurt out my thoughts.

“Again? What do you mean by that?”

“Ah—! Damn it…”

I wanted to clutch my head and sink to the ground, but I was trapped between Lord Maxwell and the wall, leaving me no escape.

Ugh… Even if the one doing it is handsome, getting a kabe-don from a guy is not something to be happy about…

“Tell me the truth… Are you also a ‘reincarnator’?”

“…Also?”

In this world, the existence of reincarnators and people who have been transported from another world was a known phenomenon.

In both this country and its neighboring nations, the birth of individuals known as “reincarnators” is an extremely rare occurrence.

These individuals possess knowledge and abilities from another world, bringing countless benefits to this one.

Some have invented revolutionary tools, others have introduced dishes so delicious they seem almost divine. Some have advanced agricultural techniques, while others have reshaped the history of fashion with their groundbreaking designs.

The achievements of reincarnators throughout history are too numerous to list. However, one thing is certain—whenever one appears, they bring immense prosperity to their nation, making their birth a momentous occasion celebrated on a national scale.

Moreover, if a reincarnator officially registers with the state and gains recognition, they are designated as an “Official Reincarnator,” granting them financial support and various privileges. Pretty generous, isn’t it?

“Um… so, does that mean… Lord Maxwell, you’re one as well?”

“That’s right. I am a reincarnator.”

Seriously?! I’ve never met one before!

Wow, city life is incredible… Do reincarnators just casually pop up here?!

As I stood there, overwhelmed with excitement, Lord Maxwell regarded me with a suspicious gaze.

“Why are you acting like this doesn’t concern you? You’re a reincarnator too, aren’t you?”

“Me?! A reincarnator?! No way! That’s impossible! I’m not that special!”

I shook my head and waved my hands frantically, desperately denying it.

Ah, I did this exact same thing with Lord Raymond, didn’t I…?

“Hah! You’re quite the actor. But you won’t fool me. You are a reincarnator. And you know that this world is actually the setting of an otome game… Isn’t that right?”

“O-Otome… g-game?”

“Don’t play dumb! You’re a reincarnator who recognizes this world as a game, and that’s why you deliberately approached Lord Raymond—the main love interest—to rewrite the scenario! But I won’t let you tamper with it!”

Lord Maxwell dramatically pointed his index finger at me, delivering his accusation with unwavering conviction.

His silver-rimmed glasses gleamed sharply.

“Your character doesn’t exist in the original game! And yet, you’re somehow involved with the main love interest. It’s suspicious no matter how you look at it!”

…

……

………What the hell is he talking about?!

Seriously, what is wrong with this guy?

Are all high-ranking nobles this eccentric?

Is this country going to be okay?!

“Lord Maxwell, please, calm down. To put it lightly, I have absolutely no idea what you’re talking about.”

**”No, it’s you who doesn’t understand! As someone who deeply cherishes gaming culture, I have the utmost respect for all creators—no matter the game. Game creators deserve the highest honor! I will protect this world!!”

…Something just set him off!!