Please Fall in Love with Me! – A Villainess on Her Second Loop, using 'Seduction' to Avoid Ruin! - Chapter 3.6

I frantically waved both hands before lowering my head.

“I-I overstepped… I sincerely apologize…”

“Oh, no…”

Siegvard tensed for a moment before quickly composing himself, offering a polite smile as if trying to smooth things over.

“My apologies. I was simply surprised that someone had noticed. You have nothing to apologize for, Lady Adelaide. Rather, I should be the one thanking you for your concern. That being said… I would appreciate it if you kept this matter confidential.”

“Y-Yes, of course! I promise!”

I nodded fervently, feeling a wave of relief wash over me.

Thank goodness… He doesn’t seem angry…

“For today’s refreshments, I’ve prepared nuts to accompany the tea. They’re known to have beneficial effects on sleep.”

Nuts contain melatonin, a hormone that promotes sleep, as well as magnesium, which helps relax muscles and ease tension.

Siegvard gazed at the plate of nuts, looking somewhat surprised, before turning back to me with a knowing expression.

“…Did you also notice that I don’t care for sweets?”

“Ah, yes. At banquets and tea parties, you never touch desserts, and at soirées, you always decline sweet dessert wines… So I thought that might be the case.”

Of course, this was just a convenient explanation. In truth, I knew all of this from the game.

But Siegvard seemed convinced. In fact, he regarded me with a look of genuine admiration.

“You’re quite observant, aren’t you?”

At those words, I caught a subtle shift in Claude’s expression from the corner of my eye.

Panic surged through me. My face turned pale, and I immediately lowered my head again.

“I-I’m so sorry! That must seem incredibly unsettling!”

“…Pardon?”

Of course, it would!

Having someone you barely interact with take note of such personal details—it had to seem creepy, like a stalker!

How had I not realized that sooner?!

I was such an idiot!

What should I do?! How do I fix this?!

Or was it already too late the moment he thought I was some obsessive stalker?!

I turned desperately to Claude for help—only to find him staring at me with an expression that could only be described as Are you seriously this stupid?

Oh no.

Claude’s face rarely showed emotion, so the fact that even he was reacting meant I had really messed up.

It was over.

“I sincerely apologize if I made you uncomfortable…”

“Not at all. I didn’t find it uncomfortable in the slightest.”

Tears threatened to form as I whispered my apology, but Siegvard quickly shook his head, looking slightly flustered.

“I should apologize instead. It seems my tone often comes across as cold. That wasn’t my intention at all. What I meant to say was that I find it admirable.”

Admirable?

Stunned, I looked up at him, and he smiled gently.

“Being attentive and considerate toward others is a wonderful trait.”

His amethyst eyes shone with warmth and kindness.

My heart gave an unexpected thump.

“You not only took my health into account, but you also thoughtfully prepared a menu that aligns with my preferences. I truly appreciate your consideration—it means a great deal to me.”

“Lord Siegvard…”

I never expected to be praised…

The warmth of his words filled my chest, and I could feel my cheeks growing hot.

“Th-Thank you…”

“I should be the one thanking you.”

Siegvard picked up one of the scent sachets and brought it to his nose, inhaling deeply.

“It truly has a wonderful fragrance… It’s very soothing.”

The sincerity in his voice was unmistakable—he genuinely meant it.

That realization made me smile before I could stop myself, and at that moment, Siegvard turned to look at me again.

“How is the Saintess doing?”

“She is in good health. Her heart seems much more at ease now. She dedicates herself daily to becoming a worthy Saintess—specifically, she’s working hard to refine her etiquette and education as a noble lady, while also studying the empire’s history, mythology, and the legends of past Saintesses.”

“I see… That’s good to hear.”

“Yes. The Kishtaria Ducal House is doing everything in its power to support her. Today, she is meeting with the High Priest at the temple.”

And, incidentally, she was also encountering the fourth romance target—Henri de Smaragd, the priest.

Of course, that was a secret.

“Naturally, her security is flawless. We have taken every measure to ensure her safety, so you need not worry.”

“I wasn’t concerned. The knights of the Kishtaria Ducal House are highly capable.”

Siegvard spoke with firm conviction, offering a small smile.

Hearing such trust placed in me—and in the house I represented—filled my chest with warmth.

“That reminds me… Regarding the Saintess’ legends, there were parts of your discussion at the soirée that I was unfamiliar with. I was hoping you might enlighten me on a few points.”

His beautiful amethyst eyes met mine directly.

My heart pounded as I focused intently on his words, eager to listen.

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“Thank you for inviting me. I had a truly enjoyable time.”