The Villainous Noble Son Wants to Capture His Stepsister! - Chapter 20

“That concludes the report.”

“…Ah, thank you. You did well gathering all this in such a short time.”

A few days had passed since Primelia arrived at the Wertheim Ducal House.

I had just received a report detailing her background—everything from her mother’s time as a maid at the viscount’s estate to her adoption into our household.

The one who compiled the report was, of course, our ever-reliable all-purpose butler, Sebastian. Honestly, the amount of information he managed to gather in just a few days was absurd. I relied on him a lot, but even I had to admit—his abilities were downright terrifying.

That aside, Primelia’s life before coming here had been nothing short of tragic.

In Sword, Magic, and Flower Crowns, her mother was never even mentioned, nor did the setting materials provide any details about her past.

In the game, Primelia was shy and had difficulty interacting with men.

I had always assumed it was because of her in-game older brother, Kraut, but it turns out there was already a foundation for her distrust.

…Hmm.

“Master? Where exactly do you intend to go with that sword?”

Heliotrope’s voice brought me back to reality. She was staring at me as I stood up, sword in hand.

Hahaha, what a silly question.

“I’m just going to pay a visit to Primelia’s former home and personally [redacted] everyone there.”

“MASTER (YOUNG MASTER)?!”

Heliotrope and Sebastian both grabbed me in a panic, forcing me to abandon my noble cause.

You got lucky today, Viscount’s household!

◇

Laps later reported that Primelia seemed quite pleased with the room I had prepared for her.

Well, of course, she was! I had used every bit of knowledge I gathered from the game’s official site and setting materials to create it.

I had revised the design hundreds of times over three years—it was a room crafted with utmost care!

For comparison, my own room had nothing but a bed, a desk, a table with chairs, and a closet. That’s all a guy’s room really needed.

As for the tasteless gold ornaments decorating the place? I melted and sold them.

Still, I noticed something unsettling.

Primelia spoke normally with Laps.

But during the house tour and the welcome banquet, all I ever got was “…Yes.”

Why?!

Was it because Laps had high social skills?

Or was my own affection level just that low?!

Please tell me it’s the first one—I’m begging you!

Then again, considering her father and brothers, she probably had a hard time trusting men.

Maybe she found it easier to open up to other women.

In that case, I should give her some space and—

Wait.

We’ve never even been close enough for me to back off!

If I put any more distance between us, we’d be total strangers!

No, this won’t do.

Time to double down!

I had to actively communicate and prove that I wasn’t a threat!

As it happened, I had the perfect excuse to invite her somewhere tomorrow.

Yes… It was time for Operation: Get Closer to My Little Sister!

◇

Ventz Trading Company.

It was the business that handled all trade related to the charitable projects I oversaw.

The capital of the Wertheim Duchy was a thriving commercial hub, home to numerous trading companies.

When word spread that the duke’s heir was involved in a project, countless merchants vied for a contract.

But I chose Ventz Trading Company for one simple reason.

Because it appeared in the game.

Wherever the protagonist went, there was always a Ventz branch selling potions and weapons.

They were the unsung heroes of the game world, providing reliable services without fail.

There was no way such a well-established business could be corrupt!

…Also, they were the only company that didn’t try to bribe me.

Seriously, it’s a charity project—why were the others offering bribes?!

And so, under the pretense of work, I invited Primelia to visit Ventz Trading Company.

Heliotrope and her newly assigned personal maid, Laps, accompanied us.

“Alright, this is my go-to shop, Ventz Trading Company.”

Applying the etiquette lessons I learned from Sebastian, I helped the ladies step down from the carriage.

…Wait.

I was escorting three women right now.

How did this look from an outsider’s perspective?

Did I seem like some womanizer?!

The reality couldn’t be further from the truth, yet I was still this close to feeling utterly defeated.

Just then, a tall young man emerged from the store.

He appeared to be in his late twenties, his neatly combed hair and thin-rimmed glasses giving him a sharp, serious air.

“Lord Kraut, welcome to our establishment. And a pleasure to meet you, Lady Primelia.

I am Ventz, the owner of this company. It’s an honor to make your acquaintance.”

He bowed deeply as he introduced himself.

“You work fast.”

“A merchant lives and dies by information, after all.”

He said it so casually, but this was only a few days old news.

And he already knew Primelia’s name?

Just how far did his information network reach?!

“Primelia, he’s a skilled merchant. You’ll find that he can acquire just about anything you need.

If you ever want to buy something expensive, just consult me first.”

“A-ah… um… Thank you…”

WAIT.

She said something other than “…Yes”!

To most people, this might seem like a small step.

But for me, it was a giant leap!

The sky was blue… No—Primelia’s ears were red.

So cute.

…Huh?

Why were Laps and Heliotrope whispering to each other?

“…As I suspected, Lady Primelia—”

“…Yes, there’s no doubt.”

…Whatever.

If those two were conspiring, there was no way it would end well for me.

Best not to ask.

“Ventz, could you show Primelia around the shop while we discuss business?”

“Of course. Lady Primelia, please take your time and browse as you like.”

“Yes, thank you.”

Wait.

Did she just respond normally to Ventz?!

Just a moment ago, she was stammering with me!

But with him, she answered smoothly?!

This… This wasn’t good.

The “My Affection Level is Alarmingly Low” theory was looking dangerously accurate.

Slumping my shoulders, I followed Primelia and Ventz into the store.

As I did, I felt an intense gaze.

Turning around, I saw two beautiful maids grinning at me.

…What the hell?