The Villainous Noble Son Wants to Capture His Stepsister! - Chapter 27

I… I’m going to tell you exactly what just happened.

After the unexpected encounter with the royal family, the so-called birthday party—which was really just a dinner—finally began.

Once I managed to calm down, I realized that the food was so good that even my nerves couldn’t dull the taste.

And surprisingly, my conversation with the King and Queen was far more enjoyable than expected.

I was completely at their mercy, though.

This must be the power of royal conversational skills.

After the meal, His Majesty suggested, “Shall we continue our talk over some tea in the lounge?”

Naturally, we all started moving.

Primelia was walking ahead, sandwiched between the King and Queen.

She was nervous, but still seemed to be enjoying their conversation.

I’d love for her to feel comfortable talking to her dear brother-in-law too, but well… one step at a time.

A little further behind, I was walking with Lilliane—but suddenly, she stopped in her tracks.

“Your Highness, is something the matter?”

Her head was lowered, and her long hair obscured her face.

Concerned, I stepped closer—

And then—

I got put into an arm lock.

I have no idea how to explain what just happened.

I have no idea how to process what just happened.

No one in their right mind could ever expect to be suddenly put into a joint lock by a princess.

Before I even had the chance to scream in pain, I was dragged into a nearby room, and Lilliane locked the door behind her.

“Fufufu… At last, we’re alone, Lord Kraut.”

Her smile was breathtaking, reminding me of the version of her from the game.

If she hadn’t literally just kidnapped me, I would have been captivated.

Ladies and gentlemen, we have a situation.

No, wait—this situation makes ME look like the criminal!?!

◇

“………”

“………”

An awkward silence settled between me and Lilliane, who was still smiling.

Time stretched on—

“Fufufu… At last, we’re alone, Lord Kraut.”

“You already said that.”

It seemed the silence was too much for her, so she just repeated herself word for word.

“…We’re alone, you know?”

“Uh… yes, I suppose so.”

“And we’re in a locked room, you know?”

…Okay.

What is this girl even saying?

Is she… seducing me?

No, no, no—absolutely not.

Do not pass go.

Do not collect 200 gold coins.

I refuse to be arrested by the royal guards.

I mean, come on.

This is Lilliane—the girl who used to hate me.

There’s no way she’d be flirting with me.

And besides—

romance does not start with an arm lock.

Just as I was struggling to make sense of the situation, Lilliane sighed and dropped her smile.

“Haa… It seems the rumors were true.”

“Rumors?”

I keep close track of my reputation among the people, so I know there are plenty of rumors floating around about me.

But which one, exactly, is she referring to…?

“I heard that you lined up the severed heads of corrupt officials in front of an orphanage.”

“WHERE IN THE WORLD DID YOU GET THAT IDEA?!?!”

What is this, some kind of twisted multiple-choice game?

Did she assume I was either a womanizer or a bloodthirsty lunatic?

This is worse than Kongming’s traps!

I snapped back in protest, but Lilliane just chuckled softly.

As expected of the main heroine, she’s adorable.

“Fufu, my apologies. The rumor I was referring to was about how much you’ve changed. And after meeting you today, I can clearly see that it’s true.”

“Oh… that one.”

Thank god.

If she had actually believed the orphanage thing, I’d have accidentally triggered a death flag that wasn’t even in the game.

“Father said the same thing. Your appearance has changed so much that at first, I didn’t even recognize you.”

“W-Well, yeah… I’m aware of that.”

“You no longer approach me fearlessly, even in the presence of our parents.”

“I-I sincerely apologize for that…”

“And if this were before, the moment we were alone in a room, you would have pounced on me immediately.”

“PLEASE FORGIVE ME!!!”

I can’t say anything to defend the past Kraut.

Nothing at all.

With a 90-degree bow, I practically slammed my head into my knee.

Lilliane burst into laughter.

“Fufufufu! I truly am sorry. I never imagined I’d be able to have such a conversation with you, Lord Kraut.”

“…As long as Your Highness is enjoying herself, that’s what matters.”

Ah, she really is adorable.

I loved all the heroines in Swords, Magic, and Flower Crowns, so seeing her smile like this makes it impossible to stay mad.

Though, of course, my number one favorite will always be my little sister, Primelia.

But still, I should at least say this much.

“Your Highness.”

“Yes?”

“You really should refrain from putting yourself in these kinds of situations. Being alone with a man is dangerous.”

“Oh?”

What do you mean, “oh?”

Do you realize how dangerous this is?

A girl as beautiful as you being alone with a man—that’s just asking for trouble.

Not that I would ever lay a hand on you, of course.

I am a gentleman.

Just as I was thinking that—

“Thank you for your concern.”

“UWAAAH!?”

A deep male voice suddenly whispered in my ear.

I whipped around—and standing right there was that elderly butler.

When did he get here!?!?

“I truly appreciate your concern, Lord Kraut. But I am well aware of my position. Her Highness’s safety is always ensured.”

“I-It was not my place to say…”

“No, I appreciate it.”

So, in other words…

If I had tried anything, I would have been eliminated before I could even blink.

…Terrifying.

As I was shuddering, Lilliane’s expression turned serious.

I immediately straightened up.

“Lord Kraut, there is something I wish to ask you—something I can only ask you now.”

“…If it is within my ability to answer, I will do so.”

“Then—”

“Aah… I’m exhausted.”

After what felt like being tossed around like a hammer throw, Lilliane’s birthday party finally ended.

We were now on our way back to Wertheim territory in the carriage.

By the way—

Our two personal maids were with us as well.

They hadn’t attended the party, but they had been waiting at the castle.

I could already sense their judging eyes on me.

That aside, I felt guilty for putting Primelia through so much today.

I had thought this would be a perfect opportunity for her to make her social debut—but the difficulty level ended up being absolute hell!

“Primelia, I’m really sorry about today. I’ll make it up to you somehow.”

“…………”

“Primelia?”

No response.

Like some kind of silent, furious boss character.

…Wait.

Is she actually so mad she won’t even talk to me!?

Just as I was starting to panic, I suddenly felt a slight weight on my shoulder.

I turned my head—

And there she was.

Not just Primelia.

A sleeping angel in the form of Primelia.

(Gasp, gasp.)

No.

I must not scream.

Her overwhelming cuteness was making me want to shout to the heavens, but I couldn’t wake her up.

As a result, I was left silently gasping like a suffocating koi fish.

Across from me, my two personal maids were barely holding back their laughter.

…Just you wait. I’ll get you back for this.

In the end, I spent the entire carriage ride back to the ducal estate suffering in agony, tormented by the adorableness of the angel beside me.

…Crap.

I think I’m getting a nosebleed.