The Son of a Corrupt Lord Doesn't Want to Become a 'Saint'! V1C4

Stage 1-4 – Incompetent Misunderstanding

"Oh... that's quite splendid," I remarked.

The party venue, located away from the main building, was exquisitely decorated, making it hard to believe that it was a part of the Lichtenberg Magic School. The decorations were refined and beautiful, yet not overly cluttered, truly befitting the school's prestigious image for hosting events and celebrations.

"Ouga-sama, I've brought your drink," Alice said, approaching me.

"Thank you."

"What will you do from now on?" Alice inquired.

"There are some people I want to talk to, as planned..."

I glanced around the room, noticing a few envious glances mixed with a hint of ridicule directed at us from afar.

"Shall I make them stop?" Alice offered.

"Don't worry about it. Most of them won't have any connection with us in the future, so there's no need to engage with them."

Furthermore, I believe I was making them feel uneasy. Perhaps they sought a brief moment of relief from their anxiety by looking down on me, as I was an inept individual with no magical aptitude but held a higher rank as a noble.

To compensate for my inability to use magic, I often immersed myself in research and rarely made public appearances.

I come from a family that values privacy. My father seldom discussed our family life in public, believing that revealing too much would expose his weaknesses. As a result, I grew up with the impression that the Velleth family had abandoned me.

"We just have to show them our skills. With time, they will be the ones clenching their fists. Isn't that right, Alice?" I asked.

"I agree with what Ouga-sama said," she replied.

"That's good. Just trust in your master," I reassured her.

"Ouga-sama...! I am happy to be able to serve you!" she exclaimed.

Her enthusiastic outburst attracted even more attention, which was not what I desired.

If she truly is loyal, she should consider my feelings more.

Let's focus on getting to know each other during training.

Since it's difficult to make contact, there's no need to attend the party to deepen our friendship.

"...She's not coming," I murmured, checking the entrance but finding no sign of Riche.

Did I not do enough by just offering a handkerchief?

But if I were to give her a brand-new skirt, that would be too forward.

No, no, she must be changing her clothes right now.

"Ouga-sama, I'll go get you a refill," Alice offered.

"Yeah, please do."

As I idled, three familiar boys entered the room, grinning mischievously.

I couldn't hear their conversation from a distance, but their earlier fear seemed to have dissipated.

It would be troublesome to confront them face-to-face and cause a scene.

Well, I suppose there's no other choice.

"Let's go home, Alice. This is just a waste of time now," I decided.

We left the venue, deliberately avoiding the boys, and headed back to the dormitory.

However, upon reaching the entrance, the dormitory manager intercepted us.

"Please wait, Vellet-sama. I have a letter for you," the manager informed.

"A letter? From whom?" I asked.

"From a female student named Mashiro Riche," she replied.

"...! I see, thank you."

With the plain envelope in hand, I made my way to my room. I opened it and read its contents.

"Ouga Vellet-sama,

Thank you for your help earlier.

There is something I want to talk to you about.

Could you come to the backyard before first period starts tomorrow morning?

Please allow me to take advantage of your kindness.

Mashiro Riche"

"Ouga-sama...this is..."

"...Oh, there's no mistaking it."

It's a love letter! Hahaha...I can't believe I've already won her heart...!

Was it my overflowing charisma that did the trick?

The letter was somewhat difficult to read in certain spots due to dampness and subsequent drying, but there was no doubt about its content.

She will definitely confess to me tomorrow morning.

"Alice, we'll have to get up early tomorrow. Make sure you get enough sleep tonight, alright?"

"Understood."

"...Looks like it's going to be fun from here on out, huh?"

"Ah! Yes, it certainly will be."

Alice and I exchanged a knowing glance and laughed before retiring to our respective rooms.

And so, with this turn of events, we arrived at the present moment.

Riche appeared visibly displeased.

"Why are you guys here? Are you trying to pick a fight again?" I asked, with tone defensive.

"No, that's not why. We came to support our friend and guide him in the right direction," one of the boys replied.

"What?"

"I got my butt kicked yesterday, but hey... aren't you from the Vellet family? You know, the one that's notorious for being incompetent? I heard your lack of magical ability caused your old man to abandon you."

Even if I deny it, he won't believe me.

"So what if that's true?"

"Well, I feel sorry for this girl for getting involved with someone like you. Hey you, why did you bring him here?"

Riche was pushed forward, leaving just the two of us facing each other.

She clutched yesterday's handkerchief tightly, visibly trembling and scanning her surroundings with unease. She was clearly unsettled.

"Riche, are you truly friends with these people—"

"Hey! Spit it out already!" Ruark interjected, cutting me off.

Damn, these guys are so annoying.

Do they really want to ruin the love confession?!

I took a step forward, intending to drive them away like yesterday. But this time, Riche stretched out her arms and blocked my path.

"Uh, um!"

She lifted her head, which had been lowered.

"Please, don't involve yourself with me anymore! You're just a darn nuisance. Incompetent people like you can only mess things up!"

Riche's eyes sparkled, but they lacked vitality.

"Y-you're so incompetent! It was just a misunderstanding yesterday..."

"A misunderstanding..."

"I-I'll return this to you... That's why..."

She pressed the handkerchief into my hands and walked away.

As she passed by, I caught her whispered words.

"I'm sorry."

Overwhelmed with despair, I couldn't help but drop to my knees and clutch my head.

Observing my state seemed to amuse Ruark and his friends as they walked past, laughing raucously.

"That's why you shouldn't get involved again! You useless fool!"

"Ah, what a masterpiece!"

"We've been entertained since morning!"

Their coarse laughter gradually faded into the distance.

A misunderstanding... I see...

Perhaps I misunderstood. Was I trying too hard to get close to her?

Was my attitude yesterday too arrogant?

If even a handkerchief couldn't make her like me, then what should I do, damn it!

Hanging out with those guys... Do bad guys actually end up with the girls in the end...!?

"Ouga-sama, we can still catch up to her now, but what will you do?"

Even if we catch up, we won't be able to accomplish anything.

I'm just a guy who misinterpreted it as a confession and feels ashamed.

If I continue to push, I might be accused of being a stalker or something creepy.

I aspire to be a bad guy, but I don't need such an uncool reputation.

But... but...! I can't give up on her...!

It's time to change tactics.

Let's observe the situation for a while.

"When the time comes, we'll make a move. For now, let it go. But don't miss the opportunity to make a decision."

"Understood."

*

Next time, from Alice's perspective. Also, please don't dislike Mashiro-chan. She's a good girl! Thank you!