I Became the Son of a Corrupt Lord, so I’ll Enjoy an Easy Life in Another World ~but Please Stop Revering Me as a “Saint”!~

Stage 3-3. You’re Family Too

“Ouga-sama, I’ve returned.”

“…Good work. Are the preparations complete?”

“Ten knights directly under the Vellet family are standing by with three carriages.”

Alice, who had somehow slipped behind me, whispered into my ear, making me suppress the urge to visibly flinch.

I deserve praise for not letting out a weird sound.

“Alright, we’ll head out once their conversation reaches a good stopping point.”

“Understood. …Everyone seems to be having such a wonderful time, Ouga-sama.”

“Isn’t that great? That’s the exact scene I dreamed of.”

The girls I like are laughing and smiling, enjoying themselves together.

It’s exactly the kind of scene I’ve envisioned since being reincarnated into this world.

“Indeed… Yes. The culmination of that scene is the future where you, Ouga-sama, will end up.”

The culmination of that scene… in other words, she’s referring to me marrying the three of them and building a happy family.

“Kukuku… You’ve come to understand me well, Alice.”

“Not yet. I believe I can only truly call myself your personal maid once I fully comprehend the brilliant mind of Ouga-sama.”

“I see… In that case, Alice, allow me to correct something you said earlier.”

“Thank you. I’d be grateful for your guidance.”

“You mentioned the culmination of that scene, but you left yourself out of it. I want to keep seeing your smile too, Alice.”

Because if Alice isn’t smiling, it would basically spell my death.

If Alice, my devoted follower, isn’t smiling by my side, it would mean she’s harboring distrust in that future.

If she finds out about my desire to enjoy a relaxed and perfect life as a villain, my fate would be all too easy to predict.

Even now, my odds of winning against her in practical combat training don’t exceed ten percent.

And that’s after mastering the “Limit Surpassing Gear Change.” If we fought as I am now, I’d definitely lose.

Thinking about it, I really need to keep getting stronger…

I need to keep learning new skills… I got so lost in thought that I almost missed something.

Alice has never taken this long to respond to my words before.

…Wait, could she have figured out my intention just now…?

Feeling concerned, I glance back at her.

“…Thank you, Ouga-sama. I’m fortunate to receive such kind words from you.”

Alice wasn’t crying as she sometimes does, nor did she show any hint of displeasure. She wore a vague, unreadable smile.

…It’s rare to see her make this kind of expression.

At least since hiring her, I can’t recall ever seeing it before.

So… is this safe? Or is it not?

Desperate for any clue, I kept observing Alice’s expression—completely oblivious to the jealous classmate sneaking up behind me.

“Ouga-kun? Are you so captivated by Alice-san that you’re ignoring us~?”

“My apologies, Mashiro. But could you let go of me? A human neck can’t turn more than ninety degrees.”