It's A Misunderstanding That I'm Dating The Villain

“Certainly! There couldn’t be any single woman in this world who would not admire the Young Master!”

“Doesn’t matter how much I think, I feel like you’re exaggerating….”

“No! I, Derrick, can prove this is an undeniable fact. Having observed many young ladies who admired the Young Master, I’ve reached this conclusion.”

Ludger gave a wry smile and shrugged his shoulders.

The old butler, who had raised Ludger since his parents passed away early, tended to treat him like his own grandson.

“To begin with, there’s no other reason for that Young Lady to keep quiet about the Young Master’s affairs.”

“…That’s true.”

Derrick was the only person Ludger had confided his secrets to. Therefore, after Clara discovered his true identity, they discussed it thoroughly, before Derrick offered his opinion.

His hypothesis was that she had fallen in love with Ludger and was keeping his secret because she didn’t want to see the one she loved to get caught.

For reference, it was also Derrick who advised Ludger to bring a bouquet of flowers for Clara.

No matter how much he thought, Ludger had enough sense not to delude himself into thinking that every woman in the world would like him, so he was skeptical of Derrick’s hypothesis.

Still, if there was even a slight chance that the hypothesis is correct, it needed to be addressed. Therefore, he tried to check on through various aspects.

“Did the Young Lady confess her feelings?”

“No… she never gave a clear reason in the end. But from the circumstances, it seems like there’s no other explanation.”

“Why don’t you want to report me?”

“…That’s a secret.”

“Is that such a significant reason?”

“No, that’s not it. It’s just… a bit embarrassing to discuss.”

A reason that’s embarrassing to say out loud.

If he thought about it, Derrick’s hypothesis seemed to be correct.

In terms of context, it was also an situation where a ‘maybe’ turned into a ‘sure enough.’

“Indeed, saying it directly would be awkward. How polite.”

Derrick listened to the details of what happened today and showed a warm expression. He had the expression of a loving grandfather watching over his grandson’s romance.

“Then, as I mentioned before, you should completely win over that Young Lady’s heart. After all, you need to make sure she won’t recklessly disclose the Young Master’s secrets in the future!”

“I plan on keeping an eye on her. However, she doesn’t seem to be much pleased with it.”

“Well, no one would like to be under surveillance. What kind of woman would like that! You should approach her romantically.”

“….”

Ludger made an embarrassed expression. Romantic approach, what on earth was that?

He had never been interested in romantic relationships his entire life, and he had lived a life where he had no need to be interested.

More important than that were his ‘mission’ and ‘duty.’

Now, suddenly having to approach someone for romantic purposes, even if it was for his own well-being, felt foreign to him.

As a competent butler, Derrick quickly picked up on his discomfort and offered some advice.

“First, smile at the Young Lady a lot! That smile alone will melt her heart.”

“…Is that enough?”

“Oh, and make use the otherworldly handsomeness the Young Master possess! If you smile directly at younge ladies, most of them will faint!”

“….”

It seemed a bit strange to Ludger somehow. Although he often smiled unconsciously when he was around Clara, she didn’t seem to react particularly to his face.

However, Ludger had no logical basis for defending Derrick’s advice. So he could only listen to it silently.

“And also, compliment the Young Lady a lot!”

“Compliment…?”

“Well, like commonly heard compliments. For example, you’re beautiful, or cute. Even if you don’t mean it, it’s fine to make up flattering words and say them often.”

“If that’s the case, I don’t think I’d need to make up flattering words….”

“Huh?”

“Oh, nothing.”

Ludger slightly covered his mouth and shook his head.

The image of Clara, puffing up her cheeks and insisting on being sober even when she was heavily drunk suddenly appeared in his mind. That appearance was… quite endearing.

It wasn’t something he didn’t need to make up, it was something he could genuinely compliment.

“And then, of course, continue the ongoing dates! In particular, it’s good to take her to unique places that she wouldn’t normally visit. Because new experiences lead to excitement!”

With no romantic experience of his own, Ludger had no choice but to trust his butler’s advice.

Although Derrick had been widowed and remained single thereafter, he had been married at one point.

In fact, Ludger was also unaware of the truth that Derrick had once been so clueless and inept in romance that he had horrified his wife in their early marriage years.

“Well, that’s right. Since we’ve already decided to have meals together later on, eating together isn’t that difficult.”

“Yes! Surely, the more time you spend together, the more the Young Lady will fall for the Younge Master!”

Ludger let out a wry smile as he looked at his butler who seemed more excited than him, the individual involved.

‘…I don’t particularly dislike making time for Clara.’

It was amusing to see her react like a spring with just a little prodding, and after their conversation today, they seemed to communicate well.

Had there ever been someone among women of his age with whom he could spend time so comfortably?

Although it was only for surveillance, it wasn’t too bad.

Ludger then checked the mail on the silver tray and paused for a moment when his gaze landed on an invitation.

“Derrick.”

“Yes, My Lord.”

“You advised me to take her to unique places she had never visited before… If that’s the case, how about attending a social gathering?”

As soon as Derrick heard this, he smiled widely and strongly agreed.

“Oh, that Young Lady isn’t a noblewoman, right? Of course! Of course! She must be dreaming to attend a social gathering!”

“I see….”

The invitation Ludger had paused on was sent by Count Morsal.

Count Morsal was the owner of the restaurant they visited today, and was also the employer of the chef that Clara was very fond of.

This social gathering would also be held to showcase the chef’s skill.

“Send a reply to this gathering’s invitation. I will be bringing a companion…with me.”

“Understood! You’ll be bringing ‘the Young Lady,’ right?

“…Yes, that’s right.”

“It seems you liked the meal today, so next time, I’ll make sure you’re served by this chef again.”

“You don’t have to…um… go out your way to do that. However, since… If I’m going to be under surveillance, I might as well enjoy some delicious to food.”

Ludger decided to take advantage this opportunity to fulfill both his promise to her and follow Derrick’s advice.

“Then it looks like there will be a lot to prepare now! I, Derek, will assist you with all my heart!”

“What is there to prepare…?”

“Haha, just have faith in me and leave it to me.”

Ludger tilted his head in puzzlement but still nodded his head in understanding.

Needless to say, if Clara were to know out about this, she would have been horrified and declined immediately. But, Ludger had no way of knowing at the moment.

***

The next morning.

I furiously kicked the innocent blanket and pillow.

‘I must have really gotten drunk yesterday!’

Of course, I was sober enough. The things I said yesterday night were in the range of an ordinary conversation.

However, it was the peculiar relaxation and the typical drunken behavior that became the issue.

It was the wine. The problem was all that damn expensive liquor. I got up from my bed in frustration, no point in blaming inanimate objects.

‘I guess expensive liquor really makes a difference? I don’t have any hangover.’

I had drunk quite a fair amount, thinking it was delicious. But I didn’t have the usual pounding headache or sore throat I got for having cheap liquor. That was the only blessing.

I slapped my cheek and focused my mind.

“It’s okay. At least I didn’t make any irreversible mistakes.”

Rattling on with a silly smile about irrelevant personal stories, or having to be supported while staggering, was… okay… no, it’s not okay!

As soon as I discovered the bouquet of flowers that flaunted its presence as if it were telling me about yesterday’s reality, my shame soared to the MAX.

I dived back into bed and abused the poor mattress and pillows again.

However, no matter how much I wriggled and struggled against the black history created by the expensive liquor, I was still a civil worker who had to attend work today.

Surely, I wouldn’t run into Ludger again today, so it wouldn’t be a big deal.

With that in mind, I ignored reality and got up to wash my face.

Forgetting that my ominous premonitions always come true.