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The Villainous Noble Who Kept Rewinding After Death: The Story Somehow Changed When I Committed Suicide

Chapter 315: Surprisingly

“So? If I recall correctly, you said your name was Lewis. What is your relationship with Etoile?”

“If your answer is unsatisfactory, I’ll kill you.”

“I recommend you choose your words carefully.”

“Skin… skin…”

After various events, I was led into a separate room and promptly seated in a chair, surrounded by four people, as if they were determined not to let me escape, beginning their interrogation.

By the way, Etoile had said, “I’ll prepare some welcome sweets!” and unexpectedly received a handmade apron from Wonder, leaving me behind and disappearing somewhere.

Absolutely unacceptable.

Leaving two strangers together like that should not be forgiven.

“No, relationship? Etoile said at the beginning that we were just friends. Apparently.”

“That’s only what Etoile thinks; you might feel differently, right?”

“I’m just a colleague, more or less.”

“A colleague, you say?”

“That reaction indicates you haven’t heard it from Etoile. If so, allow me to introduce myself again…”

I lightly released a bit of my dark magic power, and the four of them simultaneously wore looks of surprise.

“That’s the same as Etoile…”

“As you can see, I possess the Power of Gluttony and am Lewis, the representative of the neighboring Sixth District. You understand what I mean by ‘colleague’ now?”

“I see. So that’s how it is.”

Wonder, with sweat beading on their forehead, appeared to comprehend my designation as a colleague.

“I humbly apologize for being rude, not knowing you were the long-vacant owner of the Power of Gluttony.”

“We’ll overlook it.”

Just like Wilhelm, it seemed that the possessors of powers held a high status, second only to the Demon King, as the hostility the four had shown moments ago swiftly turned into apologies.

But thinking back, Raven from the Sixth District and those bull-headed folks still treated me that way even after learning I was their representative, leading me to conclude they really were foolish.

“Anyway, during the meeting the other day, I greeted Etoile, and she told me to come play.”

“I understand the background. But! You still haven’t explained why Etoile and Lewis were linked arm-in-arm.”

“I don’t know either. It was like that from the start, you know? When she said ‘come here,’ she hugged me from behind. Wasn’t that always how it was?”

“What? Etoile hugged you?”

“No way! If Etoile hugged you, that means her chest… touched you?!”

“Etoile’s… ample bosom…”

Dreamer appeared shockingly taken aback, but the other two seemed to be completely lost in those thoughts, wearing expressions full of despair and regret.

“Is that really such a shock?”

“Well, yes. I don’t think Lewis knows the usual Etoile, so their reaction isn’t surprising.”

“The usual Etoile?”

“Etoile is indeed bright, cute, lovely, and endearing, but she maintains a certain distance. So, she seldom even touches our hands, let alone hugs, especially not with a man, as far as we know, not even once.”

“Huh? But I…”

“Yes. That’s why they’re surprised. Why would she take the initiative to hold hands or hug someone she just met?”

Wonder’s words were genuinely shocking.

Etoile left a strong impression on me from the moment we met, particularly her innocent actions, like hugging me from behind and inviting me to her district without any sense of distance.

“Why does Etoile keep a distance from you all?”

“That’s likely because we treasure Etoile too much.”

“Treasure her?”

“Yes. We have cherished her like a gem, seeing her as the long-awaited Queen of Dreams born after centuries. We’ve treated her with utmost care since she was little—like a fragile glass that might shatter if touched. This goes for everyone living in Fifth District, not just us.”

“I see…”

Normally, one might wonder what’s wrong with treasuring someone, but there’s always a degree to everything.

Being treasured moderately can bring happiness, but when excessively cherished, it can lead to feelings of alienation, unconsciously building walls that make one feel different from others.

And perhaps, Etoile feels the same; while she smiles brightly, there could be loneliness and a sense of alienation lurking behind that smile.

“Moreover, with Etoile’s power, there were times in the past when she unintentionally used her ability, making those with ulterior motives towards her into puppets.”

“Certainly, if there’s such a past, it makes sense to want to keep a distance.”

If Wonder was correct, having been unable to control her power and unintentionally subjugating people could explain why she closed herself off.

“However, that doesn’t mean you should only protect and treasure her. If that led her to shut herself away and create distance, that’s even more reason.”

This thought sprang from my past experiences of shutting myself off. Just as my surroundings caused that, they could also provide the remedy.

For me, it was my parents’ dedicated support and their persistence in discussing external interests, even when I was withdrawn.

How precious and heartwarming that was.

“If you genuinely care about her, it would be better to not just treasure her but also approach her from your side now.”

“You’re right…”

Ironically, I began as the target of questioning about my relationship with Etoile, but before I knew it, I had turned into an unexpected consultant.

“Well, that’s enough talk for now. Etoile should be coming soon.”

“Huh?”

“I made it, you know~!!”

Just then, stepping in on cue, was Etoile, carrying a bowl filled with sweets in both hands. She approached the table in the corner, giggling with joy, and set it down.

“Lewis! Please eat lots of my homemade sweets!”

“Lots? You really made a lot.”

The quantity of sweets in the bowl was so overwhelming that even with everyone here, it seemed we wouldn’t finish them all.

That said, upon learning they were homemade by Etoile, Wonder and the others looked teary-eyed and overjoyed, creating an atmosphere where they would probably eat until their bellies burst.

We then took a break with Etoile’s sweets and the tea prepared by Wonder.

By the way, while some of Etoile’s treats were burnt or undercooked, the taste was average, though I wouldn’t dare tell her, but they were definitely better than Fiera’s cooking.

Three hours later.

After spending time with Etoile, I was being seen off, cradling the leftover sweets in both hands.

“Are you already going?”

“Yeah. I wasn’t planning to stay too long.”

“That’s a pity. I wanted to play more with you.”

Etoile’s expression fell, looking as dejected as a rain-soaked puppy.

“By the way, why did you take a liking to me from the start?”

“Um, I don’t have any particular reason. It just felt like you were a good person, and also…”

At that, Etoile stopped speaking, hugged me, and then slightly stretched up to whisper in my ear.

“You seemed uninterested in me and would treat me as I am, so I felt like we could become friends.”

“Huh?”

“Hehe. Also, I feel like we’re somewhat similar in a way. But that’s all.”

With that, Etoile stepped back, beamed, and returned to the now jealous-looking Wonder and the others.

“Lewis, I’m looking forward to the next time we meet.”

“Sure, got it.”

I replied with a smile in return for Etoile’s bright grin, waved lightly, and left the scene.

“That girl is interesting. I think I might actually like her a bit.”

Her last words indicated she probably understood how much Wonder and the others cared and what the rest thought about her.

With that awareness, she acts out the persona she wants others to see, feigning ignorance and purity.

The reason for this is likely that it’s easier and more entertaining that way.

“So Etoile really is a demon after all.”

That way, she could reduce the number of people who get overly involved with her, and watch with amusement the reactions of those who fluctuate based on her actions.

I found myself amused by how Etoile harbored a more cunning side than I initially thought, wrapping up my visit and returning to District 4 as planned.

 

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