“Let them touch, what does it matter?”
There’s really no reason to forbid touching that butt. It’s not like it wears out from being touched, and compared to other parts, the butt isn’t exactly a taboo zone.
In fact, there are times when you might even smack someone’s butt for discipline in a mother-daughter setting, or just for fun between friends of the same gender.
Thinking back, I recall seeing many scenes in my past life where boys would kick each other’s butts while exclaiming, “Nice shot!”
Besides, I’m pretty cute, right? So my butt must be just as plump. It’s not weird to want to touch it.
“I’m feeling generous, Viviana.”
She must be loving it.
Seeing her usually calm and collected self flustered was quite enjoyable. Remembering her eyes that burned with desire before, I was sure she’d be quite delighted this time too.
With a flutter of excitement, I rang the bell four times. Once for the restroom, twice for meals, three times for a bath, and four times when I wanted to see Viviana.
The maid who entered after hearing the bell was Luna. I smiled at her and said, “I need to see Lady Viviana.”
Luna looked flustered, bowed her head briefly, and stepped back outside, likely to report to Viviana.
Before long, Luna returned, bowed to me once more, and pointed toward the door. I smiled lightly, got up from the bed, and followed her. As I walked through the vast mansion’s corridors under her guidance, the multitude of paintings on the walls delighted my eyes.
Each painting seemed like it would boast a hefty price tag. There were dozens of them; it wouldn’t hurt to ask for a few when I finally charm Viviana.
Lost in my greedy thoughts, I soon found myself in front of Viviana’s office. Luna stepped back a pace and pointed at the door with her fingertips.
“Thank you.”
I thanked Luna for guiding me and knocked on the door. Shortly, a familiar voice echoed from the luxurious wooden door.
[Come in.]
With Viviana’s permission, I awkwardly smiled again and opened the door. As the door swung open, the faint smell of ink filled the air along with a lavishly decorated interior.
Viviana was sitting at her desk, busy with paperwork. However, something was odd; another familiar woman was sitting right next to her.
‘…Why is Viviana with Iris?’
I had my doubts.
Viviana is a princess, and Iris is merely a maid. It just didn’t make sense for them to be sitting side by side, especially given their obvious status difference. Were they perhaps discussing some business separately?
And what worried me the most was…
‘…Aren’t they a little too close?’
Their chairs were uncomfortably snug together. If they were merely discussing work, there wouldn’t be a need to sit so close.
Weren’t they supposed to be just a superior and subordinate?
Why?
My heart started racing for no good reason.
“What’s going on, Tina?”
Viviana’s voice snapped me out of my reverie. She was still sitting at her desk, looking at me with bemusement.
“…I came to tell the princess something.”
“Something to say?”
Even as I replied, Viviana remained closely seated next to Iris. The situation was making my heart feel uneasy.
“I’ll step back now. You both can talk.”
Iris glanced at me before standing up. However, just as she was about to step away, Viviana grabbed Iris’s hand and pulled her back into the chair.
“Sit and wait; this will be quick.”
“Your Highness…”
…What is happening?
There was a tender tension rippling between them.
Viviana’s eyes were soft as she held Iris back. Watching them, a frustrating tightness gripped my chest.
What is this?
Do you want to wrap things up with me quickly while wanting to spend more time with Iris? What the heck?
Why?
Viviana should be head over heels for me… so why is she being so affectionate towards Iris?
What could a cold woman like her possibly care about?
Sure, Iris is a bit cute, but Viviana likes me way more.
Thump-thump—
My rapidly beating heart was now starting to ache from the frustration. I couldn’t even tell what kind of expression I was making. Though I wanted to run away immediately, I desperately managed to keep the mask of a smile on.
“What is it, Tina? If it’s not important, just tell me later at dinner.”
Viviana gave me a coy smile. At a glance, it seemed kind, but I knew that smile all too well.
Those eyes were undeniably the eyes of someone pretending to be kind. It was the expression she wore when she had to deal with someone she found bothersome in high society.
Just a means to maintain the bare minimum of noble etiquette with an irritating counterpart. Those false eyes were now fixated on me.
“…No… Actually, thinking about it, it’s nothing… I’ll, uh, tell you later.”
I forced a calm smile and spoke before slowly exiting the office, closing the door behind me.
Without Luna’s guidance, I hurried to my room without looking back.
“…What a pain.”
I might as well just go sleep.
I didn’t want to do anything at all.
When the cheerful girl who could make anyone smile left, the office was once again filled with a cold atmosphere. The two women, who had just feigned tenderness, now covered their mouths and gagged.
“Ugh.”
The warmth they had seemed to vanish entirely, leaving their eyes devoid of any affection. Viviana kicked the chair Iris was sitting in and spoke tersely.
“Get away.”
“…I thought I was going to throw up, Master.”
Iris exclaimed in disgust, quickly distancing herself from Viviana. The comfortable distance between the two was roughly five paces from Viviana’s desk, perfectly suitable for their superior-subordinate relationship.
“Master, I wish you’d refrain from making such requests…”
“Do you think I want to do this?”
Viviana rested her chin on her hand. Her previously icy demeanor melted in an instant, replaced by a wistful smile as she mumbled to herself.
“By the way, I think I just caught a glimpse of her true self… Isn’t she annoyingly cute… To the point I could die of sweetness… Should I sneak a bite later…?”
“….Ugh.”
Iris felt her stomach churn. Who was this person, speaking with such a tender voice about the one they were just speaking about? The Viviana she knew was certainly not like that.
Iris couldn’t help but ask, seeing such a stark contrast from what she was used to.
“Why are you acting so coy?”
“Um… my pet keeps trying to play tricks on me, so I’m trying to train her thoroughly.”
“Isn’t it enough to just break her once to ensure her obedience?”
There are many ways to train someone to be your loyal servant. You could instill fear through endless violence or earn loyalty by holding someone’s most precious treasure hostage.
And Iris knew that Viviana usually would have done just that. That was how she had been raised, just like everyone in Merdellia.
“I promised Mother I wouldn’t let anything happen to Tina.”
“Mother?”
Could she be referring to the Duke? But that man was preparing for retirement after spending years on the front lines. As far as Iris knew, they weren’t exactly on friendly terms.
Also, the title was different. “Mother” wasn’t usually how one referred to another’s mother.
“…You mean Lady Blanc’s mother?”
“Who else could it be?”
“Why do you call her Mother?”
Viviana’s eyes flickered slightly but quickly hardened like ice as she looked at Iris.
“Mind your business. Why are you so chatty today?”
There was a strong pressure, as if being crushed by the weight of a mountain. The peculiar aura of the Merdellia family emanated from Viviana. Iris took a step back, bowing her head as she maintained her distance.
“…I’m sorry.”
Viviana let out a short sigh, tapping her fingers on the desk a few times. After a moment of contemplation, she turned to Iris and spoke briefly.
“Stay close to Tina like before. Report immediately if anything happens.”
“Yes, Master.”
“Make sure Tina doesn’t get enamored. I can replace others, but you are too capable to lose.”
“…I’ll keep that in mind.”
Iris’s belated response made Viviana squint her eyes at her.
“…I’ll ask, but you’re not already infatuated, are you?”
“Not yet.”
“…Not yet?”
“…You don’t need to worry about anything, Master.”
“…”
A strange tension hung in the air. Under the weight of Viviana’s gaze, Iris broke into a cold sweat as she thought to herself.
Honestly, it was dangerous. Especially when that pet of hers showed off her naked body and played around. Just for a moment, overwhelming urges surged within her.
Had she not heard about Lady Blanc’s cunning nature from her master beforehand, she might have found herself hitting that white belly out of instinct.
[Be careful; she’s naturally seductive.]
It truly was as they said. After nearly two weeks of stealthily guarding her side, Iris could understand why she earned the title of “pet lady.”
On the surface, she may bloom into a dazzling flower, but within lies poison instead of nectar. A lethal poison that, once tasted, might seal one’s fate.
She was a master at luring others with her words. Hidden within her bright smile and tender voice lay whispers that ensnared like a serpent’s coil.
“…She’s a dangerous woman, Master. I’d recommend being cautious.”
“…”
Only silence returned. Viviana was deep in thought, lost in her own world. Iris called out to her with narrowed eyes.
“…Master?”
Viviana’s purple eyes met Iris’s. She let out a small chuckle, shrugged her shoulders, and spoke as if it were nothing.
“You’re saying such things too. It’s not like that. We’re both women; there’s no way I’d like her. I just want to keep her as a pet.”
“….”
…I never said that.
Though she can be unpredictable, she’s still a competent leader; for some reason, I couldn’t easily trust Viviana this time.
