The dense darkness enveloped the sky, while the noble moon cast a gentle glow over the land. As I opened the carriage door and stepped down, the mansion, now feeling cozy, came into view.
“Tina!”
In the calm house, the person I felt most at ease with rushed towards me. Her hair was whiter than the moon hanging in the sky, and her face bore a youthful beauty that made it hard to believe she was a married woman.
“I’m back, Mother.”
Could it be that she had been waiting for me all this time? Even though my return was unplanned, seeing her wait so patiently indicated that she must have been quite worried.
I dove into the embrace of Artasha without hesitation. As I nestled against her, two large, fluffy cushions, incomparable to my own, welcomed me.
“…Hehe.”
The incredibly soothing sensation caused a smile to escape my lips. It seems men don’t just envy women because of their complaints; there’s something more to it.
Though Artasha is my biological mother now, as a soul that once lived as a man, I figured I was allowed to have these thoughts.
“Tina, how was the ball? It must have been quite exhausting for you. You really did well, my dear.”
The worry pouring from Artasha’s gaze made my heart flutter. How many times have I experienced such heartfelt concern during my life? It made me feel rather pitiful for Tina, who continued to wander despite having such a mother.
“I missed you, Mother.”
“…I missed you too.”
At my simple words exchanged with a soft smile, Artasha’s eyes softened gently. She continued, stroking my head with a mature smile.
“…You must have heard many insults, yet you handled it all so gracefully. I’m truly proud of you, Tia.”
“No? I didn’t hear anything too bad.”
“Really?”
Artasha blinked her eyes in confusion, as if thinking, ‘That can’t be true.’ Truly, she could see straight through me.
“I got close to a nice person.”
“Re-really? Can you tell me that young lady’s name?”
“It’s Mardian from the Count Abreldine family!”
Surprise filled Artasha’s blue eyes, which had been filled with confusion just a moment ago. It seemed she was aware of Mardian’s reputation as well.
“Th-that’s amazing, Tina. I heard she’s a young lady you shouldn’t approach recklessly. Are you really friends with the daughter of the Count Abreldine?”
“Of course! She told me to call her sister!”
“Uh, sister?”
Of course, that was what she said during our ‘activities,’ but I decided to slightly distort the truth to reassure Artasha. After all, it wasn’t a lie, right? It should be fine.
“…I’m really proud of you, Tina. You’ve been through a lot. It seems she looked upon you favorably because you are so lovely.”
“That’s because I take after you, Mother. You’re the most beautiful person I’ve ever seen.”
A faint blush rose on the end of Artasha’s fair cheeks. Perhaps she wasn’t used to such compliments; she cleared her throat awkwardly and turned her gaze away, replying bashfully.
“Th-thanks.”
“Just for words?”
I smiled faintly and offered my right cheek to Artasha. Taken aback by my sudden action, she glanced around before leaning in towards me.
SMOOCH-
As Artasha’s soft lips touched my cheek, I felt a bit of my weary body revive. After months of possession, I finally felt like I was home again.
‘Rest easy, Artasha.’
No.
Rest easy, Mother.
For the sake of my peaceful idle life, I would definitely bring this family back to prosperity.
—
Once inside the bathroom after an unspeakably satisfying dinner with Mother, despite the absence of splendid dishes from the banquet hall, I examined my reflection in the full-length mirror.
It was hard to distinguish whether I was a person or a ghost; my skin was so pale and flawless, it was as if not a single hair was out of place. Although I hadn’t eaten well and my body was quite lean, the distinct curves of a woman were evident. Even if she was just an NPC, Tina Blanc was indeed a beautiful woman.
‘Although, I guess my chest is a bit small.’
However, looking at my mother, I felt there was a promising chance. I thought that someday Tina might become a mature yet well-endowed woman like her mother.
“..Oof.”
While gazing into the mirror, a sharp pain flared in my calf. Turning halfway to face the mirror again, I noticed a distinct bruise on my white leg.
As I looked at the bruise that I couldn’t even cover with both hands, memories of a few hours earlier in the moonlit garden surfaced.
[Ahh..Tina. You’re pretty. Cry a bit more, just a bit more.]
[Ugh! It hurts! Please.. just a little softer, ugh! I don’t want to… stop now…!]
[Haah, my lovely girl… I’ll torment you even more…]
SLAP-!!!
—
“Damn it.”
I cursed while gazing at the stinging marks and scars left by Mardian. She didn’t stop torturing me until I shed tears. The way she licked my last tear away and grinned seductively was truly chilling.
I wasn’t angry about stepping into the tiger’s den myself; but honestly, it didn’t feel good at all. I struggled to hold back my rising anger when it was time for Mardian to spank me.
You brought this upon yourself, didn’t you?
But what could I do?
One thing I must clarify is this: I definitely do not have a submissive inclination.
If I had to choose, I’d say I’m much closer to being the one who makes others submit. Isn’t it common in typical TS stories to call them covers and blankets? Clearly, I’m in the ‘cover’ category.
Of course, I’m a person who knows this all too well. And right now, I find myself relying on the strength of someone like Mardian in a declining family. If I had a bit of power, I wouldn’t even consider associating with a sadist like Mardian.
But the reality is cold. I wasn’t born into a powerful family, let alone possessing a lineage like hers; I’m merely a noble’s daughter who is slowly decadently caught up in flattery.
Once again, let me make it clear.
My true essence is that of a man among men. I have no doubt that a fundamental macho spirit still lives deep within me. For now, all I’m doing is succumbing to reality, but the masculine heart nestled deep within me is surely still alive.
Just to clarify for anyone who might misunderstand, I want to make it known.
“…I need to secretly find some medicine.”
With a short sigh, I pulled my gaze away from the mirror.
If my mother saw this wound, I could easily picture her fretting over it in silence. I didn’t want to burden her with another worry, especially since she already worked day and night.
Dragging my heavy legs into the bathtub, the warm water with roses enveloped my lower body, sending a sharp pain through my calf.
“Haaah…”
The warmth of the water wrapping around me felt more relaxing than the pain in my calf. I wished I could close my eyes and fall asleep right there.
But I knew that would earn me a harsh word from Renihel, so I suppressed the urge to drift off and took a deep breath, dunking my head underwater.
I settled my chaotic thoughts in the water.
Having finally set my first foot into the treacherous world of high society, even if I was backed by the robust Mardian, I couldn’t rely solely on her forever.
I needed to expand my position as much and as quickly as possible. Even if I had to humble my pride, I needed to attach myself to powerful individuals in this world where power is everything.
Someone might say that’s petty. Well, let them say that. To those self-righteous folks, I wish they all could be reincarnated as commoners and see how far their precious pride gets them.
I’m just trying to live comfortably while putting on a facade.
As for my pride and the masculine spirit sleeping within me, I could pick that up when I become financially stable.
“Pfah!”
Clearing my jumbled thoughts, I lifted my head out of the water. It would be wise to practice holding my breath from now on. Given Mardian’s demeanor, it seemed she’d be rushing to choke me any day.
As I struck the water’s surface with my hand, a loud splash erupted, water splattering everywhere. With firm resolve, I clenched my fist and mentally vowed.
‘Survive. Survive and live comfortably with Mother here for a long, long time.’
With that promise, I slowly shut my eyes above the bathtub. When I opened them again, Renihel had a fierce expression as she scolded me.
I must have been more tired than I realized.
Anyway.
Time flew by rapidly, seemingly in stark contrast to my resolve.
A year had passed in no time.
I was still alive, wearing a smile on my lips.
And fortunately, I had begun to catch the favor of those high-ranking individuals in high society.
I thought everything was going quite smoothly.
Except there was one peculiar detail.
At some point, I began to be known by my name.
With the nickname “Pet Young Lady” following me around.
