Chapter 10

Today, as always, I had a meal with my mother, and compared to a year ago, the food on the table was much more abundant.

“Ta-da! A gift for you, Mother.”

I smiled as I showed her the blue gem I received from Lady Sharrione. It looked expensive at a glance, and I thought it would surely help with the family’s debt.

I thought Mother would like it, but contrary to my expectations, her expression turned dark.

“…Tina. Lately, people in society have been calling you a ‘pet lady.'”

“That’s right. The high-ranking people all think I’m pretty.”

Thanks to that, I’ve received many jewels and dresses I never thought I’d have in my life. Of course, I can’t sell them right now, but in about three years, I’ll be able to dispose of them all and reduce the family’s debt.

“…You are my world and everything, and it hurts my heart to see others treating you like that.”

Her sorrowful blue eyes clearly showed her feelings. From Mother’s perspective, it’s a natural concern. While some people see me as pretty, others call me shameless and servile. Mother probably doesn’t like those kinds of looks.

“Tina. I’ll work hard to pay off the family debt… I just want you to grow up properly.”

“…”

A faint smile escaped my lips at Mother’s stubbornness. How can someone who works so hard every day, even to the point of nosebleeds, work even harder? Truly, Artasha is such a gentle mother.

I quietly got up and walked over to where Artasha was sitting. Sitting on her warm lap and hugging her, her watermelon-sized chest warmly enveloped me.

“Ti, Tina. It’s mealtime now, so behave—.”

“Don’t worry, Mother. I don’t care what others say about me.”

Being looked down upon was already something I was used to. I didn’t have any pride to begin with, and even if I felt bad, thinking about the jewels I received made it easy to laugh it off.

“And all those people who say bad things about me can’t say a word to my face. You saw what happened to the Crown family’s young master last time, right?”

“…”

It was during a ball one day. The young master of the Crown family suddenly approached me and confessed that he had fallen in love at first sight. I politely declined, but his pride was hurt, and he called me a whore no different from a brothel girl.

To cut to the chase… that man probably won’t be showing up in high society anymore. I forced some tears and ran to Mardian, and the furious Mardian and other ladies punished him on my behalf.

Since then, no one has dared to openly insult me in front of me. Of course, there are still those who sneer, but their looks are none of my concern.

“Mother, you’re worried because you want me to grow up happily, right?”

“…Yes.”

“But Mother. I want to grow up happily with you.”

I wrapped my arms around Mother’s neck and pulled her closer. Looking up at her with wide eyes, her eyes trembled and she began to sway.

“…Still, Tina.”

“Eep.”

*Mwah*

I left a small kiss on Mother’s pale cheek. Mother froze mid-sentence, unable to finish her words. Her dramatic reaction made me giggle.

She always does this.

Even though I’ve kissed her cheeks many times, Mother still gets flustered every time I show affection.

“Ti, Tina.”

*Mwah-mwah-mwah*

I left light kisses on Mother’s forehead, neck, shoulders, ears, and everywhere except her lips. It seemed to work, as Mother didn’t say anything more.

“Just bear with it a little longer. I want to pay off the debt and live happily and comfortably with you.”

“…Sigh, alright.”

Success.

Mother, who had been looking at me with mixed feelings, reluctantly sighed and nodded. Honestly, as a man, I wondered if it was okay to act so spoiled, but since it’s Mother, it probably doesn’t count. After all, I’ve never kissed anyone else.

Mother elegantly twirled some pasta on her fork and held it out to me. I opened my mouth, and she gently fed me the pasta.

“I heard there’s a banquet this week to celebrate the Third Princess’s wedding. You’ve received an invitation, Tina, so it would be best to attend.”

“Yes, I’ll go then.”

If I fall out of favor with the Imperial Palace, no matter how much I’m doted on, it’s over, so it’s better to go if possible. And who knows, maybe I’ll receive another jewel this time.

“The necklace is a gift… it would be good to wear it at the next banquet.”

Mother left a quick kiss on my cheek and then placed the accessory in her hand around my neck. I briefly looked at the glowing blue gem on my neck and smiled brightly at her.

“As expected, Mother is a genius.”

*

“…My daughter.”

I know why those high-nosed ladies dote on Tina so much.

It’s simple.

It’s just that they’re happy and joyful when Tina is around. Even I, who am usually stoic, can’t stop smiling when I’m with her, and my quiet heart fills with happiness when she shows me affection.

And I’m sure the other ladies feel the same way. It’s an objective fact that Tina is beautiful and has a lovely personality, something everyone unanimously agrees on.

But she’s too beautiful.

That’s what worries me as a mother.

Normally, I wouldn’t worry about such things.

But about a year ago.

At some point, Tina’s personality completely changed. The once quiet and reserved child has now become a seductive yet lovable woman, even making me, her family, occasionally frustrated.

Tina says she matured after reading a book about a mother’s love, but what kind of book could change a person so drastically?

That’s why I’m afraid.

Right now, the other ladies see Tina as a cute and pitiful creature, but who knows when that fondness might turn into lust.

Even I sometimes get so captivated by Tina’s charm that I forget she’s my daughter, so how much more so for the other ladies?

And when that happens, will Tina be safe from the hands of those high-ranking people?

“…I need to work harder.”

I clenched my fists and steeled my resolve.

The only way to ensure Tina’s and my happiness is to pay off this mountain of debt as soon as possible.

*

“Wow… amazing…”

I muttered softly as I stared at the banquet hall. It was overwhelmingly grand compared to any ball I’d attended before. The entire place was filled with shining gold. Various musicians were showcasing their talents, and famous nobles were dancing along.

The interior was so dazzling it felt almost blinding, and the ceiling sparkled with countless gold stars. At the center of the banquet was a magnificent chandelier, its candles brightly illuminating the space even in the night.

‘…A toast to the Princess’s wedding, it seems real.’

The royal family isn’t royal for nothing. How many places in the Empire can host a banquet like this? I wondered if I’d be happy if I were reincarnated as a royal. But upon reflection, if that happened, I wouldn’t have met Artasha, so it’s a no.

“Tina.”

A familiar voice reached my ears. I immediately smiled and turned my head. Bright red eyes were looking at me. The woman had sharp features, but it only accentuated her charm as a villainess.

“Mardian!”

“Hehe.”

Without hesitation, I ran into her arms. Mardian smiled faintly and embraced me with both arms. In that position, she gently stroked my head and whispered softly into my ear.

“Come out to the garden.”

“…Okay.”

Her sticky voice instinctively made my body tremble. Mardian gave a seductive smile at my affirmation, then secretly gave my butt a rough squeeze before walking away.

“Ugh…”

Such a sadistic villainess.

She’s probably planning to do ‘that’ again.

Not a pervert, but really.

So annoying.

If I had been reincarnated as a high-ranking royal, Mardian would be the one groveling at my feet. But that’s not the reality.

And I can’t really complain. The reason I’ve been able to survive in high society is solely because of Mardian’s active support.

So I’ll just bear with it a little longer.

Physical pain is fleeting anyway. Everything Mardian has done so far has been harsh, but not unbearable.

It’ll probably be the same this time.

I took a short breath and opened my eyes brightly. Rather than standing still, it’s better to greet the ladies I know.

While exchanging hugs with the ladies who welcomed me, I suddenly felt the atmosphere around me change.

Looking around, everyone, regardless of age or gender, was whispering and looking towards the entrance of the hall.

Following their gaze, I looked at the entrance. The massive gold-plated doors opened, and a knight standing guard lowered his sword and loudly announced.

“Her Grace, the Duchess of Merdelia, is entering!”

With his words, a woman appeared at the entrance. She was dressed in a dark, night-sky-like gown, her hair jet black, and her eyes glowed with an amethyst hue.

The woman who suddenly appeared at the banquet instantly captured everyone’s attention. Despite simply walking, an undeniable aura of nobility and an unapproachable air radiated from her.

Tension, respect, wariness, jealousy.

As the nobles looked at her with various emotions, I blinked blankly and repeated her name.

“…Merdelia?”

It was a name I knew all too well.

A name I could never forget.

Viviana Merdelia.

The sole heir of the ducal family who reached the peak of swordsmanship.

A monster who swept away enemies with overwhelming power.

A future hero of the Empire.

Or the one who would bring about the Empire’s downfall.

And.

One of the two protagonists of the game [Princess Training Simulation].