Chapter 11

Viviana Merdelia.

She was one of the protagonists of [Princess Training Simulation], a cheat character who could effortlessly dominate the game from the start.

Monster-like stats.

Brilliant swordsmanship.

A massive background as a ducal family.

Though she had one painful flaw, purely in terms of specs, she was a perfect hexagonal character.

It felt unfair. If I had just one of Viviana’s advantages, I could have enjoyed a much more comfortable NEET life.

‘…By the way, she’s really pretty in person.’

No wonder she’s the protagonist.

Even when playing the game, I thought she was pretty, but seeing her in person made me realize how much the in-game art undersold her beauty. It was the kind of beauty that made you gasp.

Even if her face is pretty.

Why is she so tall, like a model?

And why does her chest have such a perfect shape?

“…”

I looked away from Viviana and glanced at my own chest. I thought I didn’t care about chest size, but for some reason, I felt bitter.

It wasn’t just her appearance. She was the sole princess of the prestigious Merdelia Ducal Family. Even nobles of higher status than me were desperately trying to cling to her and gain her attention.

“Tch.”

When they first saw me, they all looked at me with disdain, but in front of Viviana, they groveled. Even in a world where status is everything, they were way too materialistic.

‘…Not that I’m in a position to judge materialistic people.’

I’m probably the most materialistic person here. Thinking about it, it was like spitting on my own face. I let out a short sigh to release the pent-up frustration and forced a smile.

Well, the protagonist is the protagonist. I’m me.

It’s not strange for Viviana to be here. This banquet was personally invited by the Imperial Palace. Even Viviana couldn’t refuse an invitation from the palace.

I didn’t expect to run into one of the protagonists here, but nothing changes. Let the protagonist do her cheat-level drama, and I’ll just act according to my station.

“Lady Sharrione!”

“Oh, Tina.”

I ran into the arms of the woman who smiled brightly at me. Sharrione hugged me warmly, then looked at the blue necklace around my neck with a touched expression.

“You’re wearing the necklace I gave you? I’m so glad.”

“Of course, it’s a gift from you, Lady Sharrione. I’ll treasure it forever.”

“Hehe… You’re so sweet. I’ll get you another one next time, so you don’t have to be so formal.”

After exchanging brief greetings with Sharrione, I naturally joined the group she was talking with. Amidst the flowing conversations, at some point, the other young ladies started looking at me with curious eyes.

“I’ve heard the rumors, but you’re really adorable… Your hair is so white, like a puff of cotton. I want to touch it.”

At the young lady’s words, Sharrione smiled warmly and stroked my head.

“Hehe… You can touch her as much as you like. Right, Tina?”

“Of course! I don’t mind.”

“Oh my…”

With my permission, the young ladies’ hands reached out to me. Some stroked my head, while others pinched my cheeks. I smiled comfortably, not resisting their hands that treated me like a pet.

“…I wish someone like Tina lived in my mansion. I could pet her every day.”

One young lady looked at me with a longing gaze, but Sharrione immediately extended her hand with a stern expression.

“No, Lady Margaret. Tina is our communal property.”

“I-I’m sorry, Lady Sharrione.”

With Sharrione’s words, a tense atmosphere briefly filled the air, but soon, as if nothing had happened, the cheerful and harmonious mood returned.

This is why the social circle is so scary.

As the banquet flowed on.

I yawned internally and glanced at the clock on the wall. The time I promised to meet Mardian was approaching. As I got up from my seat, leaving the young ladies chatting, Sharrione looked at me curiously.

“Oh, where are you going?”

“I want to greet Lady Mardian too. I’ll be back soon.”

“Hehe… Tina, you’re so kind. Go ahead.”

I bowed respectfully to Sharrione and left the banquet hall. Walking down the long hallway and turning to the side, a gorgeous garden illuminated by faint moonlight came into view.

“You’re here, Tina.”

A woman with bright golden hair placed her hand on my shoulder. The wine glass in her hand made her look even more elegant.

“Hehe… I missed you, Lady Mardian.”

“I couldn’t calm my excitement thinking about you, Tina.”

Mardian handed me the wine glass. Not understanding her intention, I tilted my head in confusion, and Mardian smiled seductively as she spoke.

“Today, we’re going to be a bit wild, so drink up.”

“Huh? No, no, it’s fine.”

This crazy villainess.

What are you offering to a 16-year-old girl?

I tried to refuse with a polite smile, but Mardian seemed to interpret my answer differently.

“Right, you prefer to stay sober, huh? You sly fox.”

“Eek…!”

Mardian suddenly grabbed my wrist tightly. The pain from her stronger-than-usual grip made me wince. I let out a faint groan, but Mardian didn’t stop and dragged me deeper into the garden.

As we went further in, the crowd thinned, and the voices grew faint. Finally, we arrived at a secluded spot surrounded by tall grass, where even the music from the banquet couldn’t be heard.

“Ha… Tina, take off your skirt right now.”

Mardian’s face was redder than usual, and I felt bewildered. Did something happen to upset her?

“L-Lady Mardian…? Did something happen…?”

“Something… Yeah, you could call it that.”

Her sharp gaze, sharper than usual, stared at me. Before I could figure out what was going on, Mardian grabbed my neck with both hands.

“Eek!”

“I don’t know why, but lately, seeing you smile at other girls makes me furious.”

“Gasp, I-I can’t breathe, L-Lady Mardian.”

“Of course, I said I’d help you expand your standing, but how should I deal with a pet who flirts with everyone while her master is watching?”

In the suffocating situation, my thoughts narrowed, and my mind was filled with nothing but confusion. When did you encourage me to get closer to others, and now you’re saying this? What do you want me to do?

But in front of Mardian, I couldn’t voice even a hint of dissatisfaction. I couldn’t understand why Mardian had changed like this, but all I could offer her was an apology.

“S-Sorry, I’m sorry.”

“…”

“Gasp, sob, I’m sorry, L-Lady Mardian, sis…”

At the word “sis,” Mardian’s red eyes twitched. She bit her lip a few times, then released my neck. As I collapsed to the ground, gasping for breath, Mardian sighed and hugged me.

“Sorry, Tina. I got too carried away… I don’t know why I’ve become so sensitive.”

“N-No, it’s fine. If I could ease your mind, even a little, I’m happy.”

“…You really are something, Tina.”

Mardian’s red eyes wavered. After biting her lip for a moment, she smiled and pointed to a statue in the garden.

“Now, put your hands on this and stick out your butt.”

“T-That’s…”

“Do it.”

I couldn’t refuse.

Thanks to her, I’ve been able to live this life, so my leash is essentially in Mardian’s hands.

I obediently placed my hands on the statue and stuck out my butt. Mardian confidently approached me, grabbed my skirt, and lifted it up.

“Hold it in your mouth.”

“…Yes.”

Without resistance, I held the hem of my skirt in my mouth. Mardian chuckled and stroked my head, then began caressing my thigh.

Her perverse touch gave me chills. I couldn’t understand why she enjoyed this. I could ignore my pride being crushed countless times, but enduring this sexual humiliation was hard.

It must be my inner machismo being trampled.

Even if I act like it’s nothing, I’m a strong man to the core.

‘Damn villainess.’

If only I had power… If only I were born into the royal family… I’d have dealt with a villainess like you right away—

**Slap—!**

“Ahhh?!”

A sharp palm suddenly struck my butt.

The pain was more intense than usual.

I couldn’t help but let out a high-pitched scream.