Chapter 27

“Ugh…”

Bright sunlight seeped through the morning.

Frowning, I sat up in bed. As soon as my eyes opened, a nauseous feeling welled up inside me. My stomach felt heavy, as if a stone had been placed on it.

Every month, without fail, this would come. I let out a short sigh.

‘…Has the cycle already come around again?’

Menstruation. Even though I had possessed a female body and was still getting used to the biological functions of a woman, menstruation was something I could never quite adapt to.

I tried to get out of bed, but my legs felt weak. Still, I had no choice but to get up. There were many young ladies calling for me, and even more banquets and social gatherings I had to attend. Struggling, I got up and headed to the bathroom. The moment my feet touched the cold marble floor, I felt a bit more awake.

I thoroughly washed my body with warm water. Using the soap and oil with the popular scent among the young ladies these days, I cleaned myself neatly. With the faint cherry scent wafting from my hair, I headed to the living room. There, as always, was the middle-aged woman devoted to the Blanchard Baronet Family’s Mansion.

“Good morning, Ranihel…”

“Oh, young lady, did you not sleep well? You don’t look so good.”

“It’s that time of the month.”

Ranihel’s eyes widened for a moment, then she soon turned with a gentle smile and headed to the kitchen.

“I’ll make you a warm cup of tea. If you need painkillers, just let me know.”

“Thanks. Where’s Mother?”

“The family head is in the office.”

Handling work from early morning, she really was a diligent person. If Mother had been leading the Blanchard family from the beginning, many things might have been different.

“Then can you make Mother’s share too? I want to bring it to her.”

“Haha, of course. The family head will be pleased.”

Ranihel cheerfully made tea for both me and Mother. One was sweet black tea to my taste, and the other was a slightly nutty drink for Mother.

Carrying the teacup on the tray Ranihel handed me, I carefully climbed the mansion’s stairs. Walking down the familiar hallway, I finally arrived at Mother’s office and opened the door.

Mother’s blue eyes, always working in the same spot, turned toward me, and soon a kind smile spread across her lips.

“Good morning.”

“Good morning, Mother. I brought tea, would you like a cup?”

“…Thank you.”

I handed Mother the teacup and sat on the sofa. As a sip of warm black tea flowed down my throat, my uncomfortable stomach began to calm a bit. Mother put down her pen for a moment, picked up something, and sat across from me.

“Here’s some chocolate I bought this morning. Take it to your room later.”

“Huh? Why chocolate all of a sudden?”

“Isn’t it about time for your cycle? Eating something sweet will make you feel a little better.”

Despite Mother’s calm demeanor, my eyes welled up with emotion. I had received countless chocolates from high-ranking young ladies, but never had I been this happy.

“Did you buy this yourself, Mother…?”

“I just stopped by while taking a morning walk. Don’t worry about it.”

Mother spoke as if it were nothing, but I pursed my lips and moved closer to her. Wrapping my arms around her thin, white neck, Mother naturally lifted me with both hands and sat me on her lap.

I buried my face in Mother’s shoulder and nuzzled against her. Mother smiled faintly and patted my head. With my arms around her neck, I looked up. Mother’s warm smile and sparkling eyes met mine. I gazed into her blue eyes for a moment, then slowly pressed my lips against her neck.

*Mwah-*

A small sound escaped as my lips touched her skin.

“I love you, Mother.”

Mother quietly smiled and hugged me tighter. I buried my face in her soft hair and kissed her again. Mother’s scent enveloped me. I continued to leave small kisses all over her face. In this moment, it felt like only the two of us existed in the world.

Mother’s embrace was warm and comforting. Wanting to express my endless love, I kept kissing her. Forehead, nose, chin, and then cheeks. Like a baby bird seeking affection from its mother, I left lip marks on her pure white face.

Just as I was about to kiss her cheek one last time, Mother turned her head, and my lips accidentally landed somewhere else.

*Mwah-*

“Huh?”

An unexpected soft sensation touched my lips. I had meant to kiss her cheek, but I accidentally kissed Mother’s lips instead.

I was momentarily shocked and stared at Mother with wide eyes. She looked back at me with a surprised expression. As I stared at her blinking eyes, my face turned red in an instant.

What if Mother found me disgusting? Even though women are generally lenient about same-sex skin contact, kissing on the lips might be considered unpleasant.

“I-I’m sorry, Mother…”

I stammered, not knowing what to do. Mother looked at me for a moment, then burst into laughter and patted my head.

“I love you too, my daughter.”

“…”

Thank goodness…

I had been worried that Mother might find me disgusting, but it seemed my worries were unfounded.

Though I was still embarrassed, I felt a bit relieved by Mother’s generous response. Feeling the warmth of Artasha’s embrace, I hugged her tightly again. This time, more carefully, I kissed her cheek once more. She gently stroked me, accepting my apology.

“…Hehe.”

By the way, that was my first kiss.

But since it’s Mother, it doesn’t count, right?

—

*Munch*

I popped a piece of chocolate Mother gave me into my mouth. As the chocolate touched my lips, I felt its smooth texture, and a sweet yet slightly bitter taste spread across my tongue.

“It’s sweet.”

Wiping the chocolate off my lips, I looked up. Staring at my reflection in the mirror, I drew a pleasant smile on my lips, just like any other morning.

‘Today is Sharrione’s tea party.’

Three months had passed, but I was still living the same routine.

I was still monopolizing the affection of the young ladies in the social circle, and with their support, I was living comfortably. The expensive treasures they occasionally gifted me were safely stored under my wardrobe.

The perverted villainess Mardian, who had been after my lips for a while, stopped trying to kiss me after I told her that my biological father had sexually harassed me. Though she still occasionally slapped my butt or choked me, I could endure that much, so it was fine.

Now that I’m sixteen, considering Mother’s abilities, I think by the time I’m twenty, the Blanchard family’s debts will be all cleared.

And after that, I can sell all the precious jewels my dear masters have given me and live the carefree life I’ve always wanted.

And Viviana.

I haven’t seen Viviana since I sent her a farewell letter. She must have lost interest in me, as she didn’t even reply to my letter and disappeared from the social circle.

That was normal. Viviana rarely showed up in the social circle to begin with. It was unusual for her to attend three consecutive banquets before.

She was walking the path of a protagonist, and I was just living according to my abilities.

“Today is Sharrione… tomorrow is Bersha, and the day after, a new acquaintance invited me.”

I’m busy. Just this week alone, there are five tea parties I need to attend. As Mother said, I should rest during my period, but there’s a reason I push myself to attend these events.

My birthday is coming up in November.

Last year, I didn’t have many connections since I had just possessed this body, and the family’s reputation wasn’t great, so Mother and I spent my birthday quietly. But this year, I was sure it would be different.

That’s why I’m pushing myself to attend these parties. It might be materialistic, but I couldn’t help but look forward to it. The young ladies who give me expensive jewels in daily life, what would they give me on my birthday?

Sincere affection?

Passionate interest?

I don’t need any of that.

‘I hope they give me something expensive.’

Something easy to resell.