*Sigh.*
Leaving Viviana alone in the reception room, I stepped out into the hallway and let out a deep sigh. The fresh outside air helped calm my tangled thoughts, even if just a little.
“Should I act fake or not? Seriously…”
Acting fake would make things easier for me. I wouldn’t have to overthink every word or feel embarrassed. But Viviana seems to hate fake attitudes, so I tried to be genuine with her. And now, I’m being told to act fake again…
“Hmph, she’s so self-centered.”
Thinking about Viviana’s personality, it wasn’t surprising. She’s always lived life on her own terms. Overthinking it would just make my head spin more.
I looked at my reflection in the window. My eyes lacked confidence, and my lips trembled. With such an awkward expression, I wouldn’t be able to win anyone’s favor.
I forced a smile, stretching my lips with two fingers. I fixed my messy hair and tried to brighten my eyes. Looking back at the mirror, my beautiful face was shining.
“Yeah, that’s better.”
The banquet wasn’t over yet. Now was the perfect time to milk sympathy from the other young ladies, especially since they thought I was heartbroken over the incident with Mardian.
Forget the self-centered Viviana. It’s time to put on a pitiful face and gather sympathy. I walked back to the banquet hall with light steps. Thankfully, Sharrione and her group were still gathered in the same spot.
“Lady Sharrione!”
“Oh, Tina’s here.”
Sharrione smiled brightly at me. She patted her lap twice, inviting me over. I naturally sat on the sofa and rested my head on her lap. As I nuzzled into Sharrione’s warm lap, the other young ladies approached me with curious eyes.
“Tina! Tell us what happened!”
“Why did Princess Merdelia call you over?”
“This is the first time I’ve seen her up close. She’s so beautiful, isn’t she?”
They seemed curious about Viviana. Of course they would be. She’s the sole princess of the Merdelia Ducal Family, after all. For someone who rarely attends social gatherings to show up at such a modest banquet was bound to be a hot topic.
Even Sharrione looked down at me with curiosity in her eyes. It really hit me how popular Viviana was. Some people have to attend every banquet to get attention, while others don’t even need to show their face to be the center of attention.
You’re really something, Lady Viviana.
“I didn’t expect Princess Merdelia to attend the banquet. Did you hear the reason?”
I hesitated for a moment at Sharrione’s question. Of course, I knew the reason. Viviana herself had told me.
She came just to see me.
That’s what Princess Viviana said.
I wanted to brag, but it wouldn’t do me any good, so I held back. Instead, I looked at the young ladies with a sad smile.
“There was a small incident involving me recently. She just came to offer some comfort, that’s all.”
“Ah…”
At the mention of Mardian, the young ladies looked at me with even more pity. I kept a weak smile on my face and waved my hand dismissively.
“I’m really fine! It’s nothing serious, right?”
“You don’t look fine at all.”
Sharrione, who had been looking at me with sad eyes, seemed to ponder for a moment before speaking with a determined expression.
“This won’t do. Next week, we’ll host a tea party for Tina at our mansion.”
“Really? Please invite us too, Lady Sharrione. We want to comfort Tina as well.”
“That’s right. Our pet looks so down, we can’t just stand by.”
I stifled a laugh at the young ladies’ enthusiastic reactions. Sharrione, unaware of my true feelings, looked at me with a pleased expression.
“Come with a light heart, Tina.”
“Yes! Thank you so much, Lady Sharrione.”
“If it’s not too much trouble, I’d like to be invited as well.”
Amidst the cheerful laughter, a sudden chill swept through the air. As I tried to calm my trembling body, I turned my gaze and met Viviana’s faintly glowing purple eyes.
“Oh, Princess Merdelia…”
I wasn’t the only one caught off guard. Sharrione also looked at Viviana with a puzzled expression. Viviana, for some reason, was glaring sharply at Sharrione’s hand, which was stroking my head.
“Are you saying you’ll attend my tea party?”
“Yes, of course, if it’s not inconvenient for you.”
“Of course, you’re more than welcome.”
Sharrione’s smile widened, as if she was genuinely pleased to welcome Viviana. She probably wanted to expand her influence through Viviana. After all, Viviana wasn’t just anyone—she was the princess of the empire’s top swordsmanship family. Her mere attendance would cause a stir.
The other young ladies also welcomed Viviana’s attendance with bright smiles.
As their faces brightened, mine darkened. What was supposed to be a tea party to comfort me had suddenly turned into a glorious event centered around Viviana.
What are you doing, Viviana? Ruining my plans like this. I was planning to act pitiful and receive gifts from the young ladies, but thanks to her, that’s impossible now.
I glared at Viviana with resentment, but she ignored my gaze and continued chatting with the excited young ladies.
In the end, I sighed in resignation and rested my head back on Sharrione’s lap. Sharrione chuckled softly and gently fixed my hair.
“Huhu… Tina, you’re such a lucky charm.”
“Me?”
“Yes.”
Sharrione smiled faintly as she looked at Viviana, surrounded by the young ladies.
“To have a connection with Princess Merdelia. You’re such a lovable pet.”
“Ah…”
“Huhu… Meeting you was truly a stroke of luck in my life.”
Seeing the deep affection in Sharrione’s eyes, I instinctively knew. This was the perfect opportunity to raise her favorability even more.
“I’m so happy to hear that, Lady Sharrione…!”
I immediately sat up and positioned myself on Sharrione’s lap. Sitting so close that our chests touched was quite embarrassing, but in the context of a pet and owner, it wouldn’t seem strange.
“Lady Sharrione, there’s something I want to tell you.”
“Oh? What is it?”
From what I’ve observed, Sharrione also has a bit of a soft spot. Now’s the perfect time to increase her favorability.
“I… actually, Lady Sharrione and I—”
“Excuse me.”
“—could be closer— Eek?!”
Suddenly, a pale white hand pressed hard against both my cheeks, causing a deflating sound to escape my lips. I turned my gaze in confusion and saw that it was none other than Viviana who had blocked my face.
“L-Lady Viviana…?”
She had been surrounded by the young ladies just moments ago. When did she get here? But there was no time to think about that. Viviana, for some reason, lifted me up with cold eyes and sat me down beside her, then squeezed herself between me and Sharrione.
“You must be Lady Sharrione of the Rodain Count Family, correct?”
“Oh, you remember our family. It’s an honor.”
Sharrione’s face lit up with gratitude at the simple greeting. Viviana smiled brightly and continued.
“How could I forget? The Rodain Family has always had an excellent reputation within the empire.”
“Hoho, not even close to the Merdelia Ducal Family. I’ve always wanted to have a conversation with you, Princess.”
From then on, the two of them started chatting in their own little world. Left out in an instant, I stared at Viviana in disbelief. What on earth is she doing?
Everything was going so well, and now she shows up to ruin it again. Not once, but twice she’s stolen my spotlight. Is she doing this on purpose?
I started to feel annoyed as Viviana kept excluding me from the conversation. I placed a hand on Viviana’s thigh and pinched her as hard as I could to vent my frustration.
Viviana, who had been chatting with Sharrione, glanced at me briefly, then leaned in close to my ear and whispered coldly.
“Enough. I’m not in a good mood right now.”
“…Huh?”
Wait, I’m the one who got my spotlight stolen…
Why are *you* mad?