Chapter 38

On a sunny afternoon, a table adorned with vibrant floral patterns, vases meticulously decorated with various flowers, sweet fruits and pastries on plates. This was a tea party hosted by Sharrione, where the laughter of beautiful young ladies echoed.

However, this familiar place felt strangely unfamiliar today. Despite having attended several times, the tranquility was shattered because of one person.

“Lady Viviana, aren’t you interested in the refreshments?”

“Hmm… I don’t particularly like sweets.”

The woman with deep black hair, reminiscent of a starry night sky, quietly replied as she lifted her tea cup. Though it was just the act of drinking tea, her elegance and noble demeanor naturally drew everyone’s attention.

‘Ugh… Viviana.’

The only difference from the usual tea parties was Viviana’s presence. Just one additional member, yet the atmosphere had completely shifted.

Previously, Sharrione and I were the center of attention, but now all focus was solely on Viviana.

And I found this situation extremely uncomfortable.

‘Is she really trying to block my path?’

Originally, this gathering was meant to comfort me. If Viviana hadn’t joined, there would have been numerous gifts prepared for me… but all plans were ruined.

‘…It can’t be helped.’

If I couldn’t receive gifts, the next best thing was to increase Sharrione’s favorability. Leaving behind the lively chatter of the young ladies and Viviana’s warm responses, I carefully leaned my head on Sharrione’s shoulder.

“Oh, are you tired, Tina?”

“No. I just want to be by your side, Sharrione.”

“Haha… Tina, you really are.”

Sharrione’s eyes lit up with an affectionate smile. With a faint blush, she gently stroked my head. I felt good from the warmth of her touch and nuzzled my face against her shoulder.

“Ah, by the way, are you using the gift I gave you?”

“Ah… that pretty crystal ball?”

It was a magical tool emitting a soft glow and playing soothing music. It seemed like something that would aid sleep and bring peace of mind.

“Yes, I heard it has special effects when used before bed. Do you know about it?”

“Uh, um… really?”

Special effects? I had no idea. In fact, I had left the gift unopened in my closet right after receiving it.

Caught off guard, I quickly gathered my thoughts. It was better to be honest than to pretend and get caught. I looked up at Sharrione with the most affectionate eyes I could muster.

“Actually… I haven’t even opened the gift you gave me because I wanted to cherish it. It’s too precious to me.”

“Oh, my, Tina…”

Sharrione hugged me tightly, touched by my words. Though I was almost suffocating in her embrace, I didn’t show it and stayed in her arms.

“Don’t worry about that, use it freely! For Tina, I can buy hundreds of such magical tools.”

“No, just your words are enough, Sharrione.”

At my words, Sharrione’s eyebrows twitched slightly. She released me with a slightly displeased expression and spoke in a low voice.

“Why do you think it’s just words?”

“Ah, even though I’m not smart, I know how expensive magical tools are in the market. Hundreds of them? I can’t even imagine the cost, and I don’t want to see you overexert yourself for me.”

“Overexert?”

My cautious words seemed to have hit Sharrione’s pride. Her always gentle face twisted slightly. After staring at me for a while, she smiled again and stroked my head.

“Tina, you don’t seem to know much about the Rodain Count Family. That must be my fault.”

“Huh? No, no… I know well.”

“I should show you. How much wealth our family possesses.”

“What?! No, you don’t have to…! I think I said something unnecessary. I’m sorry, Sharrione.”

“Shh. This is a matter of my pride, Tina.”

Her serious tone made me flustered. But secretly, I was quite satisfied with Sharrione’s reaction.

As expected, my prediction was right.

The three women at the center of the social circle: Mardian, Bersha, and finally Sharrione. Mardian was luxurious but had twisted walls, and Bersha had the problem of gifting the latest trendy pastries instead of expensive jewels.

But Sharrione was different. She was the one I could most advantageously utilize. Outwardly gentle, she had a strong sense of pride and would quickly open up with a little praise.

“It might be difficult to find time until tomorrow… but make some time next week, Tina.”

“You really don’t have to…”

It seemed she planned to flaunt the noble family’s wealth next week. Of course, she wouldn’t pour money on me, but even just playing along would benefit me.

Suppressing a rising smile, I looked up at Sharrione weakly.

“If Sharrione says so, I underst- Oof?”

Just as I was about to accept Sharrione’s offer, Viviana suddenly grabbed both my cheeks with her hands. Startled, I turned my gaze to meet her cold purple eyes staring sharply at me.

“Sorry, but Lady Tina seems to be busy next week.”

“Huh? What do you mean?”

Sharrione looked at Viviana with surprise. I also glared at her in disbelief, but Viviana smiled sweetly at me.

“Lady Tina, have you forgotten your promise to visit our mansion next week?”

“Ah… was that so, Tina?”

Sharrione looked at me with disappointment. Too stunned, I just blinked blankly. What on earth was this about? I had no memory of such a conversation with Viviana, let alone a promise to visit her mansion.

“Don’t you remember, Lady Tina?”

Viviana’s smile held a sharp warning instead of warmth. It was as if she was saying she knew what would happen if I didn’t agree. Unable to defy Viviana, I suppressed my rising anger and spoke to Sharrione in a deflated voice.

“…Sorry, I was so excited about being with Sharrione that I forgot.”

“That’s understandable, don’t worry.”

Fortunately, Sharrione accepted my apology with a happy heart. Suppressing the irritation rising to my throat, I forced a smile at Viviana.

“Lady Viviana, can we talk for a moment?”

After several disruptions like this, I couldn’t take it anymore. This was clearly intentional interference.

Whether she noticed my irritation or not, Viviana smiled carefreely and replied softly.

“Of course.”

Leaving the Rodain Count Family’s main gate and heading deep into the nearby garden, I checked several times that no one was around before glaring at Viviana with resentment.

“Lady Viviana… what on earth are you doing?”

“What do you mean?”

Her calm tone only fueled my anger. Pretending not to know now was utterly ridiculous.

“You… don’t know why I’m asking? You’re doing this on purpose! Always interfering!”

“What interference are you talking about?”

“That, that is…!”

Frustration rose to my throat, but I couldn’t bring myself to say it outright. I couldn’t just say, ‘You’re interfering with me extracting affection and money from a rich fool!’

As I hesitated, Viviana poked my forehead with her finger, her sharp gaze piercing.

“What on earth are you doing? Do you lack learning ability?”

“…Huh? No. Are you getting mad at me now?”

I was the one who should be annoyed, so why was Viviana getting angry? It made no sense.

“After what happened with Mardian, haven’t you learned your lesson? Do you need to go through that again to wake up?”

The unexpected mention of Mardian made me blink in confusion. Why was she suddenly bringing up Mardian?

“What are you talking about? Why are you bringing up Lady Mardian?”

“Didn’t you get kidnapped after acting cute with Mardian? Are you going to throw tantrums with another woman like that?”

“Huh…?”

This was utterly ridiculous. Her words implied that Mardian kidnapping me was my fault, akin to a harasser claiming the victim seduced them.

“No, that kind of thing won’t happen again!”

“Why not? Looking at what you’re doing…”

“Of course not! That incident happened because Lady Mardian was a perverted trash who sexually desired other women.”

“Pe, perverted trash?”

Suddenly, Viviana’s calm eyes seemed to tremble slightly.

“Unlike Mardian, who was trapped in twisted desires, the other young ladies simply adore me like a pet. So, such a thing won’t happen again.”

Who would have sexual desires for their pet? Except for Mardian, who appears as a crazy villainess in the game, no one would do such a crazy thing.

“Or are you, Lady Viviana, looking at me, your pet, with sexual desire?”

Viviana took a step back, seemingly realizing how absurd her thoughts were.

“Of course not.”

“See. Then what’s the problem?”

“Well, obviously…!”

Viviana opened her mouth with an irritated tone but couldn’t come up with any counterargument. Or rather, she couldn’t. Because what I said was right.

In the game, she was portrayed as a perfect character, but in reality, she was a complete airhead.

‘Stupid Viviana.’