Chapter 44

“Princess, I dare to ask something that my inadequacy finds hard to understand.”

Having served the Merdelia Ducal Family with conviction for over 20 years, Alphonse, who was granted the position of Head Butler overseeing the mansion’s operations, expressed his dissatisfaction to his master for the first time.

“Understand?”

Her violet eyes swept over Alphonse, as if directly saying, “Do I really need to explain myself to you?”

The faint frost and chill in Viviana’s voice made Alphonse instinctively shrink back, but the years he had devoted to the Merdelia Ducal Family were too significant for him to falter over something like this.

“Yes. You clearly said you brought the young lady of the Blanchard family to keep as a pet.”

“Right, that’s correct. I had a massage yesterday, and it was quite refreshing. I didn’t know she had such talent.”

“…I’ll overlook the fact that you’ve confined a noble lady to the mansion. I know your personality well enough—once you’re interested in something, you’ll do whatever it takes to keep it in your grasp.”

And knowing how quickly her interest fades, Alphonse didn’t pay much attention. No matter how adorable the rumored Pet Lady might be, Viviana’s interest would surely wane within three months.

However, there was something else he couldn’t accept.

“Why did you assign ‘The Fang’ as her guard?”

The Merdelia Ducal Family is renowned for its overwhelming swordsmanship. When discussing the family’s military strength, everyone would unanimously mention the Moonlight Knights.

The Moonlight Knights, known for their unyielding will and fierce momentum, are said to never break their swords and never stop until all enemies are annihilated.

Especially the Moonlight Knights led by Princess Merdelia, who have earned a reputation as the strongest.

That was the rumor spread among the public.

However, within the Merdelia Ducal Mansion, there exist monsters that even the Moonlight Knights dare not compare to.

The Fangs of Merdelia.

A small elite group of eight.

Their existence is unknown even to the royal family. They operate only in the deepest shadows, leaving no trace, and only three people know of their existence.

The current head of the Merdelia Ducal Family, who is defending the Empire at the frontlines. His daughter, Princess Viviana, whom Alphonse currently serves. And finally, Alphonse himself, who has devoted 20 years to the Ducal Family.

Anyone who has faced The Fang even once would realize that even the revered Moonlight Knights are mere prey before their fangs.

Of course, they don’t serve the Merdelia Ducal Family out of mere loyalty. The only reason such monstrous beings form a group is for one thing.

An overwhelmingly powerful master and wealth so vast that no one dares to complain.

The annual expenditure on The Fang from the Ducal Mansion’s wealth is staggering. Even Alphonse thought the Duke was embezzling when he first saw the amount. The payment for just one member of The Fang exceeds ten times the average salary of the Moonlight Knights.

And yet, his master had assigned one of them to guard the daughter of a declining baron.

“It’s not a guard, it’s surveillance.”

“…What?”

Alphonse blinked blankly at Viviana’s calm voice.

“If left alone, who knows what she might do. I needed someone to keep an eye on her.”

“But, what could that young lady possibly do… If you’re so concerned, why not just assign soldiers? Why use The Fang?”

He had heard the rumors about the Pet Lady. They said she was a pure, harmless, and lovely young lady, her delicate figure stirring protective instincts, and her radiant smile made people unconsciously pat her head.

But that was it. That was all there was to it.

What could possibly warrant assigning one of the Merdelia Ducal Family’s greatest assets to her? And not just any member, but the most ruthless and merciless one.

“You don’t need to know. In fact, it’s better if you don’t.”

Viviana’s sharp voice warned him not to pry further.

But even so, to uphold the pride of having served the Merdelia Ducal Family for 20 years, Alphonse had to ensure his master’s safety.

“…Then, this insolent servant has just one more question.”

“Speak.”

Fortunately, Viviana allowed Alphonse to continue. He looked into her violet eyes for a moment before speaking in a serious tone.

“Are you certain that your feelings for that young lady are merely interest?”

Viviana let out a soft chuckle. She propped her chin on her hand, looked at Alphonse, and shrugged.

“What else could there be?”

*

“Are you here, Master?”

“….”

Viviana didn’t respond to my bright voice and beaming smile. After staring at me at the door for a while, she sighed and approached me.

“You’ve been waiting quietly again today. I thought you’d at least show some dissatisfaction.”

Viviana smiled faintly as she untied my arms from the bed. I moved my freed hand and immediately reached out to grab her collar.

I was trying to playfully surprise her, but Viviana just looked at me with calm eyes, showing no significant reaction. I guess someone who’s been through the battlefield isn’t fazed by such antics.

“What are you doing, Tina?”

At Viviana’s calm voice, I slowly loosened my grip.

“I was going to help you change your clothes, Master.”

With a bright smile, I carefully removed Viviana’s coat. My weak hands slowly let the thick coat fall onto the bed. As I undid a few buttons on her shirt, I whispered in a soft voice.

“You’ve had a long day, Master. If you’re okay with it, would you like a massage?”

“….”

The familiar lack of response. But I, being quick-witted, had already figured out Viviana’s thoughts. She clearly wanted a massage but couldn’t bring herself to ask.

Yesterday, Viviana was clearly satisfied with my massage. For Viviana, who is stingy with praise, to say it was quite good spoke volumes.

She probably wants a massage right now, doesn’t she?

But her pride must be stopping her from asking. Thinking about it, Viviana has quite a cute side too.

Well, I have no choice. In times like these, it’s up to me, the adult, to take the initiative.

“You don’t have to be shy, Master. Just lie down, and I’ll give you a massage. I’m sure you’ll—”

-Thwack!

“Eek?!”

A sudden flick on my forehead sent a sharp pain through my head. I instinctively grabbed my forehead from the sudden sting.

“Ouch….”

Tears welled up as I looked ahead, only to see Viviana’s eyes, which I thought would be flustered, now coldly staring at me.

“You’ve been getting cheeky since yesterday.”

“V-Viviana…?”

This wasn’t the reaction I expected. I thought she would reluctantly accept my offer for a massage, and then I could make a personal request while she was satisfied with the massage…

“Didn’t you say you wouldn’t be hypocritical with me?”

But what came back was Viviana’s icy voice. Her pointed remark left me speechless for a while.

“W-Well….”

It’s true that I promised not to be hypocritical in front of her. But right now, I’m doing my best to flatter her to gain her favor.

But I also feel a bit wronged.

‘How am I supposed to flatter without being hypocritical…’

Hypocrisy is my magic.

With no real talent to speak of, and a despicable nature to match, hypocrisy is the magic that allows me to draw everyone’s attention with a radiant smile.

If even this mask is taken from me, what would be left? Just a pitiful, worthless body.

To flatter with such an ugly and horrifying appearance, it’s better to show kindness to the devil.

“Tina.”

Viviana, who had approached without me noticing, looked down at me with her eerily glowing violet eyes. Unable to smile, I couldn’t meet her gaze and lowered my head.

“I’ve seen enough people who hide their malice behind a smile. Are you going to smile at me like that too?”

“….”

“Answer me.”

“I… I won’t….”

“Really?”

Viviana knelt down to meet my eye level. Her eyes were so close that I couldn’t avoid her gaze anymore.

“I’ll… try….”

Finally, I turned my eyes away and answered timidly. My voice was lifeless and weak. But Viviana, instead, smiled contentedly and patted my head.

“Good. Tell me what you want.”

“…Huh?”

“That was a satisfactory answer. Since you’ve pleased your master, I’ll grant you one wish.”

“R-Really?”

“Yes, but don’t ask for anything unreasonable.”

I didn’t even hope for it. I never expected to receive a reward so suddenly. But since there was something I wanted to ask Viviana, this turned out well for me.

“Umm… there’s actually something I’d like to ask.”

“Go on.”

Viviana waited patiently for my answer. I awkwardly suppressed the rising corners of my mouth and spoke timidly.

“I want to write a letter….”

“A letter?”

My request seemed unexpected, as Viviana raised an eyebrow in surprise. From her perspective, she probably expected me to ask for money or jewels.

“A letter? Sure. To your mother, right?”

“N-No.”

“Huh?”

Of course, I wanted to write to my mother too, but there were others I needed to contact first.

“Umm… to Sharrione… and Bersha… and Mardian….”

“…What?”

Viviana’s violet eyes instantly turned icy cold.