Chapter 7

“Respect, you say?”

“Yes. I truly respect you, Lady Mardian.”

Her blood-red eyes, usually unshakable, wavered for the first time. Of course, she would be flustered. Even though she knows I’m aware of her illegal gambling den, I’m telling her I respect her. From her perspective, it must be utterly absurd.

But after blinking in confusion for a moment, Mardian soon glared at me with suspicion-filled eyes.

“Ha, what kind of trick is this? Lady Blanchard, I don’t know what you’re scheming, but if you think I’m easy—”

“It’s not a trick! I really, really like you, Lady Mardian.”

“Ugh…”

I stared straight into Mardian’s crimson eyes with my own sparkling ones. It seemed like she was the one feeling the pressure, as she was the first to avert her gaze.

But I didn’t give up. With sincere eyes and a fluttering smile, I followed her gaze.

“…Why?”

Finally, it seemed my genuine feelings reached her, as the suspicion in Mardian’s eyes faded slightly. Her voice, now softer, made me feel relieved.

‘Good, it’s working.’

In my past life, I was a rather emotionally dull person. When I took an MBTI test once, I scored 95% on the T (Thinking) side, showing how little empathy I had. I even got called a psychopath back in middle school.

But the reason I could blend into modern society so well was thanks to a childhood friend I’d known since I was young.

She was the complete opposite of me.

She would grieve with others, laugh with them, and even cry for them—she was the epitome of empathy.

While most people would think such behavior was forced, her expressions always carried genuine sincerity, so no one ever disliked her.

In the end, she became someone beloved by everyone, regardless of age or gender. Having spent so much time with her, I learned her empathetic skills.

They say close friends grow to resemble each other. Before I knew it, I too could empathize with others, laugh with them, and share their hardships.

The only difference was that my empathy was entirely an act, with no genuine feeling behind it. But as long as the other person felt it was real, wasn’t that enough?

Having mastered the art of empathy from my childhood friend, I blended seamlessly into society. And thankfully, it seemed that skill worked in this world too. After all, it even lowered the guard of Mardian, who was known as a ruthless villainess.

There was just one problem.

My childhood friend, despite not being in a romantic relationship, was very touchy-feely. She restrained herself around men, but with women, she had no hesitation in holding hands, linking arms, and showing all sorts of affectionate gestures.

I knew that a certain level of affection between women was acceptable, so I never thought much of it.

In my opinion, the reason she never faced jealousy from other women, despite always being popular with men, was because of that physical closeness.

They say the closer the body, the closer the heart.

But of course, having lived most of my life as a man, I had no idea where the boundaries of such physical affection lay. I never thought I’d become a woman, so it wasn’t something I’d ever considered.

But now I had to learn. What options did a young lady from a declining baronet family have? The only way to survive was to cling to the noble ladies who held far more power than I did.

‘Looking at Artasha, it seems even cheek kisses are okay.’

But rather than rushing in, it’s better to take things slow. Sorting through my chaotic thoughts, I gently took Mardian’s hand.

“You probably don’t believe me, do you…?”

“Of course not. If you’ve heard about the Camellia Gambling Den, most people wouldn’t think that way. You must have some ulterior motive.”

That’s true. If I were her, I’d be suspicious too. But this was something I had to overcome. Thinking of Artasha, who worked tirelessly day and night to maintain our peaceful life, I couldn’t back down now.

Abandoning all pride, I decided to focus solely on winning Mardian’s favor. With the most pitiful eyes I could muster, I looked up at her and clasped her hands tightly.

To avoid offending her, I spoke in the softest, most harmless voice I could.

“But… I really do like you, Lady Mardian….”

“…Huh?”

I can do this. Even if we don’t become best friends, I’m confident I can at least earn her favor.

So just wait a little longer, Artasha.

I’ll bring you good news soon.

—

“Lady Mardian. Who is this lady?”

The noble ladies, dressed in dazzling jewel-encrusted dresses, all turned their eyes to me. The sudden attention was overwhelming, but Mardian stepped in front of me, shielding me from their gazes.

“We’ve found common ground and have grown close. We’ll be seeing each other often, so let’s exchange greetings.”

“Ah, hello. I’m Tina Blanchard, fortunate enough to have crossed paths with such esteemed ladies.”

I shyly nodded and greeted them. When they realized I was from the Blanchard family, their expressions wavered, but Mardian quickly stepped in to support me each time.

Looking up at Mardian with grateful eyes, she gave me a sweet smile and nodded. Who called her a villainess? Someone with such a beautiful smile couldn’t possibly be a villainess.

Well, given the current situation, it’s clear.

I’ve succeeded in getting close to Mardian.

I slowly unraveled the story I’d prepared, easing her guard. I explained that I learned about the Camellia Gambling Den thanks to Bonnie Blanchard, who had gambled away the family fortune.

He wasted his life away at the Camellia Gambling Den until one day, in a drunken stupor, he let slip that the Aubreldein Count Family was connected to the den. He told me, his daughter, before passing away shortly after.

I added that since he died soon after, I was likely the only one who knew. I didn’t want Artasha to suffer any consequences.

Mardian suspected I might be here to avenge my father, but I told her I despised him and was grateful he was disowned from the family.

Most of it was fabricated, but I genuinely disliked Bonnie Blanchard. Seeing Artasha suffer because of the debts he left behind, I couldn’t help but resent him.

Using the empathetic skills I learned from my childhood friend and some flattery I picked up from socializing, Mardian’s gaze gradually softened.

In the end, I secured Mardian’s active support. But in return, I had to agree to a personal favor from her.

Honestly, it wasn’t something I wanted to do, but Mardian’s support was essential for my peaceful life, so I had no choice.

Now, back at the banquet hall with Mardian, I was enjoying tea and laughter with people I could never have befriended on my own.

“I’ve never seen anyone with hair as white as yours, Tina. It’s like a lily—so beautiful.”

“Thank you. Hearing such praise from someone as kind as you, Lady Everlyn, makes me so happy!”

“My, my…”

She wasn’t as influential as Mardian, but she was still a well-known figure in social circles as the daughter of the Arberry Baronet Family. Her gaze, fixed on me, held a hint of favor.

“Tina, I know this might be rude, but may I touch your hair?”

“Of course. It would be an honor if you did, Lady Everlyn.”

“…”

With a faint smile, I bowed my head. Without hesitation, Everlyn placed her hand on my head, gently stroking my hair.

“My goodness… Such soft hair. It’s addictive.”

“Thank you.”

“Hehe… May I touch it again next time?”

“Of course, Lady Everlyn!”

I nodded with a bright smile. My immediate response made her smile bloom. If something this simple could make her like me, I was more than grateful.

‘This might be easier than I thought…?’

Looking at Artasha and now this, it seems women are quite simple. At first, I was unsure, but I’m gaining confidence. Maybe I have a talent for charming women after all?

While basking in Everlyn’s touch, Mardian approached and grabbed my hand.

“Sorry, Lady Everlyn. I have a prior engagement with Tina, so I’ll need to borrow her for a bit. You don’t mind, do you?”

“O-of course not.”

Under Mardian’s piercing red gaze, Everlyn quickly withdrew her hand and took a step back. Her frozen expression suggested Mardian held significant influence here.

“Come along, Tina.”

Holding my hand, Mardian led me out of the hall. My wrist ached from her tight grip, but I didn’t show it, matching her quick pace.

We soon arrived at the banquet hall’s garden, in a secluded spot where the moonlight barely reached. Before I could enjoy the cool night air, Mardian pinned me against the wall, flashing a wicked smile.

“Tina, as you’ve seen, I can secure your position to some extent.”

“Yes. Thank you, Lady Mardian.”

“I’ve kept my promise… So now it’s your turn to fulfill my request, right?”

The favor I agreed to in exchange for Mardian’s support.

It was to satisfy her ‘special’ desires.

“…”

“Tina, you’re not backing out now, are you?”

“N-no, of course not… I’m just nervous…”

Honestly, I wanted to refuse. But I couldn’t take back the choice I’d already made.

Mardian’s twisted smile widened as she held a leather belt in her hand. Where on earth did she get such a menacing thing?

“Don’t worry. I’ll be gentle at first.”

Mardian’s preferences were mentioned in the original game.

It was one of the reasons she was called a villainess.

Mardian tormented one of the protagonists, Lillian, to the point of death. Until the day she was punished and exiled from the empire, she never left Lillian alone.

Mentally.

And physically.

“Tina. Lift your skirt.”

The villainess Mardian.

She was a sadistic pervert with extreme sexual desires.