Chapter 75

“Now, say ‘ah,’ Tina.”

“Ah~”

As I gently opened my tightly closed mouth, a soft piece of cake slipped in. The sweetness spread across my tongue, filling my mouth with a delightful flavor.

“Huhu, Tina, you’re so adorable today.”

“Sharrione, you’re so beautiful today too!”

I looked up at her with a bright smile, and in return, I was met with a warm, affectionate gaze.

To my left, Sharrione was feeding me cake with a radiant smile, while to my right, Bersha was gently brushing my hair with tender hands.

“Tina, can I ask you a small favor?”

Bersha looked at me with slightly flushed cheeks and sparkling eyes. Curious, I tilted my head, and she pulled out a headband from her pocket.

It wasn’t an ordinary headband. The usual gemstones were missing, and instead, fluffy tufts were attached to both ends. Upon closer inspection, the tufts resembled animal ears.

“It’s a new trendy accessory from a famous workshop. They designed it to capture the essence of animals.”

“…Really?”

“As soon as I saw it, I thought of you. Could you try it on for me?”

It was a familiar object. I had seen it several times in my past life.

This strange item was a headband with cat ears. I never expected such things to exist in this world.

‘…If cats are cute, why not just look at a real cat?’

I couldn’t understand why someone would make a headband with just cat ears.

Well, how could I possibly understand the strange tastes of some people?

“Tina… Could you please try it on just once?”

Bersha’s expectant eyes were fixed on me. I hesitated, scratching my cheek awkwardly.

“I’m not really fond of such things…”

Though I had flattered and acted cute for the young ladies like a pet, I hadn’t abandoned my dignity as a human.

Flattery and charm are things humans can do, but wearing this headband would make me feel like a real ‘animal.’

I’d rather flatter them. I had no intention of becoming an actual animal.

“Tina, please? I really want to see you in it.”

Following Bersha, Sharrione also looked at me with sparkling eyes.

Even though these two women, among the wealthiest in my circle, were pleading with me, my heart remained unchanged.

“I’m really sorry… I actually have a bit of a phobia of animals…”

I lowered my gaze slightly, putting on a sad expression. Of course, I had no such phobia, but seeing their reactions, it seemed like a valid excuse.

“Ah…”

“I’m sorry, Sharrione…”

“If you have a phobia, there’s nothing we can do. Don’t worry about it, Tina.”

Sharrione looked at me with a disappointed gaze, gently stroking my hair. Her touch was soft and warm, but there was an undeniable hint of disappointment.

Still, I didn’t want to wear that strange thing on my head.

This time, I looked at Bersha with moist eyes, and she also nodded reluctantly.

I thought they’d be more persistent, but they gave up surprisingly easily.

Well, that’s good for me.

“It’s such a shame… I spent quite a bit of money on it, but if Tina doesn’t like it, there’s nothing we can do.”

“…Huh?”

Bersha’s words made my ears perk up involuntarily.

She spent a lot of money on it?

Bersha, the heir to one of the wealthiest count families on the continent?

She’s the kind of person who buys dazzling jewels without batting an eye.

For her to say something is expensive…?

“R-really? Is it that expensive?”

I couldn’t help but ask. How could a cat ear headband be that pricey?

“Yes, I bought it at an auction, and the price went up to 200 gold.”

“200 gold?!”

My mouth dropped open at the absurd amount.

200 gold is enough to buy even the most expensive red diamond.

And this headband is worth that much?

That doesn’t make any sense.

“I also thought it was too expensive at first, but this headband has a very special magic on it.”

“Magic?”

“Yes, the ears move as if they’re alive, depending on the wearer’s mood! Isn’t that amazing?”

“……”

“They spent a whole month observing and researching cats at the Magic Tower to create this. Huhu…”

I blinked in surprise at the unexpected explanation.

It was utterly ridiculous.

In this world, those who can manipulate mana are extremely rare, and those who research mana to create magic are even rarer.

So, items imbued with magic naturally become high-priced, rare commodities.

And they used such precious magic on this headband?

How bored must they be to spend time on something like this?

Or are all mages just eccentric perverts with strange tastes?

“I originally wanted to give it to Tina… But I guess I’ll have to put it back up for auction.”

“W-wait, Bersha!”

As Bersha was about to put the tiara away, I quickly grabbed her arm.

Her curious gaze fell on me from above.

I steadied my heart and looked up at her with the most innocent and obedient eyes I could muster.

“I… I really am scared of animals…?”

“Yes, I understand Tina’s feelings. It’s a shame, but there’s nothing we can do…”

“But, I like Bersha so much…”

Bersha’s eyes widened in surprise.

I blushed slightly, shyly turning my head away while gently holding onto her sleeve.

“If Bersha wants me to… I’ll try it on…”

“Really, Tina?”

I nodded timidly, and Bersha’s eyes lit up with anticipation again. With trembling hands, she carefully held the headband and looked at me.

As I nodded in agreement, Bersha placed the headband on my head.

A brief electric sensation ran through my head, but it was much more comfortable than I expected.

Bersha and Sharrione stepped back, observing me intently.

“Uh… How do I look?”

I slowly looked up at them. Wearing the cat ears, I felt like a real animal, and my face grew hotter with embarrassment.

The reactions of the two facing my reddened cheeks were beyond my expectations.

“Good… Good heavens…”

Sharrione put her hand to her forehead and staggered back, collapsing onto the sofa.

“This is a crime, Tina.”

Bersha also trembled violently, showing an exaggerated reaction similar to Sharrione’s.

Overwhelmed by their exaggerated reactions, I didn’t know what to do and shyly lowered my head.

“This… This is beyond expectations. Good heavens, how can someone be this adorable…!”

“Really! 200 gold coins are not a waste at all!”

…Is it that much?

“Goodness… Look at those twitching ears! This is too much for my heart.”

“Haa… I want to kidnap Tina and take her to our mansion right now.”

Their over-the-top reactions left me feeling dazed.

Honestly, it was a bit overwhelming, but I couldn’t bring myself to say anything.

“This needs to be recorded in history. We must call a painter immediately!”

“No, there’s a better way. There’s a magical tool that can save the scene as it is. It’s expensive, but…”

Hmm…

It seems like they’ll be like this for a while.

As they engaged in a heated discussion, I awkwardly smiled and looked at the blue-haired woman sitting across from me.

“Um… Arien, how do I look?”

Arien, who had been staring at me blankly, widened her eyes and deeply bowed her head.

“V-very cute, Tina…”

“I’m so glad you think so, Arien.”

I smiled brightly, and Arien’s cheeks turned slightly red. Watching her face flush, I chuckled inwardly.

Yes, Arien ultimately chose me.

Over Lillian.

Normally, Arien wouldn’t have been able to sit here, but thanks to me, she was now sitting beside Sharrione and Bersha, chatting away.

At my earnest request, Bersha and Sharrione gladly accepted Arien into their circle.

Normally, nobles from opposing factions wouldn’t mingle, but exceptions were made occasionally.

There’s no need to make enemies just because factions differ.

With Arien abandoning Lillian, she naturally escaped the disgraceful rumors surrounding her.

And thanks to that, the Caltri Marquis Family regained its reputation.

Lillian, shocked by Arien’s betrayal, left the social circle entirely.

The despair on her face, betrayed by the friend she trusted so much, was truly a sight to behold.

Thinking about it, even Mardian couldn’t drive Lillian out of the social circle.

But I did it.

Thinking like that… I might be a bit amazing.

I wasn’t worried about any repercussions.

Lillian is the type to get angry for others, but she’s not one to seek revenge for herself.

Besides, Lillian probably doesn’t even know that I’m the reason she was driven out.

I never directly spread any rumors.

All the slander about Lillian came from the mouths of other young ladies.

I just naturally set the mood.

Arien also struggled with guilt over abandoning her friend at first, but over time, she adapted to our group and now seems to have almost forgotten about Lillian.

Honestly, I can’t blame Arien.

Humans are inherently selfish, always thinking and acting in ways that benefit themselves.

In any case, Lillian disappeared from the social circle.

And it’s already been a month since then.

Not seeing Lillian has made me feel so at ease.

Without having to face her, I could once again smile brightly and take my place as the beloved pet at banquets.

My social life, as you can see, is back on track. I’m still the center of attention among the high-ranking ladies.

I’ve paid off all my family’s debts. All that’s left is to receive gifts and affection from the nobles, saving up for a comfortable life for me and my mother.

Just by flattering them a bit and keeping them happy, expensive items come to me effortlessly. It’s not that hard.

I gently touched the cat ears on my head.

The texture of the ears under my fingertips was surprisingly addictive.

‘Should I show this to Mother?’

She probably wouldn’t react as extremely as Sharrione or Bersha, but I was curious about her reaction.

‘…I hope she finds it cute.’

I still rely on my mother’s false love, craving her affection as I live each day.

And I’ll continue to live like that in the future.

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