Chapter 8

The thick darkness covered the sky, and the lofty moon gently illuminated the ground on this night. As I opened the carriage door and stepped out, the mansion, which now felt cozy, came into view.

“Tina!”

A peaceful home. The person I felt most comfortable with here came running toward me. Her hair was whiter than the moon hanging in the sky, and her face carried a youthful beauty that was hard to believe for a married woman.

“I’m back, Mother.”

Could she have been waiting for me all this time? It was an unplanned return, but seeing her wait like this, it seemed she had been quite worried.

Without hesitation, I buried myself in Artasha’s embrace. As her body enveloped me, two large, soft cushions, incomparable to mine, welcomed me.

“…Hehe.”

The comforting sensation made me giggle uncontrollably. No wonder men feel weird when women say, “Want to touch my chest?”

Although Artasha is now my biological mother, as a soul that once lived as a man, it’s okay to have such thoughts, right?

“Tina, how was the ball? It must have been tough. You did well.”

Artasha’s eyes, filled with concern, made my heart itch. How many times in my life had I been worried over with such sincere eyes? It made me feel pathetic for wandering so much despite having such a mother.

“I missed you, Mother.”

“…I missed you too.”

At my words and faint smile, Artasha’s eyes softened. With a mature smile, she stroked my head and continued.

“…You must have endured many insults, yet you overcame them so well. I’m really proud of you, Tia.”

“No? I didn’t hear much.”

“Huh?”

Artasha blinked with a puzzled expression, as if thinking, “That can’t be.” She really is someone whose thoughts are transparent.

“I got to befriend a nice person.”

“R-Really? Could you tell me her name?”

“Lady Mardian of the Count Aubreldein Family!”

Surprise filled Artasha’s blue eyes, which had been bewildered. It seemed she was aware of Mardian’s reputation.

“T-That’s amazing, Tina. I heard she’s a lady who’s hard to approach. You really befriended the daughter of the Count Aubreldein Family?”

“Of course. She even told me to call her ‘sister.'”

“S-Sister?”

Of course, it was something Mardian said during *that* act, but I decided to slightly twist the truth to reassure Artasha. It’s not exactly a lie, so it’s fine, right?

“…I’m really proud of you, Tina. You’ve been through a lot. It must be because you’re so lovable that she treated you well.”

“It’s because I take after you, Mother. You’re the most beautiful person I’ve ever seen.”

A faint blush rose on Artasha’s pale cheeks. Unused to compliments, she awkwardly coughed, averted her gaze, and shyly replied.

“T-Thank you.”

“Just words?”

With a faint smile, I offered my right cheek to Artasha. After a moment of confusion at my sudden action, she glanced around and then leaned in.

*Mwah-*

As Artasha’s soft lips touched my cheek, my tired body felt a bit rejuvenated. For the first time in months since possessing this body, I felt like I had returned to a peaceful home.

‘Rest assured, Artasha.’

No.

‘Rest assured, Mother.’

For the sake of my peaceful NEET life, I will definitely restore this family to its former glory.

—

The banquet hall’s lavish food was absent, but after a satisfying dinner with Mother, I now stood in the bathroom, examining my naked reflection in the full-length mirror.

My skin was so pale it was hard to tell if I was human or a ghost, flawless and smooth. Though my figure was somewhat thin from not eating well, the distinct curves of a woman were still evident. Despite being just an NPC, Tina Blanchard was truly a beautiful woman.

‘Though my chest is a bit small.’

But seeing Mother, there seemed to be promising potential. Perhaps someday Tina would mature into a full, voluptuous woman like her.

“…Ouch.”

While gazing at the mirror, a sharp pain shot through my calf. Turning halfway, I saw a vivid bruise on my pale calf.

Looking at the bruise too large to cover with both hands, I recalled the events from hours ago in the dark garden.

*[Ah… Tina. So pretty. Cry more, cry more.]*

*[Ouch! It hurts! Please… be gentle, ouch! No, stop…!]*

*[Haa, you lovely thing… I’ll torment you more.]*

*[Squelch-!!!]*

“…Damn.”

I cursed as I looked at the bloody marks and scars Mardian had left.

She didn’t stop tormenting me until I cried. The way she licked my tears and smiled seductively was truly chilling.

Though I walked into the tiger’s den myself, I honestly didn’t feel great. I had to suppress the rising anger when Mardian spanked me.

You might say I brought it on myself.

But what could I do?

Let me make one thing clear.

I’m not into being dominated.

If anything, I’m more the type to dominate others. In typical gender-swap stories, there’s the ‘carpet’ and the ‘blanket.’ I’m definitely the ‘blanket’ type.

Of course, I know my place well. Being in a declining family, I have no choice but to rely on someone like Mardian. But if I had even a bit of power, I wouldn’t associate with a sadist like her.

But reality is harsh. I wasn’t born into a powerful family, and as the daughter of a fallen noble, I have no choice but to flatter.

Let me make it clear again.

My true self is a man among men. Deep in my heart, a fundamental machismo lives and breathes. I’m just yielding to reality for now, but the masculinity deep within me is still alive.

In case someone misunderstands, I’m setting the record straight.

“…I should secretly get some medicine.”

I sighed briefly and looked away from the mirror.

If Mother saw these wounds, she’d surely worry herself sick. I didn’t want to burden her, who works day and night, with more worries.

Moving my heavy legs, I stepped into the bathtub. As the warm water with rose petals enveloped my lower body, a stinging pain shot through my calf.

“Ahhh…”

The warmth of the water wrapping around my body felt more soothing than the pain in my calf. I wanted to close my eyes and sleep right there.

But if I did, I’d surely get an earful from Renihael, so I forced myself to resist the drowsiness, took a deep breath, and submerged my head in the tub.

Underwater, I calmed my chaotic thoughts.

I’ve just taken my first step into the treacherous world of the social circle. Even with Mardian as a powerful backer, I can’t rely on her forever.

I need to expand my influence as much and as quickly as possible. Even if it means bending my pride, in this world where power is everything, I must cling to the strong who can protect me.

Some might call it petty. Well, let those who say that be reincarnated as commoners. Let’s see how far their precious pride gets them.

I’ll just flatter my way to a comfortable life.

My pride and the masculinity sleeping within me can be addressed later when I’m financially secure.

“Pfft!”

I surfaced, having sorted out my tangled thoughts. It’s good to practice holding my breath from now on. Judging by Mardian’s behavior, it won’t be long before she tries to strangle me.

Slapping the water’s surface, it splashed everywhere. Clenching my fist, I made a silent vow.

‘Survive. Survive and live peacefully with Mother here for a long, long time.’

With that resolve, I slowly closed my eyes in the tub. When I opened them again, Lenahel was scolding me with a stern face.

I must have been really tired.

Anyway.

Despite my resolve, time flew by quickly.

A year had passed in the blink of an eye.

I was still alive, with a smile on my face.

And thankfully, I had gained the favor of the high and mighty in the social circle.

Everything seemed to be going quite smoothly.

Except for one peculiar thing.

At some point, a nickname started following my name.

The Pet Lady.