Chapter 9

A grand mansion, rivaling even the most majestic imperial palace of the empire, proudly displays its vast splendor. In one of the countless offices within this impossibly large mansion, a delicate voice echoes.

“…A banquet?”

“Yes.”

An elderly man, though weathered by time, still exudes noble grace as he bows deeply to the woman before him, showing utmost respect.

“Do I have any reason to attend such a place?”

“It is a banquet to celebrate the marriage of the Third Princess. His Majesty himself has expressed his desire for Your Grace to attend.”

The woman’s brow furrows, yet her beauty remains undisturbed. Her long black hair flows like the night sky, and her amethyst eyes sparkle like gemstones.

“Ah, the Third Princess. I suppose I must attend. She is one of our closest allies.”

As the black-haired woman removes her coat, the elderly man naturally takes it and hangs it on a rack. With dignified steps, she approaches the desk in the office and sits in the chair.

“How are things in the social circles these days?”

“Your Grace need not concern yourself with such trivial matters.”

“I must know what I must know. I can’t afford to be called outdated.”

“Ha ha… Who would dare say such a thing to Your Grace?”

The old man refrains from saying more, knowing full well the woman’s nature, and instead offers a gentle smile.

“I may not understand the tastes of young ladies, but I am aware of the general state of the social circles.”

As the woman nods briefly, the old man begins to recount recent events. From the family that failed miserably in expanding their salt business to the newly developed white chocolate causing a sensation, he covers everything from minor gossip to significant incidents.

The black-haired woman rests her chin on her hand, glancing through documents. Though she seems to be half-listening, the old man continues.

“Though unconfirmed, there is information that the Third Prince has recently been in contact with the Mashin Cult.”

“Oh?”

“Yes. It’s direct information from ‘Shadow Veil.'”

The woman’s amethyst eyes gleam ominously, and a crescent-shaped smirk forms on her lips, exuding mockery.

“He could have lived a decent life just picking up crumbs. Instead, he’s shortening his own lifespan.”

Though such words would be unthinkable to say about a royal, the old man offers no objection.

“I despise those who don’t know their place. They always cause unnecessary trouble.”

After swiftly finishing the documents, the woman stretches and gazes out the window. She fastens the sword hanging by the desk to her waist and rises.

“So, is that all the information?”

“Ah, and though it may not be of much concern to Your Grace… there’s been talk of an unusual figure in the social circles recently.”

“Hmm?”

The woman’s amethyst eyes fill with curiosity.

“The daughter of the Blanchard Baronet Family… There’s been a lot of talk about her recently.”

“The Blanchard Baronet Family? It sounds familiar…”

“The former head of the family squandered the family fortune on gambling and passed away. His wife inherited the title.”

“Ah, that reckless head. So, what about the daughter?”

“People have been calling her the ‘Pet Lady.'”

“Pet Lady?”

“Yes. Her charming appearance and obedient nature make her seem like a pet, hence the nickname.”

The woman chuckles at the old man’s overly serious tone. Compared to the earlier topics, this one is absurdly amusing yet strangely intriguing.

“How can someone be called a ‘pet’? The sheer absurdity of the term is oddly entertaining.”

“Pfft, at least this lady knows her place.”

The woman’s name is Viviana Merdelia.

The sole princess of the Merdelia Ducal Family, one of the empire’s four great ducal houses, renowned for reaching the peak of swordsmanship.

***

“Tina, say ‘ah~’.”

“Ah~”

As I open my mouth slightly, a tiny cookie is placed inside. I chew slowly, savoring the soft sweetness and nuttiness that satisfies my taste buds.

“Ah, it’s delicious.”

“Hehe… It’s a new pastry released this month at Mardelin Confectionery. I waited in line just to get it for you, Tina.”

“Really? Thank you so much, Lady Bersha.”

Eyes tinged with a faint blue light shine with a bright smile. The woman called Bersha gently strokes my head, her lips curling into a soft smile.

“Just looking at you, Tina, makes me smile. Why don’t you come live at our mansion? I’ll take good care of you.”

“I think I’d be happy spending every day with you, Lady Bersha.”

“Really? Then let’s move you in this week—”

My words cause Bersha’s blue eyes to widen in surprise. She speaks excitedly, a faint blush rising to her cheeks, but another woman with purple hair grabs her shoulder.

“Lady Bersha. Trying to monopolize Tina, are we?”

“…Lady Sharrione.”

“Tina, come here.”

The woman named Sharrione opens her arms to me. Without hesitation, I cling to her, and she embraces me like a mother bird caring for her chick.

“I’ve been feeling down lately because of my fiancé, but you’ve lifted my spirits, Tina.”

Holding me tightly, Sharrione exhales deeply. I look up at her with a bright smile.

“I missed you so much, Lady Sharrione!”

“I missed you too, Tina.”

“But a fiancé… Are you getting married, Lady Sharrione?”

The topic seems unwelcome, as Sharrione’s brow furrows slightly. She sighs briefly before answering.

“Yes, it seems so.”

“…Do you have to get married?”

“It’s an arranged marriage by the family. I have no choice.”

I interlace my fingers with Sharrione’s, feeling a pang of sadness. I look up at her with a pout, my voice dripping with sweetness.

“I don’t want to… If you get married, I won’t be able to stay close to you. I really like you, Lady Sharrione…”

“Ti, Tina…”

Sharrione’s composed voice trembles. Her black eyes glisten with emotion, and her lips, which had been set in annoyance, twitch into a faint smile.

“I could never leave you, Tina! No matter what happens, you’ll always be our precious pet.”

Sharrione wraps her arms around me and hugs me tightly.

‘…I can’t breathe.’

The sudden pressure makes it hard to breathe, but I don’t show it and nestle deeper into her embrace.

“I’d rather marry you, Tina. I think we’d be happy every day. Walking, shopping, just enjoying each other’s company.”

“Really…? I think I’d be happy marrying you too, Lady Sharrione.”

“Hehe, Tina, you’re really… Oh, right.”

Feeling even happier, Sharrione pulls something out from her dress and hands it to me.

“I participated in an auction recently and thought of you, so I bought this. It’s a gift.”

What she hands me is a small, elegantly wrapped box. Opening it, I find a necklace with a dazzling blue gemstone at its center.

“La, Lady Sharrione… What is this…?”

“It’s a blue sapphire. I wanted you to have it.”

“You already gave me an expensive dress last time… And this is too precious for me… It’s like putting a pearl necklace on a pig.”

Sharrione pulls me out of her embrace and pokes my forehead with her finger, looking slightly annoyed.

“Don’t say such things! What pig could ever be as beautiful as you? Don’t compare yourself to such lowly creatures.”

“R, really?”

“Of course. And you’re our pet. We can’t let you go without some proper adornments, or it would reflect poorly on us.”

Bersha, sitting across from us, nods in agreement with Sharrione’s words. Unable to resist their sincere gazes, I reluctantly cradle the box in my arms.

“Then I’ll accept it gratefully. Thank you so much, Lady Sharrione…”

“Hehe… Just stay pretty and obedient like this forever, Tina.”

Bersha and Sharrione, women with power rivaling even Mardian, look at me with warm smiles. As I gaze at them, I think to myself.

‘How much could I sell this for?’

I’ll probably sell the gemstone in about two years.