Today, just like any other day, I had a meal with my Mother, and in front of me was a significantly more abundant feast than a year ago.
“Ta-da! It’s a gift, Mother!”
I showed the beautiful blue gemstone I received from Young Lady Sharione to my Mother, smiling widely. It looked expensive, and I was sure it would help with the family debts.
I thought for sure my Mother would be pleased, but contrary to my expectations, her expression was endlessly dark.
“…Tina. They’ve taken to calling you the pet young lady these days.”
“That’s right! The esteemed people see me as lovely.”
Thanks to that, I received various jewels and dresses that I could never enjoy in my past life. Of course, I can’t sell them right now, but in about three years, I could get rid of them all and ease the family debts.
“…You are my world and everything, but it pains me to see others treat you that way.”
Her sad blue eyes clearly revealed her feelings. From her perspective, it was natural to worry. Sure, some people looked at me kindly, but some were calling me a shameless, servile being. My Mother likely disliked such gazes.
“Tina, I’ll work hard to pay off the family debts… I just want you to grow up right.”
“…”
My Mother’s stubbornness made a faint laugh escape my lips. How could someone who bleeds from their nose daily while working possibly try harder? Truly, Artasha was such a kind mother.
I quietly got up from my seat and made my way to sit opposite Artasha. As I hugged her while sitting on her soft lap, her watermelon-like bosom warmly enveloped me.
“T-Tina, it’s mealtime, so please be prudent-.”
“Don’t worry, Mother. I don’t care what others say about me.”
I was already painfully used to being looked down upon. I had no pride left to hurt, and even if I felt bad for a moment, thinking of the jewels I received allowed me to laugh it off.
“And everyone who says bad things about me can’t utter a word in front of me. Remember what happened with the Young Master of the Crown Family last time?”
“…”
It was one day at the dance party. The Young Master of the Crown Family suddenly approached and confessed that he had fallen for me at first sight. I politely declined, but he must have felt humiliated for being rejected, because he ended up throwing insults at me, calling me nothing more than a harlot like in a brothel.
To cut to the chase… that man likely won’t show his face in High Society again. As I feigned tears and ran to Mardian, she, furious to the tips of her hair, along with the other young ladies present, punished him on my behalf.
Since that incident, no one had the audacity to openly insult me in front of my face. Of course, there were those who mocked me, but their gazes were of no concern to me.
“Mother, you must be worrying because you want me to grow up happy?”
“…Yes.”
“But Mother, I want to grow up happily with you.”
I wrapped my arms around her neck and pulled her close. Looking up at her with my big, adorable eyes, I watched as her eyes began to tremble and widen in surprise.
“…Still, Tina.”
“Eh?”
*Smack*
I planted a small kiss mark on my Mother’s pale cheek. In reaction, she froze for a moment, unable to finish her words. I couldn’t help but chuckle at her dramatic response.
It always happens like this.
Even though I’ve given her cheek kisses countless times, she still gets flustered every time I express affection.
“T-Tina.”
*Smack, smack, smack*
I left small lips marks on places other than her forehead, neck, shoulders, ears, and lips. Whether it had any effect or not, she said nothing more.
“Please just bear with me for a little longer. I want to pay off our debts and live happily and abundantly with you.”
“…Hah, I understand.”
Success.
With a complicated expression on her face, my Mother let out a reluctant sigh and nodded. To be honest, as a guy, I wondered if it was allowed to fawn over her this much, but since she’s my mother, I thought it might not count. After all, I’ve never kissed anyone else.
My Mother elegantly twirled pasta on her fork and brought it to my mouth. As I opened my pouty lips, she gently placed the pasta inside.
“This week, there’s a banquet to celebrate the Third Princess’s wedding. You received an invitation, and since it’s the royal palace’s intention, it would be best for you to attend.”
“Yes, I should go then.”
If I fall out of favor with the royal palace, it wouldn’t matter how much I’m adored; I’d be done for, so it’s better to go if possible. And who knows, maybe this time I might receive another jewel.
“Since the necklace is a gift, you might want to wear it to the next banquet.”
My Mother left a short kiss on my cheek and placed the accessories around my neck. Glancing briefly at the shining blue jewel around my neck, I beamed at her.
“Mother, you truly are a genius.”
*
“…My daughter.”
I understand why those high-and-mighty young ladies cherish Tina so much.
It’s simple.
It’s just because having Tina around brings joy and happiness. Even the sternest among them can’t help but smile when with Tina, and their heart is filled with happiness when Tina shows them affection.
The other young ladies surely feel the same way. Tina’s beauty and delightful personality are objectively agreed upon by anyone who sees her.
But she is too beautiful.
As a mother, that worries me.
I wouldn’t have worried like this normally.
But around this time last year.
At some moment, Tina’s personality completely transformed. The originally quiet and reserved girl has now become a charming and alluring lady, sometimes even making family members like me feel stirred.
According to Tina, she matured after reading a book about a mother’s love, but I wondered what kind of book could change someone so adorably.
So I was scared.
While the other young ladies look at Tina like a pretty and pitiable creature, those fond feelings could suddenly turn into something more lustful.
There are moments when I forget she’s my daughter, entranced by her allure; how much worse would it be for a young lady?
And at that moment, can Tina truly remain safe from the hands of the esteemed?
“…I must try harder.”
I clenched my fist and resolved myself.
Only by quickly repaying this mountain of debt could I ensure happiness for both Tina and me.
*
“Wow… amazing…”
I mumbled softly as I stared blankly at the banquet hall. The scale was overwhelming compared to any dance I’ve attended before. Everywhere was filled with shining gold. Various musicians showcased their talents, and famous nobles danced along to the music.
The decorations were visually magnificent to the point of brilliance, and the ceiling sparkled with countless golden stars resembling the night sky. In the center of the banquet stood a glorious chandelier boasting its radiance, with the candles hanging from it illuminating the space in the midst of the night.
‘…So this is truly a banquet to celebrate the princess’s wedding.’
Royalty isn’t called royalty for nothing. There are only a few places in the Empire that can host a banquet of this magnitude. I wondered if I would have been happy if I had possessed the identity of royalty. But upon deeper consideration, I realized that if I had, I wouldn’t have met Artasha, which would have been a total miss.
“Tina.”
A familiar voice floated into my ear. I immediately smiled and turned my head. Brightly shining red eyes were directed at me. The woman had sharp features, but they only served to enhance her villainous charm.
“Mardian!”
“Hoho.”
Without hesitation, I ran into her arms. Mardian embraced me with a shallow smile and hugged me tightly. While gently stroking my head, she leaned closer and whispered in my ear.
“Come out to the garden.”
“…Yes.”
Her sultry voice instinctively made my body tremble. Mardian, upon hearing my affirmation, flashed a seductive smile, squeezed my behind rudely once, and walked away like that.
“Ugh…”
This sadistic villainess.
She was probably going to do ‘that’ again.
Is she a pervert or what?
So annoying.
If I had possessed the identity of a powerful royal, then the one beneath me whining would have been Mardian. But that reality wasn’t possible.
And I couldn’t hold any grievances against her. The reason I could survive in this High Society was thanks to Mardian’s active support.
So I must endure a little longer.
After all, physical pain only lasts a moment. Everything Mardian had done thus far, while harsh, hadn’t been unbearable.
This too would likely be the same.
I inhaled deeply and opened my eyes wide. Rather than just standing around, it would be better to greet the familiar young ladies.
While I was exchanging hugs with the young ladies welcoming me, I suddenly sensed that the atmosphere around was becoming unusual.
When I looked around, everyone, regardless of age or gender, was whispering and gazing toward the entrance of the hall.
Following their gazes, I looked toward the entrance. The massive door clad in gold swung open, and a knight standing guard called out loudly, setting his sword to a stance.
“The Young Lady of Merdellia enters!”
With those words, a woman emerged from the entrance. She wore a dress as dark as the night sky, her hair coated in pitch black, and her eyes emitted a violet glow.
The woman who suddenly appeared in the banquet hall captured everyone’s attention in an instant. Even as she simply walked, an undeniable nobility and an aura that commanded distance radiated from her.
Nervousness, respect, caution, jealousy.
As the nobles looked at the woman with mixed expressions, I blinked blankly, repeating her name in my mind.
“…Merdellia?”
It was a name too familiar.
A name I could never forget.
Viviana Merdellia.
The sole heir of the Ducal House who has reached mastery of swordsmanship.
A monster that sweeps away enemies with overwhelming force.
To be born as a hero of the Empire someday.
Or a figure that may bring ruin to the Empire by her own hands.
And.
She was one of the two main characters in the game [Princess Raising Simulation].
