“Ugh….”

Bright sunlight seeped in the morning.

I grimaced and pushed myself up from the bed. The moment I opened my eyes, a nauseating feeling hit me from within. My stomach ached heavily as if a massive stone was placed on it.

This monthly visitor that never failed to arrive made me let out a short sigh.

‘…Has the cycle already come around?’

Menstruation. The female biological function that I was still not accustomed to in this female body came every time, but this was one thing I could not adapt to at all.

I tried to get up from the bed, but my legs felt weak. Still, I had no choice but to lift myself up. There were many young ladies calling for me, and an abundance of banquets and high society gatherings to attend. I mustered my strength and headed for the bathroom. The moment my feet hit the cold marble floor, I regained a bit of consciousness.

I thoroughly washed my body with warm water. I used the trendy soap and oil that contained popular fragrances among the young ladies these days. With the subtle scent of cherry wafting from my hair, I made my way to the living room. There, as always, was a middle-aged woman dedicated to the Blanc family.

“Hello, Renihel….”

“Oh my, young lady, did you not sleep well? You don’t look well at all.”

“It’s because of that day.”

Renihel’s eyes widened for a moment, then she turned toward the kitchen with a gentle smile.

“I’ll prepare a warm cup of tea for you. If you need painkillers, just let me know anytime.”

“Thanks, what about Mother?”

“Head Lady is in her office.”

Is she handling work this early in the morning? Truly, she’s a diligent person. If Mother had led the Blanc family from the start, many situations might have changed.

“Well then, can you serve some for Mother too? I want to bring it to her.”

“Of course. She’ll be pleased.”

Renihel gladly prepared tea for both me and my mother. She made a sweet black tea for me, and a drink with a bit of earthiness for Mother.

Holding the teacup carefully atop the tray Renihel handed me, I slowly climbed the mansion’s stairs. I walked through the familiar corridor and finally opened the door to Mother’s office.

Mother, who was always working in the same spot, looked at me with her bright blue eyes, and soon a warm smile spread across her face.

“Good morning.”

“Good morning, Mother. I’ve brought you some tea. Would you like a cup?”

“…Thank you.”

I handed Mother the teacup and sat on the sofa. As the warm black tea flowed down my throat, my uncomfortable stomach began to settle a little. Mother put down her pen for a moment, holding something in her hand as she sat opposite me.

“It’s chocolate I bought this morning; take it to your room later.”

“Huh? Why chocolate all of a sudden?”

“Aren’t you supposed to be feeling your cycle soon? Eating something sweet might lift your spirits a little.”

Contrary to how indifferent Mother sounded, my eyes wavered with emotion. Though I had received countless chocolates from the prestigious young ladies, I had never been this joyful before.

“Did you buy it yourself, Mother…?”

“I just stopped by while taking a morning walk, so don’t feel pressured.”

As Mother spoke casually, I pouted up and moved closer to her. Wrapping my arms around her thin, pale neck, she naturally lifted me onto her lap with both hands.

I buried my face in her shoulder and rubbed against her. Mother giggled softly and patted my head. With my arms still draped around her neck, I raised my face. Mother’s warm smile met my gaze, her eyes sparkling as they looked at me. I stared into Mother’s blue eyes for a moment and slowly pressed my lips against her neck.

[Chuu-]

As our lips and skin touched, a soft sound escaped.

“I love you, Mother.”

Mother smiled gently and hugged me tighter. I buried my face in her soft hair and pecked her again. Mother’s scent enveloped me. I continued to leave little kisses on her face. At that moment, it felt as if there were only the two of us in the entire world.

Mother’s embrace was cozy and warm. Filled with a desire to express infinite love, I continued to kiss her. Forehead, nose, chin, and then cheeks again. Like a baby bird being spoiled by its mother, I left lip marks on Mother’s snowy-white face.

Just as I was about to leave one last kiss on her cheek, Mother turned her head, causing my lips to land in the wrong place.

[Chuu-]

“Huh?”

A surprising soft sensation was felt on my lips. I had clearly aimed for her cheek, but I accidentally kissed Mother’s lips instead.

I widened my eyes in shock and looked at Mother. She was also staring back at me with a bewildered expression. As I noticed Mother’s blankly blinking eyes, my face flushed bright red.

What if Mother hates me for this? No matter how forgiving women might be about same-sex skinship, kissing on the lips would surely be considered unpleasant.

“Uh, I’m sorry, Mother….”

I stammered, lost for words. Mother looked at me for a moment, seemingly surprised, and then burst into laughter, patting my head.

“I love you too, my daughter.”

“….”

Thank goodness…

I had worried that Mother might hate me, but it seemed that my fears were unfounded.

Still feeling shy, I felt a bit relieved by Mother’s generous response. Feeling Artaša’s warmth envelop me, I hugged her tightly again. This time, I kissed her cheek once more, a bit more carefully. She gently stroked me, accepting my apology.

“…Hehe.”

By the way, that was my first kiss.

But since it was with my mother, it shouldn’t count, right?

*

Hah!

I popped a piece of chocolate that Mother gave me into my mouth. The moment the chocolate touched my lips, I felt a soft and smooth texture, followed by a sweet and slightly bitter taste spreading on my tongue.

“It’s sweet.”

I wiped the chocolate from my lips and looked up. Gazing at my reflection in the mirror, I wore a beautiful smile as usual this morning.

‘Today is Sharione’s tea party.’

Three months have passed, but my daily life remained unchanged.

I continued to monopolize the affection of the illustrious young ladies in high society, leading a comfortable life thanks to their influence. From time to time, the expensive treasures they gifted me were carefully stored under my wardrobe.

The perverted villainess Mardian, who had been eyeing my lips for a while, stopped her advances after relaying that her biological father had assaulted me. Occasionally, she might slap my butt or choke my neck, but those I could tolerate.

Now at the age of sixteen. Considering Mother’s capabilities, I thought that by the time I turned twenty, we might be able to settle all the debts weighing down the Blanc family.

And then, I could dispose of all the jewels my precious ladies gave me and finally enjoy the comfortable idle life I had longed for.

And Viviana.

I hadn’t seen Viviana since sending her a farewell letter. It seemed she too had lost interest in me, as she never even replied to my letter, disappearing from high society afterward.

That was to be expected. Viviana had never been the type to appear in high society. It was ludicrous that she had attended three consecutive banquets previously.

She was walking the path of a protagonist, and I was just living according to my own abilities.

“Today is Sharione… Tomorrow is Versha, and the day after is a new friend who invited me.”

It’s busy. Just this week alone, there were five tea parties I had to attend. As Mother said, there might be time to rest during my menstrual period, but there was a reason I was pushing myself to continue participating.

Coming up soon is November, which is my birthday.

Last year, as I had just possessed this body, I had few connections and due to the poor reputation of my family, I celebrated my birthday modestly with just my mother. But this time, I was confident it would be different.

That’s why I was pushing myself this hard to attend parties. I knew it was superficial, but I couldn’t help but look forward to it. Those young ladies who gifted me expensive jewels, what would they bring me for my birthday?

Sincere affection?

Fiery interest?

I didn’t need any of it.

‘It would be great if it’s something expensive.’

And something easy to resell.