In the softly illuminated afternoon, with a vibrant flower-patterned table and carefully arranged vases filled with a variety of flowers, sweet fruits, and pastries laid out, the young ladies’ laughter rang out. This was the tea party hosted by Sharione.
However, this familiar place felt oddly unfamiliar today. Despite having attended numerous times, the serene atmosphere was disrupted by one particular person.
“Princess Viviana, are you not interested in the refreshments?”
“Um… I don’t really like sweets.”
The deep black-haired woman, reminiscent of a starry night, quietly replied as she lifted her tea. It was a simple act of drinking tea, but her elegance and noble demeanor naturally drew the eyes of everyone in the room.
‘Ugh… Viviana.’
The only change from the usual tea party was the presence of Viviana. Just one additional member among the regulars, but the entire vibe shifted completely.
Previously, the conversation centered around Sharione and me, but now all eyes were solely on Viviana.
And I found this situation extremely uncomfortable.
‘Is she really trying to block my path?’
Originally, this gathering was meant to comfort me, but if only Viviana hadn’t joined, there would have been countless gifts prepared just for me… Now, all plans were ruined.
‘…I can’t help it.’
If I couldn’t get any gifts, the next best option would be to increase Sharione’s favorability. So, leaving behind the chattering young ladies and the warmly responding Viviana, I cautiously leaned my head on Sharione’s shoulder.
“Oh my, are you tired, Tina?”
“No, I just want to stay close to you, Sharione.”
“Hehe… Tina is just too adorable.”
A loving smile spread across Sharione’s face. With a light blush, she gently stroked my hair. The warmth of her touch made me feel happy, and I snuggled closer against Sharione’s shoulder.
“Oh, by the way. Are you using the gift I gave you?”
“Ah… you mean the pretty crystal orb?”
It emitted a soft light with soothing music. It seemed like a tool that would help with sleep and bring peace of mind.
“Yes, I’ve heard it has special effects if used before sleep. Did you know that?”
“Uh, um… Is that so?”
I had no idea about such special effects. In fact, I had stuffed that gift into my closet right after receiving it, without even unwrapping it.
I was momentarily startled by this unexpected remark, but quickly gathered my thoughts. It would be better to be honest than to pretend I knew anything and get caught. I gazed up at Sharione with the most affectionate look I could muster.
“Actually… I’ve been saving the gift you gave me, so I haven’t unpacked it yet. It’s too precious to me.”
“Oh, dear Tina…”
Sharione pulled me into a warm embrace with an expression of heartfelt surprise. I felt like I was being suffocated, buried deep in her arms, but I didn’t show any discomfort and just remained snuggled there.
“Don’t worry about such things; use it freely! I could buy you hundreds of those magical tools if it’s for you, Tina.”
“No, I’m grateful just hearing that, Sharione.”
At my words, I noticed Sharione’s eyebrows twitch slightly. With a somewhat displeased face, she pulled me back and spoke softly.
“Why do you think it’s just talk?”
“Ah, I-I know that magical tools are expensive in the market, even if I’m not very smart. I wouldn’t want to see you go to such lengths for me.”
“Huh? Lengths?”
It seemed that my careful words had touched on Sharione’s pride. Her normally gentle face twisted slightly. After staring at me for a while, Sharione smiled again and resumed stroking my hair.
“You don’t really know much about our Rodain Count family, do you? That’s probably my fault.”
“Huh? N-no… I do know a bit.”
“I should probably show you just how much wealth our family holds.”
“Wait?! Y-you really don’t have to…! I think I might have spoken out of turn. I’m sorry, Sharione.”
“Shh. This is a matter of my pride, Tina.”
At her serious tone, I showed a flustered expression, but deep down, I was awkwardly pleased with Sharione’s reaction.
As expected, my guess was right.
The three women holding the center of high society: Mardian, Versha, and the last, Sharione. Mardian was extravagant but had twisted walls, while Versha offered trendy refreshments instead of expensive jewels.
But Sharione was different. She was the one I could make the most advantageous use of. On the surface, she appeared gentle, but she had a strong sense of pride and opened her heart with just a bit of praise.
“It seems a bit difficult until tomorrow… please set a day next week, Tina.”
“You really don’t have to.”
It seems she was planning to show off nobility in a grand manner next week. Of course, she wouldn’t pour money just for me, but as long as I could keep up with her, I’d still benefit from the crumbs.
I tried to suppress the smile creeping up and looked helplessly at Sharione.
“Since you said that, I understand—Uh?”
At the moment I was about to accept Sharione’s proposal, Viviana suddenly grabbed my cheeks with both hands. In shock, I turned to her, and there were her cold violet eyes glaring at me.
“I’m sorry, but it seems Young Lady Tina won’t have time next week.”
“W-what do you mean?”
Sharione looked at Viviana with surprise, and I glared at her in disbelief, but Viviana just smiled sweetly at me.
“Did you forget your promise to come to our mansion next week, Young Lady Tina?”
“Ah… Is that so, Tina?”
Sharione looked at me with a disappointed expression. I felt so bewildered that I could only blink in confusion. What on earth was she talking about? I didn’t even remember making a promise to go to her mansion or having such a conversation with Viviana.
“Did you not remember, Young Lady Tina?”
Viviana’s smile was sharp with an underlying warning. It felt as if I would know what would happen if I disagreed. Unable to get the better of Viviana, I held back my rising anger and spoke to Sharione in a downcast voice.
“…I’m sorry, I was so excited to be with you, Sharione, that I ended up forgetting.”
“That’s understandable, don’t worry.”
Fortunately, Sharione accepted my apology with a cheerful heart. I suppressed the frustration rising in me and forced a smile at Viviana.
“Viviana, can we talk for a moment?”
I couldn’t stand it any longer; this was clearly deliberate interference.
Noticing my irritation, Viviana answered softly, wearing a carefree smile.
“Of course.”
In a secluded part of the garden near the main gate of the Rodain Count family, after confirming that no one was around several times, I glared at Viviana with resentment.
“Viviana… what on earth are you doing?”
“What do you mean?”
Her nonchalant reply only fueled my anger. How could she act clueless now? It was utterly ridiculous.
“Are you asking because you don’t know? You’re doing this on purpose! You keep getting in the way!”
“What interference have I caused?”
“T-that’s…!”
My anger rose to the surface, but it was hard to voice it aloud. I couldn’t straightforwardly say, ‘You’ve been stopping me from extracting affection and gold from the wealthy sap!’
While pondering how to express my feelings, Viviana suddenly poked my forehead with her finger, her sharp gaze aimed at me.
“What about you? What are you doing? Do you have no learning ability?”
“…Huh? A-are you annoyed at me?”
I couldn’t comprehend why Viviana was angry when I was the one upset.
“After what happened with Mardian, are you still not waking up? Do you want to experience it again?”
I blinked in astonishment at the unexpected mention of Mardian. Why was she bringing up Mardian all of a sudden? What was she trying to say?
“What are you talking about? Why does Mardian’s name come up?”
“Weren’t you kidnapped after being all cute with Mardian? Is that the kind of nonsense you’re going to pull with another girl?”
“H-Huh?”
It was utterly ridiculous. Her words implied that my kidnapping by Mardian was somehow my fault, just like a predator claiming the victim had seduced them.
“No, how can that ever happen again!”
“Why wouldn’t it? Look at how you act…”
“Of course it wouldn’t! That was all because Mardian is a perverted scoundrel who sexually desires the same gender.”
“P-perverted scoundrel?”
Suddenly, I noticed Viviana’s calm demeanor flickering slightly.
“Unlike Mardian, who is trapped in those twisted walls, the other young ladies only adore me innocently, treating me like a beloved pet. So it won’t happen again.”
Who would harbor sexual desires for their pet? Except for Mardian, the insane villainess in the game, no one would do such a thing.
“Or perhaps, Viviana, do you view me, your pet, through a sexual lens?”
Viviana took a small step back, momentarily flustered. Surely, she must have realized how absurd her own thoughts were.
“That can’t be true.”
“Well then, what’s the problem?”
“That’s obviously…!”
Viviana opened her mouth in annoyance, but she couldn’t find any counter-argument. Or rather, she couldn’t because what I said was true.
In the game, she was portrayed as a flawless character, but in reality, she was just a complete fool.
‘Foolish Viviana.’
