Chapter 16: Why do something so disgusting?

“Mardian… what is this?”

“I prepared this for you. You always take care of me.”

I stared blankly at the gift Mardian handed me. The heavy object in my hand was a tiara, lavishly decorated with silver. However, unlike ordinary tiaras, this one had a large red gemstone set in the center.

‘…Is this a real ruby?’

The first thought that came to my mind was whether the gemstone was real. I had heard there were many merchants selling fake gems, so I worried that Mardian might have gifted me a counterfeit. But the more I thought about it, the less likely it seemed that she would carry a fake gemstone.

So, this is a real ruby.

Then… how much is this tiara worth?

‘…Let’s stay calm.’

There’s no good in showing materialistic tendencies. While I was briefly mesmerized by the sparkling gem, I tried to remain calm, as I always did.

“Mardian, I can’t accept this… I’m sorry, but please take it back.”

Inside, I was pulling at my hair, asking myself what I was doing, but I suppressed my instinctive desires and returned the tiara to Mardian.

“Why won’t you accept it?”

“…It’s too overwhelming. It’s too extravagant for me. Even without gifts like this, I really like you, Mardian. Accepting this just feels weird.”

Mardian blinked at me, staring blankly for a moment. Then, with a seemingly angry expression, she bit her lip.

“…Ha, really.”

Mardian spoke in a harsh voice and suddenly grabbed my wrist. The grip was stronger than expected, and a sharp pain shot through my wrist.

“Ugh, ow…”

“It would be wise for you to stop being so coy. I feel like taking you to the garden and beating you up right now.”

Remembering the previous day’s events, I flinched. Just last night, my butt stung when I got into the bathtub. If something like that happened again, my body might not be able to take it.

“But I guess I should hold back this time. Your body is fragile, Tina.”

Fortunately, Mardian seemed aware of this and let go of my wrist, sighing briefly. I sighed in relief, thinking I could get through today safely.

“Please accept the tiara. I prepared it for you.”

“But…”

“Tina, you’re my pet. When the owner dresses you, you just wear it quietly.”

It might have been a verbal assault that utterly disregarded my dignity, but to me, it was a very comforting statement. It was like being told to just live accepting whatever is given. How could I dislike that?

After hesitating for a while with a sorrowful look on my face, I finally looked up at her with a resigned gaze, feeling the unspoken pressure from Mardian.

“…Then, could you put it on my head, Mardian? If I think of it as clothes you’re putting on me, I think I can accept it.”

Mardian’s expression darkened briefly, but she eventually placed the tiara on my head as I had asked. As I felt the heavy weight on my head, I snuggled into Mardian’s arms and hugged her tightly.

“Really… thank you. I’ll cherish it forever.”

“Hehe, good. Whenever you see that gemstone, think of me.”

“I will!”

Think of you?

I plan to sell it in a few years.

After Sharione’s and now Mardian’s gifts, I’m probably the one who profited the most from this banquet.

I thought it might not be a bad idea.

The jewels stored in my closet would probably be worth a significant amount. Honestly, I want to sell them immediately and help Altasha, but the market for high-priced items is very limited.

Since there’s a risk of getting caught by others, I couldn’t act rashly. At least, the most prudent way would be to sell them through the black market once everyone’s memories have faded.

‘Please hold on until then, Mother.’

As I hid my smile and rubbed my face against Mardian’s shoulder, she extended one finger towards me.

“Today, I won’t bother you, so I’d like you to entertain me in another way.”

“…Ah.”

I wasn’t naive enough not to understand the meaning of Mardian’s extended finger. Having had experiences with her already, I didn’t feel any resistance, but I couldn’t move hastily for fear of someone seeing us.

Perhaps sensing my concern, Mardian smiled seductively and grabbed my buttocks.

“Uh…”

“Don’t worry. I’ve already instructed the servants not to let anyone come this way.”

“…Yes.”

Should I call her a villainess? She was thorough even in these aspects. I couldn’t think of a rebuttal.

There was no choice.

Even though it was a shameful act that I wasn’t particularly keen on, thinking about the tiara Mardian gave me made me feel better.

“Tina, my patience isn’t very long.”

“Yes…”

Mardian’s sharp voice made my body shiver. I gently tucked my disheveled hair behind my ear and carefully knelt in front of her.

After a quick glance at Mardian, who was watching me quietly, I slowly extended my tongue to lick her finger.

With my tongue, I meticulously coated Mardian’s index finger with saliva. I lowered my head slowly and took her finger completely into my mouth.

Chup-

As her finger was coated with saliva, it made a sticky sound. It was so embarrassing that my ears felt hot, but I managed to keep a straight face since I was used to it. When I looked up at Mardian, she was gazing down at me with a blissful look, her cheeks slightly flushed.

‘Disgusting. It feels gross.’

Isn’t it normal to be repulsed by someone else’s spit?

Who knows what kind of bacteria might be in it?

I really couldn’t understand why she enjoyed this.

Sexual fetishes should be moderate; feeling joy from this kind of thing was just too perverted.

‘…I’m only putting up with this because of the rubies.’

“Ah, hyup…”

As I slowly moved my head, I carefully served Mardian’s finger. Then, Mardian’s finger curled like a fishhook and caught the tip of my tongue.

“Ugh?!”

The sudden action made me feel nauseous. I looked at Mardian with bewildered eyes. She lifted my lips with her fingers and pulled my face towards hers.

‘…Huh?’

Mardian’s face was getting closer. The destination my mouth was heading towards was her lips.

Wait?

If this continues, our lips will touch…

Wouldn’t that be a kiss?

“M-Mardian?”

“Shh.”

Mardian gave a seductive smile, then closed her eyes and pulled me towards her. As the situation became clearer, my mind grew more chaotic.

No way?

Surely she doesn’t want to kiss me?

Of, of….

There was no indication that Mardian was homosexual.

From the ladies’ perspective, I’m just a cute pet. What kind of crazy woman would want to kiss a pet they’ve been raising with care?

Surely, not, right?

It can’t be.

But as Mardian’s lips drew closer, they began to part as if ready to accept me. I couldn’t hide my shock as I watched her red lips open.

‘W-what should I do?’

Should I push her away? Should I be serious and say this isn’t right? But there’s no benefit to angering Mardian.

I didn’t understand.

I was just acting according to the skills I secretly learned by observing a childhood friend, so why did it turn out like this? Nothing like this ever happened with my childhood friend. Did I misunderstand something?

As the distance between us shrank to the point where our noses almost touched, my eyes began to tremble as if shaken by an earthquake. A little closer, and Mardian’s lips would touch mine.

No.

I don’t want to kiss anyone.

Why do something so disgusting?

Especially not with a perverted villainess.

Is there no one around?

Anyone, please say something.

I can just pretend I’m embarrassed by the attention and walk away.

Anyone, please.

Someone, please, save me from this pervert—

“Mardian seems to enjoy fishing. Even playing fishing games with her pet lady.”

At the sound of a sudden sweet voice, Mardian’s hand stopped pulling me. As her closed eyes opened, her fierce golden eyes appeared once more.

But the intensity quickly changed to deep bewilderment when she faced the person in front of her.

“…Who are you?”

I turned my head towards the direction of Mardian’s trembling voice. Looking at the owner of the sweet voice, I couldn’t help but feel confused.

White skin contrasted with black hair.

And violet eyes shining softly.

Viviana looked at me with a cold smile.

“Nice to see you again, pet lady.”