Chapter 43: Service for the owner

“……….”

“Yeah, that’s interesting. Go ahead and try.”

When I offered to give her a massage, Viviana chuckled softly and sat down on the bed. I placed both hands on her shoulders and smiled.

“Your clothes seem heavy, Master. Let me lighten them for you.”

“….. “

Viviana didn’t say anything, but I took it as silent consent. I unbuttoned her top one by one, taking off her heavy coat. Soon, only a thin white shirt remained on Viviana after I had removed the thick coat, but I thought it would be too awkward to take that off as well, so I just loosened the top buttons to make her more comfortable.

“Now, I’ll have you lie down.”

“…Heh.”

Her voice sounded slightly incredulous, but Viviana allowed herself to be gently pushed onto the bed by my weak strength.

I paused for a moment, gazing at Viviana as she lay quietly. Her figure, revealed through the thin white shirt, was beautiful enough to draw admiration.

Though not as much as my mother, Viviana had a figure that any man would glance at at least once—her large chest, narrow waist, and well-balanced hips.

It was no wonder this game was so popular. Viviana embodied the desires of someone who truly understood appeal, making her an attractive character to people of all ages and genders.

If I had been a man, it might have been hard to remain composed in this situation.

But right now, I’m a woman. While Viviana is an attractive woman to me, with my remaining male instincts, I wasn’t interested enough to cross the barrier of same-sex attraction or come out.

Besides, I don’t particularly like the idea of being a lesbian in the first place.

To me, Viviana is… hmm…

Not completely a man, but not quite a friend either…

Still, she’s someone who saved me… an acquaintance from a privileged background, maybe?

So I guess providing this level of service isn’t too much.

Viviana lay quietly on the bed, face down with her eyes closed. I closed the window and lit a single candle to create a soft atmosphere.

Slowly, I drew the curtains and approached Viviana, who had her eyes shut on the bed.

“Master, you’ve had a long day.”

I whispered softly and moved closer to her waist. Whether it was due to the exhaustion of the day or because she didn’t want to show it, Viviana didn’t react much.

I began gently with her waist, moving my palms in circular motions to ease her tense muscles.

“You’ve got quite a bit of tension here.”

Viviana’s skin was surprisingly soft. It was amazing to think that such monstrous strength came from such a delicate body.

I found the stiff spots hidden beneath her soft skin and pressed firmly. Viviana’s body trembled slightly, but she didn’t seem uncomfortable.

“Next, I’ll work on your shoulders.”

I moved up along her back, pressing firmly on her slender shoulders with my fingertips. Using my thumbs, I pushed deeper to release the tension in her muscles.

“Is it painful?”

“…….”

I whispered softly near Viviana’s ear, but there was no response. That silence felt like a clear answer to me.

Viviana is the type to express her dislike very clearly. So, it must mean she’s satisfied.

Heh—

Smiling inwardly, I moved my hand to her neck. I gently pressed the nape of her neck with my delicate fingertips, softly tickling between her hair.

Next, I reached out toward Viviana’s leg. Starting from her calf, I slowly moved up to her thigh, stimulating the muscles with the tips of my fingers.

“Master, you’re quite tense here as well.”

I whispered as I gently pressed her thigh. But still, there was no answer.

Finally, I took her hand. I massaged her palm and the back of her hand, carefully rubbing each finger. After interlocking our fingers tightly for a moment, I slowly stood up.

“You did well.”

I whispered softly into Viviana’s ear. Only then did her tightly shut eyelids slowly lift, revealing her violet eyes.

“…You.”

Though I flinched at the quietness of her voice, I was relieved that she didn’t seem particularly angry.

“Yes? Were you uncomfortable?”

“…No.”

Viviana blandly replied as she sat up. Perhaps the massage worked, as her previously sharp expression seemed a bit softer.

“How was it? Did you feel refreshed?”

“…Not bad.”

Liar. You were extremely satisfied.

Even so, for Viviana to say as much is a huge compliment. It seems even she couldn’t deny my massage skills.

Wearing a satisfied smile, I extended my hand to her. Viviana tilted her head, looking puzzled as if she didn’t understand the meaning behind my gesture.

“Aren’t you going to give me a reward?”

“…A reward?”

“Yes. The contract states that you’ll give a reward whenever you’re satisfied, right?”

“I prefer gold coins over delicious treats, or perhaps a decent gemstone would suffice.”

“Actually, anything valuable would be nice, so as long as the reward…”

Smack—

“Ouch?!”

I felt a sharp pain on my forehead, and I fell back onto the bed. Viviana looked down at me with cold eyes for a moment.

“This isn’t nearly enough.”

“…Oh.”

“But since I was satisfied, I’ll give you a reward.”

Viviana looked around and picked up some silk draped over the sofa. She tied it around my hand and then securely fastened the other end to the bedpost, looking quite pleased with herself.

“I was going to use handcuffs, but this should be more comfortable.”

“…Is this supposed to be a reward?”

Am I supposed to be grateful that she tied me up with soft silk instead of handcuffs? This kind of power trip is unreal.

“Well, I’m going to rest now, so behave and wait quietly. If you need anything, ring the bell.”

“W-wait a minute. What if I need to go to the bathroom?”

“The attendant will untie you and tie you back up. If I receive a report that you untied yourself, there will be punishment. Remember that.”

“……”

“Then stay quiet and wait until I come back.”

Viviana left the room, completely ignoring my hostile glare. She did not show herself again until the late hours of the night.

***

The next day, I found out that the place I was tied up in wasn’t Viviana’s room. From the size of the bed and the luxurious interior, I naturally assumed it was her space, but it turns out every room in this mansion was decorated like this.

…With so much money, can’t she spare a few jewels?

Surprisingly stingy.

“Yaaawn…”

In the early morning, as birds chirped, I rubbed my sleepy eyes and let out a deep yawn.

Today marked the second day of my confinement.

It was 7 a.m., still too early for breakfast. But since it felt too awkward to go back to sleep, I hesitated for a moment before picking up the golden bell Viviana had left behind.

One ring for a meal,

Two rings for the bathroom,

Three rings for a bath,

Four rings to call Viviana, right?

I swung my wrist and rang the bell twice. Although it was early, I wasn’t sure if any attendants would be available. But to my surprise, the door opened, revealing a calm beauty with long black hair.

She was the one I liked most among the three attendants I met yesterday. With a harmless smile, I greeted her.

“Good morning, Iris. Lovely morning, isn’t it?”

No answer came. Iris simply stood there, staring at me with her calm, unshaken black eyes. I tried to engage her a few more times, but she remained thoroughly unresponsive.

I lowered my head with a slightly sad expression, creating a sorrowful atmosphere.

“Oh… I guess you’re not allowed to talk to me? I was just feeling a bit lonely being by myself, so I tried to start a conversation. I’m sorry if I bothered you…”

But despite my sad tone, Iris continued to look at me with those same calm, unshaken eyes.

‘This won’t be easy.’

Usually, when I act sad, people show at least a little bit of concern, but it seemed Viviana had given strict orders.

Well, I can take it slow.

I picked up the bell again and rang it twice. Iris walked over and untied the silk that bound my arms.

Without a word, she turned and walked toward the door. Standing there, she seemed to be waiting for me to follow her in silence.

“Okay.”

I smiled again and approached her, sticking closely to her side as we walked down the mansion’s corridors.

“Wow… Iris, your hair smells so nice… When we can finally talk, you have to tell me what kind of candles you use.”

This is just the beginning.

Surely, there must be at least one or two people here who would show me some affection.

Of course, by affection, I mean money.