Chapter 52: Being pretty really is the best

Still lying side by side, facing each other, an unbearably awkward tension filled the air above the bed.

After I told her to touch my butt, Viviana stared at me in silence for a long time. The deeper the silence grew, the heavier the atmosphere between us sank.

Eventually, it was Viviana who broke the silence first.

“…You really mean it, right?”

“W-well, only if you want to, Viviana…”

“No, I will.”

Her firm response came without a hint of hesitation.

Suddenly feeling overwhelmed by embarrassment, I turned my body to look out the window. I could feel Viviana’s sharp gaze on my back, as if it were piercing through me.

As that awkward and uncomfortable atmosphere continued, a cold hand settled on my shoulder.

“Ah…”

The unexpected chill of her touch made my body flinch instinctively. Starting from my shoulder, Viviana didn’t hesitate as she began to touch me.

Slowly, gently. Viviana’s hand moved over my shoulder, gliding along my skin.

It felt like a massage, and the unexpected pleasant sensation gradually eased the tension in my body.

But that nice massage didn’t last long. Her hand slid down from my shoulder, caressed my back, then quickly moved down along my waist and gripped my butt firmly.

“Ugh…”

An involuntary sound escaped my lips. I could feel her touch vividly through the thin pajamas I wore.

“Tina.”

Viviana softly called my name as she moved her hand.

Her touch was… suggestive.

Sometimes she would stroke lightly, then suddenly squeeze hard as if testing the feel of my flesh, like a curious child playing with a new toy.

“Ah…”

My body shuddered once again under Viviana’s touch.

To be honest, it would be a lie to say that I didn’t find this situation uncomfortable. However, it was far more bearable than being touched by someone like Mardian, a perverted lesbian.

And if this small sacrifice could win Viviana’s heart, it was more than worth it.

I imagined a future where Viviana was utterly captivated by me, unable to live without me. If that day came, then the glittering jewels, the lavish dresses, and all the riches of the duke’s house could become mine, couldn’t they?

Just thinking about it made me drool.

So, this was nothing.

I endured in silence, closing my eyes for a long time. But her hand, which I thought would stop after a few touches, showed no sign of halting.

With each movement, her touch grew deeper, slower, exploring my skin, and an unbidden tension began to build within me.

Flinch—

Viviana wasn’t satisfied with just light touches. She repeatedly gripped my butt firmly and then let go, again and again.

As her touch became bolder, I couldn’t help but shrink back instinctively in response.

“Hngh…”

Every time her hand roved over me, a small moan slipped out without my control. Seeming to enjoy my reactions, Viviana brought her lips close to my ear, her eyes brimming with amusement.

“Tina, it feels so good. You should try feeling this too.”

“Th-thank you…?”

I wasn’t sure if I should be grateful for this, but I decided to go along with Viviana’s mood for now.

But…

Hmm…

‘When is this going to end…?’

The atmosphere of the intoxicated Viviana didn’t seem like it would stop anytime soon. Just as I was getting tired of the slowly repeating situation, Viviana suddenly lifted my pajamas slightly.

“Uh?!”

For a moment, her hand rested on my underwear. Feeling the coldness of her palm more clearly, my body jumped.

But Viviana didn’t stop on top of the underwear. One of her fingers traced the edge of my underwear and then slipped inside.

“Hick?!”

The sensation of her hand touching my bare skin made goosebumps rise all over my body.

Overwhelmed with rejection that reached to the top of my head, I instinctively pushed Viviana away.

Viviana’s purple eyes shook greatly, surprised by my sudden action. Fearing that I might have hurt her, I quickly grabbed her hand.

I had worked so hard to win Viviana’s heart up to this point; I couldn’t let the affection I had built crumble like this.

Calming my trembling heart, I cautiously spoke to Viviana, who was silently staring at me.

“Um, bare skin is a little…”

Viviana looked at me without a word, and an uncomfortable silence once again flowed between us. I worried that her feelings might have been hurt, but fortunately, the affection in Viviana’s eyes still seemed to be there.

“Sorry, Tina. The touch was so addictive that I did it without realizing.”

Viviana sighed briefly and swept her hair back. I stared blankly for a moment at Viviana’s face, with her forehead now clearly visible.

She was undeniably the main character. Her appearance was out of this world.

How could one face be both beautiful and handsome at the same time?

Of course, I’m pretty too… but Viviana had that undeniable “main character” look.

Maybe because I was staring too blankly, Viviana patted my head with a faint smile.

“Thanks to you, all my stress for this week is gone. Is there anything you want?”

Viviana’s soft voice snapped me out of my reverie.

“Something I want?”

“Yeah, I told you I’d give you a reward if I’m satisfied.”

A phrase from the contract stating Viviana would give a reward if satisfied came to mind. It was an unexpected opportunity, but there was no need to refuse. I rested my chin on my hand and thought for a moment.

Hmm, something I want…

Perhaps a dazzling, sparkling jewel, or maybe cash would be good… or even one of the artworks hanging in the hallway wouldn’t be bad.

But I couldn’t say it outright like that. If I appeared too materialistic, it might ruin the favorable impression I had worked hard to build.

Our relationship was still at the stage of getting to know each other, far from taking material things like other young ladies. It might be better to use this opportunity to deepen my relationship with Viviana.

I lowered my eyes slightly, looking a bit dejected. Then, as if embarrassed, I moved my lips slightly and looked up at Viviana with sparkling eyes.

“Then… could you come to see me more often?”

“…What?”

“Not just after dinner… I want to see more of you, Viviana…”

Viviana’s purple eyes began to shake uncontrollably, out of context. I tried hard to hide my laughter at her clear reaction.

So, what do you think, Viviana?

Would you remain calm after seeing a face like this?

I’ve charmed many young ladies with this expression. Surely, it would have an effect on Viviana as well. Her affection would certainly—

Smack!

“What the—?!”

A sudden, sharp pain on my forehead brought tears to my eyes. I let out an involuntary high-pitched scream. Clutching my forehead in confusion, I looked up and met Viviana’s calm, steady gaze.

“Stop pretending and just say what you really want.”

“Ugh…”

…How does she see through me so easily?

I tried to mix in a bit of shyness, thinking it might appeal to her, but Viviana instantly saw through my act. Any other lady would have been looking at me with melting eyes by now, but Viviana alone was immune.

Does she have some kind of radar that detects my pretense?

“Come to think of it, you seemed quite interested in the paintings at the mansion. Would you like me to bring one over for you?”

“What…?”

Caught off guard by the unexpected offer, I blinked blankly for a moment before quickly regaining my composure.

This is not an opportunity to miss.

If I were to ask for something myself, I might look greedy, but since Viviana is offering, it’s a different story. I can’t let this perfect chance slip through my fingers like a fool.

“If… if that pleases you, Lady Viviana… I… I would like that…”

I cautiously replied, putting on a vague expression that was neither happy nor sad, as if reluctantly accepting the offer.

“Alright. I’ll have it sent to your residence.”

My heart pounded with unexpected excitement. I had always wanted to get my hands on one of those paintings, but I never thought I could do so this easily.

Moreover, all the paintings I had seen were extraordinary. They were highly valuable artworks, so if I sold them, I could make quite a decent amount of money.

Yes, just as I thought.

Viviana is such a pushover.

“In return, Tina, can I keep touching your butt from now on?”

“O-Of course!”

The innocent voice that slipped out made me instantly regret my rashness. The excitement of receiving such an expensive painting had made me agree too quickly.

Darn it.

I worried that I might look like a cheap woman, but thankfully, Viviana seemed oblivious.

It feels a bit like selling myself for money… but who cares? I got some valuable treasure, and I’ve raised Viviana’s affection level. It’s a win-win, right?

Yes, being pretty really is the best.

Hehe.