Chapter 154: I want to go too!

The Ducal House of Merdellia. The mansion here, revisited, stood as grand as ever, without a single change from the past.

‘Is that a castle or a mansion?’

The majesty and dignity of the mansion were still overwhelming, making it impossible to look away.

Lillian’s mansion was certainly splendid, but it seemed to fall short of the imposing presence and refinement exuded by the Ducal House of Merdellia.

“…Are you okay, Tina?”

Viviana asked cautiously. Her voice carried an inexplicable hesitation. I tilted my head slightly, puzzled.

“It’s a place with not-so-good memories, isn’t it?”

Viviana’s violet eyes were clouded with an indelible sense of guilt.

Ah, I see.

The incident where I attempted self-harm here still weighs heavily on her as a deep sin.

“This time, I’ll make sure you don’t make that choice again. I’m sorry.”

“No, Lady Viviana.”

It’s strange. I was the one who committed the sin. I toyed with her countless times, exploiting her guilt, so why does she still harbor such feelings for me?

“Lady Viviana, there’s something I haven’t told you.”

I took a step forward towards Viviana. Due to our height difference, I had to look up to meet her gaze.

“I knew I wouldn’t die when I cut my wrist.”

“…What?”

“I’ve done it a few times in my past life. I knew exactly how deep to cut to end a life, and how deep to cut for just blood to flow… I was quite familiar with it.”

Viviana’s eyes widened and shook violently. Being as astute as she is, she must have instantly grasped the implication of my words.

In other words, cutting my wrist wasn’t an act of turning my back on life. It was nothing more than a ploy to deeply deceive Viviana.

Because of that single guilt, she had to wander the battlefields, living years in blood and mud.

‘…She’ll be angry with me.’

Anyone would be furious upon realizing they’ve been deceived and used.

It wouldn’t be strange if she slapped me.

“…I’m glad.”

But instead of getting angry, Viviana silently pulled me into a tight embrace, as if locking me within her arms.

“…Huh?”

“I’m really glad… that you hadn’t completely given up on life, Tina.”

“…”

“But back then, I clearly intended to hurt you. And… I will live regretting that choice for the rest of my life.”

Viviana’s eyes still held the guilt that hadn’t faded.

Why is it?

Clearly, I was the one in the wrong, so why?

“I’m sorry, Tina. I won’t ask for your forgiveness. Just… give me a chance to make amends for my mistakes.”

Her firm voice, unwavering gaze. Her stubbornness eventually made me smile faintly.

“Then, let’s go confess our sins to the goddess tomorrow.”

“…Yes, let’s do that.”

Viviana looked at my hand for a while, then let out a soft chuckle and quietly held it.

“Hey! Don’t laugh without me!”

Nia got out of the carriage and strode over, squeezing herself between us. Viviana slightly frowned at the sudden intrusion.

The two naturally glared at each other.

Meanwhile, a tingling electric current began to flow from my lower abdomen, spreading through my legs.

Instinctively responding to my body’s signals, I blushed and cautiously approached Viviana.

“Um, well… Lady Viviana…”

“Yes? What is it, Tina?”

“Well, it’s just… I, I need to use the restroom…”

“…Ah.”

As if she immediately understood, Viviana nodded with a serious expression.

“Sure, I’ll help.”

Just as I was about to take Viviana’s outstretched hand.

“Again, you two are trying to do something without me! Let me join in too!”

Nia energetically rushed over and pulled me into her embrace.

“……What?”

Viviana shot a cold glance, but Nia, completely unfazed, showed an aggressive attitude.

“Do you even know what you’re trying to do?”

“No! But I won’t leave Tina alone!”

“……”

“You’re probably planning to do something weird again, like that saintess! Do you think I’ll just stand by?!”

“…What did Lillian do to Tina?”

As the conversation took a strange turn, I hurriedly tried to stop Nia.

“Nia, wait—”

“She made Tina cry! Sat her in a weird place! And, and touched Tina all over!”

But cutting me off, Nia’s angry outburst came first.

With her face flushed red, she listed every punishment Lillian had inflicted on me.

“……Is that true, Tina?”

Viviana’s gaze turned icy.

The atmosphere grew increasingly menacing, and my throat felt parched.

“W-well, yes, but… it’s not Lillian’s fault! I agreed to it…”

“…You agreed?”

My attempt to calm things down only further provoked Viviana.

“I-I did agree…! But, it was fine! I thought it was necessary…”

“…Necessary?”

“Yes, well, you see…”

The more I tried to explain, the heavier the atmosphere became.

Feeling like I shouldn’t continue, I tightly shut my mouth.

Viviana stared at me for a long time with unreadable eyes.

“Let’s go to the bathroom first. It’s urgent.”

“I-I want to go too!”

At Nia’s desperate cry, Viviana furrowed one eyebrow and sharply glared at her.

“Is it okay, Tina?”

Viviana asked as if seeking my consent.

Honestly, I didn’t want to.

No matter how close we are, taking care of physiological needs in front of others is uncomfortable.

“Tina! Please! Okay?”

But meeting Nia’s sparkling eyes, I couldn’t refuse.

Reluctantly, I nodded.

“Alright…”

“Really?! Great!”

“But, Nia… you won’t dislike me, right?”

“Don’t worry, Tina! Even if hell splits in half, I’ll never dislike you.”

Without knowing what we were about to do.

Nia was smiling just from being with me.

But that smile disappeared the moment the three of us entered the bathroom.

No, to be precise.

It was from the moment Viviana hugged me tightly from behind and lifted my clothes.

“W-what? Why are you lifting Tina’s clothes?”

Nia’s voice was a mix of confusion and embarrassment. Her gaze lingered on my suddenly exposed navel.

But Viviana silently pulled down my underwear without a word.

“Kyaaah?! T-that’s-!”

Nia’s scream echoed in the bathroom.

Our current stance in front of the toilet was quite peculiar.

No matter how spacious the bathroom was, it was too cramped for three of us to stand together.

Viviana was firmly hugging me from behind, and Nia was standing right in front of me, our stomachs touching.