Chapter 27: My Mother’s Kiss

“Ugh..”

Bright sunlight seeped in through the morning.

I rose from bed with a frown. As soon as my eyes opened, I felt a nauseous sensation in my stomach. My abdomen ached heavily, as if weighed down by a heavy stone.

I let out a short sigh at the arrival of this monthly inevitability.

‘…Has the cycle come around already?’

Menstruation. As someone who was possessed into a woman’s body, I still hadn’t gotten used to this biological activity. Although it came regularly, I couldn’t quite adjust to it.

I tried to get up from the bed, but my legs felt weak. Nevertheless, I forced myself to stand. There were many young ladies calling for me, and even more gatherings and social events to attend. I made an effort to get up and headed toward the bathroom. The cold marble floor made me feel slightly more awake as my feet touched it.

I thoroughly washed my body with warm water. I used soap and oil with a fragrance that was popular among young ladies these days. With a subtle cherry scent wafting from my hair, I headed to the living room, where a middle-aged woman, devoted to the Baron family of Blanc, was always present.

“Good morning, Renihel….”

“Oh my, miss, did you not sleep well? You don’t look too well.”

“It’s that time of the month.”

Renihel’s eyes widened for a moment, then she turned with a gentle smile and headed to the kitchen.

“I’ll make you a warm cup of tea. Let me know if you need any painkillers.”

“Thanks. Where’s Mother?”

“The head lady is in the study.”

Already working early in the morning, she was truly diligent. I wondered if things would have been different if Mother had led the Blanc family from the beginning.

“Could you prepare a cup for Mother too? I’d like to bring it to her.”

“Of course. She will surely appreciate it.”

Renihel cheerfully prepared tea for both Mother and me. For me, she made a sweet black tea, and for Mother, a drink with a mild, savory taste.

Carrying the teacups on a tray, I carefully climbed the stairs of the mansion. I walked down the familiar hallway and finally arrived at Mother’s study, opening the door to enter.

As always, she was working at the same spot, and her blue eyes looked at me before a kind smile spread across her lips.

“Good morning.”

“Good morning, Mother. I brought tea; would you like some?”

“…Thank you.”

I handed her the teacup and sat on the sofa. As the warm black tea flowed down my throat, the discomfort in my stomach eased a bit. Mother set down her pen for a moment and, holding something in her hand, sat across from me.

“I bought some chocolate this morning. You can take it to your room later.”

“Huh? Why chocolate all of a sudden?”

“Isn’t it about time for your cycle? Eating something sweet might make you feel a little better.”

Her calm demeanor moved me deeply. Despite receiving countless chocolates from many noble young ladies, none had ever made me this happy.

“Did you buy it yourself, Mother..?”

“It was just a quick stop while I was out for a morning walk, so don’t worry about it.”

As she spoke nonchalantly, I pursed my lips and moved closer to sit beside her. Wrapping my arms around her slender, pale neck, she naturally lifted me onto her lap with both hands.

I buried my face in her shoulder and nuzzled against her. She gently patted my head with a faint smile. Hugging her neck tightly, I looked up at her. Her warm smile greeted me, and her eyes sparkled as they looked at me. For a moment, I gazed into her blue eyes before slowly pressing my lips against her neck.

Smooch—

As our lips and skin met, a small sound was made.

“I love you, Mother.”

Mom quietly smiled and hugged me tighter. I buried my face in her soft hair and kissed her again. Her scent enveloped me. I continued to plant small kisses all over her face. In that moment, it felt like it was just the two of us in the world.

Mother’s embrace was cozy and warm. Overwhelmed with a desire to express infinite love, I kept kissing her. Her forehead, nose, chin, and then her cheeks again. Like a baby bird being affectionate with its mother, I left kiss marks on her fair face.

As I moved in for one last kiss on her cheek, Mom turned her head, and my lips landed on an unintended spot.

Smooch—

“Huh?”

I felt an unexpectedly soft sensation on my lips. I had intended to kiss her cheek, but I accidentally kissed her lips.

I widened my eyes in surprise and looked at Mom. She was staring back at me with a surprised expression. As I gazed into her blinking eyes, my face instantly turned red.

What if she dislikes me now? Even though women are generally more forgiving about physical affection between the same gender, kissing on the lips might be uncomfortable.

“O-Oh, I’m sorry, Mother….”

I stammered, not knowing what to do. Mom looked at me, surprised for a moment, then burst into laughter and patted my head.

“I love you too, my daughter.”

What a relief….

I was worried that she might dislike me, but it seemed my worry was unfounded.

Still embarrassed, I felt relieved by her kind response. Feeling the warmth of her embrace, I hugged her again. This time, I carefully kissed her cheek once more. She gently patted me, accepting my apology.

“…Hehe.”

Come to think of it, that was my first kiss.

But since it was with my mother, it doesn’t count, right?

***

Hmph.

I picked up a chocolate Mom had given me and popped it into my mouth. As the chocolate touched my lips, I felt its soft and smooth texture, along with a sweet and slightly bitter taste spreading on my tongue.

“Sweet.”

Wiping the chocolate from my lips, I lifted my head. Looking at my reflection in the mirror, I smiled as usual, seeing a pleasant smile on my face.

“Today, there’s Lady Sharione’s tea party.”

Three months had passed, yet I continued to live my unchanged daily life.

I was still adored by the ladies of high society, and I lived comfortably, backed by their support. Sometimes, the expensive treasures they gifted me were neatly stored under my wardrobe.

The perverted villainess Mardian, who had been after my lips for some time, stopped pursuing me after I told her my real father had sexually harassed me. Although she occasionally slapped my butt or choked me, I could endure those, so it was fine.

Now, at sixteen, considering Mother’s abilities, I thought she might be able to deal with all the debts burdening the Blanc family by the time I turned twenty.

And after that, I could sell all the jewels my precious masters gave me and live the comfortable life of a carefree person that I’ve always dreamed of.

And Viviana.

I hadn’t seen her since sending a farewell letter. Perhaps she had lost interest in me, as she didn’t even reply to my letter and disappeared from the social scene afterward.

It was normal. Viviana didn’t appear in social circles in the first place. It would be strange if she attended the banquet for three consecutive days.

She walks the path befitting the protagonist, while I simply live according to my abilities.

“Today, it’s Lady Sharione… Tomorrow, it’s Lady Versha, and the day after, someone new we met recently invited us.”

It’s busy. Just this week alone, there are five tea parties I need to attend. According to my mother, it would be reasonable to take a break during my menstrual cycle, but there’s a reason I’m pushing myself so hard to attend consistently.

In the upcoming November, my birthday is approaching.

Last year, shortly after my possession, I didn’t have many connections, and the reputation of my family wasn’t very good, so my mother and I celebrated my birthday quietly, just the two of us. But this time, I was certain it would be different.

That’s why I’m pushing myself to attend these parties. I know it’s materialistic, but I can’t help but be hopeful. In daily life, these women give me expensive jewelry; I wonder what they will give me on my birthday.

Sincere affection?

Passionate interest?

I don’t need any of that.

“I hope it’s something expensive.”

Something easy to resell.