Chapter 37: Why is she angry

“Haa…”

I stepped out into the corridor, leaving Viviana alone in the reception room, and let out a deep sigh. The fresh air outside cleared my troubled mind just a little.

“Does she want me to be hypocritical or not? Really…”

If I acted insincerely, it would be easier for me. I wouldn’t have to carefully weigh each word, nor would I feel awkward. But since Viviana seemed to dislike insincere attitudes, I tried my best to be genuine with her. Yet now, she wants me to act hypocritical again…

“Hmph, she’s completely unpredictable.”

Given Viviana’s personality, it wasn’t all that surprising. She’s always been someone who lives according to her own will. The more I thought about it, the more it just cluttered my mind.

I looked at my reflection in the window. My eyes lacked confidence, and my lips trembled. With such an awkward expression, there’s no way I could win anyone’s favor.

I forced a smile using my fingers to part my lips as I usually would. I straightened my messy hair and took in the bright light. When I looked in the mirror again, my beautiful face was shining.

“Yes, that’s better.”

The party wasn’t over yet. Now, when the other ladies believed I was heartbroken over Mardian, was the perfect time to draw out as much sympathy as possible from them.

Forget about unpredictable Viviana. Now is the time to put on a pitiful face and earn sympathy. I walked back to the party hall with light steps. Fortunately, Sharione and her group were still gathered in the same spot.

“Lady Sharione!”

“Oh my, Tina has arrived.”

Sharione smiled brightly as she saw me. She tapped her lap twice, inviting me to sit. I naturally sat on the sofa and rested my head on her lap. While I rubbed my head against Sharione’s warm lap, the other ladies approached me with curious eyes.

“Tina! Tell us what happened!”

“Why did Lady Merdellia call for you?”

“……..”

“This is the first time I’ve seen her up close. Wasn’t she just stunning?”

They seemed quite curious about Viviana. Of course, they would be. She was the only daughter of the Duke of Merdellia, after all. Since she had always stayed away from social gatherings, her appearance at such a small party naturally became the talk of the event.

Even Sharione looked down at me with curious eyes, which made me realize just how popular Viviana was. Some of us have to attend every single party to capture the ladies’ attention, while others can steal the spotlight without even showing up.

You’re really something, Lady Viviana.

“I never expected Lady Merdellia to come to the party. Did you happen to hear why she attended?”

I hesitated for a moment at Sharione’s question. Of course, I knew the reason. Viviana herself had told me directly.

She came here just to see me.

Yes, Lady Viviana herself.

I wanted to boast about it, but I decided against it since it wouldn’t benefit me. Instead, I looked at the ladies with a sorrowful gaze, forcing a weak smile.

“There was a small incident involving me recently, and she just offered some brief words of comfort. That’s all.”

“Oh…”

When the story of Mardian was brought up, the young ladies looked at me with even more pity in their eyes. I still managed to keep a weak smile on my face and waved my hand at them dismissively.

“I’m really okay! It wasn’t a big deal, was it?”

“If it weren’t a big deal, you wouldn’t look so pale.”

Sharione, who had been watching me with sorrowful eyes, hesitated for a moment before deciding on something. She gently brushed back my hair and spoke as if she’d made up her mind.

“This won’t do. Next week, we should hold a tea party at our mansion for Tina.”

“Really? Please invite us too, Lady Sharione. We want to comfort Tina as well.”

“That’s right. We can’t just sit back when our dear friend looks so down.”

I suppressed a laugh at their enthusiastic reactions. Unaware of my true feelings, Sharione looked at me with a pleased expression.

“Come with a light heart, Tina.”

“Yes! Thank you so much, Lady Sharione.”

“If it wouldn’t be too much trouble, I would also like to be invited.”

In the cheerful atmosphere filled with laughter, a sudden chill swept through. As I tried to calm my shivering body and turned to look, I found myself locking eyes with Viviana, whose violet eyes glowed faintly.

“Oh, Lady Merdellia…”

I wasn’t the only one taken aback. Sharione also looked at Viviana with surprise. For some reason, Viviana was glaring sharply at Sharione’s hand, which was stroking my hair.

“Did you say you would like to attend my tea party?”

“Yes, but only if it wouldn’t be an inconvenience to you.”

“Of course, you’re most welcome.”

A genuine smile spread across Sharione’s face as if she was truly happy to have Viviana attend.

Perhaps she intended to use this opportunity to strengthen her position through Viviana. After all, Viviana wasn’t just anyone; she was the daughter of the empire’s most renowned swordsmanship family, and merely having her attend the tea party would have significant consequences.

The other young ladies also welcomed Viviana’s attendance with bright smiles.

While their faces lit up, my expression darkened. What was supposed to be a tea party to comfort me had suddenly turned into a prestigious event just because Viviana decided to attend.

What are you doing, Viviana? How could you interfere with my plans like this? I had originally intended to feign pitifulness and receive gifts from the young ladies… But thanks to her, that plan was ruined.

I glared at Viviana with resentment, but she ignored my gaze and continued chatting with the excited young ladies.

In the end, I sighed in resignation and leaned my head back on Sharione’s lap. She chuckled softly and carefully tidied my hair.

“Hehe… Tina, you’re such a lucky charm.”

“Me?”

“Yes.”

Sharione smiled faintly and gazed at Viviana, who was now surrounded by the young ladies.

“To think you’d bring Lady Merdellia into our circle. You’re truly a beloved pet.”

“Oh…”

“Hehe… Meeting you was the best fortune of my life.”

Seeing the deep affection in Sharione’s eyes, I instinctively knew this was the perfect opportunity to raise her favorability even more.

“That makes me so happy to hear, Lady Sharione…”

I quickly lifted myself up and sat on Sharione’s lap. Facing her from such a close distance, close enough for our chests to touch, was quite embarrassing, but in the relationship between a pet and its owner, it wouldn’t look strange.

“I have something I want to tell you, Lady Sharione.”

“Oh, what could that be?”

From what I’ve felt so far, Sharione also had quite the pushover tendencies. Now, I could definitely increase her affection for me.

“I… actually, with you, Lady Sharione-.”

“Excuse me.”

“Would like to become closer- Mm?!”

Suddenly, a pair of pale white hands pressed hard against my cheeks, causing a puff of air to escape from my mouth. Startled, I turned my gaze, only to find that the person covering my face was none other than Viviana.

“Vi-Viviana…?”

Just a moment ago, she was surrounded by the young ladies, so when did she come over? But there was no time to ponder that. For some reason, Viviana, with a chillingly cold look in her eyes, lifted me up, set me down beside her, and then wedged herself into the space between Sharione and me.

“You are Lady Sharione from the House of Rodain, correct?”

“Oh my, I’m honored that you remember our family.”

Sharione’s face filled with emotion just from being greeted. Viviana, wearing a pleasant, radiant smile, continued to speak.

“How could I forget? The Rodain family has always held a stellar reputation within the Empire.”

“Hoho, we’re not even close to the prestige of the Merdellia Duchy. I’ve always wanted to have a conversation with you, Lady Viviana.”

After that, the two of them began conversing in their own world. Suddenly isolated, I stared at Viviana in disbelief. What on earth is she doing now?

Everything was going so well, so why did she show up and interrupt again? Not once, but twice now, she’s snatched away my opportunity. At this point, is she doing it on purpose?

Starting to feel a little spiteful, I placed one hand on Viviana’s thigh and pinched her as hard as I could to vent my frustration.

Viviana, who had been chatting with Sharione, glanced at me briefly, then leaned in close to my ear and whispered in a voice devoid of emotion.

“Stop it. I’m not in a good mood right now.”

“…What?”

Wait, I’m the one who had my chance taken away…

So why are you the one who’s angry?