Case 13: For a contract with the second love interest.

Penelope de Bourbon.

As the heiress of the infamous Bourbons, whose influence could be seen across the whole Libre empire, she was arguably one of the most powerful people in the high society, on par with royal princesses or, in some cases, imperial princesses, despite the head of Bourbon only holding a marchioness title.

As for the reason... well, they had a ton of money.

Like, a ton of money.

The Bourbons owned so many crucial businesses and had their hand in so many nationwide projects that it was almost ludicrous.

Penelope herself had a reputation for being cold ever since she was a child, which didn't exactly affect her businesses, yet probably shunned away her potential friends—genuine friends.

Always distant, always curt—a woman who only saw people by their worth.

However, I knew how she was. I became her lover numerous times as 'Lyra,' after all.

Beneath that facade always lay a heartbreaking story and a pitiful soul that wanted to be loved. Actually, almost every love interest was like her. That was why I wanted to make sure that not only Lyra was happy, but also these girls were, too.

As someone who could change fate, wouldn't I be the perfect fixer for this?

''Why don't we come in first?''

So, with a bright smile, I took the conversation instead of Lyra.

''Of course.''

As Penelope turned around and walked inside, I tightened the hand holding Lyra's and reassured her, ''Don't worry. I'll take care of it.''

''...Okay.''

Once again, we arrived inside the guest room, where I had Lyra sit on my lap. Same setting, same purpose—just like Racheal, Penelope was about to ask for an engagement with Lyra.

Lyra being the only female of 'prestigious' origin at this point was a convenient setting in the game, but in real life, it was more ridiculous than anything. I mean, was the female population in high society that low for a whole bunch of ladies with things between their legs to seek a twelve-year-old child?

It was their parents who endorsed these proposals, anyway.

After the maid swiftly served teas and refreshments and left, I opened my mouth first.

''I apologize for the late introduction. My name is Cecilia of House Orleans, and this is my sister—''

''Lyra of House Orleans.''

A perfect sisters' introduction. As expected, Lyra and I had the best synergy.

''Penelope of House Bourbon. I came here to discuss... matters between our families with Lady Lyra.''

''Oh, my, I've heard many incredible things about the heiress of Bourbon. Such a precious guest... did my mother, Gloria, welcome you?''

''Yes.''

Afterward, a silent battle ensued. Penelope was basically hinting that I should scram since she, having the marchioness's permission, was here to talk marriage with Lyra, who I obviously wasn't.

Me? My face was made of steel.

There was no way I would let Lyra be alone with this shark. Hearing about her potentially marrying such a scary-looking person alone would hurt my little sister's fragile mind.

If anything, my goal for the moment was to nullify all the engagement proposals coming Lyra's way until she could decide for herself. On this side, it was relatively easy since the marchioness could be persuaded, but I would have to worry about backlash from the love interests' powerful families when we refused them.

I needed to tread this carefully.

As I continued to be stubborn, Penelope let out an inaudible sigh and began to speak anyway.

''Lady Lyra.''

''Yes?''

My little sister perked up.

''Would you consider... an engagement between us?''

''...!''

At Penelope's straightforward proposal, I could feel Lyra tensing up. This reaction was supposed to happen when Racheal made her proposal, but since she somehow switched her target to me, which I was grateful for since I didn't need to deal with her anymore, the topic never came up.

This time, however, the opponent would not be so easily persuaded. Once Penelope had received a task, she would try her best to execute it to the very end.

''If it's Lady Lyra, I am sure you would know what it means,'' Penelope added.

''...''

With that nonchalant attitude, I was sure she had already investigated Lyra's information, which would explain why she put so much trust in my little sister not being slow.

Lyra would know that she was likely going to be married off to the House of Bourbon. Having ties with them was simply too great, after all.

In the game, no engagement happened anyway because... well, the love interests fiercely fought each other for the tie. Their families did. Once again, none of these girls really loved the idea.

Now, if I left it be, Lyra wouldn't be engaging with someone any time soon, but... Lyra would feel pressured. I didn't like that.

''Lyra, Lyra.''

''Nn?''

''Can you fetch me the pair of gloves on my bed? My hands are freezing...''

''Ah... okay.''

Like so, my clever sister immediately picked up my message and ran out of the room.

Once alone, I turned to Penelope with a smile.

The heiress of Bourbon, who still held no hint of grudge on her face even after my antics, stared back at me.

''Lady Penelope,'' I called. ''As someone of House Orleans, I have a request.''

I didn't know a thing about negotiating, but here I was, trying to grab her attention. For some reason, I wanted those delicate features on her face to move; I wanted to make those dull eyes gleam.

Was it because I wasn't able to see them do so clearly through the unmoving CGs?

I wouldn't know.

''...Please speak.''

Nevertheless, it seemed I had a chance to talk, at least. Taking a deep breath, I organized my cards and straightened my back.

''Please retract your proposal to Lyra,'' I said clearly. ''She... is too young to make such a big decision for herself. As her older sister, I do not want her to be ridden with regret once she grows up.''

After a brief silence, Penelope flatly refused, ''No. I have too much to lose that way.''

''I can compensate you.''

''...''

Perhaps intrigued by my utterly confident attitude, Penelope actually knitted her hands together—a telling sign of her being amused.

"Let's hear it, then—how Lady Cecilia can make up for the profit gained by sealing this engagement.'' She said. ''Allow me to say this first... but having you as collateral won't work.''

''I know, I know. I'm just a commoner. How could I be a replacement for Lyra?''

As I stood up, I took off my outer cape and slowly walked to Penelope's side.

''In exchange for Lady Penelope delaying the engagement talks until Lyra becomes a legal adult...''

I could feel her gaze following me every step. With those seemingly unfazed, uninterested eyes, she never took off her attention. Even as I stood right in front of her, she didn't change her expression.

A perfect poker face.

It made me nervous, yet I had already come this far...

Thinking about protecting Lyra's innocence gave me a push, and I leaned down, putting my face closer to Penelope's. At this distance, every bit of her beautiful features could be observed.

She was indeed gorgeous.

It made me feel thirsty... but I was supposed to make her feel that.

So, I boldly hooked my index finger into the collar of my dress and pulled it down.

''I can be your sex partner,'' I whispered.

''...''

''...''

''...''

O-Okay, maybe this wasn't working. Even as I waited for a good fifteen seconds, Penelope showed no reaction.

Did I overestimate my charm...?

Anyway, it seemed I needed to pull out quickly, or I would die of embarrassment.

''J-Just kidding—''

''I'll take it.''

''...Huh?''

''I said I'll take it. The deal.''

''Eh? Um... okay?''

Without the slightest change in her expression or demeanor, Penelope pulled out a sheet of paper and began to scribble on it.

''Is this alright with you?''

''L-Let me see.''

The 'contract' only had one line: In exchange for Penelope de Bourbon's retracement and prohibition of her engagement proposal with Lyra de Orleans(until Lyra de Orleans becomes a legal adult), Cecilia de Orleans will become Penelope de Bourbon's partner for sexual acts.

''This looks good.'' I remarked.

''We can now proceed to negotiate the time frame for our relationship.''

''Ah, that's not really needed... but I suppose it'll be easier that way. Is six years okay? Just to match the time.''

''That's fine by me.''

So, without really computing the situation, I promptly signed a magical contract with Penelope, putting another layer of constraint on my heart.

''I'll excuse myself here. Please inform Lady Lyra of my decision and send my regards.''

''Okay...?''

With that, Penelope stormed out of the room. Left alone, I couldn't help but mutter,

''...Wasn't that too easy?''

*****

Bursting the door to her room open, Penelope aggressively closed it off before slumping down to the floor.

With ragged breaths and a strangely flushed expression unbefitting the stoic 'Penelope,' she lightly slapped herself on the cheek.

''Why did I do that...?! Why the hell did I do that??''

She cursed herself. Yet, the next second, Penelope, with her insane mental gymnastics, succumbed to her true heart.

''But... she was just too hot...''

Penelope de Bourbon was secretly...

A huge pervert.

*****