Case 14: Upon the pervert’s return.

It was one of those moments that I felt genuine gratitude toward my reincarnation.

Had I not known that Penelope was merely an ordinary teenager whose obsession was the female human body, I would have failed to protect Lyra. Fortunately, I didn't make a mistake.

Penelope was secretly a pervert—a big, big pervert. In the game's own words, she worshipped the female curves fanatically. Coincidentally, this body was pretty attractive, even if it became quite fragile-looking under my control.

Still, these melons wouldn't go anywhere, so might as well let someone enjoy them, right?

I had to pay my gratitude to the stoic 'Penelope' as well. If she hadn't hidden her fascination and put up a front, women would have flocked into her laps by now, either attracted to her wealth or beauty, and I would not be 'special' anymore.

''Whew...''

Either way, this contract with Penelope wasn't strictly only for Lyra per se. It was for my sake as well.

In many senses, it was the most important one.

Penelope didn't specify when she would come and collect her 'rewards,' but I hoped it wouldn't overlap my dates with Rachael. Hanging out with Rachael was fun. She treated me so well that I thought she was a different princess, somehow.

And... even though she clearly wanted to court me, I would have to stall a bit further. There were a few things I wasn't sure of.

''...Big sis?''

''Oh, Lyra. Welcome back.''

Picking up the coat, I carefully hugged Lyra into my embrace and began to stroke her back.

With her not resisting these kinds of kinship anymore, we spend a peaceful while in the guest room.

''What happened to her?''

''Hm? Penelope?''

''Nn.''

''She left. She said to send her regards to you... and that she won't bother you with the marriage talks anymore.''

''Huh?''

For a brief moment, I sensed a genuine bewilderment on my little sister's face. Her tiny lip petals split open, yet nothing came out. Seeing this cute reaction, I couldn't help but caress her head.

''I said I would take care of it, didn't I?''

And with a smile—to soothe her up.

''...Thank you.''

After that day, there was no mention of Penelope's engagement proposal, and I didn't see Penelope either. Granted, it had only been a week or so, but I seriously thought she would come back within a few days.

Other than Rachael paying another visit to the mansion, which greatly confused the marchioness as the princess was sticking to me instead of Lyra, nothing really happened.

The love interests' visits might have appeared constant in the game, but in reality, they were almost rare. Everybody was busy, unfortunately.

However, that also meant I was able to spend as much time as I wanted with Lyra. Watching her growing up, even if it was ever so subtly at times, made me proud.

Someday, she would grow to become a respected adult and find her love, and at that time... I hoped I could be there with her.

''Hah... hah...''

[How do you feel?]

''Like crap...''

Suddenly, as I looked at the bloody towel, I thought I might not make it until Lyra finally reached her story's conclusion. In the end, was it the right choice for me to cling to my humanity?

I wouldn't know.

I wish I knew... so I could feel less uncertain.

Either way, today marked the fourth month since I decided to invest in Quasar, so I wanted to check her progress once again. Like before, I draped on a cape and the magical bracelet before sneaking out of the mansion.

At this point, it still snowed, but the wind wasn't as aggressive as a while before.

Along the white trails, amidst the crowd of people.

I dragged my body on the snow roads.

I found Quasar's shop, one that looked no better than what I first saw from her. I thought she might renovate her place for future business endeavors, but she proudly stated that she didn't want to receive attention at the moment.

'I want to arrive on the market like a comet!'

She said.

''Pfft...''

Feeling a bit amused, I opened the old door and entered the building.

''W-Welcome... oh, Miss Rael?''

''Yes. Long time no see, Miss Quasar.''

Thanks to the bracelet, Quasar took a while to remember me the second time around, but now, she had no problem with that. It was inconvenient, but I had to hide my identity.

It wasn't because of some arbitrary reason, either. I wanted to build a persona separate from 'Cecilia de Orleans' so I could have an easier time working underground.

Nevertheless, when I approached the counter, Quasar happily presented a device—like a puppy bringing a stick to her owner. My hands were tingling from the desire to pet her ruffled pink hair.

''T-The prototype is almost done. We just need to... test it a bit more.''

''Hm. It looks good.''

The thing on my hand couldn't really be described as a 'smartphone' yet. First of all, it only had the mainboard, a magical battery, and a screen—all connected by small wires. I had to hold it quite carefully so as not to let any part dangle in the air.

Still, it worked pretty well, and that was all that mattered. We just needed to polish their appearance.

As I was playing with the calculated app, Quasar rarely began a topic on her own.

''Hm? Someone from Obsidian Guild came here a few days ago?''

''Yeah... t-they offered me a contract after noticing my stuff. I r-refused them, though. They wanted too much...''

''Hahah. That's what I thought.''

Obsidian Guild.

This name had been floating around for a few years now. It was a trading guild that operated mainly in the capital of the Libre empire and was said to be the fastest-growing trading organization in the country.

And, of course, Penelope owned it.

If I hadn't seized this smartphone endeavor a few months back, Penelope would have become much richer than she already was.

Quasar seemed concerned as she had rejected their offer, but little did she know...

I had the guild's owner dancing on my palm.

''Heheh...''

''...??''

I didn't know what had gotten into me, but I felt unusually proud that day. Even as I returned to the mansion, I was sure everything would be under my control.

Perhaps I felt confident after stealing some money from Penelope. Perhaps my ego inflated after I somehow seduced Rachael.

''Lady Cecilia.''

''...Eh?''

That illusion was shattered the moment I saw a luxurious car parked in our front yard.

''Lady Penelope... um... hasn't it been a long time?''

''Yes.''

Still, with that same blank expression, that same blank tone, Penelope de Bourbon was back. However, unlike the last time, I could feel a certain sense of hesitance in her voice. Even her forwardness had disappeared, evident in the silence between us right now.

Couldn't you see snow piling on top of this fragile lady's head?

''...Are you here for that?''

Finally mustering up the sentence, I asked her.

''...Yes.''

''...''

''...''

I couldn't help but let out a sigh.

Perhaps I was merely trying to calm down.

Nevertheless, I was happy that at least Penelope was as nervous as I was. Look at her flinching when all I did was cling to her arm.

''Do you like cats, Lady Penelope?''

''Relatively?''

''Let us go inside, then. I have a cat in my room—a very cute one.''

''Okay...''

Look, I would never reject a hot girl wanting to bang me.

However, girl... please make an appointment next time. I would be doomed if Rachael saw this, wouldn't I?