Once the smiling maids are close enough, I can finally see the silver hairpin in one of their hands. Jewels decorate its surface, forming the image of a bird standing on a branch with flowers in bloom.
My shoulders sag. “Do I have to wear that too? Aren’t the earrings and necklaces enough already?”
Their eyes shine with flaming passion. “No! These are part of a set. It doesn’t look as good if you don’t wear everything!”
“That’s right!”
Then they flash me smiles.
Girls sure like to dress people up. I don’t have anything against that, but please don’t make me your mannequin!! I want to go home. I’m scared of seeing other people’s reactions once I leave this room. They will surely laugh at me. After all, what kind of man would wear something like this?! I will definitely be the star attraction at the party. And not in a good way.
Ugh, my stomach hurts just thinking about it.
Then I catch sight of the makeup box in one of the maid’s hands. And I can feel my face paling.
“P-please… Not the makeup… Please don’t put makeup on my face. I beg you!”
“Ahh… But…”
“I’m really begging you here! If you apply makeup on me, my heart will surely break into pieces! I’ll die of heartache! I can endure the hairpins, just please not that!”
“…Then it can’t be helped. We’ll give up on the makeup, but can you at least let me touch up your lips? Please?” says a maid, her face earnest.
“Lips… Is it lip balm?”
She bobs her head eagerly. “Yes.”
I hesitate. “Well, if it’s only that…”
Suddenly, there is a knock on the door. “Lian? Are you there?”
It’s Alfred’s voice.
Ah, he’s returned. Looks like their meeting’s over. And what a relief that he is able to find the right room. This mansion is excessively large. Almost like a maze.
But… I don’t want him to see me like this. It’s too embarrassing. I even feel like crying now.
“Alfred. Listen. Before you open that door, promise me you definitely won’t laugh or make fun of me.”
“…Huh?”
“This is all Grandfather’s hobby, not mine. Grandfather’s orders are absolute, so I can only obey him. I just want you to understand that I totally didn’t choose to be like this.”
“Wait, what do you mean?”
“Promise me.”
“I don’t really get it, but I promise. Can I open the door?”
“…Sure.”
I hear a click as the doorknob is turned. The door opens, and Alfred enters the room.
He stares at me in wonder.
Well, it makes sense he looks like this. These clothes are just ridiculous.
I look like a spectacle. Maybe even a clown that’s simply inviting everyone to laugh at me.
“I-I didn’t want to! I brought my own formal suit, but Grandfather forced me to wear this! I’m not lying!”
I feel like crying.
“I understand. I got it already, so calm down,” says Alfred. “Don’t cry.”
“I’m not crying!”
YOU ARE READING
Nurturing the Hero to Avoid Death
Romantik"Please, I implore you to save the world." This is what a goddess in white says to me in a pure-white space. Such is the standard line that suggests the game is about to begin. Please say this stirring line to boys and girls with sparkling eyes! It'...
