I Ignored the Protagonists, Now They're After Me

Ch 3

Not exist in them to begin with?

How could I forget that I've already spent the past ten years with them!

Today was the first day after the lightning incident, and several servants have been showing up at my room to announce the arrival of the boys. I was exhausted and annoyed.

I can't forget that on my tenth birthday, I had requested the boys to come over for ten days in celebration. They couldn't sleep over due to the fact that I was a female and almost at marriageable age, so I had to settle for them visiting.

I flopped on my stomach and slammed my face into my pillow, screaming loudly. The muffled sound vibrated throughout my room, causing the servants to knock on my door out of concern.

Whatever. I'll greet them today. Then, I'll tell Mother and Father to ask them not to come for the rest of the eight days. My excuse? I'm feeling feverish from the incident.

Yes. That's what I'll do.

With a new determination, I sat up and tossed the covers off me. I made my way to my closet and looked through the clothing choices, each one either a tomboyish look or something elegant.

I eyed the tomboyish clothes with disgust. Against my parent's wishes, I had these tailored so I would be more comfortable in doing physical activities with the boys. My Mother had pressed some heavy yet elegant clothing on me each time I got a newly tailored outfit, but they never suited my taste until I started my first year at the academy. When that time came, I wasn't as knowledgeable in fashion and beauty like the rest of the girls. I barely kept up with them from the basics.

To make up for it, I had hurriedly tried to learn behind the scenes. In fact, when I saw myself growing into a mature young woman, I'm almost positive that it was a mask I had desperately tried to keep. To appear as though I had grown up with the etiquette a noble was suppose to have, I acted with confidence outside. On the inside, anxiety and paranoia festered at the thought of someone finding out that I was not the perfect noble I portrayed myself as.

Really... those guys held me back for so long and I've never noticed...

A knock came at my door. Knowing it was one of the servants, I called out to them.

"Come in."

Clara, my assigned maid, stepped in and swiftly bowed. "Is the Young Miss going to greet her guests?"

"Of course. All those etiquette classes would be for naught if I didn't. I'm just unsure on what to wear." I turned my gaze back to my closet and put on a pained expression.

Clara didn't say anything about my remark on the classes, even when everyone in the house knew I never went.

"Doesn't the Young Miss usually wear the tailored outfits? You go outside with them after greeting them after all," commented Clara, approaching where I was and shifting through.

I gave a light smile. "Today I'm not feeling well. I plan on greeting them and initiating some small talk, but unfortunately I won't be going outside today."

Clara gave me a slightly baffled look before bowing. "I understand. Do you need me to call the doctor?"

"No, that won't be necessary. Just choose something simple and light from the closet, I'll be heading back to bed afterwards anyways." I stepped away and walked towards my dresser.

Clara busied herself in finding an outfit while I browsed my accessories.

How could I not notice how barren my jewelry box was? There were barely any headbands, headpieces, hats, scarves — all the accessories that most nobles have. Sure, my family were lesser nobles, but that didn't mean I couldn't spend money.

Actually, now that I think about it, since I've been with the boys, I've cared less and less for these things. I didn't go shopping with my Mother and skipped most of my classes to hang out with the boys. Anything delicate and graceful I looked at with disinterest and looked at things that were fierce and dirty with fascination.

I felt pain from my hand, and when I looked down, small dribbles of blood had flowed from my nails digging into my palm. I relaxed and shook off the blood. I took another look in the box, eyeing the simple silver jewelry that my Mother gifted me yesterday.

"Young Miss, how about this one?"

I turned from my dresser to see Clara holding a simple, light dress that was white. I gazed at it in disbelief, wondering when something like that was put in there.

"Well, that looks good enough. Clara, put that on my bed and then go tell my guests I'll be out soon. I want to be alone for a bit."

Clara gives me a slightly uncertain glance before bowing one last time. "As you wish, Young Miss."

My eyes followed her as she made her way to the door and stepped out, shutting it closed behind her. I sighed and covered my eyes, rubbing them out of irritation.

I know why she gave me that look. I referred to the people I've practically idolized as simply 'guests.' In all my ten years, I've never referred to them with such an unfamiliar term.

I looked at my jewelry box, staring at the earring and necklace set. The diamonds encrusted into the set were in a small flower pattern, pairing nicely with the necklace that had the same design. My eyes flitted upwards to stare at the dress in the mirror in front of me.

"Maybe I should put on the dress first."

•••

I think I was actually an idiot this whole time.

When I put on the dressing, the jewelry, and stared at myself in the mirror, I felt like something was missing. Then, a small bag of what looked like makeup caught my eye. I nearly slapped myself.

Of course! Makeup should be the final touch.

Immediately, I grabbed the bag and looked through it. I found some black creme for eyeliner, some blush, and a lip tint. There were also a few brushes in there. As I looked, I tried to remember when I got these. Ah, Mother probably snuck these in as my presents hoping I would use them.

Thank you, Mother.

Thus, my battle with the makeup begun.