Chapter 29

As a woman, it's a joy to dress up beautifully.

But... perhaps I'm the only one who finds it painful as well. Right now, I really want to weed the garden. Even cleaning the floor would be fine. I just want to work using my whole body.

Why do humans want to escape when they absolutely shouldn't?

"How does it look?"

Tiana asks with confidence, but I only smile ambiguously and return my gaze to the mirror.

In the mirror, I am wearing a beautiful dress for the ball.

It's a bit old, but for a ball where people wear masks, this vintage design will fit in better.

Today, I look like a princess from a story.

I've never tied my hair up this high before when wearing such a dress.

The necklace, made of small gems and a thin chain, makes my neck look beautiful.

My sun-kissed skin has been transformed by Tiana's superb skills into a very natural skin tone.

Impressive.

The me in the mirror looks like a different person, yet I'm still definitely me.

"...It feels strange. It's me, but it's not me."

"Both your usual look and this one are Lady Lucia. Personally, I would like to dress you up like this all the time, but it seems that Fil doesn't think so."

"That's true. I can't cook in this outfit."

"That... well, it might be fine even so. But, my lady, if Fil asks you to wear a mask, you absolutely must not agree. I will firmly prevent it. Hiding such a beautiful appearance with a mask would be a desecration!"

She speaks with conviction, but I don't think it would make much difference whether I wear a mask or not.

I tilt my head and then look back at the open door.

"By the way, where is Fil?"

"He just returned. Since it will take some time to get ready, please wait a moment."

"...Can I have a snack while I wait?"

"Of course. I have prepared something for you."

Tiana brings me a light meal, cut into small pieces.

I wear an apron like a baby, being careful not to get dirty, and eat slowly.

In my ball gown, I can't eat until I'm full, but at least I won't faint from hunger.

Now I can dance to my heart's content!

Just as I was feeling satisfied,

"Finally, I'm ready. Sorry to have kept you waiting."

"Are you not going to cut your hair in the end?"

"I could, but my brother keeps nagging about how short hair looks poor or something."

"...I'll pretend I didn't hear that."

Noisy voices come from the hallway.

It's Albes and Fil.

I turn to call out to them but freeze for a moment.

A tall noble with dark blonde hair.

That's Albes. He has the same eye color as me, and his attire is typically noble, so he looks the same as usual.

But... the other one...

The hair color, which is too light to be chestnut, is similar to Albes' dark blonde. He is about the same height and is wearing a slightly vintage noble's outfit in deep green.

He must have noticed my gaze.

He runs his hand through his hair, emphasizing it, and smiles.

"How do I look? Does it suit me?"

"...Is that you, Fil?"

His voice is Fil's.

His expression is Fil's.

But... just the different hair color makes him look like a completely different person.

Fil looks shocked at my puzzled gaze.

"Huh? You couldn't tell it was me?"

"...I think it's you now. But standing next to Albes, you look similar. I thought maybe there was a brother I didn't know about."

Hearing my honest thoughts, Fil thinks seriously for a moment. Then he grins.

"I see. We do look like brothers. How about we go with the story that I'm Albes' long-lost brother tonight? Can I call you brother?"

"...Hey. Why do I have to be the brother? It's bad luck, so stop it!"

For some reason, Albes is angry.

Fil is actually older, so that might be the reason.

While I tilt my head, the two of them continue to whisper to each other.

This goes on until Tiana comes to announce that the carriage is ready.