Chapter 52

"Ugh! Something's coming out!"

"Just a little more, please!"

"Shina-sama, you can do it!"

"This is the part where you need to endure! It will be easier after this!"

The encouraging voices of the maids could be heard from afar. Behind me, the head maid, Maria, was mercilessly tightening the corset. No, it hurts! Something's definitely coming out!

"Phew! I've loosened it a bit, considering Shina-sama's condition."

"How kind! For the head maid, known as 'Maria the Tightener,' to show restraint!"

What a scary nickname! The kind head maid is called something like a legendary delinquent.

"This... this is loose? Being a lady and wearing a dress is truly great...!"

"Now, Shina-sama. The real challenge is about to begin. Right now, Prince Jinkret is reporting his return to His Majesty. Once that's done, there will be some time before the banquet. At that time, you must absolutely, without fail, come here, as I've already told you... Shina-sama, you've been holed up in the kitchen and haven't returned. Originally, we had planned a special course from morning, including a bath, massage, and skin care, but it's been reduced to just a bath... I'm heartbroken!"

Scared by the head maid approaching with a smile, I hide behind Kiri.

"I'm sorry for breaking the promise..."

Peeking out from behind Kiri, I see the head maid and the maids, all in a state of extreme excitement. They're smiling, but it's scary.

"I wanted to make a delicious meal for Jin. I got carried away. I'm sorry for not keeping time."

Ugh. But breaking a promise is bad. As an adult, not keeping time is fatal. I'm scared, but I'm ready for a scolding.

I step out from behind Kiri and close my eyes tightly. Come on, lecture! I'll reflect thoroughly!

But... huh? No thunder. I open my eyes cautiously.

"Ugh! I can't be angry! What a cute reason? If Prince Jinkret were here, he'd definitely pounce!"

"Head maid! Head maid! We can't scold her!"

"I'm frustrated! I was looking forward to polishing every corner, but this heart-meltingly cute reason!"

The maids, centered around the head maid, were trembling with tears in their eyes. Huh? No lecture?

"Shina-sama, everyone has been preparing for your outfit since early. Please be punctual from now on."

Kiri peers at me and scolds me. Yes, I'm sorry. I won't do it again.

The maids dress me in a dress and tie up my usually loose hair. My neck feels cool. The design exposes my collarbone and chest, so I might catch a cold if I'm not careful. Wearing such a cold dress with a smile in the dead of winter, it's true that being a lady and wearing a dress is great.

I'm usually bare-faced, but I'm lightly made up, and I look in the mirror. Wow, even a horse looks good in a costume!

The dress is a light blue, with a puffy skirt made of layers of chiffon from the waist down, cinched by a corset. A bright red ribbon accents the waist. The design exposes my collarbone and chest, making my modest chest look lifted! Amazing skills, maids!

My skin, coated with fragrant oil, feels smooth. It smells like flowers.

I spin around in front of the mirror, enjoying the spread of the skirt and checking my back.

"Wow! Amazing! Thank you so much for making me look so beautiful! I feel like a princess!!"

It's hard to move, but it's cute! I was wondering what to do with all the dresses I received from the queen, but wearing a dress once in a while is nice.

"Ugh! Even cuter than I imagined! A masterpiece! I'm proud of myself!"

"The charm between a woman and a girl! You've grown since you first arrived! Your figure is becoming more womanly and curvy."

The maids praised me one after another. Even if it's flattery, I'm happy! Thank you!

Compared to the beautiful ladies, including the queen, I know I'm just a nobody. Being in the same field as those beautiful people is a sin. Their beauty is a miracle and the result of hard work! I know my limits as a girl with low femininity.

"I'm happy to look cute... But do I really need to wear a dress to meet the prince from another country? I'm just going to treat him, so wouldn't a robe be fine? Even though I'm attending the banquet, I'm worried if this dress-up was really necessary..."

When I say this timidly, the maids gasp in shock.

"What are you saying! It's been a long time since you've seen him! You should show up looking even more beautiful to make him even more smitten and fall for you! I was planning to have you wear a more revealing dress!"

"That's right! But Kiri-sama said that too much stimulation might cause him to lose control, so I held back!"

"But this dress suits you so well! It's a delicate and alluring charm! Your usual active attire is good, but the contrast is amazing! I can understand why a man would want to kidnap and run away with you!"

"It's my first time meeting the prince of Naris Kingdom...?"

"The banquet to welcome the prince of Naris Kingdom is just a pretext. The real goal is elsewhere."

The maids nod in agreement with the head maid.

"Exactly! Always moping around...! You should just say what you feel!! What if someone else snatches him away!!"

"That's right! He's such a wimp!"

What are they talking about? Kiri nods in agreement.

"Seeing Shina-sama beautifully dressed, he might realize something. There's no time to hesitate."

I'm even more confused, but it seems like the head maid and the maids are angry at someone?

Kiri kneels in front of me, taking my hand. Kiri's gentle eyes look straight at me.

"Shina-sama. I only wish for your happiness. Therefore, I agree with the head maid's thoughts. No matter what decision you make in the future, I will never leave your side. I will always be with you. This time, I will protect you with my life from anyone who tries to harm you. So please don't be afraid and act according to your heart."

"Kiri...?"

It's not just Kiri; the maids also look worried.

I don't really understand, but I can tell everyone is on my side. Because they have such kind eyes.

So I smile.

"No way, Kiri. I won't let you risk your life like that."

Is something different going to happen today?

That's why Kiri and the maids are working so hard to support me.

"It's okay, Kiri. I'm very happy because you and everyone are here. When I was in Daido Kingdom, I had many friends, but I wasn't happy at all. Sometimes, working for my friends was painful. But here, it's different. Everyone worries about me, accepts me, and scolds me. So I want to protect everyone and make them happy. So, for that, I won't lose! No matter what comes, I'll face it with all my might!"

I'm different from the past me!

I strike a powerful fighting pose, and the maids sigh in unison.

"Shina-sama...! It's so touching, but your determination is off the mark!"

"You're too brave! It's cool, but you lack the heart of a lady!"

"Did I raise you wrong...?"

"Kiri, stay strong! It's a matter of his original nature! The only thing left is to leave it to that wimpy prince."

Kiri and the maids encouraging each other. Did I do something wrong?

At that moment, voices of commotion could be heard from outside the door.