The Gloomy and Timid Princess Heads to the Academy

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“Then, what kind of clothes did you put on Ho-yeon?”

I only saw Anya carefully choosing, but I had no idea what kind of clothes she picked. After all, she had an aura that screamed ‘stay away’ more than Ho-yeon did at the beginning of the semester.

But if we were to examine it closely, there was a significant difference.

Anya wrapped herself up to avoid being disturbed, but Ho-yeon’s imposing energy just naturally emanated whenever she felt uncomfortable.

Without even being conscious of it, Ho-yeon radiated an aura that was at least similar to, if not worse than, Anya’s intentional ‘stay away’ vibe.

Thinking about it that way, I was relieved to realize which group Ho-yeon belonged to.

“Oh, right. I forgot to show this to Dokan… here, this!”

“…Anya, are you seriously planning to make Ho-yeon wear this? No matter how much it’s Stephanie’s party, it’s meant to be a comfort gathering.”

The back was exposed, and the cleavage was on full display. With a side slit, no matter how you looked at it, it was not a dress suitable for a consolation party.

While it seemed superficial, it was meant to comfort a first-year’s suffering, not turn it into a party to catch someone’s attention.

For that purpose, wearing such clothes was a bit inappropriate.

Hearing this, Anya seemed to realize her mistake and quickly avoided eye contact while searching for an excuse.

“Well… that is… so, I thought I’d measure! Yes, I wanted to measure Ho-yeon once…!”

If I were to tidy up her rambling into coherent thoughts—it seemed that she wanted to try out the most stimulating outfit first to check if it suited Ho-yeon, then casually suggest that since she wore something intense before, let’s try something milder this time.

There was no real intention to actually put it on her.

Was it some kind of shock therapy or gaslighting?

It was absurd and clumsy, but I thought that with Ho-yeon, it might actually work.

I wondered if she had just conjured something that wouldn’t be bought, but soon enough, Ho-yeon showed signs of coming out from inside, so I didn’t have to say anything.

I guess if you’re a noble, that kind of thing happens, huh? Since I couldn’t claim to know much about this world beyond the original story, I just remained quiet.

“…there’s no way I can show this… in front of others…”

“No, really, you look beautiful! I’m sure your companions will think the same!”

“…You’re not trying to bewitch me with words, are you? Alright, huff… okay, then I’ll prepare myself…”

Even someone who has seen the outfit could tell that it was quite a revealing design, and since Ho-yeon had to wear it abruptly, she seemed to be deeply shocked by Anya’s intentions.

“Then… I’ll go out…!”

I was hopeful.

How could I not be excited when this was the first time Ho-yeon, who normally just wore her uniform and had never bothered with makeup, cared about her appearance?

…However, this was beyond my expectations.

“…Why are you staring like that… say something… ugh.”

It felt like changing clothes took way longer than it should have, but there was a reason for that.

She must have taken a long time to change into shoes that matched the dress.

Her flats had turned into heels, and she must have changed her lingerie too. If it were what she originally wore, it should have been visible through the dress, but it wasn’t.

If she was merely pretty before, she was now so beautiful that she captured the attention of everyone present.

One could even wonder if Anya would look like Ho-yeon if she put in the same effort.

Her posture, unlike usual, was slightly shy as if she was aware of others, making her even more attractive.

As my gaze drifted toward her cleavage, she attempted to cover the lace portion with her hand to block my view, but that only added to her allure.

She seemed quite embarrassed, curled up with her tail wrapped around her thigh, leaving me momentarily speechless.

“…Ah, sorry. You’re just too beautiful. Anya, don’t you think so too?”

Rather than saying pretty, saying beautiful fits better; rather than saying attractive, talking about being enchanting is more suitable. Ho-yeon boasted that level of destructive power right now.

“Yes… really, Ho-yeon, you are truly beautiful.”

“Is… that so…?”

Though she remained quite withdrawn, hearing the praise seemed to reinflate her confidence, and a touch of confidence returned to her posture.

Compared to usual, she still seemed shy.

“Would you like to walk around? If you feel any discomfort moving, do let me know!”

While everyone was spellbound by her appearance, the first to regain their wits was the attendant who spoke to Ho-yeon.

“Ah… alright.”

Whether it was the heels or the weight of the gazes, I couldn’t tell, but it was likely both.

In that awkwardness, Ho-yeon slowly began to walk inside the store.

I couldn’t take my eyes off her legs that were discreetly revealed while walking.

Perhaps it was the same for Anya, as she was toying with her wallet. Usually, that action comes when someone wants to buy something.

It seemed she really wanted to buy Ho-yeon something.

Imagining her figure at a future party, adorned in that outfit, I made sure to memorize her appearance.

I would have a heavy heart returning home today.

– – – –

“My lady has certainly moved a lot. What do you think, Lieutenant? Is it really necessary for us to step in?”

Observing the point moving across the map, the young man asked the old man.

They had animal ears atop their heads, proving they were not human.

The young man had wolf ears, while the old man, referred to as Lieutenant, had bear ears.

“…This time, it seems good to follow the princess, Black Wolf. Unlike last time, she went too far this time.”

“Don’t you also think so, Lieutenant? It was merely a pet shop last time…”

Whether it looked like he was carefree or earnest, the young man picked up the sword he had leaned against his chair.

“…This time, it seems she has gone to a strange place. It’s not like her, to be honest.”

“Should I tell the soldiers to prepare?”

“It’s alright, just you and I are enough. I don’t want to stir up trouble with the guards by dragging everyone along. If you’re really worried, you could take two more along.”

“…No, if Black Wolf-sama is going, there’s nothing to worry about. You’re someone who could handle even if we all jumped in. Besides… the princess doesn’t seem to be too pleased with us.”

The young man chuckled in response to the old man’s remark.

What they did for Ho-yeon might have been needed, but it wasn’t quite the way she wanted it.

They had only refrained from killing since she had insisted they must not; had she not said anything, they would have paved the way with blood.

“Then let’s go, old man. Where was it… a department store, right? That odd building that has all sorts of shops crammed into it. That’s where she is, isn’t it?”

“Yes.”

The old man answered the young man’s question while looking at the map.

Because the map was drawn based on the information they gathered by rummaging through various places near the academy, they knew the geography of the city better than its actual residents.

There was a bit of blood on their hands from gathering information, but they had the attitude that it was of no concern to Ho-yeon.

After all, they thought that those who lived like vagrants, beggars, and criminals didn’t contribute much to society, so they would rather be pleased.

The young man and the old man confirmed the shortest route to the department store and promptly left their lodging.

– – – –

How long do I have to wear this?

It had already been four hours since I got trapped in this department store. Though there were no windows, thankfully, there was a clock, so I knew how long it had been.

I couldn’t even count how many outfits I had tried or how many I had bought.

It seemed that the clothes Anya bought me exceeded the ones hung back on the rack.

I thought the saying that women take forever to shop was just a joke, but I was learning firsthand that it wasn’t.

Dokan had also gathered a bunch of paper bags in both hands by now.

“…Anastasia, doesn’t it seem like enough already…?”

“What are you saying, Ho-yeon! There are still plenty more clothes to try on…!”

Ah, were you not a total nerd? Is it okay to treat a friend like this?

It’s not like I’m the kind to treat them so delicately… but this is a bit much.

Unbeknownst to her of my burning inner thoughts, Anya was urging her steps forward.

We had already checked this floor; where was she trying to go?

Ah-ha, the next floor.

Help me, anyone.

“…Sorry, Ho-yeon. I’m starting to feel like I shouldn’t have brought you.”

I sensed the regret in Dokan’s single remark.

Though Dokan wasn’t lacking in stamina or strength, he seemed to be nearing his limit.

“…No, you had good intentions too.”

I had no choice but to follow Anya, who walked with so much energy, alongside the drooping Dokan.

It seemed Anya had no intention of letting us go until she was satisfied.

Seeing Dokan, crushed under the disaster he had brought upon himself, was slightly gratifying. It wasn’t all bad.

That is, until I met a familiar face.

“…Brother? Is that you, Black Wolf?”

“Brother…?”

“You call me brother…? Ho-yeon?”

“Didn’t I say not to call me that outside…? Anyway, it’s been a while, Princess.”

His attitude and voice still reeked of that cheeky demeanor I found comforting, but right now, I didn’t want to meet him since I was playing the role of Anya’s dressing doll.

I didn’t want to show this side of me.

Comparing to the initial dress, it was better, but still, I was wearing something with quite a bit of exposure compared to my uniform, making me feel embarrassed.

“By the way… who are the people next to you?”

He casually brought his hand to his sword, which made Dokan and Anya hurry to clarify who they were.

“They’re friends!”