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In this world, it’s not just common but practically standard for men to wear makeup. Much like talented women accumulate mana through their training, who could blame men for raising their value with makeup skills? In fact, even the humble boys from the villages yearn for cosmetics despite not being able to get any. Here, it could be me who seems odd.

But I didn’t walk that path of folly.

“Makeup? What makeup?”

I was already weak to the point of having nothing left, but wasn’t it enough that I could at least get a face that looked like a succubus at just a glance in the mirror? I don’t need to layer strange stuff on my face and paint it up to earn others’ affection. I see no reason or need to decorate myself further.

Also, I hated the sensation of something being smeared or placed on my face.

Moreover, unlike other guys, I also participated in battles, so regardless of how gender roles might have flipped, I thought I would never have to wear makeup.

“Ray, since we’re at it, should I teach you some makeup techniques?”

“No, thanks.”

“There are so many kids wanting to learn makeup from me. I can’t just let that go to waste. Unless you don’t want me to.”

“I said no.”

I found myself inevitably facing Bronte’s persistent face.

All because of that damn succubus.

‘Can’t that tiny mouth be silenced?’

Bronte had a habit of bubbling away with chatter, but whenever he focused, he would pucker his lips together.

Thanks to that, this situation only increased my discomfort and tested my patience.

“Even if you say that, you’re waiting quietly. Your words and actions don’t match.”

“Well, that’s—”

Keeping my mouth shut would finish this makeup faster.

“Alright, this is the last time. Close your eyes.”

“…”

I tried to protest, but the conversation’s control was firmly in Bronte’s hands.

As expected of a high-ranking servant surviving in the political arena of the attendants. Especially since most of the attendants who aren’t just mere servants come from noble families or were raised with education from birth. They possess an outstanding talent for bantering while draining the spirit out of their opponents.

“Done!”

“Can I see the mirror?”

“Sorry, but that won’t happen.”

“Excuse me?”

“There’s still more to do besides makeup. First, try on the selected outfits, and then I’ll touch up your makeup a bit to match.”

“…I’m applying makeup here again?”

“Isn’t it obvious?”

With his chest puffed out and arms crossed, Bronte raised his chin, causing his mustache to flutter.

…Why does he act like that, making me want to rip him apart?

In a fleeting moment, I nearly fell into the trap of envy, but I exhibited superhuman patience.

“I know it’s disappointing to not see yourself, but trust me and try on these outfits.”

“…Let’s make it quick.”

“Sure sure.”

Bronte presented one of the outfits he had prepared.

“How about this?”

No, what on earth is this?

“If I wear this and move even a little, I feel like my belly button will be completely exposed. You want me to wear this?”

“Of course! That’s actually the point, you see.”

“Look at the pants. It’s so tight that it looks ridiculous on a man.”

“That’s the point! It’s a type of appeal. Since you’re dressing up because of that potential succubus, I think you should wear something like this. Especially as it emphasizes that well-shaped posterior—”

“Shut up.”

Emphasizing the posterior? I didn’t want to know about that.

Moreover, that was absolutely something I couldn’t wear.

What the different meanings of ‘extra appeal’ even meant was already a matter of the abyss. They say if you look into the abyss, the abyss looks back at you. I wasn’t foolish enough to engage in such risky behavior.

When I showed my unwillingness, Bronte finally had no choice but to raise the white flag.

“…I get it, so don’t look at me like that. I’m not like you, and this is honestly frightening.”

“Fine by me.”

Bronte eventually discarded the high-exposure outfit and recommended another one.

‘This should be acceptable.’

It was entirely different from the usual servant uniforms patterned with the Count’s crest or the comfortable leather armor I normally wore.

It was the first time I tried on clothing that looked like it belonged to nobility.

Following Bronte’s strong recommendation, I first wore a neat outfit reminiscent of military attire.

‘The outfit itself doesn’t seem bad.’

Basically, it was attire with black as the base, accented by red and gold. With a modern suit vibe from Earth while still having a dignified charm, once I draped a thin cape over it, my dressing up was finally complete.

‘Why are there so many layers of clothing?’

Putting on one outfit involves adjusting the collar, striking a pose, and draping the cape. I nearly died from the annoyance, but I checked my outfit now.

Noble attire that looks like something from a romantic fantasy novel. The dark tones gave off a sinking atmosphere typical of noblemen from the cold north.

“This is enough. Take this too.”

“What’s this now?”

“Can’t you tell? It’s the accessories that perfectly match that outfit. Here, take it.”

Finally receiving a rather fancy-looking staff, my dressing up was complete.

However, that guy kept alternating between the outfit I rejected and me with a look of regret.

“I feel like that one would suit you better.”

“…”

“Wait a minute. Let’s speak properly. Should I put down the staff first, Ray…?”

It was already too late.

*

After briefly parting ways with Bronte to get dressed, how much time had passed?

Due to a help request from Eunice Kalia that interrupted, Siabel left the room. Therefore, Shione was waiting alone in the annex for Ray to return.

Having nothing to do, she spent time staring blankly until finally, someone knocked on the door.

“It’s Ray. May I come in?”

“Oh, Ray. Come in!”

Finally, Ray opened the door and walked in.

Knock. Knock.

The first thing to peek through the open door was none other than the staff.

Eventually entering with a relaxed demeanor, Ray ensured all of Shione’s attention focused solely on him.

“Uh, um….”

“How do I look? Does it suit me?”

With his hands resting on the staff and a smirk tinged with resignation, Ray emanated an entirely different atmosphere than the one she knew until now.

Naturally, the makeup, which would normally be overly done, made his cold and sharp charm appear much more refined, and at times even exuded a soft impression.

As for the clothing? It wasn’t overly ornate, but it undeniably suited him, enhancing his elegance.

“…You look good.”

“Thank goodness.”

“By the way, where’s your attendant? Didn’t she come with you?”

“She said she had some work to finish, sorry. Bronte hasn’t heard about becoming the succubus’s bait yet, either.”

“Oh.”

Shione couldn’t take her eyes off Ray’s cynical expression as he talked about Bronte.

Whether he was conscious of it or it came naturally, he wore the most fitting expression for his current appearance while voicing his grievances.

“By the way, that was quite a thing. I’m not used to makeup, and I wonder why Bronte only recommended those clothes.”

“Those clothes?”

“The embarrassing ones. Tight pants or shirts that would expose my belly button just by stretching. He said I needed to wear something like that to deal with succubi.”

Shione felt her head spin with the imagery that sprouted from Ray’s words.

“…Ray, it might’ve been better to just follow what that Bronte guy said.”

Unlike the Ray in her imagination, the real Ray appeared far too mundane.

If not for this opportunity, when else would she see this side of Ray? She had to cram everything into her mind.

However, Ray merely sighed and shook his head.

“What kind of outfit could I wear before the sun even sets? I wouldn’t even think about wearing such clothes, and if being exposed is what matters, there’s no need to go that blatantly frank.”

“Ray, wait, why are you undressing here…!!”

As the black clothes vanished, a white shirt and tie were revealed.

He naturally began loosening the tie that had been constricting his neck while rolling up the sleeves of his shirt.

Additionally, when he undid the top two buttons of the shirt, Shione’s pupils began to tremble as if an earthquake struck.

His beautifully arranged hair was disheveled, making the situation even more fitting.

“Isn’t this enough?”

With things out of sight, yet there was enough effect, he justified himself. Was there any real need to follow the Bronte-style of needing to expose more visibly to entice others?

As I pondered, leaning against the door, Ray approached, making Shione momentarily bite her lips before springing up from her seat.

“I get it, I get it! Just…! First, button up; what if someone sees…!!”

As Shione gripped my shirt collar firmly to stop the urge that stimulated her inner abyss.

At that moment, the door swung open.

“Shione, I—”

As Ray turned to see Siabel appear, the third button of the shirt Shione had firmly held onto couldn’t bear the pressure and popped off.

Thud. Roll…….

The fallen button rolled and rolled until it landed right in front of Siabel’s feet.

Siabel stared between the button and the two of them before quietly closing the door and leaving.

“Oh. Oh no.”

Shione utterly crumbled.

*

As the sun set, night finally descended.

With the time coming when demons and devils would begin to stir, my role became clear.

To serve as the bait for succubi and lure out the demons.

However, before the operation began, Siabel, impacted by the shocking events of the day, poked Shione in the side and said.

“Shione, you absolutely must not pounce on Ray before succubi get to him. Got it?”

Siabel delivered her words half-joking, half-seriously.

“It’s a misunderstanding.”

The embarrassment stemming from the half-serious tone made Shione redden her ears, unable to lift her face.

 

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