Betrothed to My Sister's Ex

Today, two episodes are being updated simultaneously. This is the second one. Please read the previous chapter, "Applying Lipstick to the Empty Princess①," first.

“Why did you give the lipstick to the craftsman, Princess Reimia?”

On the way back to the royal palace, inside the swaying carriage, my attendant asked me this. Not understanding the meaning of the question, I tilted my head in confusion.

“Why? As I said earlier. The other day, I received it at a social event, but it was too red for me to use. I thought it would suit that person better.”

“Such lipstick is meant for women.”

She said this with a smile. Even I, who am inexperienced with the world, knew that.

I smiled back at the attendant who was watching my reaction closely.

“Mao, just like Marie, misunderstood that person’s gender. It's true that their way of speaking was blunt and their hairstyle and clothes looked like a boy’s, but that person is a woman. Older than me, and with a beautiful face at that.”

“……I see. You understood that well.”

“Well, of course. I stared closely at her face from a very close distance. Even though Mao was right next to me and didn’t notice, she still has a long way to go.”

“Princess Reimia, your powers of observation are indeed admirable.”

I let out a small laugh. Mao’s words as an attendant made me feel good.

This attendant is the most capable attendant I know. She was a new maid who just started working at the royal palace recently, but thanks to recommendations from her colleagues, she was promoted to be the princess’s personal attendant. In fact, her work has been outstanding. She completes the daily tedious tasks at lightning speed, and whatever I desire is prepared accurately and at the best timing. Especially her way of brewing tea is exquisite—I can hardly wake up in the morning without her tea. She’s not particularly charming, but since she doesn’t get in the way, these days I always keep her close.

When someone like her praises me, I can’t help but puff up with pride. Because Mao is just too perfect. I wish she’d show a little bit of clumsiness sometimes, don’t you think?

At that moment, the carriage shook. Mao’s body swayed greatly, causing her long bangs and glasses to slip. For a brief moment, her light blue eyes were exposed but quickly hidden again.

Still in a good mood, I said,

“Mao, you should have a bit more spirit to enjoy dressing up. Can’t you do something about those dull glasses and that unkempt hairstyle? I can hardly see your face.”

“That’s exactly what I want.”

“Why? As Princess Reimia’s attendant, you should be more glamorous. You should at least wear some lipstick.”

“I do wear makeup. So thick that the original features are unrecognizable.”

“That can’t be true; it doesn’t look like that.”

“Disguise makeup is like that.”

Rarely, Mao made a joke. When I chuckled softly, she smiled brightly and cheerfully.

“I’m sorry, but I don’t like standing out. Please allow me to remain in a supporting role for Princess Reimia.”

Good grief… it can’t be helped. I shrugged and hid the smirk on my lips.

She is capable, but so plain and modest, simply devoted to following her mistress—such a boring woman. When that handsome masculine outfit arrives, I’ll be the first to dress her up beautifully, I thought, scheming quietly.