After school meeting room… In this single room, you'd be smitten by the number of beauties lined up next to each other.

I'm not exaggerating, it was filled with Ozcon participants. In other words, the school's top ten beauties. I was embarrassed to be included as one of them… Modesty and humility are virtues I follow as someone with a Japanese disposition.

My appearance is Mariabell's so it could be worse… No, it's passable.

"-Then, that summarizes the contents of this meeting. Please have your costume sent to the waiting room a week before the contest."

The meeting was about the process of the contest and the clothes and accessories we should prepare.

The scale of this event was fearsome. You really can't make light of this school… It's a middle school beauty contest, but there will be order made costumes and stylists. I had thought that those things were special for Mariabell because of her money, but it looks like the whole school invests into this contest. Rich people becoming emotionally invested means their assets being used.

Honestly, just from learning about the contest procedure made me want to withdraw.

"Dress, hair, and make-up…"

It's a school festival so shouldn't we just wear the uniform… but, if I showed up in uniform, I'd probably be more conspicuous than if I wore a custom-made dress. Normally, I wouldn't care if I stood out like that but… I want to blend in with everyone else so I have to dress up at least a bit this time.

So, my hair and make-up would have to be elaborate. Maybe I could ask Primella? It would make me feel much better than asking an outsider to do it.

"As I thought, there were no problems with the contestants chosen by the Student Council."

"… Christine-sama."

"I wasn't too worried but… with this, the stage is set."

That's right, the stage. However, I, who would be standing on that stage, was not mentally ready. There's a storm happening in my head.

She looked beautiful walking towards me with the handouts in one hand. Seriously, if I overlooked her conversation topics, Christine-sama was as beautiful as a goddess. However, whenever she opened her mouth, my strength was shaved away. So, rather than a goddess, maybe she was actually a poisonous witch. I have to escape or else she'll drain all my energy.

"Beauty that you were born with is not the only thing you need for the contest. I'm looking forward to how you will fight the day of."

I'm not looking forward to it at all though. I'm actually hoping it's not too late to make up an excuse for why I can't participate and trying to think of other escape plans.

After saying what she wanted to say, Christine-sama turned around and left.

I've been thinking this for a while now but, there are a lot of "Ojou-sama" [noble young lady trope] types who don't listen to what other people want to say. Well, not like I can say anything. I'm not usually one to tell others my opinion straightforwardly. But, this time, I really wish she had listened to my opinion more.

Actually, anyone is fine. Someone please explain my position.

Christine-sama sees me as a fiancée candidate for Runa. In other words, she sees me as a rival. But is that true? Where did that information come from? If there's only one truth then shouldn't you consult the person in question first?

"Depressing…"

Plus, I have to prepare for the day of, how bothersome.

It looks like the days of my mental and physical strength being drained were beginning.

×　×　×　×

For now, I planned to contact my parents to have them send me a dress I already owned.

They probably already know about the contest, but I wanted to relay that it was not necessary to make a dress. It was important for them to know that I did not plan on even trying to win this contest.

A lost battle… Match-fixing… It'd be a waste for me to put effort into this. I won't say that I want to participate in my school uniform, but I'm not desperate for a custom-made dress.

I only have the bare minimum amount of dresses at school, but I have a mountain of cute dresses at home. For someone without a fighting spirit, that should be plenty.

Mother will be disappointed but… She'll send me the dresses I asked for. I fully understand how much my mother enjoys dressing me up. Next time I go home I'll let her dress me up as much as she wants, so please forgive me this time.

"Okay, just my hair and make-up left… I guess I'll ask Primella?"

"Why me…!?"

"Out of the people I know, you're the best at it."

"You're only comparing me with Eru-chan right!?"

Is that an indirect way of saying that my only friends are Primella and Eru!?

It's true. As expected, she perfectly understands my standing in our class.

"The other people are getting pros to be their stylists right? Why don't you do that too?" (Eru)

"What I want to do and what suits me are opposite."

"… Ah, I see."

If I get a pro, the result will be wonderful. My appearance is already stunning, disregarding personal preference, anyone would agree that I'm a beautiful girl. My appearance is flashy, you can't tell how old I am, though I have a sharp look in my eyes, it's undeniable that I am beautiful.

So, if I left myself in the hands of a professional, I would definitely be transformed into a masterpiece.

Normally, that would be a great thing. On the battlefield, my appearance is my best weapon.

However, what I desire is defeat. If possible, I don't want people to even remember I was there.

Normally, that wouldn't be possible, but for this contest, dressing up is essential. No matter how high quality the base is, people won't notice if it's not spruced up for an event like this. Among ingredients that are all beautiful, one that is just slightly washed will be almost indistinguishable. No one would think that it could be superior.

"If you can just make it simple… I plan on picking a tidy dress, so I want my hair and make-up to be simple."

The word "tidy" is just a nicer way of saying plain. As long as it matches my face it should be just passable… Actually, it might be tight around the neck and I could be very uncomfortable, but that's that.

"Maria-chan, you're asking me to do this and I want to help but… I can do your hair, but I can't do make-up at all." (Primella)

"… I also don't know what to do about that." (Maria)

I have technically lived many years, so it's not like I don't know the basics of make-up. But in no way am I well-acquainted with it, I'm definitely not skilled at it. At the very least, I think I know more about it than Primella.

Then wouldn't it be fine if I just did it? I'm not bad at simple make-up, I'm probably quite skilled at it.

That's what I had thought for a while. Ignorance really is scary.

"What kind of make-up is just right for this face…"

Translucent white skin, big eyes, long eyelashes. Cheeks that are slightly tinted pink and lips that are a glossy scarlet.

I was shocked when I looked in the mirror. Mariabell's face doesn't need any make-up.

If I knew more about make-up, I'm sure I could bring out more of her innate beauty though. If possible, I'd like to avoid using make-up. I certainly can't attempt a risky attempt on a girl who doesn't even need make-up in the first place.

Can't I just show up without make-up on… I can hear the devil whispering to me, but if I let my guard down, I know people will be gossiping about it. If I do this poorly, people will remember this match. Since I'll be appearing, I want to appear at least a little presentable.

"You're normally flashy but you want to be plain!? Isn't that absurd?" (Eru)

"Make-up is something that makes you stand out, after all…" (Primella)

Their sound logic stabbed me in the heart.

It's truuuee… Make-up is supposed to enhance a plain face. Beginners like us are more likely to put make-up on too thick and conspicuous. Using make-up to look plainer is a high level technique.

"Maybe I should ask a pro…" (Maria)

"Hmm… Ah, if you're going to, why don't we ask someone who'd know about it." (Eru)

"Know about it, you mean make-up?" (Maria)

"It can't be helped that we're all beginners. Maybe there's someone who knows more about it."

What Eru was saying sounded like the best idea. We weren't making much progress since we were all beginners. So, we should ask someone more knowledgeable to hasten my decision.

That's the best option but…

"But, do we know someone like that… People around our age haven't had many opportunities to use make-up yet, right?" (Maria)

We were pre-teens, it wouldn't be strange if someone had started to use make-up, but this is a school full of the rich and beautiful. On top of not needing make-up on a daily basis, if they did want a makeover, they would just hire a pro.

There wasn't a need for students to learn more about it or practice.

"There is someone in our class. Apparently, she is interested in it as a hobby. Of course, she doesn't use make-up on a daily basis, but I heard she likes collecting make-up tools and what not." (Eru)

"Heeeh…"

There was a girl like that… I had no idea at all. I've managed to remember all the faces of my classmates, but I didn't remember a girl into make-up.  Well, I didn't mingle with students outside of school so that's natural.

"Maria, you've talked to her before, right? She's the girl that's with Saashia a lot." (Eru)

"Wha-?"

"Her name is Sara. You don't remember her?"