Otome Game Rokkushuume, Automode ga Kiremashita - Chapter 93

Chapter 93

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?”