The day of the noble’s party.
I’d been allowed a rare night of proper rest, waking up in the afternoon with sunlight spilling through the curtains. The moment my eyes fluttered open, a maid slipped inside, her footsteps barely making a sound on the polished floors. She bowed slightly and invited me to dine, her tone polite but firm. I made my way to the dining room, where Miss Trill and Miss Titania were already seated, waiting for me.
We ate lunch together, the clinking of silverware filling the room. But as I ate, I felt their eyes on me, like a weight pressing down on my every move.
“Why?” I asked, tilting my head, my brow furrowed as I met their gazes head-on.
“No, it’s nothing,” Miss Trill said, a small smile playing on her lips. “It’s just that… Professor Gabrielle is really incredible for managing all this in such a short time.”
“Yeah… just look at how you eat, how you hold your utensils so delicately. It’s like you’ve become… graceful,” Miss Titania added, her eyes practically gleaming with admiration. “Now I kind of want Professor Gabrielle to teach me about etiquette too. Seeing you change this much in such a short time is really something. It’s like you’re a completely different person.”
“Is that so?” My voice came out softer than I intended, almost shy, and I could feel a flush creeping up my cheeks.
I hadn’t noticed any changes physically, but I found myself paying attention to every little detail, every movement. Professor Gabrielle’s training had drilled it into me, to the point that even my back was straight and my posture elegant. It was like I had been remade into someone poised, someone who could fit into this world.
“Looks like Leon already headed to the Merca estate,” Miss Titania said, tapping her fingers on the table rhythmically. “Once we’re done here, we’ll make sure you look as stunning as possible.”
“Don’t be nervous when you get there, Senior Ella,” Miss Trill chimed in, her smile a bit more playful. “Leon will be right there with you. He’ll make sure you’re covered and help with any slip-ups.”
“Y-Yes…!”
***
Miss Titania and Miss Trill got to work, their hands moving swiftly over brushes and makeup. Miss Titania applied layers of makeup with precision, each stroke transforming my face. When I finally glanced into the mirror, my breath caught. The reflection staring back at me was barely recognizable—polished, refined, so different from my usual self. My plain features had vanished under the makeup, leaving behind a version of me that was elegant, almost unreal. I reached up, brushing my fingers against my cheek, feeling the silky smoothness of the makeup. It felt like a mask, cool and soft under my touch.
“I… look like this?”
“Isn’t it stunning?” Miss Titania grinned, her eyes twinkling as she watched my reaction.
My heart pounded heavily in my chest, like it was trying to break free. This reflection didn’t look like me at all, but I couldn’t help thinking that it wasn’t a bad thing. It felt strange, like I was someone else entirely, yet at the same time… I was still me.
“Now, for the final touches!” Miss Trill announced with a flourish, motioning to the wardrobe behind her. “Let’s pick out a dress that suits you! Every single one of these dresses is stunning, crafted with such care. Leon really does have an eye for quality! Well, that’s just what you’d expect from my boyfriend!”
“Our boyfriend,” Miss Titania corrected, a smirk curling her lips as she glanced at her.
I still couldn’t quite wrap my head around the whole polygamy thing. But after spending these past two days with them, I found myself not wanting to judge them for it. I was starting to see how different people’s beliefs and choices could be.
While I mulled over that thought, Miss Trill finally pulled out a dress with a triumphant smile.
“This one is going to make everyone’s heads turn when they see you!” she declared, her voice filled with excitement.
***
Leon’s POV
When I looked at her, I couldn’t deny it—I was shocked to see Ella like this. She’d always been a plain girl, barely noticeable, like a shadow that slipped through the background, unseen and forgotten. If she hadn’t been following me around like some desperate stalker, she wouldn’t have even crossed my mind. Hell, she was known as the weakest student in the academy—second year, maybe even the entire school.
But now, staring at her, it was like she’d stepped out of someone else’s life. Her transformation was almost unreal—as if she’d shed her old self completely.
“Um, how is it?” she asked, her voice coming out softer, more controlled, with a nervous lilt that hinted at her uncertainty.
Even the way she spoke was different—gone was that jittery, stammering mess she used to be. Gabrielle and the others had clearly done their work, reshaping her into something new. They hadn’t just done a good job—they’d done something extraordinary.
“You look beautiful,” I told her, my voice carrying a hint of genuine surprise.
“T-Thank you,” she replied, her cheeks flushing with a shy pink that spread up to her ears. She didn’t stutter out of habit anymore; this time, it was because I’d caught her off guard.
“Now that you’re here, our plan starts now,” I reminded her, my voice low and firm, a subtle command beneath the words.
“Yes,” she nodded, and there was a steadiness in her eyes, even if her fingers trembled slightly.
“Well then, let’s go,” I said, extending my hand toward her, a clear invitation.
She hesitated, just for a heartbeat, her gaze lingering on my hand before she reached out and took it. Her fingers slipped into mine, warm and soft, delicate in their newfound grace. Her touch was gentle, yet there was a firmness there—like she was clinging to this new role she had to play.
She gave me a small, graceful smile that reached her eyes, and for a moment, I found myself smiling back. Then, we turned toward the ballroom, with Amon and Maya flanking me on either side. The setup was perfect—to draw every gaze in the room, to make people look at me, and then, with Ella by my side, their eyes would inevitably shift to her.
Ella might have transformed, but underneath all that change, she was still her. The timid, plain girl was still there, buried under the makeup and the new confidence. I was sure Kayla would recognize her—if she had half a brain left after this. If she didn’t, well, that was her own damn loss. But with this, Ella could finally see herself differently, stand taller, carry herself with that grace she’d been learning.
And judging by the way Kayla’s face twisted in confusion, she did recognize Ella. Yeah, that’s right. Stare all you want. With this, you won’t be able to fuck with Ella anymore.
