𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞
We heard that the transformation magic tool we had been using, as it’s for school purposes, must be left behind.
It’s set up so that anyone who wears it will have the same face, apparently to allow for various people to switch places in case of an emergency.
“This brought us to a new problem: ‘How should we disguise ourselves?’”
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There aren’t many transformation magic tools available, and they can’t be prepared hastily.
They can be reused, but it takes time and effort, and precious materials are needed for the deactivation. The transformation magic tools used by the Fourth Knight Order won’t be ready in time for our departure.
It’s not just us transforming, so there probably just aren’t enough to go around.
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So this time, we decided to change our hair and eye colors.
We use eye drops to change the color of our eyes and a powder that changes the color of our hair with just a sprinkle. The effects last about a day.
Many people use it for fashion. A friend of mine used it secretly when going out. It dyes beautifully and easily.
━For Roa-sama, whose appearance is most distinctive, he decided to dye his hair brown and let down his usually slicked-back bangs.
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The atmosphere has changed considerably.
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Arthur was so impressed; he had transformed into a completely different figure from Prince Arthur.
This hairstyle reminds me of Roa-sama when he was with the Fourth Knight Order, which is somewhat pleasant. Although he’s much more muscular now and has become more handsome, he no longer makes me feel nervous as before.
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“Let’s also put on glasses. That should significantly change the impression.”
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Roa-sama, who apparently has never worn glasses before, was struggling, and Shiro helped by putting on black-framed glasses.
Even glasses that would look nerdy on me, when worn on Roa-sama’s face, transform into something stylish.
Maybe it’s because of their elegance? Glasses suit them, enhancing their coolness and intelligence.
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“With this, he won’t be easily recognized.”
“Yes. To make him a suitable double, we’ve matched the color scheme to that of Prince Linus. Does it stand out too much?”
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Arthur spun around to show off.
Brown hair and green eyes might not seem flashy by themselves, but Arthur’s radiance isn’t lost.
Rather, he seems more approachable than before. With blond hair and blue eyes, he might have looked too much like a prince and not many people would approach him.
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“. . .Arthur is destined to stand out wherever he goes. Just give up on blending in and help hide the others!”
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Shiro laughs and pats Arthur on the back.
Shiro’s naturally bright leaf-green hair, which seems to reflect his bright personality, has been dyed maroon.
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“This time we’re going to Edgardo’s territory, so there might be people who know my face. I’ll leave the standing out to Arthur.”
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Rolf, with his hair dyed deep green and loosely braided, tossed his messily woven hair back.
Usually, he has his hair tied back, so just having it flow forward is a fresh look. Maybe it’s because Rolf is strongly associated with red hair, it feels very un-Rolf-like.
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“I might only be disguised to the extent that I won’t be immediately recognized. . .”
“Since it’s your own territory, Edgardo, you should prioritize not being recognized.”
“The people will remember my grandfather more than me, so I think it will be fine.”
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Encouraged by Rolf, Edgardo chose a bold color combination of pale orange hair and golden eyes.
I haven’t seen orange hair much, but it seems it’s not particularly unusual in Edgardo’s territory.
Come to think of it, Rolf, who is a neighbor of Edgardo’s territory, has red hair. Maybe there are many people with red-toned hair around there.
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“What about me? Do you sense any discomfort?”
“Emilia also suits deep purple hair. There are few who know Emilia’s face, and even those who do would not recognize her immediately.”
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After receiving Roa-sama’s full approval, Emilia smiled with relief. A beauty suits any color.
My hair is a reddish-brown. I could have gone for a brighter color, but when I tried it, it just stood out too much, so I had no choice but to give up.
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“Alice, it looks good on you as well. That color is refreshing.”
“Thank you. Roa-sama, you look cute with your bangs down too.”
“Cute. . .? Me?”
“Yes.”
“. . .I see.”
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With his bangs down, Roa-sama, who usually appears older, now looks his age and falls silent with a complex expression.
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“It feels fresh somehow. It seems it will take time to get used to.”
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While combing his subdued pink-orange hair, Rene muttered and then glanced at the clock, exhaling nervously.
We who have finished our nap will soon leave school. Now is the critical moment.
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“I pray for everyone’s good fortune in battle. I’ll head out first. Please leave the rest to me.”
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Left alone, Chris looks up at Roa-sama worriedly.
A beautiful girl’s figure alone makes for a picturesque scene. It’s still hard to believe that Chris is hiding beneath the skirt.
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“. . .We’ve received word. The carriage has safely arrived at the designated place. Be sure not to let your guard down.”
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At Roa-sama’s words, everyone stands up.
Nodding to each other, we wait for Chris, who left the room first, to return. After a while, Chris returns with a nod, and we all stealthily leave the room and move out.
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Running through the same corridors we walked on our first day of school, but this time, we’re running to leave.
At the bottom of the first-floor stairs, Roa-sama stops. In the empty dead space under the stairs, Roa-sama does something, and a hidden door quietly opens.
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“Chris. I leave everything that follows to you.”
“Understood. Please take care.”
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Chris, bowing deeply, was the last scene we saw at the school as he saw us off.
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The dark, long secret passage lit up dimly as the hidden door closed.
After meticulously checking that no one has passed through here, Arthur takes the lead.
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“This time it will be shorter than when we escaped from the castle. Miss Telhar, please have Shiro carry you if needed along the way. How about you, Alice?”
“I’ll run as far as I can.”
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Last time it was a nightgown with a cloak, but now I have a maid’s dress from Chris. And with the low-heeled boots provided, I can run better than before.
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“If you think I’m slow, please tell me. I will act like luggage and let you carry me. Thank you in advance!”
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I had done a proper warm-up this time, so it should be different from when I just woke up!
But I thought too soon, as I was left behind in 10 seconds. Knights and maids are not to be compared.
Emilia is even further behind me. After a few seconds of skipping-like, strangely jerky movements, Emilia was already out of breath.
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“I’m sorry. . . I’ve never run before. . .”
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So, noble daughters don’t run. . .!!
It was a cultural shock. I’m a noble daughter too, so it was even more shocking.
I wonder what everyone thought seeing me run normally. . .
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“Previously, when leaving the royal castle, I must have been running, yet I was so frantic that I don’t remember. . . my apologies. . .”
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Ah, the person who was cloaked in a mantle while escaping from the royal castle, was it Emilia!
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“It’s a matter of course that a lady and a knight are different. It is the pride of a knight to be able to protect a lady in such times, so apologies are unnecessary. Shiro, Edgardo. I’m entrusting the two of you.”
“Understood.”
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While Shiro held Emilia in a princess carry, I was hoisted up like a sack of rice.
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“Ugh.”
“S, Sorry. Is it uncomfortable?”
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Edgardo’s shoulder was exactly where my organs were, so all my weight was pressing down on them.
Emilia looked sympathetic and yet had a face that said “I understand.”
When Emilia left the castle, was she in this state!
I admire her for enduring that distance. Emilia is an amazing person.
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“We’re not in such a hurry this time. Edgardo, please hold her like Shiro does. If a battle ensues, both of you will get down.”
“Of course, my lady. Please feel free to leave me behind.”
“I won’t do that. Now, let’s go.”
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While being held in a princess carry by Edgardo, we advanced through the corridor with stale air. I thought being carried on the back would be fine, but apparently, for a young lady to spread her legs like that is very unladylike.
The ground seemed further away than usual, yet Edgardo’s face was close. Since Edgardo is shy and there’s a height difference, it’s the first time I’ve seen his handsome face so close.
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While being held by Edgardo, the scenery passed by faster than when I ran.
My thoughts drifted to the school becoming distant.
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Alice Norchev didn’t go to school. Because there was no money.
This time, I wasn’t at school for long, but I made a friend named Caroline, and I met Marina.
Marina said she might take over the family home, so I don’t know what will happen, but I hope they discuss it and come to an understanding.
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As I swayed up and down to match Edgardo’s running, I tried to look as far away as possible.
. . .I feel a bit nauseous.
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