No way! (Part 1)

In the blink of an eye, the Martial Arts Tournament arrived. (It was actually just the next day!)

I asked Luo Bing’ai’er, who was styling my hair, “What exactly is this Martial Arts Tournament?”

“It’s an entertainment for nobles, where men engage in… vigorous exchanges. You’ll understand once you see it.”

“Ugh…”

I couldn’t help but conjure up a series of scandalous images: ‘strong men grappling,’ ‘men knowing men intimately,’ ‘men piled upon men,’ and ‘men reluctantly yielding to other men’s advances.’

I spoke with deep worry, “Maple… can he really handle it?”

“Your Royal Highness, you worry too much. Your fiancé is a man who has earned a knight’s title.”

“Him? A knight with that frail appearance? He must have pulled some strings!”

Luo Bing’ai’er offered an awkward smile. “One shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, you know.”

“Hmph…”

I couldn’t deny the truth in “one shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.” I glanced into the mirror; after all, who could possibly imagine I was a boy?

It felt as though that saying had found a whole new meaning when applied to me.

She continued to comb my hair, sighing as she worked. “Your Royal Highness, your hair truly resembles your mother’s. It’s practically identical.”

“Is that so?” I muttered inwardly. ‘Perhaps boys take after their mothers!’

“But your eyes are different. Your eyes are just like your Imperial Father’s.”

I gazed at my own amethyst-clear eyes in the mirror, unable to imagine how they would look paired with a man’s face.

‘Cough, cough… Wasn’t I exactly that?’

“Among all your Imperial Father’s children, only you inherited his eyes,” she remarked with a sigh. “How wonderful.”

“Um… my hair is done, isn’t it?” I asked faintly, no longer able to meet her gaze as she admired my eyes.

“Yes, indeed! Your Royal Highness, you’ll undoubtedly be the most beautiful girl at the Martial Arts Tournament today!” she said, smiling at me.

The most beautiful person at the tournament turned out to be a cross-dressing boy.

How truly pathetic was this empire?

I rose and glanced into the full-length mirror.

Reflected back was a white-haired little girl, clad in a red Lolita dress and knee-high lace stockings!

I looked every inch a cute young lady.

It felt as if I was born to wear such attire.

Therefore!

‘Was I wrong for wearing clothes that suited me?’ (I thought, feeling entirely justified.)

In summary, while all the other boys attended the Martial Arts Tournament in armor, I went dressed as a girl.

Upon arriving at the tournament grounds, which were originally the royal stables in the palace’s rear garden, tents had been erected overnight.

Various flags fluttered grandly in the wind, creating an impressive spectacle.

Having lost my memory, I had no recollection of ever attending such an event.

It simply felt like stepping into a bustling circus.

As I strolled around, taking in the sights, a voice suddenly reached my ears. “Are you Princess Fubai?”

“???” I looked over, a question mark hovering in my mind.

Before me stood a dark-skinned young man. He… he actually had demon horns!? And oh, a black, heart-shaped tail!?

Instinctively, I wondered if this young man was perhaps one of the Six Races, a demon.

Having already encountered Luo Bing’ai’er of the Rabbit-eared tribe and Sharabelle, the half-elf, I showed no particular surprise at seeing another race.

“A pleasure to meet you. I am Count Hecate Beelzebub. It is an honor to behold Your Royal Highness’s beauty.”

I stared blankly as he extended a hand towards me.

‘What did he mean? Was he trying to shake my hand?’

Just then, Maple suddenly appeared!

Slam! He slapped the Count’s hand away, stating coldly, “She is my fiancée.”