The Gloomy and Timid Princess Heads to the Academy

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I had often seen Gods pass by when I was young, but I’d never witnessed a full-on crowd like this before.

Normally, seeing Gods all around would have made it hard to stay calm, but today I couldn’t maintain my composure for a different reason.

I was happy. Even though we were in a spot where everyone could see what kind of relationship we had, there was something refreshing about it that brought me joy. Maybe that’s why, despite the ruckus around me, I felt quite alright.

It all sounded like blessings directed at us.

But if I listened closely, the cheers weren’t solely blessings. There were shouts, disputes among themselves, mockery, and the sounds of someone feeling small and ridiculed.

“Turn your head… just a little to the left. Face three degrees clockwise… Good. Were you really planning to go out barefaced on a day like this? No way, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime moment!”

Usually, I would find such comments to be a bothersome intrusion. But today, every word felt a thousand times right. They said I looked pretty without makeup, but on a day like this, I had to put in some effort.

Seeing that tiny God, who looked like a chick, gently tapping my cheeks made me laugh, even though I knew it was irreverent.

“Oh, don’t you dare laugh. Stay still, stay still!”

– I’m sorry. I got a little too excited.

“Well, at least you still have the sense to keep quiet! Keep your mouth shut and don’t move. If you do, it’ll mess up the makeup…”

Seeing those cotton swab-like hands busily flitting about only made me chuckle more. But if I did, I would get another adorable scolding.

Staying still while the small God kept tapping me with a cushion, I caught sight of the Gods far away bickering over my dress.

One that looked like a bird and another like a snake were locked in a fierce struggle, but it was nothing new so I just stayed put.

My eyes landed on the traditional bridal gown, contrasting the dark belt made from what looked like the night sky with a white, fluffy design reminiscent of morning rays and clouds.

Fortunately, it came out just as I had ordered, with no bizarre extra components. There were even little black streaks on the fabric, reminiscent of my hair.

The colors reminded me of my father and mother, blended together without being overly flashy—pleasing to the eye.

But… huh, doesn’t Dokan have any clothes? Of course, my mother and father would step in to help that poor guy without anyone backing him up, but it didn’t seem like it would go smoothly.

– …On this joyful day, could you stop arguing and fulfill a request? Please make an outfit for the one who is to be my groom.

The two who had been wrestling and bumping into each other turned toward me in sync, looking puzzled.

– Didn’t you say your groom’s outfit would be made by Byeolbi herself?

That was true. My mother had indeed promised to make it herself. But could I not push a little on a day like today? It was my day, after all.

– Just this once, okay?

It felt like I was throwing a toddler tantrum, but I still wanted them to make at least one outfit. Given my persistence, the two reluctantly asked how I wanted it made.

– Alright, since our precious kitty is asking, we can’t refuse. What should we make?

Colors that would surely contrast. A black base with white stripes. As soon as I conveyed that image, the two of them started working together as if they’d never been fighting.

“…Alright, done! You’re naturally pretty, but now you look even better with the finishing touches! Should I bring you a mirror?”

“…No, that’s fine. I’ll make one myself.”

I hadn’t just been lounging around for three weeks. I focused and gradually built up the elements of the mirror—a layer of glass, some metal for the backing, and the frame.

When I opened my eyes, thankfully, a mirror without significant flaws had been created. The edges were a bit warped, but being a novice, it couldn’t be helped.

Shaking off any wandering thoughts, I gazed into the mirror and saw a person I had never seen before.

Is this me? It was so fascinating that I wanted to touch my face, but the tiny God, like a chick, smacked my hand away.

“Hey! Don’t touch it, or your makeup will get messed up!”

I wondered what I would think of myself if I saw this version shortly after arriving in this world. Back then, I had insisted I would never have a man beside me.

And now… well, here we are. I didn’t hate it at all. I folded my hands neatly on my belly and posed to examine myself.

How would Dokan see me? I was sure I looked pretty, but I still wanted to show him my best side. I had been emotionally troubled a lot, and soon I’d face physical hardships as well.

The Gods who took much less time than I did to make my outfit resumed their battle as if they were back in the arena of death.

“…So… yeah. I’ll be on my way now. It’s about time.”

“Ah, alright. Show the world your beautiful self! But watch the makeup!”

Keeping in mind the little God’s voice fading away, I took my dress and headed into the room where Dokan was.

– – – –

The neighboring room was bustling, yet mine was eerily silent.

In my room were Jeongho, looking as if he had seen the world’s end, and Byeolbi, still expressionless. Those two were all that occupied my space. Jeongho was keeping quiet without fail…

Byeolbi, with an unreadable expression, was creating my outfit. I couldn’t stand the gloomy atmosphere any longer and tried to strike up a conversation with Jeongho, but he subtly denied any engagement through gestures.

It felt less like anger and more akin to sorrow. Gone was the confident demeanor he had shown when he had practiced what to say dozens of times in his head.

Was this the helpless side of a father?

“…Are the clothes coming along alright?”

“It’s difficult to gauge what you meant by ‘appropriate’.”

Byeolbi had the capacity to finish long ago but was intentionally dragging it out. Compared to the situation next door, it felt quite dismal.

“…Huh, is the barrier working fine?”

As I had mentioned, the Western continent was isolated due to ocean currents. Per Byeolbi’s “suggestion,” fierce whirlpools surrounded the continent capable of sinking any sturdy ship.

If they hadn’t progressed to the point of developing airplanes, they would be stuck there until they died. But I believed they would advance.

“That’s right. Even if I were to vanish and the Gods fade from time, those currents will remain. They will preserve their purity according to your intentions forever.”

…In that case, all that was left for me was to keep my behavior straight here. With Ho-yeon around, it shouldn’t go terribly astray, but it was also best to minimize any awkward moments.

Just as I thought to comfort Jeongho with that in mind, the door suddenly swung open.

“…I knew it! Mother and Father. This is why I said I’d just stay with Dokan, you see?”

She always deserved praise for her beauty, yet when I beheld her looking completely dolled up, I was left speechless.

Could this be what fairy tale maidens looked like when I was a kid?

As I stood there dumbfounded, forgetting what I was doing, I absentmindedly scratched Jeongho’s insides again, and she handed me something.

Jeongho, like me, stared blankly at his daughter’s beautiful face, seemingly feeling hurt by her sudden words, and glanced at Byeolbi, but she merely returned a mysterious smile.

“…Um, what is this…?”

Before I could even gauge it, a black ball unraveled and swiftly covered me. I had no time to shake it off as the unexpected black orb quickly turned into my outfit.

What on earth is happening? Before I could wrap my head around it, Ho-yeon pulled out a large mirror from somewhere and reflected me.

“…Ta-da! I figured this would happen, so I didn’t make it myself… but asked them to create it. How do you like it…?”

“Did you make a matching pair? Quite classic.”

Byeolbi recited my thoughts on my behalf, so I didn’t have to speak, but as she suggested, it resembled traditional attire from somewhere.

“Wow, it’s much better than what I imagined. Thank you.”

“…Daughter, I’m sorry I couldn’t be a better father. And… thank you for growing up so well. And…”

“That’s enough, Dad. It’s not the time to get all emotional, okay? Now, hold hands… it’s time to go.”

Is that so? Looking at the clock made it clear it was about time to leave.

Beside her, Byeolbi and Jeongho held hands and walked together. With no one beside me, it felt like I’d have to walk alone, but right then, Byeolbi gently stepped aside to give me space.

The hand clasp was warm. I thought about asking if she was enjoying it, but it didn’t seem necessary. Her expression told me everything already.

…Though it didn’t go as planned, could this count as a happy ending?

And so, the two of them hoped to long live happily—