They told me they wanted to receive some "gracious words" from Tatiana.
I checked with the girl herself.
"Give some kind of speech or something."
"Absolutely not!!!"
She hissed at me, baring her teeth like a cornered feline.
She really was just like a cat.
"There you have it, Saria-kun. Give it up."
"Waaaah! I don't want to ask for the impossible either! But... but the citizens!!!"
Saria was at his breaking point. It seemed he was being bombarded with demands from every direction. Apparently, being a Great King or an Emperor wasn't just about acting high and mighty.
"Now, now, Lady Saria. Please have some tea and calm down. Tatiana-chan, I made yours extra sweet."
This one had cat ears. Ren, dressed in her maid outfit, poured the tea for us. It was milk tea. I suppose she figured we needed to switch gears by getting some sugar into our systems.
"Thanks-ssu."
Tatiana, who was a cat on the inside, actually listened to what Ren said. She likely understood instinctively just how strong Ren was. Ren was a combat species designed for the extermination of dangerous organisms; her raw physical ability was far beyond that of any human. In terms of pure strength, neither I nor Katori-sensei could even hold a candle to her.
However, she hated showing that side of herself. She said it was embarrassing. She was quite the maiden—it was wonderful.
"Here, Master."
"Thanks."
Tea time. While I enjoyed the barley tea kept in the Dining Hall kettle, the tea Ren brewed was exceptional. I had reached the pinnacle of life: having a maid serve me tea. Furthermore, she was one of my fiancées. (Wifey was currently reviewing the schedule for the ceremonies.) It was truly wonderful.
"That face... you are definitely thinking about something scandalous!" Saria barked.
"Wrong. I was just thinking about how cute our Ren is."
"Oh, Master, really."
"I’m—tell—ing—you, please lend me Tatiana-chan! She is vital to our religion! I won't say anything unreasonable like the Proone!"
"She hates the idea, so give it up."
"Then a video message or something, please!"
Tatiana, who had completely turned sour, muttered under her breath.
"I mean, seriously, I don't even fit your definition of beauty. You guys like tall women with big chests and butts, right? I'm the exact opposite-ssu."
"Tatiana-san... that is one thing, and this is another. You are an object of faith, so beauty or ugliness is irrelevant." Saria looked uncharacteristically sharp as he spoke.
"That's exactly what pisses me off!!!" Tatiana shouted, slamming her hands onto the table.
"The tea's going to spill. Don't hit the table."
"Gunu-nu-nu-nu!"
When I spoke gently, Tatiana looked frustrated. Those of us in the Officer Academy Group were strict about manners. Perhaps because she had been corrected so many times on her Colony-style habits, Tatiana was now able to sense when she was receiving a warning she shouldn't defy.
It wasn't out of spite. In the near future, Tatiana and One-oh-one—who were late additions to the group—were scheduled to receive the planets that had been put on hold. At that time, if their manners were worse than a commoner's, they would be looked down upon by nobles and subjects alike.
Since they were my subordinates, they would be popular with the military, but it would still be bad if they couldn't act refined and composed. We were actually giving this a fair amount of thought. Even we were only at a military-style level of etiquette, so we were taking manners courses online. Since we were the ones giving the warnings, we couldn't get away with not being able to do it ourselves. Noble society was difficult.
"I still hate it! Being a Saint isn't my style!"
"Actually, why do you hate it so much? All you have to do is smile and wave."
It was just a casual remark, but it seemed to have been a critical hit. Tatiana went silent. She thought for a while, then said in a stifled, small voice.
"Because... I'm..."
"Yeah?"
"Because I'm not cute..."
I see. So it wasn't just a joke; she had a genuine, serious complex about her face. Hmm, in times like these, I should make use of my connections.
I searched my contact list for an acquaintance: Adam Gibson-san, the bearded Onee-sama. He was the tailor and stylist who had done my makeup for the ceremony. He picked up immediately when I called, looking dandy in a sharp suit.
"Oh my, Grand Duke. It has been quite a while. I’ve heard the rumors... what business do you have for me today?"
On the inside, he was the same bearded Onee-sama as always.
"Well, it's a bit of a complicated story..."
I explained the situation and showed Tatiana on the screen.
"Oh my! What a face for makeup. Such smooth skin!"
Just as I thought. Tatiana was the type who would shine if polished.
"Ren... can I ask you to do her makeup?"
Ren gave a thumbs-up with a broad smile. "I will receive instruction from Adam-san!"
"Oh my! My first disciple!"
"I look forward to working with you, Master!"
I decided to let them do her makeup while Tatiana was still in a state of panic. It was a bit of a prank, but I'd be happy if it gave her some confidence.
"I'll go call her partner, One-oh-one, too. I'd hate it if she sulked because she was left out."
"Yes, Master. Adam-san, a healthy, short-haired beauty is coming next."
"Oh my! This big sister is looking forward to it!"
Because calling them individually was a hassle, I used the internal broadcast to summon One-oh-one. Instead, a flood of girls rushed over. Even Melissa showed up. The girls' interest was truly tremendous—after all, Adam had been the makeup artist for the Emperor himself.
We men silently reserved a large venue within the ship and guided the girls there. It turned into a massive makeup workshop for everyone. I'll keep the fact that even Kevin was there to myself. Also, before it started, I went to the shrine.
"Want to go?"
The Zashiki-warashi-chan said "Yeah," so I took her to the makeup workshop. Someone mentioned that it felt like there was one extra person in the room, but it was amusing, so I kept quiet.
As for Tatiana's finished look...
"...Who is this?"
Tatiana tilted her head in confusion in front of the mirror.
"I made your eyes look larger and aimed for a look that's as refined as possible. As for the hairstyle... you really should go to a professional salon!"
Tatiana looked more like a model than an idol. Her hair was still her usual messy style, though. I recalled there was a former Imperial Capital hairdresser among the soldiers whose shop had been physically destroyed by the Zork. I’d have to try asking him.
Ren puffed out her chest, looking satisfied with her work. Good girl, good girl.
"Ehehehe, Master!"
Seriously, our Ren can do anything. While I was patting Ren's head, I caught a glimpse of Saria... he was wearing a devious smirk.
Well, whatever.