The Lady Vs. The Genius (Battle of Campus Elites)

Ep. XI: Operation Transformation

The Lady Versus The Genius

(Battle of Campus Elites)

Ep. XI: Operation Transformation

Yurime's POV

*Trumpet blowing at the sound of fanfare*

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LILY!" Dad and Chiyo shouted at me.

The sound of a cicada broke at that sound- my mind had landed on reality again. Dreaming about my mom and dad has ended. I get up from bed and finally see them in their pajamas. Dad is holding his royal trumpet, and Chiyo is holding my cake with the English writing 'Happy 18th Birthday, Lily!' on it.

"Go on and make a wish!" Daddy said.

A wish. I closed my eyes. I wish to be able to do what I ought to do and always be courageous and kind. I opened my eyes and blew out the birthday candle, and both Chiyo and Dad clapped.

"My princess is a queen now!" said Dad while wiping his lids jokingly.

"I'm so excited for you, Lily!" Chiyo said.

"You two, get ready because we are going to the hairdresser today," Daddy announced.

Liberty, at last.

Without further ado, the adventure of going to the salon happened. It's a secret place in Kyoto. The salon has many customers today, but I don't have to wait in line because my hairdresser has a particular room for me when she does my hair.

"My dear!" A woman with beautiful black skin greeted me. She has African heritage, and she is thin and a tall woman with curls.

"Hi, Martha. It's so nice to see you again!"

"You have turned into a lovely woman, your grace." Martha is an English hairdresser whom my mother hired. She's getting many clients because of her exceptional skills.

My hairdresser started the magic by washing it off. There's no more hair dying now. She used a different product that would have it glow and look new. After the blow drying, a little bit of trimming, and some ironing, the final look is done. Martha turned the chair around so I could see myself in the mirror. It was the blonde I had when I was three. I got this blonde from my father. I also got his green eyes and a bit of a pointed nose in my mother's heart-shaped face.

"You are going to be the best leader Cambridge would have, my dear," Martha told me as she removed the cloth she put around me.

I responded, "Thank you, Martha."

"Best wishes, your grace," she said as we left the place.

Due to my alien-looking appearance, the people were having a second look. My uncle took us to an ice cream parlor to get some refreshments.

"Tomorrow, your day will start early on," Dad started. "The priest will be at the hall by 7 am for the ceremony, and then the British Judge will properly give you the title at 9 am. That will be finished by noon, and then there will be a lunch meeting. Your in-laws will accompany you to your new house. The rest of the afternoon after 2 pm is yours."

"The wedding ceremony is tomorrow?" Chiyo asked.

"Did we not talk about it?" Dad responded.

Chiyo and I just exchanged looks—I can't believe I'm getting married to a nemesis.

"Go to bed early for tomorrow. It will be a long day," Dad added.

There was silence between the tables, and then my phone vibrated, breaking the ice. I checked the email... It is Seiichan. A reminder of tonight's party.

"Hi, Yurime! (Smiley) I'm excited about our deal tonight. As I have promised, the couture gowns were sent to your doorstep. I also contacted a makeup artist for both of you. Just go to the address below by 6 pm so you will be at the party by 7:30. I asked Uno to escort you to the party so it won't be obvious, and Jin for Chiyo. Don't be jealous if Seikun has Ara with him. She's just a childhood friend, ok? See you!"— end of his message.

Who will be jealous? Tch. That's never going to happen. After that, we went back home. The packages were left at our gate. Dad was more surprised than us. I just hope he is not suspicious of it. We killed time by taking a nap and taking a bath. At 5:30 pm, Dad is in his formal attire as the Cambridge soldiers' commander.

"And where are you going, Dad?" Chiyo asked.

"Well, it's a secret mission, my little girl," he answered. "I might be out all night, so lock the doors, windows, and the gate. I have my keys."

"Ok," I responded.

"Good, girls. I'm off to my secret mission. Bye!" he said as he left the house.

Chiyo immediately went upstairs when Dad closed the door. She will be making our dummies so that if ever Dad is the first one to be home, he won't notice that we are out. After locking all the windows and the door to our room, we are ready to go out. Seiichan made his promise as one of their drivers took us to the address he gave. It is a boutique.

A drag cross-dresser stylist welcomed us.

"Oh my!" she's surprised, "Your grace!" he bowed like a lady to me, which I returned immediately, "I'm Athena. I will make you even more gorgeous." he does cheek to cheek with me. And then Chiyo, "And you must be Seiichan's girlfriend." he touches Chiyo's hair. "Your brother-in-law has a good taste, your grace."

I smiled awkwardly as it seemed too funny, but I couldn't laugh, "Yeah... Um, this is Chiyo Hanazaki. She's my cousin."

"Oh?" she acts surprised, "Mr. 007's daughter! You look like your father. That's why you are so pretty, my dear!"

I like this person... They are, you know, literally gay. I'm going to be smiling and laughing the whole time. He then called the girls who were going to do our hair and makeup. This is the Cinderella moment that I know or some pinch of Ugly duckling turning into a beautiful swan kind of movie.

They didn't do something over the top for the eyes since it's a masquerade party, after all. They did the hair next. They put scarlet red lipstick on Chiyo and did a high ponytail and long black hair extension. She looks like a modern-meets-classic Hollywood singer. She actually looked like a James Bond Girl when she changed into her dress. It is a white-silvery color with black sequined accents and a halter mermaid style that drops from her hips paired with silvery gloves.

As for myself, they just give me a fresh, no-make-up look with a bit of shimmer in the upper part of my cheekbones and on my chin and, of course, a rich shine on my lip gloss. They did a heart-shaped half-head braid, curled the rest of my hair very slightly, put a butterfly on the braid, and then added some other sparkle. Classic fairy looks for royalty. I love this look on me. This royal blue chiffon A-line off-shoulder dress has long sleeves. It has an accent of a diamond-studded big belt that tightens the dress in the waistline and shows that I'm such a thin girl with wide hips.

Athena claps as our look is being finalized.

"I knew that you girls will be a lot prettier than when you walk in." she said, "All right!" he handed Chiyo a feathery black mask and a silver-studded mask to me, "Steal the show, ladies! Until next time!"

We left the boutique, and we were going to ride in separate cars. My sister was guided to the mini black limousine, and I was directed to a black retro-styled car.

When I entered the car, Yoshida was there. I'm wearing my masquerade mask already, so he can't see me.

"Are you the Lady of Cambridge?" he hesitantly asked. "I mean so that I can address you properly."

It's amusing how I see the difference in how they treat ordinary people like Yurime Hanazaki compared to someone from a higher society like Lily Anne. "I am she," I responded with my British accent.

He immediately bowed his head, "It's an honor to meet you, Madame Lily Anne."

"It is nice to meet you, too. No need to be so formal. Just keep your distance, thanks." I said as I sat like a formally trained princess.

"I understand," he responded with the sound of total reverence. "Your grace, do you mind if I ask you something?" he asked again. This travel won't be boring.

"Speak." I signaled.

"Um, if ever you see your fiancé with another woman, are you going to punish them?"

I think he is worrying that I'm going to be mad at Uehara, "For what reason?" I asked.

"I'm fully aware of what's going to happen. Besides, my fiancé wouldn't invite another woman if he knew that he could have me at that event instead. Do not worry. I will not behead that girl."

He sighed, relieved, "Thank you. I mean, I really like that girl. Her name is Ara, and I have liked her since kindergarten, but I don't think she's ever going to like me." he sighed again. This time, in despair. "Never mind. I'm sorry, your grace. I shouldn't be talking too much."

I cleared my throat, for I could not hold my laughter anymore, "I couldn't agree more."

We finally reach the Hachiban Mansion, where the party would be. The entrance is like a palace with its parking capacity. What a luxurious life the twin has. Yoshida showed us our invitation at the entry door, and we immediately got in without showing an ID. Easy pass.

As I stepped into the party, I saw many masked guests. I can't see my uncle now, and I don't know if he will notice that I'm here since other blonde girls are around.

"Ladies and gentlemen, here are our celebrants, Seiichi and Seiko Hachiban!" the master of the ceremony called them on.

Seiko came out first with Ara. They are not wearing their masks. Seiko wears a royal blue suit while Ara wears her best color, a violet flowy slit gown.

Meanwhile, Seiichan has a gorgeous girl with him. She looks like an innocent doll in her black ball gown with a turquoise belt accent and pumps. They look so sweet and very close to each other, too.

(To Be Continued)