The Power of Makeup

Ahhh! I'm alive again...

What? Why does everyone look so down?

Let's hurry up, bathe, and rest. The water's nice and warm.

Ethan...

Huh?

We're out of the skin-protecting oil...

Me too... I'm out of sunblock ointment... I might have to skip training tomorrow...

W-Wait, hold on! What are you talking about? That's what you're worried about?

I don't think this is the time to be saying something so ridiculous...

Ethan. No matter how hard things are, we still have to take care of ourselves.

Otherwise, we might regret it for the rest of our lives after the war ends.

For a woman, some things matter more than life itself...

And you prefer pretty girls too, right?

W-Well...

It's not like we're trying to overdo it. We just want basic skin protection...

You do mud masks sometimes too, Ethan.

Hmm...

Sorry. So what do we do? Go to the market early and buy some skincare stuff?

We don't have the money, and besides... they only sell seafood here.

Unless you go to a big castle town, they don't really sell cosmetics or perfume oils...

Hah! Hah! Hah...!

What a shame. My skin is like a baby's, so it stays glossy and flawless even if I do nothing!

You are young, though...

D-Don't be ridiculous! It's only my appearance that's young!

It's because all she does is sleep. Eat well, sleep well, rest well, how would her skin ever suffer...

True... Morgana likes greasy food.

That's why her stomach hurts all the time.

Grr...!

So what now... They don't sell it, and we're out of everything...

...Ah! Come to think of it, I heard there's a witch nearby who makes medicine that improves your skin.

Oh, I've heard that too. Apparently the women in town love it.

What kind of witch is that... that's new...

Witches often make spells for practical purposes. It's definitely possible.

Hmm. Now I'm interested too.

We can't ignore our friends' troubles. Let's go tomorrow.

Hmm... so that's what you were thinking...

Alright. With that, I can make it without too much trouble.

Really? That's great, Princess!

Yes...! I had no idea Nesha was so amazing!

...

Why aren't you saying anything?

I already ran out of words the moment I learned the rumored witch was Nesha.

Why are you chatting so warmly with someone who used to be our enemy...?

It wasn't Nesha's choice. In times like these, there are plenty of people like that...

Heh. How shy. You're still a cute boy.

See?! It was the same when you tried to go for my throat, when I'm around you, I feel like I'm constantly being targeted!

That's because Nesha is charming. I think men can't help but get drawn in...

Oh, that's a lovely compliment. Want me to recommend cosmetics that suit you, Princess?

Thank you.

Hmm. There's not much left. We'll need more ingredients. You'll help, right?

Like this, I can't make anything for you.

Of course!

What do we need?

Slime mucus... goblin saliva... and lastly, mana dust that wisps scatter... I need those.

Good luck. I'll just guard the luggage here...

I'll guard the luggage. And I'll grant Ethan the privilege of leading them to gather ingredients in my stead!

When did you even lie down over there...

Ethan! Let's go.

It's dangerous if we don't get back before sunset. There are still lots of monsters around here.

I-I...

If you're scared, you can cry in my arms... I can hold you tight.

Tch! Fine! I'll go, okay?!

This should be enou... enough mucus... next...

Huh? I thought I heard something weird just now...?

Heh, you must've misheard. Are you too tense?

If it's goblin saliva, there should be plenty deeper in!

You... You hate monsters so much normally, but you want to put that kind of gunk on your skin?

You don't put it on as-is. You refine it first.

You gently work it in and add fragrance... like you're teasing someone. Heh.

That's right. It uses scented candles, and things like sulfur powder too.

You know your stuff.

I studied hard for the Princess!

You're the best, Bedi... Bedi...!

Princess!!

You two are so close. Want to try something sweet like that... with me?

Try what?! What exactly!!

Ah, the goblins are coming!

Probably because you made a fuss... Fine by me. Let's wipe them out and scoop up their saliva.

Now that you put it that way, I'm hesitant to touch it...

That's...!

That's a pretty big wisp. The amount of Mana leaking out is huge.

If it's big, it'll drop more dust. Perfect. Let's take that thing down and head back.

It must have strong magic. Everyone, watch out for magic attacks!

Don't worry. I can shrug off that much magic.

Oh, reliable, huh?

You like that? Want a kiss?

Focus on the fight...

In ancient times there were even better ingredients... That's why goddesses and fairies were so beautiful.

Hmm... So that's why they were always described as stunning.

Oh, you gathered the ingredients just fine without me. Not bad.

...Though some are just kids.

What did you say? You just insulted me, didn't you?!

Alright, it's done.

It blocks sunlight and moisturizes well. Want to try it?

Wow... it smells amazing! I'll wash my face and put it on right away!

Oh, useful in many ways. I'll try it too!

So it's an all-in-one.

What's that?

Um... a multi-function cosmetic that's popular where I come from.

But Nesha... do you have anything like an ointment that fades scars?

Hmm. Normally I don't hand this out... but I like you. Here, this will do.

Thanks.

Wow, it works so well!

Who...?

T-That's mean, Ethan!

Your skin suddenly got so fair...

You're good at it. The ones who've practiced a lot always are...

I didn't know it could make this much difference...

Mirrors reflect things truthfully... but not completely. The image in a mirror might be another self.

Makeup is similar to looking in a mirror. It's the self you want to see...

That's pretty philosophical.

As for me, if you want, I can show you the real me anytime.

I'll pass...

Sure. We can have time alone anytime...

By the way... the payment?

Huh?

Y-You weren't doing it for free?

Oh, you didn't think it was free, did you? There's no magic without a price. Heh.

I mean, sure, but...

You've helped us, so we should gladly pay. But our funds aren't great...

How much would it be...?

Pay only for what you used. I'll charge less than market rate.

Then that's great for us. I'll pay right now.

Huh...? Where's my wallet?

Morgana was keeping it, right?

Come to think of it, why is she so quiet? Morgana? Morga...

...?!

M-Morgana's running away like a ghost!

Ugh...! I-I just tried it because they said it was good for the body!

Morgana! You used all of this?!

What? You put all that on?!

I-I thought that to regain my original form, I should start by fixing up the outside...

Even so... This much would've lasted us a long time. I don't know how we can face Nesha...

Tch! Then why did you leave the stuff with me?!

You said you'd take it!!

Enough bickering... So you used it all, right?

We gathered the ingredients together, so if I subtract that...

It'll be about this much.

...Bedivere.

Yes!

Grab Morgana!

Yes! Ah! Don't run, Morgana!

As if I'd let you catch me?! Show me more respect!