Chapter 07
A few days later.
“Merilly! The toy I ordered before—when will it arrive?”
Serina, flipping through a book, asked Merilly who was cleaning her room.
“I checked earlier, and they said orders are backed up. They haven’t even started yours yet. It’ll take a few more days.”
“Really…? They’re usually fast.”
Ugh… how disappointing. My perfect plan is getting delayed.
Serina looked gloomy. Seeing that, Merilly spoke gently while dusting.
“Things that take time are often more special. Maybe better quality, or something extra included.”
“Hmm… maybe. But faster is still better.”
“You’re someone who can wait, Lady Serina. And the princess isn’t going anywhere.”
Merilly smiled softly.
‘Huh? Suddenly?’
Oh, does she think I’m making the toy to get closer to the princess?
Well… if she misunderstands like that, it’s actually helpful.
“You’re right, Merilly. The princess isn’t going anywhere!”
For now.
I’ll make her leave on her own.
Even small annoyances, if repeated, become irritating… and people notice.
Serina smiled innocently.
“I’ll bring it to you as soon as it’s ready.”
After finishing cleaning, Merilly left the room.
As the door closed, Serina shut her book and jumped onto the bed.
“Sigh… it feels like a waste to just do nothing…”
She rolled around in her blanket, thinking about what to do.
After thinking for a long time, she gave in to the warm, cozy blanket… and fell asleep.
A few hours later.
Creak—tap tap.
Someone entered the room.
Thud. Something heavy was placed on the table.
“Mmm…”
Who is it… I want to sleep more…
Serina half woke up, then tried to fall asleep again—
“Miss! Lady Serina, if you sleep more, Merilly will scold you!”
Maron shook her urgently.
‘Merilly? Merilly?!’
Wait—am I going to get scolded again?!
She nags more than Mom! No way!
“Merilly! I’m not sleeping!”
Serina jumped up in panic.
“Wow, are you really that scared of her?”
Maron laughed teasingly.
Still half-asleep, Serina looked around and relaxed when she saw only Maron.
“What… Maron, why did you wake me?”
She rubbed her eyes, slightly annoyed.
“Ta-da! The toy you ordered has arrived!”
“Really? But they said it would take longer!”
“Hehe. It was Merilly’s surprise. Look over there!”
Maron pointed to the table. Several wrapped boxes were sitting on it.
‘…Huh? Why so many?’
“I only ordered scissors though…?”
Maron explained.
“You remember ordering toy scissors for the hair salon game, right?”
“Of course! Do you think I’m forgetful…?”
Serina pouted and hid under the blanket.
“Of course not. But a hairdresser does more than just cut hair, right? So Merilly ordered extra toys too!”
Maron smiled and pulled the blanket away.
“Merilly did? Then where is she?”
Serina asked with wide eyes.
“She went to bring the princess. She said you’d want to use them right away.”
“Ohhh, so she’s coming here soon?”
Perfect. No more waiting!
Serina jumped out of bed excitedly and started opening the boxes.
The first box contained the toy scissors she ordered.
‘Wow… this is even better than I expected.’
It was colorful and looked very realistic.
“These are the extras Merilly prepared. Aren’t you excited?”
“Yes! I hope it’s makeup.”
‘I’ve always wanted to try it. Mom always looks prettier after using it.’
Everyone always stopped her before, saying it was bad for her skin.
“Wow! It really is!”
Serina cheered.
The boxes were filled with toy cosmetics.
Maron felt proud seeing her so happy.
Serina quickly read the instructions.
They were made with safe materials and washable with water.
‘Oh… I can use this to be mean too.’
If I mess up her face while “doing makeup,” she might react!
Serina eagerly waited for Helia.
As if answering her wish, the door opened and Merilly entered with Helia.
‘Wow…’
Serina was stunned again by Helia’s beauty.
“Ahem!”
She snapped out of it.
“Merilly, thank you! I love the gifts!”
“You’re welcome. I’ll leave you to play.”
Merilly and Maron left.
“Princess, thank you for coming! I really wanted to play hairdresser with you!”
“Thank you for inviting me, Serina.”
Helia smiled.
“Can I be the hairdresser? I’ll make you really pretty!”
“Of course.”
As soon as Helia agreed, Serina grabbed the makeup.
“Let’s start with your face.”
She gently held Helia’s cheeks and froze.
Her face was too beautiful.
Her hands started trembling.
‘Still… I have to do this!’
She roughly brushed her face.
‘Let’s use ugly colors!’
She drew around Helia’s eyes with black.
It became messy.
‘She’ll look like a panda!’
But when she checked—
‘…It suits her?!’
Even that looked good.
‘What…?’
She added more colors.
Even her messy makeup looked artistic.
“Done!”
Serina handed her a mirror.
Helia looked, then smiled.
“You’re very skilled. I’m excited for the hair too.”
‘What is this reaction?!’
Serina was confused.
“Now… I’ll do your hair! Turn around please!”
Helia turned.
Serina picked up the toy scissors.
‘Just a little…’
She used wind magic to cut a small amount—
But the blue gem on the scissors reacted.
Flash.
The magic went out of control.
Her long hair—
Was cut into a short bob.
‘…Huh?’
That wasn’t the plan.
Panicking, Serina used water magic to fake tears.
“I’m sorry… I cut your hair… I thought it wouldn’t cut…”
She apologized.
Helia checked her reflection.
‘Now she’ll get angry… right?’
Serina’s heart pounded.
But—
“It’s okay. Don’t cry. You seem talented. It’s very neat.”
“…Really?”
“Of course.”
Helia comforted her gently.
She didn’t look upset at all.
‘…Huh?’
Why isn’t she angry?!
And it still looks good?!
Serina stared in shock.
Helia patted her head a few more times, thinking she was still scared.
After making sure Serina calmed down, Helia quietly returned to her room.
