I'm The Ex-Girlfriend of a Soldier Chapter 11

Translator: shiko
Proofreader: Royals
QC: Haru Honeyshiki

Chapter 11

“…Should I use makeup?”

Applying makeup always makes me feel quite uplifted so I gathered up all my cosmetics and returned to my spot in front of the mirror. Although the quality of cosmetics here is rather disappointing compared to my original world, to be a makeup master is to be a man of all means. Of course, I'm not a master. But it will be fine because these are just the basics. I should proceed first and foremost according to my established know-how!

“The most crucial step before applying makeup is to have a clean face. You have to ensure your skin is exfoliated and well-moisturized so that the dead skin cells won't interfere in the way of a smooth makeup application.”

Since there wasn't anyone around, I sat in front of the mirror and started explaining the products in detail, pretending as if I was on a Lululala [1] makeup program.

Since Meize doesn't have any blemishes, all I have to do is even out my skin tone. It's ridiculous to expect to find a coloured eyebrow pencil in this world. My lips aren't too pink either, just a light pale rose! If you don't have a blush, you can simply multipurpose lipstick to give your cheeks some colour!

[T/N: fun fact I searched up half of these terms]

Hoho, today's makeover is a great success! This bare face is great! No matter how I apply makeup it remains pretty. Kyaa, I definitely have to go out on a day like this!

I smiled and complimented myself before I suddenly noticed a red lipstick I rarely ever used.

I have to wash my off my makeup anyway. Since it will be such a waste to wash it all off, why don't I challenge myself with a bolder look?

“Will I look sexier if I paint my lips red?”

I puckered my lips and decided to make the bold decision.

After taking ages to put on more makeup, I looked at the tired woman in the mirror and burst out laughing.

That's why you shouldn't apply too much makeup on your face. I guess I was too greedy. My current makeup looks as I'd taken a leaf out of a fashion magazine. Since I'm wearing bold makeup, I should try to dress boldly too

Humans are greedy creatures, they can't overcome the urge to seek and wear brilliant clothes.

“Meize? Are you in there?”

A knock sounded at the door, as someone called for me.

I froze then jolted like a broken machine, checked the door once, then quickly dashed into the bathroom.

“Meize? Are you in there?”

A knock sounded at the door, as someone called for me.

I froze then jolted like a broken machine, checked the door once, then quickly dashed into the bathroom.

“Wait, give me a minute!”

No! I can't be seen like this! How can I protect Meize's image?!

“Just a moment! Hang on a mo'! I'll be right there!”

Ugh, who even cakes on such thick makeup… no one except me! Geez, I can't remove it. I've been thinking about it for a while, turning on the water and hoping cleansing water comes out. I've been hoping micellar water came out of the tap when I turned on the faucet, but it was only wishful thinking.

I clumsily wiped off my makeup in a hurry even as I made a run for the front door. Clothes! It's not only my face, but my clothes are also a mess. Clothes! I have to find other clothes!

“Ack!”

“Meize? Meize, what's going on?”

“N-Nothing! I'll be right there! Hold on!”

I slipped and fell on my bum while scurrying around but gritted my teeth against the pain and quickly changed into ordinary clothes. The most important thing right now is my image, not my pain.

“What's up, Hailey?”

I opened the door, brandishing a winning smile as if everything was fine and dandy. Of course, my leg was positioned stealthily behind the door, blocking the entrance to prevent Hailey from stepping inside. I shouldn't have opened the door for her. Everything's a mess.

"Why did you come out so late?"

“Um, I was showering.”

Her suspicious gaze examined me from head to toe. I forcibly tugged and twisted my wet hair with my finger to call her attention to it.

“I'm sorry I came to call on you abruptly. It's a very urgent matter so I rushed. I didn't think you'd be showering now.”

Hailey apologized, her tone softened a notch, and I nodded fervidly; my mind was focused on not letting Hailey into the house, I couldn't afford to think about anything else.

“No, it's undoubtedly an urgent matter. What's going on?”

My face is gradually becoming more and more strained. I think I need to apply some cream to it. I'm sorry but can you state your business quickly?

“Um… I think it's gonna take a while so can we go inside and talk?”

“No.”

“Huh?”

“No, I'm not saying I don't want to talk to you but it just happens that there's a bunch of tea leaves scattered all over my house. If you don't mind, can we talk at the restaurant across from my house?”

I chuckled, moving discreetly to further block the entrance. My clenched fists were beginning to sweat from the effort to stay nonchalant.

I'd let you go if I can. But my house isn't in a good state right now. Talking here will only distract you, so let's talk comfortably at a restaurant instead.

“I don't mind drinking tea.”

“Oh, um… Actually, I'm really hungry! I wasn't feeling well yesterday, so I skipped dinner and couldn't eat breakfast because I've yet to buy groceries.”

In reality, as soon as I woke up, I had tucked into three slices of bread, a fried egg,

and downed a cup of milk. I let my grin widen as I talked.

Please, move on. Let me go. I'd rather have another hearty breakfast than bring someone into my house.

“If that's the case, we should get going.”

I heaved a heavy sigh of relief hearing Hailey's affirmative response. At least, until she made to step into the house and I snapped to attention.

“Don't you think it'll take a while to get ready? Take your time getting ready, I can wait for you.”

“I'm right in front of you, what do you mean getting ready? It's okay! I can go out like this! I'll just get my coat and be back in a flash. Just wait here, okay?”

I have to get ready at the double.

Hailey halted at my words and I scrambled back to my room, slapped on some cream and put on my coat while muttering under my breath about my sorry failure.

“You came out earlier than I thought.”

“It isn't polite to keep you waiting.”

Or rather, it was difficult for Hailey to withstand the wait and not let herself into the house.

I wore my hair down, plain and casual, not having washed it for two days. Realizing that, my mouth tightened. I didn't have anything to do these days, so I put it off for tomorrow then the day after. If I'd known about what was to come today, I would've washed it earlier.

“Well, I thought you'd spend a little more time primping.”

“Hmm? Why?”

Although we are both humans, I felt slightly intimidated by Hailey because unlike me and my weak self, she seemed to be very robust today. It's not like I'm gonna die from not worrying too much.

“I… Syukr told me your story.”

Hailey grimaced and tittered. It was only then I remembered what happened between Syukr and Hailey and relaxed my tense shoulders.

“…Is that what you came here to discuss? About Syukr?”

“I know I have no sense of honor but you're the only one I can trust, so I came here.”

"I'm sorry, Hailey, but I can't help you with that, so please go back. I don't want to be involved with Syukr anymore.”

I thought it was over, but the tie between me and Syukr seemed to be stronger than I estimated. I turned to return home, sighing.

“Wait! Wait, Meize. Come on, just once. Listen to my story for just this one time.”

Hailey hastily reached out to grab my shoulder, almost whimpering. I ignored her and tried to march back home, while my shoulder slowly began to feel limp. It was a desperate plea from Meize's acquaintance and as long as I'm Meize, there was a limit to my options.

“So, what the hell do you want to tell me?”

After all, that was the most I could say. In my head, I prepared to hear what Hailey was gonna say.

“Well, aren't you gonna eat?”

“I've already eaten. I'll get fat.”

“Really? Then, I'll eat alone I guess.”

I quipped, then poured maple syrup over the pancakes. Hailey has had her eyes on the sweet since morning, but she seemed to have made her her mind after noticing the pancakes' aroma spread throughout the restaurant. I decided to eat all the pancakes in front of her eyes.

“So what do you want to tell me? For your information, I don't have much of a lingering grudge against Syukr, so I won't mind much what you say.”

Hailey couldn't say a word and fidgeted while mumbling, popping bite-sized slice of pancake in her mouth.

Aah. I might be full now that I've entered the restaurant.

This place serves delicious food. A mouthful of soggy hot cake in syrup and a cup of coffee. It's perfect, eating like this.

“Stop Syukr.”

After I demolished half of the pancake, Hailey finally spoke up in a quiet, nearly inaudible voice. I stabbed my fork into the pancake after her unexpected remark.

“What are you talking about, ‘stop Syukr'?”

“Tomorrow, Syukr is leaving for the capital. But I can't stop him, so…”

Hailey avoided my gaze, clenching the hem of her skirt. I blinked a couple of times, unable to grasp the situation.

Is it time for Syukr to join the Royal Knights? Well, rumors have spread that Marigold was meeting the son of the kingdom's greatest swordsman, Wilhelm.

“Don't tell me that you're here to persuade me to pursue Syukr?”

"Yes…"

“You must be mistaken, Hailey. I've already broken up with Syukr. It's none of my business what he does with his life now.”

“I know! But Syukr always listened to what you say, so… And nowadays, Syukr…”

She trailed off and covered her mouth with her hand. Her tear-moistened eyes looked very pretty, fitting of one of the heroines in this novel.

“Please, Meize, please stop Syukr!”

“I'm sorry, but I don't think I'll be able to help you.”

Hailey tried to take my hand but I dodged hers and tried to calmly finish my pancake. Well, even if it's cold, it's still sweet.

"Why? Meize, don't you feel sad hearing that he's leaving?”

“Why should I be sad?"

I laughed at her reasoning as if I failed to comprehend English.

[1] Lululala Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmxDK1eWoKvQQJ23p95XGw/videos

Chapter end