"Are you sure it's okay to let that shady guy join us? He’s really Lyric’s brother, right?"

"Let him be. We'll pretend not to notice and let him run loose. Besides, he's a feminized man with a male heart, carrying a deep darkness within. Trying to pose as his sister? That's a serious sister complex, don't you think?"

"You saw through him that much, huh? So, you think he's a potential Garnet Prince?"

"Exactly. We'll plant even more seeds of darkness in his heart and awaken him."

The sound of an old pipe organ echoes through the abandoned remains of an old hotel, playing a beautiful yet solemn melody. It’s the Toccata and Fugue in D Minor by Bach, a classic from another world.

"A magnificent performance."

"Have you heard of the Nightmare magic, developed in the latest research? With it, we can control his dreams. We'll use his dreams to shake his identity, twist his memories of his sister, and implant lies to reshape him into a human weapon."

"You can really destroy a person's mind like that? How terrifying."

"If we can create a fallen feminized boy—the Garnet Prince—it will change the nature of warfare. Whichever side can field an army of feminized men with darkness in their hearts will be the victor. Both humans and demons will crave the Garnet Prince, and our company, which manufactures war weapons, will gain immense wealth."

"Such a devilish plan. The previous leader would be proud."

"My mission is to expand the organization I inherited. Even in a stable period, we must never lose our venture spirit."

A fog lay over the distance. It’s a dock beneath a bright blue sky, and a steamship with my sister aboard was drifting farther away. I knew it was a dream, not reality, but I still ran after her.

"Sis! Don’t go! Don’t leave me behind!"

My sister’s straw hat flew off and landed in the sea. She looked at me with a sorrowful expression and spoke from afar.

"Avenge me. Please, save my lost soul."

"Who? Who killed you? Tell me!"

"Forte! Forte, along with her parents, Elise and Akira, they’re the ones who mortally wounded me."

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"Forte? The same Forte I bonded with at the mall and school? This must be a lie! Please, tell me it’s a lie!"

My body began to glow red, like a Christmas tree lighting up.

"You have a dormant power. Use the power of darkness to destroy Forte. Avenge me."

"Sis…!"

Strength surged through my body, enveloped in a red aura. I could feel the pulse of dark energy and rhythm. With this power, I could do it!

When I woke up, I saw Lala standing there. Oh, right. It’s Sunday. I remembered I had plans to go out with Lala today.

"Come on, get up! We’re going to be late, Forte."

"Sorry, sorry."

I suddenly remembered I was still in Forte’s body. Oh yeah, I’m a girl now.

"Let’s get dolled up! I’ll lend you my makeup set."

"Why?"

"I didn’t tell you, but Tenuto is coming too."

"What?!"

"I invited him. I thought you two might feel awkward alone, so I made it a group date. You two are so slow, you need to hurry up and get together!"

"Th-that’s not it. We can't fall in love."

"Oh, is it one of those forbidden love stories between a liberal family and a conservative one? Forbidden love only burns brighter! What a romantic tale!"

I couldn’t tell her that I had to give this body back to Forte, so I couldn’t let myself fall for him. That secret had to stay hidden.

"Just kidding," Lala said, wagging her finger.

"But seriously, I think you should be true to your feelings. Accept the high Princess Index you have and enjoy being a girl!"

My heart skipped a beat. Her words almost sounded like she knew about the body swap. No, she couldn't have figured it out. She couldn’t know I’m actually a boy.

"Stop glowing."

"Ah!"

"Your body lights up blue when your maiden heart flares up. It’s so obvious."

"T-that’s not true!"

"So easy to read."

"Ugh... Does everyone else notice this glowing thing?"

"I don’t know. Maybe it’s just me, or maybe others have noticed too. Either way, it’s cute. Now, let me do your makeup."

"I-I can do it myself!"

I rushed to the sink, splashed some cold water on my face, and began washing up. I applied the face wash, working it into a gentle foam, and carefully cleaned my face. The refreshing feeling made my skin feel clear and fresh.

"Start with a good cleanse," Lala instructed kindly.

Next, I applied the toner she handed me, patting it gently into my skin. My face felt soft and hydrated as the product absorbed.

"Now for the base. If you prep well, the makeup will go on smoothly."

Following Lala’s advice, I spread the primer evenly over my face, creating a smooth surface.

"Now for the foundation. Use the sponge to blend it in well."

I dabbed the foundation onto my face, blending it with the sponge until it looked flawless. It felt like my skin was transforming into something smoother and more even.

"Looking good! Let’s do your brows next."

She gave me a small eyebrow pencil, and I carefully filled in my brows, following the natural shape. It was a delicate process, but it felt satisfying to see them take form.

"Don’t forget the lips! I think a soft pink would suit you well for spring."

I applied the pink lipstick she chose, watching as my lips took on a subtle, feminine color. I almost didn’t recognize myself.

"Finally, some blush to brighten things up."

Lala applied blush to my cheeks, and my face instantly looked more lively, almost glowing. The girl in the mirror looked pretty... and she was me.

"All done! You look so cute, Forte. How do you feel?"

I stared at the reflection. A fully made-up girl looked back at me, and she was me.

"…Yeah, thanks, Lala. I think I feel a little more confident now."

Lala smiled warmly and patted my shoulder.

"Good! Let’s enjoy being girls together!"