The fact that Rumi and I were meeting had to remain a secret.

However, both Rumi and I were known in the capital for our good looks, making it inevitable to catch people’s attention anywhere but the most secluded places.

It was impractical for Rumi to come to the royal palace or for me to go to the Mecklinger Duke’s residence.

So, there was only one solution: disguise.

That’s why I was now rummaging through my wardrobe, looking for something suitable to wear.

“A disguise…”

Despite my search, the drab wardrobe, filled only with men’s clothing, offered nothing of use.

No choice but to go shopping, then.

I headed straight to the bustling downtown. The weather was cold, and everyone was wrapped up tight in their coats and scarves.

I also pulled my hat down low and wrapped my scarf around my face, leaving only my eyes exposed. It was perfect for both the cold and hiding my face.

Deciding on a disguise wasn’t too difficult. Since everyone knew me as a man, revealing my true female identity would be the perfect cover. In other words, meeting Rumi as a woman.

“First, to buy clothes.”

But there was a problem. Being unusually tall for a woman, off-the-rack clothing wouldn’t fit me.

The current fashion for skirts in this place barely covered the ankles, showing just a hint of the shinbone.

So, wearing such clothes would probably make the skirt rise up to my shins.

What to do?

“Hmm.”

I stood in front of a dress shop, deep in thought. But soon, I steeled my resolve and went inside.

The clerk greeted me cheerfully.

“Welcome!”

“I’d like to see some women’s clothing, something I can buy right away.”

I delivered my rehearsed line, and the clerk eagerly showed me a catalog.

“Take your time. Everything here can be ordered.”

While browsing, I thought that choosing a trendy style would be best, but it meant having to order custom-made clothing. This posed the risk of revealing my identity.

In the end, I settled for a standard size women’s dress, which would surely be very short for me. I’d have to compensate with something like tall boots.

I pointed to a design in the catalog that looked nice even if worn short.

“This one looks good.”

“Right away! Please wait a moment.”

The clerk hurried off.

The dress I chose had a high neckline and minimal decoration, but its clean lines gave it a neat appearance.

While the clerk was away, I also browsed the women’s hats and selected one with a flower decoration that seemed to match the dress.

“Here it is. Would you like to take a look?”

“Yes, and I’ll take this hat too, please.”

The clerk went back to get the hat.

I examined the dress closely. It was roomier than I expected, so no alterations were needed.

Soon after, I left the shop with my neatly packaged dress and hat, heading next to a cosmetics store.

I needed strong, flashy makeup – subtle, natural makeup would be pointless in a disguise. I filled my basket with vibrant cosmetics.

While I was shopping, the shopkeeper handed me something.

“Looks like you’re an actor. How about this?”

“What is this?”

“It’s hair paint. You can change your hair color without a wig. It’s a new product.”

Perfect, I thought, and added it to my basket.

“Thank you for shopping with us!”

Leaving the enthusiastic shopkeeper behind, I stepped out of the store.
I finally finished my whirlwind shopping with the purchase of knee-high boots.

“Good heavens. I’m going to use up all my money at this rate.”

Sorry, original Mu-jeol. I’ll definitely make it up to you later.

Back at my residence, I locked the door securely and unpacked everything I had bought.

First, the hair. I tried applying the hair paint just to the ends and it turned a brilliant honey-brown.

“Good, the hair color passes.”

Dressed in the outfit, the hem of the skirt, as expected, rose up to my calves.

I cautiously slipped my arms into the sleeves. The fabric draped over my chest, creating a convex curve.

“Wow.”

Mu-jeol in the mirror had transformed into a perfect woman. The hanger did wonders; even the less expensive dress looked like a luxury item.

I decided to do my makeup as well.

“It’s been so long.”

I chuckled to myself, but soon concentrated on applying makeup meticulously.

Thanks to my naturally good looks, even the heavy makeup suited me perfectly. It was meant to disguise me as Mu-jeol, yet instead, it gave off a professional model vibe.

“Oh my, what a surprise.”

Pleased with the unexpected outcome, I hummed to myself. Enjoying such beauty, I was indeed lucky in life.

I might as well stay in this world until summer. Having obtained such beauty, I couldn’t leave without at least trying summer clothes!

Fully dressed as a woman, I stood in front of the mirror again.

“No one would recognize me.”

The Crown Prince’s aide was nowhere in sight, replaced by a stunning beauty with striking red lips.

After my inspection, I carefully took off the clothes and shoes and hid them under the bed.

Now, only meeting Rumi remained.

Since I was going to meet him, I might as well persuade him to return to the real world.