Pretending to Be a Man Is Hard!
Episode 1 (Prologue)
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Maid
Just where in the world...
Maid
She couldn't have gotten that far, we'll search the garden thoroughly!
Maid
We're deeply sorry your majesty... If we just kept an eye on her...
Queen Reina
Hah... Even if you're a spider with many eyes, you still won't be able to catch her.
Queen Reina
That's just how unruly she is.
Queen Reina
Hmph, no matter, she'll return soon enough.
And somewhere in a bush...
Young Rye
Haha... Grandma knows me best!
Young Rye
Time to head out then!
Young Rye
I hope I didn't keep him waiting for too long...
Young Rye sets off into a path, a secret path.
Young Rye
(It's been a while since I met with him...)
Young Rye
(Should I sneak up on him...?)
Young Rye finally arrives into a secluded spot in the garden.
A place where she and her not so secret friend meets once in a while.
Young Rye
(There he is...!)
???
Are you trying to scare me?
???
You should've known that wouldn't work when you're stepping in a bunch of leaves.
Young Rye
Okay fine, you win.
???
Was there ever even a competition on who could sneak up on who...?
Young Rye
No, but I just made one right now.
Rye lies on the grass beside her friend.
???
...Well, you're the princess, so I can't object.
Young Rye
Hahah... Well anyway, hi.
Young Rye
It's been a while, no?
Young Rye
You got something to say?
???
I... Wanted to give you this necklace...
Young Rye
What's the occasion?
Young Rye
(Isn't giving a girl a necklace basically a confession?!)
Young Rye
(What do I do...?)
Young Rye
Sorry, see you later!
Back then, Rye should have accepted the necklace.
Stupid and young Rye believed that he was confessing his love to her so she ran away.
But who knew that necklace would have been a parting gift?
And now that her only friend is gone, there's nothing left of him that she can keep.
So now, 8 years have passed, and Rye couldn't help but go into their special secluded spot.
Even if it's in the middle of the night, she's wandering around, somehow hoping that maybe she could turn back time...
Kazuo
Hah... I knew I would find you here, your highness.
Kazuo
It's okay your highness, you don't need to explain.
Kazuo
But you know that tomorrow is your 18th birthday...
Kazuo
You need to rest for tomorrow's banquet.
Rye
It's nothing. Let's head back.
Rye
(I'd give anything to not be a princess right now...)
Rye
(And not being under constant pressure of becoming the next queen...)
People should really think what they wish for.
Because you'd never know what could happen in a blink of an eye.
???
(Talking to someone on an earpiece) I'm in position.
???
And I have the princess in sight.
???
Alright, I'll commence the operation on three...
Rye
(Do I really die... Just like this?)
Episode 2
???
I still haven't given you the necklace...
???
Don't die on me yet, alright?
Rye touches her stomach on instinct, and she sees that her entire torso is covered in bandages.
Rye
(I thought he appeared for a second...)
Suddenly, Rye can hear rapid footsteps coming to the room.
Kazuo
Your highness! You're awake!
Kazuo
I'll get the physician!
Kazuo stares at her for a brief moment and nods.
Kazuo
One of the guards were nearby on patrol, and we were able to carry you back immediately to safety.
Kazuo
It's a miracle, your highness... Your major organs weren't hit, and your bleeding wasn't excessive.
Kazuo
Still, the doctor advices you to stay in bed for a few weeks until you've recovered.
Rye
But how about the banquet..?!
Rye
And the Queen! What did grandma say?!
Kazuo
The banquet has been postponed your highness...
Kazuo
And as per the Queen's order, you will not need to tend to your duties for a while...
Rye
What would the people think...
Kazuo
There is no need to worry your highness, the Queen is dealing with the repercussions.
Kazuo
We were able to capture the men who tried to assassinate you and through our investigations...
Kazuo
It's the same group who had taken out your late parents...
Rye
Hah, I figured as much...
Rye
The past few years, they failed to go after me, but just yesterday... They almost succeeded...
Kazuo
The group of anti-monarchy have been increasingly getting antsy, after all, in two years, you'll be inheriting the throne.
Kazuo
They still believe your grandmother the Queen, should be the last of her kind, and from here on out, the kingdom of Mizuhara should become a republic.
Rye
Anyway... How long was I unconscious?
Kazuo
Around 12 hours, your highness...
Rye finally looked around, she hadn't noticed the unfamiliar surrounding because of shock.
Rye
This doesn't look like any of the chambers...
Kazuo
No... Your highness...
Kazuo
I should probably have the physician check your condition, before I tell you, your highness.
Rye
Can't you just tell me now?
Kazuo
If you promise you won't get too shocked, your highness...
Kazuo
We're in the other side of the continent right now... The Republic of Westoria....
Rye
That's so far from home...!
Rye
Hah... Okay... Hold on...
Rye
If it's because I had to be operated at a much advanced nation, I understand...
Rye
But if I was transported here while unconscious, it should be alright to do the same after surgery, no?
Rye
So what are we still doing here...?
Kazuo
Well, your highness...
Rye
A princess shouldn't be so far away from her nation...
Kazuo
I'm afraid we won't be going back home to Mizuhara for a while...
Kazuo
Please calm down, your highness...
Kazuo
It's the Queen's orders.
Kazuo
You are to stay here for two years until your coronation.
Kazuo
The Queen had announced that you were just recuperating back home, but she knows people would take advantage of that, so she sent you here.
Rye
And what?! I'd be much safer here in a foreign land?
Rye
My parents were killed here in Westoria as well!
Kazuo
Please understand her majesty the Queen's intentions... She thinks you will be well hidden from the assassinations...
Kazuo
After all, what would a princess be doing in a republic nation?
Kazuo
And please be rest assured your highness, ever since the current president took over, Westoria is now considered one of the safest nation.
Rye
Then what about my preparation? My lessons?
Kazuo
Not to worry your highness, you will continue your studies here.
Rye
Hah, like a nation ruled by a president have any lessons to teach on how to be a queen.
Rye
Oh, what? There actually is?
Kazuo
The nation's head have gone through an academy that specializes in training leadership and how to lead a nation.
Rye
Even if I attended there, I'll still risk my safety.
Rye
Won't home school be enough?
Kazuo
No such thing exists here, your highness.
Rye
What? For a nation that's supposed to be advanced...
Kazuo
Exactly, your highness, home school is a thing of the past. Westoria have academies and schools that caters to everyone's goals.
Kazuo
And the most prestigious academy that teaches you how to be a promising leader is in here.
Kazuo
I should also mention that the prestigious academy is an only male school.
Kazuo
I say it's a fantastic opportunity your highness! You will be able to ensure your safety while pretending to be a male!
Rye
There is no way I'd allow!
Kazuo
It is the Queen's orders, your highness.
Episode 3
The next few days.
In the capital city of Westoria.
Yui
Your highness, it's time to practice.
Rye
For the record, I still don't agree.
Rye
I am a female at birth, how can I trick everyone I'm a man?
Yui
That's why we practice, your highness.
Rye
And I can't believe I never knew that Kazuo had a neice.
Yui
That's because I live here, your highness.
Rye
...How many times did I tell you that you can drop the "highness" thing?
Yui
I can't, your highness.
Rye
If you do it... Then I might practice...
Rye
All my life, I'd been trained to be a proper lady. The posture, the etiquette, the gestures, the conversations, the everything.
Rye
And now, I'm suddenly asked to drop all of it, and do the opposite...
Rye
(I wanted to not be a princess for even just a split second for the longest time...)
Rye
(But this wasn't what I meant!)
Rye
(I guess I should have specified that I wanted to be a normal person.)
Rye
I'm sorry I've been a headache for the past few days... It has honestly been a lot, but...
Rye
...This is my responsibility as the heir, and that this challenge is nothing compared to what grandma and you, have faced.
Rye
So from here on out, I'll cooperate and do my all to the best of my abilities.
Rye
Wait... Are you crying...?!
Kazuo
It's just... Your parents would have loved to see you grow. Your highness has already been through so much and yet...
Rye
Alright seriously...! Stop Kazuo...! It's your fault if you also make me cry!
Rye
Yui really worked hard on this masculine make-up!
Suddenly, the door opens.
Yui
I got the voice changer pills, shoulder pads, and insoles.
Yui
Why are the two of you crying...?
A few hours later after everyone has calmed down.
Kazuo
Everything has been arranged, your highness.
Kazuo
The academy starts next month, so you still have ample time to practice.
Kazuo
And also, regarding the dormitory, four students will share one suite.
Kazuo
Including the kitchen, living room and bathroom. But the bedrooms are individual.
Rye
But it's not like every student actually stays in their dorms, no?
Kazuo
While it is true that some of the students do not live in their suites, you should still be cautious at all times.
Yui
Rye, it's time to cut your hair.
Rye
Wouldn't it be more optimal if we cut it a week before school starts?
Yui
Stop stalling, and we need to cut it now so you can get used to it a lot faster.
Rye
Hah... Goodbye, precious hair...
A silicone Adam's apple attached to the neck.
A pill that lowers the voice's pitch.
And with the final touch of the academy's male uniform, Princess Rye disappeared.
In her place stood "Ryo Mizuno."
Yui
Like every other guy out there...
Rye
...?! That's a compliment right?
Kazuo
Yes, your highness! You look absolutely handsome!
Rye
It's a workout just to get ready in the morning but, if the results are like this...
Rye
(I hope I can make it through two years...)
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