NOVEL WEB Nightmares and a Maiden’s Morning Routine
Where am I? The air around me is tinged with a soft pink haze, and I’m dressed in a fluffy Gothic Lolita outfit, though I’m barefoot. As I walk toward the light shining in the distance, the mist clears, revealing a space filled with various cooking utensils.
It’s a kitchen. It looks more like the one in a wealthy person’s villa rather than a restaurant. As I glance around, a familiar sight catches my eye. That’s right—this is Tenuto’s house.
On the table, there’s a strawberry shortcake. There’s even a spoon placed next to it, as if inviting me to indulge.
My stomach growls. I really want something sweet. Without hesitation, I scoop up a strawberry with the spoon and bring it to my mouth.
“Bon appétit!” I say, and—wow! It’s delicious! As I savor the sweet taste, I suddenly sense someone behind me.
“You naughty thing.”
A deep voice resonates in my chest.
“Tenuto!”
There he is, wearing a butler’s uniform, whispering softly into my ear.
“Was it that tasty? You shouldn’t have eaten it without permission. That cake was mine, you know. Oh dear, you’ve got cream on your lips.”
With his finger, he scoops the cream off my lips and licks it off his finger.
“Naughty children need to be punished. It’s time for a spanking.”
“P-punished? Nooo, you can’t do thattttt!”
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The alarm clock blares loudly, snapping me out of my sleep. I quickly reach out to turn it off, just as LaLa pulls open the curtains with practiced ease.
“Good morning,” I yawn as I speak, only for LaLa to give me a disbelieving look.
“Good morning? That’s not the issue! You were glowing like crazy this morning. What’s up with your body?”
Oh no, not again! My heart had entered maiden mode… and I even dreamed about getting punished by Tenuto! Please forgive me, I’m such an embarrassing person! Dear God, have mercy on me!
“Uh, well, my body kind of glows when I’m not feeling well. Yeah! It’s because I’m not feeling well!”
“Hmmm. If it’s because you’re unwell, then I guess it can’t be helped. But if you can stop the glowing, I’d really appreciate it.”
“I-I’ll try…”
LaLa starts changing out of her pajamas and into her uniform, making me quickly avert my eyes and focus on getting dressed myself. After all, I’m still a guy inside. It wouldn’t be right to look at her in her underwear. I’d only end up hurting her feelings.
A girl’s morning routine includes not only the usual getting dressed, but also skincare and haircare. And once we’re older, makeup will likely be added to the mix.
I had set my alarm earlier, anticipating the extra time this would take, but when you try to do it carefully, it takes forever.
Blow-drying my hair, applying hair oil, then going through the routine with toner and moisturizer—it’s a lot! LaLa crosses her arms, watching me struggle with an exasperated look on her face.
“You’re really taking your time with this, huh? We’re going to run out of time.”
I suddenly realize—wait, do most girls not go this far? I don’t need to try so hard, it’s not even my body. But I still want to pursue being cute… even though I’m a guy. It’s so confusing!
“Tenuto’s waiting for you, you know? So hurry up.”
Wait, what?! Why is Tenuto involved? Oh no… could the bodyguard Akira mentioned be him?
“Sharp! Wake up! You’re going to be late!”
Crap! I overslept! I quickly throw on my uniform and glance at myself in the mirror, grinning. Damn, I make one cute girl!
Time to grab some bread and dash out the door. Can’t let people look down on me by being late on the first day of school.
“Your skirt zipper’s down! And your hair’s a mess! Don’t you have any awareness as a girl?”
I panic and quickly zip up the skirt. Eh, I don’t mind showing my panties for free, whatever, ha-ha.
“My hair’s fine as it is, no time to fix it!”
And with that, I bolt out the door!