Re:Zero FF Beatrice Heart Crossing

Chapter 21: The Show of a Lifetime

After her momentary lapse in confidence, Beatrice had joined Adella and Niki backstage to begin her preparations. The makeshift room had been pieced together by layering curtains alongside the stage. Upon entering the room, Beatrice saw the costume rack and the trunk Subaru had kindly delivered earlier. Tracing the walls with her eyes, she noticed that there was a small stool in front of a vanity table. Following Adella's lead, she untied the ribbon of her kimono and neatly folded the garment over the costume rack before taking a seat on the stool. This being her first experience changing with others, Beatrice avoided watching the others and decided to wait until last to put on her costume. In an attempt to district her mind, she naturally came to gaze into the vanity mirror. Watching herself sitting in the dressing room, she couldn't help but giggle at the situation. It was then that she realized that something seemed different about her face. Not that she was particularly vain, she had viewed herself occasionally while living in the forbidden library. However, the face looking back at her seemed to have an entirely different glow than the spirit she remembered. The girl staring back at her was happily giggling and spending time with friends, something that she would never have done before. Lost in the moment and besieged by melancholy, Beatrice unknowingly leaned forward toward the vanity. The shift in weight caused her to lose her balance and fall forward. The small spirit had to place her hands on the table to catch herself and while doing so, felt the shoulder strap of her chemise slide down her arm. With her forehead almost touching the mirror, Beatrice once again saw her image. This time however, she saw a flustered girl in a nightie which caused her cheeks to blush. Is this what Subaru saw when they went to bed at night? As her face grew ever more crimson, Adella shimmied up next to her to look in the mirror before speaking.

Adella: "Lady Beatrice? I had no idea you were so fond of your own image."

Beatrice: "W-what... Betty was just trying to give you privacy, I suppose."

Adella: "Is that so? I fully stocked this vanity with cosmetics if you were thinking about trying to surprise someone special... fufufu."

Beatrice: "Huh? Cosmetics..."

Nonchalantly joining Adella in sandwiching Beatrice in front of the mirror, Niki spoke up.

Niki: "Ya mean makeup, right? I think yer cute already, but if ya try it, I will!"

Adella: "I would be happy to assist you both! However, there is one small detail I simply must address..."

Beatrice and Niki: "Eh?"

Adella: "Lady Beatrice, do you intend to traipse about in your undergarments all afternoon?"

Having been called out, Beatrice looked and saw that both Niki and Adella had their dresses on as they crowded around the scantily clad spirit.

Beatrice: "Irk!?"

Leaping backwards from the stool, Beatrice ran to the costume rack and began to throw articles of clothing across the room as she frantically attempted to preserve her pride. Adella and Niki wore playful smiles while watching the scene unfold before the head maid rose to her feet and proceeded to aid Beatrice in donning her costume. Once Beatrice had completed her dressing, the girls took turns sitting in front of the mirror and applying makeup. Adella applied a light rouge and purple lipstick before assisting Niki. The cat girl watched as her lips became crimson and Adella outlined her eyes with black. Watching with intense curiosity, Beatrice finally took her spot on the stool. The vast array of containers confused the small spirit as she hesitantly reached forward. A friendly voice cut through from behind her.

Adella: "Lady Beatrice, might I suggest this pink? It suits you."

Beatrice: "Pink is for children, I suppose. Betty wants to look her best for... ehh... the audience, in fact!"