I WON'T Wear That…!

Suzune was led to the clothes room by Ram, whose expression was a mixture of irritation and restrained hostility. Suzune, still reeling from her earlier victory, tried to make amends.

"Ram," Suzune began, her voice a bit too confident. "I didn't mean to hit you so hard back there."

Ram's eyes narrowed, her tone laced with venom. "Your apology sounds more like boasting, Suzune-sama. Do you always pride yourself on overpowering others?"

"No, I mean..." Suzune stammered, trying to sound friendly but only managing to come off as arrogant. "I just wanted to make sure you knew it wasn't personal. I respect your skills."

Ram's scowl deepened. "Respect? I find that hard to believe. You seem more interested in flaunting your strength."

Suzune sighed, realizing this conversation was only making things worse. "Look, I'm just trying to clear the air here."

"The air is perfectly clear, Suzune-sama," Ram replied sharply. "Now, let's get you into a proper uniform."

Begrudgingly, Ram handed Suzune a maid's outfit. Suzune stared at it, her face contorting in disbelief.

"I can't wear this," Suzune protested. "I'm supposed to be a bodyguard, not a maid."

Ram's lips curled into a triumphant smirk. "Unfortunately, we don't have a butler's uniform ready for you. And we lack the materials to make one at this moment. You'll have to wear this for the time being."

"Then I'll wait until the proper uniform is made," Suzune insisted stubbornly.

Ram's eyes gleamed with a hint of malice. "We are not sure how long it will take. As a member of Roswaal-sama's staff, you are required to wear a uniform while on duty."

"I will not wear it," Suzune said firmly, crossing her arms over her chest.

Ram's smirk widened. "Oh, I see. You must be afraid. Is that it? Too scared to wear a simple maid's outfit? How disappointing."

Suzune's pride bristled at the taunt. "I'm not scared," she snapped, grabbing the uniform from Ram. "I just refuse to wear something so... undignified."

Ram raised an eyebrow, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Undignified? This uniform is the mark of Roswaal-sama's household. Are you implying THIS household's rules is beneath you?"

Suzune faltered for a moment but then shook her head. "No, that's not what I meant. I just... I'm supposed to be a bodyguard. This isn't suitable attire for someone in that role."

Ram leaned in closer, her voice barely above a whisper, yet cutting like a knife. "Then perhaps you are not fit for the role of bodyguard. If a simple uniform is too much for you, how will you protect Emilia-sama?"

Suzune's face reddened with frustration. "I can protect her just fine without wearing this!"

Ram crossed her arms, looking unimpressed. "Rules are rules, Suzune-sama. You wear the uniform, or you do not fulfill your role here."

Suzune clenched her fists, feeling cornered. "Is there really no other option? No other uniform I can wear?"

Ram's eyes sparkled with a hint of satisfaction. "None. And as Roswaal-sama's staff, you must adhere to the dress code while on duty. Refusal to comply shows disrespect to our lord."

Suzune took a deep breath, trying to rein in her temper. "Fine. I'll wear it. But don't expect me to be happy about it."

Ram's smirk turned into a grin. "Happiness is not a requirement, Suzune-sama. Compliance is."

Suzune snatched the uniform from Ram's hands and turned on her heel, muttering under her breath. "This is ridiculous."

Ram's grin remained as she watched Suzune leave. "Indeed, Suzune-sama. Ridiculous."

In her room, Suzune stared at the uniform for a long time, her frustration mounting. "A maid's outfit," she muttered to herself, shaking her head. "Of all things..."

She did not want to wear this uniform in the first place, that is why she did not ask in the clown for the job of a maid. She shuddered looking at it.

Reluctantly, she began to put on the maid's outfit, feeling a mix of embarrassment and determination. As she adjusted the frills and smoothed out the fabric, she couldn't help but wonder what other challenges this new life had in store for her.

A knock at the door interrupted her thoughts. It was Rem, announcing that lunch was ready. Suzune took a deep breath, steeling herself for whatever lay ahead. As she opened the door and followed Rem to the dining room, she resolved to face every challenge head-on, no matter how ridiculous it seemed.

TBC