1 Prologue

I burst into my mother's room wearing a bright smile.

"Good morning, Mama!" I curtsied upon entering the room, marveling at the soft fabric flowing freely from the dress I wore.

My mother turned to me in surprise. I could see a hint of confusion in her eyes.

"Good morning, Melody. Do you need something, darling?"

I shook my head, hiding a small giggle. I corrected my posture and adopted the character of a proper lady.

"No, Mama. I simply wanted to see you. Can I not greet my own mother whenever I wish to?"

Her face showed signs of worry now. I hid yet another laugh as I smiled gently. Hesitantly, she responded, "Of course you may. By the way, who did your hair? It looks... very nice when you put it up."

I let another peaceful smile float across my face before answering. "I did it myself. How can I trouble someone with such a trivial task?"

Genuine concern now covered my mother's face as she watched me. Standing up from the chair she had been sitting on, she walked over to me and set a hand on my forehead. "Are you... feeling okay?"

"Of course I am, Mama. Why do you ask?"

"No, it's... nothing. I just. You seem a bit... different is all."

More polite? I wanted to ask. However, I was acting like a lady right now. If mother felt uncomfortable explaining to her daughter that she was worried because the daughter she knew usually acted like uncultured swine, then I wasn't about to bring it up. In fact, chances were, mother was most likely considering whether I was truly sick, I did something wrong, or I wanted something very badly. In her mind, these were probably the only reasons 'Melody' would act as she was supposed to.

This time, there was no hiding the smirk I had. Grinning mischievously, I proudly proclaimed, "Well, of course, I'm 'a bit different'! After all, I'm not Melody!"

"What?" I could tell mother was utterly confused at this point. Not that I blame her. Nobody in her position would have seen what was coming.

"That's right! I'm not Melody, I'm Owen!"

After my declaration, a long minute seemed to pass in silence. My mother's face seemed shocked. I could imagine the gears turning in her head, trying to guess if this was all a joke or not. After the moment passed, the look of shock was replaced by one of anger. "Why in the world are you wearing that?!" She practically screeched, "Go put on some decent clothing this instant!"

I shrunk backward at my mother's tone. Still, I lightly protested. "B-but I like this clothing?" My mother was livid, I could tell. Normally, she was very reserved and gentle. Seeing her like this, I suddenly remembered the frequent times my sister would fight with mother. If she was angry now like she was then... Tears or fear filled my eyes as I imagined my mother slapping me as she had done with Melody. I suddenly deeply regretted ever donning the pretty white dress.

Seeing my expression, mother calmed down a bit. She was more frustrated than anything. Sighing deeply, she knelt onto the floor in front of me.

"Owen. You musn't wear clothing like this ever again, alright? I know you're a good boy, so it must've been Melody who instigated this. Am I correct?"

I meekly nodded at her.

She smiled in understanding. "Melody has difficulties following the rules. You shouldn't listen to everything she says. For instance, you are not allowed to wear women's clothing, and she is not allowed to wear men's clothing."

"Why? Dresses are so comfortable," I asked in confusion. I couldn't understand why only women would be allowed to wear such amazing clothing. Of course, I knew that this clothing was only worn by girls. I wasn't an idiot. But, they were just so pretty.

Upon hearing this, Melody entered the room infuriated. Pointing an angry finger at me, I could practically see steam bursting from her ears. "What do you mean they're comfortable?! They're itchy and baggy and heavy and tight! So. Freaking. Tight."

"..But it feels snug to me?" I frowned. It wasn't like the dress was trying to squeeze your breath out of you. It felt natural on him. Cool, breezy, and free.

"If you like them so much, just try wearing them 24/7! I'd like to see how you act then!"

My face brightened up immediately. "I would love to!" Turning to my mother, I asked, "May I?"

The woman in question massaged her temple. What was with these children. Can't they just be normal? "No, you may not. Go back to your room and put on some proper clothes. And you, Melody, stay here."

I could see Melody tense visibly. However, we both answered in the same way.

""Yes, Mother""

Leaving the room quickly, I maintained the image of a lady despite what had just happened. I figured that I might as well enjoy it while I could.

Sighing, I recognized that I definitely shouldn't have listened to my sister. We both had our hobbies that we practiced. Me, etiquette, her, swordplay. But I was right, we should've kept it secret. I had almost gotten us into trouble, all because I was acting like an idiot. I was just so excited about this beautiful gown...

However, I wasn't entirely upset. I started to smiled. At least my test had worked out. With this outfit, not even my mother could recognize me. This would make my sister's and my hobbies a lot easier to practice.