What Goes Around Comes Around
It was a long-awaited day off.
I was blissfully asleep, practically fused with my bed for the first time in a while.
Captain.
Whoa, you startled me.
You can't just barge in like that!
That is hardly the important part. What matters is—
...Why are you staring at me like that?
...What's with the outfit?
How rude. You can't even recognize this magnificent item.
...Magnificent in more ways than one, perhaps?
Yes, of course. Without question.
Now then, Captain. With that in mind...
I need you to take my picture. Right now.
...
...Didn't you leave out a lot of context there?
Hmm, did I?
Very well. I'll provide a proper explanation.
Recently, I discovered that selling photographs of attractive people...
Surprisingly turns out to be quite profitable.
And I, the Princess of the Duchy of Monastir—I mean, the Quartermas—
I know already. Keep going.
Ahem. In any case, before this venture becomes oversaturated, I intend to devote myself fully and...
Establish a company that sells curated photo collections!
I shall seek out those renowned across Lavistar for their beauty...
And recruit them into our company, no matter what it takes!
After that, I will bring in only the finest photographers...
And before long, the Frey Monthly will become the most popular magazine in Lavistar!
You've already named it...?
There's no harm in adding detail to a future plan, is there?
In any case, the foundation of it all begins with you taking my photo right now.
That's why I have came dressed in this make-or-break outfit.
...You fail to see the connection?
Well, obviously...!
Wait. Do you think this is supply without demand?
N-no, that's not it!
Hmph. I figured you'd react like that.
Then I'll simply demonstrate it myself.
Frey grabbed the camera and began taking photos of herself in various poses and expressions.
I wasn't sure whether to call it shameless or impressively professional.
See? The photos come out instantly like this.
Uh... This is...
Better than I expected...?
...Your expression is a bit off-putting...
So then, have you developed an interest in becoming my personal photographer?
Once Frey Magazine officially launches, I will compensate you accordingly.
Didn't the titlejust change?
No. You're mistaken.
I ended up taking several photos of Frey.
After a few shots... Something began to stir within me!
From a slightly lower angle... Yeah, just like that.
Doesn't it look too boring this way?
Let me try a more alluring expression.
You want me to look at you with disdain? What a peculiar request.
...How is this? Would this make my hips stand out more?
Like this... and then like this...
Frey's image filled the lens one shot after another.
Frey and I worked through countless photos like craftsmen at work...
And the shoot gradually grew more intense.
Hmm...
It still feels like something is missing.
It just doesn't have that big "bang" to it.
What exactly does "bang" mean here?
For example, something like this.
Excuse me for a moment, Captain.
Before I could react, Frey...
Climbed onto my bed and lay down.
...Captain, why are you just standing there?
You can't take a good photo without observing the subject.
Now then... How's this?
If I bring this down... just a little...
...No, I meant my hair.
In the heavy, heated silence, I clicked the shutter again and again.
Frey's eyes, her lips, and...
Shall we try... another pose...?
For instance, like this...?
I'm not sure what expression would suit this.
...Right now is perfect.
...Okay.
I found myself becoming drawn into the image of Frey reflected in the lens.
It felt addictive, with a strange sense of forbidden thrill rising within me.
Neither of us spoke as we focused on the moment.
Laaa....
Dyyyyy....
FREEEEEEY!!!!
...However, those photos were never put to use.
Lady Frey! I knew you were here again—
...
...
...
...What exactly... were you two... doing...?
...Oh.
My apologies!!
WAIT!!
Charlotte! Hold on! You got it all wrong!!
So...
You're saying that utterly indecent scene and these photos were supposed to be innocent?
La—I mean, Quartermaster! Where did you even obtain such an outfit, and when did you exactly go out wearing it?
Do you realize how anxious it makes me every time you disappear without a word, wondering what trouble you've caused?!
I have been searching for you all day!
...I'm sorry.
N-no! There is no need for you to apologize, Captain...
Even the Captain has apologized. Let's leave it at that, Charlotte.
He's not the one who should be apologizing!
In any case, to protect Quartermaster Frey's public image...
I will confiscate all of these and have them managed by the Monastir Knights.
No! Don't do that!
They're... for my grand vision, Studio Frey!
You changed the name again!
Captain, my apologies. I shall escort Lady Frey away...!
Charloootte, puhleeease!
Just let it slide this once!!
Charlotte dragged Frey away, and the room soon fell silent.
I later learned the camera Frey had brought was actually Monastir Knights' property...
And under Charlotte's strict supervision, all the photos were disposed of.
However, the few selfies Frey handed me earlier...
It's not like I have to return those, right?