episode_0014

The origins of cosplay date back to roughly the 1930s.

In 1939, science fiction writer Forrest J. Ackerman attended the Worldcon in New York and wore a futuristic costume made by his lover and colleague Myrtle R. Douglas, which some say is the starting point of the concept of cosplay.

But if we look for a more specific origin, it would clearly be the 18th World Cone held in Pennsylvania, USA in the 1960s.

From this time on, the trend of wearing clothes copied from characters in favorite novels spread, and this spread to Japan, where it became the cosplay culture we know today.

And it seems that it was I, Phantom, who truly opened the door to cosplay culture in this other world.

‘There is no separate holy place for nerds.’

From the main characters and lead roles to supporting roles and extras that even I, the writer, am vague about.

There are swarms of people gathered in costumes and makeup that they literally put their heart and soul into.

Even though the world and times change, otaku are still otaku.

Nothing can stop their passionate obsession.

‘… … but the championship is mine, poor fans.’

Brutus’s make-up was so perfect that he himself was proud of it.

I looked over it carefully and smiled faintly in triumph.

‘No matter how much you fly and crawl, you are still from another world!’

On the other hand, I come from a world where all the characters in plays are real people.

There’s no way that mere people from another world could surpass my know-how.

I was just throwing out bait!

You guys asked that question!

“The next contestant is Baltasar Arture! Come on stage!”

“Yes, I’m going now.”

I quietly chuckled as I recalled the famous line from the movie .

Poor creatures who were tricked into coming here by a fictional character called Phantom.

Because it’s time for the writer to snatch the winning prize with his possessed acting.

… … lost.

That was also an overwhelming defeat.

Whether he was third or twentieth, Charlie Chaplin was at least ranked in a meaningful way.

I was just last place.

That means not a single fan voted for me, the playwright.

I was so exhausted that I felt like my shins were about to give out.

Last place! Not 1st, 10th, or 100th, but last place!

‘He’s a writer! He’s a writer in name only, even though his identity is hidden!’

Even if I lack talent for acting, how can this be possible?

For reference, the final results of the competition were that the princess won first place and Rosalind won second place.

The strange result was that while all the men were cosplaying in a play, the women actually won.

… …Fuck. Isn’t this a scam?

It seems like she probably got a lot of votes by boasting about her status as a princess.

Who but a fool would want to embarrass the next heir to the throne?

‘Still, I can’t help but admit it when I see the quality.’

The subject of Rosalind’s cosplay is Julia Caesaris, Caesar’s only daughter.

She was an unfortunate woman who had a political marriage with the famous general Pompey, but died young in childbirth.

In order to reinforce the tragic nature of Caesar’s story, he was portrayed as a virtuous and kind character, and was given ample weight. This image perfectly matches that of Rosaline, the tragic heroine of a fairy tale.

The costumes and makeup, as well as the detailed facial expressions and gestures, are all from the play.

It was a method cosplay that would make you believe that she was not Rosaleen Wenford, but the real Julia from history.

But all of that pales in comparison to the actual winner, Diana.

“Are you the phantom that only rumors are spreading?”

Diana von Clausewitz, dressed as an Egyptian queen, sitting leisurely on a drawing room sofa.

She raised the corners of her lips slightly, showing off her beautiful, graceful, and sensual body that was hard to take your eyes off.

“It’s nice to meet you in person. I’m Diana, Princess of the Holy Empire.”

“I know, Your Highness. How could I not recognize Your Highness’s dignity?”

A polite greeting given with an effort to appear calm.

My gaze was constantly distracted by her sensual yet sophisticated beauty.

“An artist wearing a mask and a black cloak. His tastes are quite aesthetic.”

Diana’s eyes sparkle as she looks at me like that.

“The cloak is fine, but why are you wearing a mask? Is it just to hide your identity?”

“I had a serious burn in an accident before. If I take off my mask, Your Majesty will be very offended.”

I swallowed hard without thinking as I recited the set settings.

Cleopatra is renowned as the greatest beauty in Egypt, regardless of East or West.

This point was also fully reflected in designing the costumes to be worn by the actress playing her role.

While preserving the unique feel of Egypt, it appropriately mixes in a man’s romance and Orientalism.

We put a lot of effort into designing it to fully capture Cleopatra’s sensual charm without being unnecessarily obscene.

But the only princess of the empire is sitting in front of me wearing that outfit 100% recreated.

‘It wasn’t like this even when Killigruger’s actress dressed up as Cleopatra.’

Is it true that the completion of fashion is the tone of the face and body?

Thighs that are plump and voluptuous and prominent.

A slim yet firm waist and slender calves like a deer

And even her delicate ankles, which looked like they might break with a snap if touched even once.

The level of synchronization is such that it makes you wonder if this woman might be the Cleopatra of another world.

Could it be that she resembles the late empress with her shiny golden hair and lime-colored eyes, which are but a minor flaw in her jade?

‘… … That’s right. Cleopatra was also a descendant of the Ptolemaic dynasty, which inherited Greek blood.’

To be honest, who knows?

Instead of black hair and black eyes, she could have been blonde and green-eyed like Diana.

In a world where they even claim that a perfectly good Egyptian queen was a black woman with an afro, what could be impossible?

“It’s pretty quiet. It’s a bit disappointing considering it’s a fan meeting that was supposed to be a reward?”

Then, Cleopatra, no, Diana, let out a faint snort and scolded him.

“You’re not interested in me, are you? I’m quite interested in you.”

“I’m sorry. I’m a lowly playwright, so I guess I’m nervous in front of the royal family.”

“Hehe, don’t be nervous. I’m here as your enthusiastic fan. Right now, I’m not a princess, I’m just a woman. If the writer finds his supporters difficult, he can’t use it.”

“That’s great advice. I’ll take it to heart, Your Majesty.”

Hahaha. I responded with a hearty laugh and reached out my hand to the table.

Just like that! He popped the champagne cork he had prepared for the fan meeting and filled her glass.

This is sparkling wine that I saved to enjoy leisurely by myself. It’s a shame to waste it.

“How are you, Your Majesty? Is there anything you would like to ask about me or my future activities? Feel free to ask me anything.”

“Hmm, feel free to ask?”

Diana narrows her eyes as she drinks the champagne I poured for her in a refined manner.

And the next moment.

“Is Academy life worth it, Phantom?”

A completely unexpected bomb exploded right in front of you.

“Academy? What do you mean by that… … ”

“There’s no need to beat around the bush. I’ve already verified that you’re an academy student.”

A boast without any basis. In colloquial terms, it is called bluffing.

Diana herself could not confirm whether the Phantom was indeed an Academy cadet.

Because at the moment, she was trying to figure out the identity by relying purely on reasoning without resorting to public authority.

Nevertheless, the reason for this boast was simple.

‘As expected. You are an academy student.’

That’s just to get a glimpse into Phantom’s inner thoughts.

Unless you are a true Academy cadet, you don’t need to respond to her questions.

But the expression on Phantom’s face hidden behind the mask was definitely shaken for a moment.

Diana, with her keen eye, did not miss that subtle gap.

“The grade is probably between 1st and 2nd grade. They habitually use words that characterize Brondt students, but their vocabulary is not as rich as that of upperclassmen.”

And now that it’s been confirmed that you’re an academy student.

“His sturdy frame that cannot be completely hidden even by a cloak is clearly a family history. In addition, judging by the calluses on his palms, he is definitely a descendant of a warrior family. Only the hands that swing the sword or spear are so rough.”

There was absolutely no reason to hesitate.

“But as far as I can remember, none of the Bronde cadets had serious burns on their faces. So, of course, the fact that he had a facial injury is a lie. And that light brown hair was temporarily changed with magic dye. Magical products tend to show after use. ”

“… … ”

“However, products commonly sold on the market can only adjust the saturation, and cannot change the original color itself. So if you also consider the possibility of having brown hair, the list of candidates becomes even narrower.”

“… … ”

… … How calm.

As if he hadn’t heard anything.

Diana von Clausewitz, who still has not lost control of the situation.

But deep down, she was quite surprised at Phantom’s attitude.

‘Even though we’re cornered like this, there’s no further agitation?’

Even though the princess of the empire is personally pressuring him?

Perhaps it is a heretic thing to ignore fan letters even sent by the upper class.

Diana was momentarily speechless at the unexpected display of courage shown by the Phantom.

When the other person came out so confidently, any resentment I had slightly subsided.

What raised its head one after another was a deeper curiosity towards the man named Phantom.

And it was a kind of fondness that was hard to define clearly.

“So then who is hiding under this mask?”

Diana smiled seductively, tilting her upper body slightly.

Her index finger gently stroked the Phantom’s chin, resembling a sly female cat or a proud fox.

“Is it better for me to fix it myself, or is it better for me to be honest and reveal my identity now?”