High heels were actually originally designed for men—one theory suggests they were for short noble men trying to increase their height, while another claims they were for a better grip in horse stirrups. Regardless, as times changed, high heels became women's exclusive footwear.
There are many advantages to girls wearing high heels, with height increase being just one. Due to the height difference between heel and toe, women wearing high heels naturally push out their chest and lift their hips, perfectly highlighting their figure's allure.
...But what does any of this have to do with me?
I have no intention of flaunting my body, and besides, I don't even know how to walk in high heels—I'd probably go "splat~" after two steps.
I won't deny that the [Unicorn Crystal Shoes] are beautifully crafted and might capture many girls' hearts. I'm very sorry, but Mr. Enrique's hopes of raising my affection through them will be disappointed.
I have my reasons for politely declining Enrique.
It's best not to accept precious gifts you can't use.
"Lord Enrique, I appreciate your kind intentions. However, my position dictates that I cannot wear items that would hinder my movement. I hope you understand."
While high heels emphasize beauty, they have one side effect: they're not particularly convenient for movement. Though walking is fine once you're used to them, running becomes quite problematic. That's why noble ladies initially favored high heels—after all, only they had the luxury of leisurely strolling in them.
My profession is as a maid—leaving aside whether I'm qualified, the hindrance of movement alone is enough reason to PASS on high heels. Imagine if my master needed me and I went "splat~" taking a massive tumble in high heels—that would be comedy gold.
High heel proficiency isn't included in any skill tree, like wearing women's underwear; it can only be self-taught.
Hearing my diplomatic refusal, Enrique smiled as if he had been specifically waiting for me to say that.
"Then, wouldn't giving Lady Anastasia her rightful status perfectly solve this?"
Eh?
The high heels vanished from Enrique's hand, and he dropped to one knee, somehow now holding a large blue diamond.
No, that's—
"I, Enrique of House Dandolo, head of the Watertown Merchant Association, hereby solemnly swear to Lady Anastasia: I stake the honor of House Dandolo to protect Lady Anastasia for life, hoping she will become my noble wife."
A diamond ring.
Enrique's words seemed magical—though he was kneeling before me, speaking in gentle tones, it felt as if another Enrique was softly repeating those sweet words in my ear.
"Ohhh—"
"Marry him! Marry him!"
"Damn you, Enrique—"
"Stop making a fuss! Anna won't be moved by this level of advance...!"
Hey hey, why are there flower petals flying around? And there are people stirring things up outside—surely they must be plants hired by Enrique.
Enrique is a meticulous man.
He anticipated I would refuse that way, and this was his trump card?
You won't have to serve others as maids anymore; you can focus on being a privileged noble lady—that's what Enrique was proposing. For ordinary girls, this would undoubtedly be a dream-come-true chance to transform from sparrow to phoenix.
[Charm] value + Unicorn Crystal Shoes + proposal + diamond ring—under normal circumstances, the target would have fallen already, especially since that ring wasn't ordinary either.
While Enrique's proposal caused a sensation, I didn't miss the few players discussing the blue diamond he produced.
"That... there's no mistake! It's the [Heart of the Ocean]!"
"[Heart of the Ocean]?! The diamond used only in merfolk royal marriages?"
"I thought the [Heart of the Ocean] was never given to outsiders... As expected of the Watertown Merchant Association, truly spending wealth like water..."
I wouldn't be surprised if someone brought out the undead race's family heirloom next, though, come to think of it, undead treasures are all terrible things, so they probably won't appear.
A four-pronged attack, any single one would normally cause affection to skyrocket, and Enrique displayed a confident smile of assured victory.
—Yet my heart remained unmoved.
You've got to be kidding, what man would get heart palpitations from another man's proposal? Even becoming a girl doesn't change that.
But... ugh, how should I refuse?
"Lord Enrique, you..."
Enrique lifted his head, smiling as he awaited my response.
"You... you... you're not my type...?"
"...........................Huh???"
Enrique, who had maintained an elegant and gentle demeanor since his debut, showed a crashed-computer expression for the first time.
No no no! What am I babbling about?! What a terrible way to refuse, how incredibly rude.
"L-Lord Enrique, you see, without my master's permission, I cannot make decisions about marriage on my own."
"...But Lady Anastasia has no master right now."
Enrique had ultimately weathered many storms. He quickly regained his composure, though his expression retained traces of awkwardness.
"Yes, that's why I need a master."
"If Lady Anastasia marries me, you can abandon your servant status."
"But my marriage must be decided by my master."
"You don't have a master right now."
"Yes, without a master's permission, I cannot marry."
"If you marry me, you won't need a master's permission."
"I need my master's permission."
And so it went, going round and round like wheels more than ten times.
Enrique finally understood: I did not want to accept his proposal.
This was the most diplomatic refusal I could think of in my panic, and we spoke quietly enough that players outside the courtyard couldn't hear without high-level reconnaissance skills.
Probably unable to believe his royal flush hadn't produced results, Enrique fell silent for a long time.
Several minutes later, Enrique sighed and put the diamond ring back in his bag as if resigned.
"Perhaps I was too hasty, but at least accept these crystal shoes as a small token of my feelings, Lady Anastasia, please."
"About that..."
Please wait, this "small token" is too heavy for me.
[Item: Unicorn Crystal Shoes, Transaction Successful]
[Congratulations, Affection +0]
"...........................????"
Mr. Enrique, why must you be so stubborn?