The Conversion Bureau: Tourist Trap

I woke to the sound of the bell in the donkey’s mouth. I pressed the button on the bed to lift me up. “Ah, another glorious morning.” I swore I would start every day by saying that once I had arrived here. Mr. Mann recognized a kindred spirit when he saw one and took me in like the princess I have always been in this world that cannot see my true beauty. I looked out the window from the hotel’s fifth floor. This building was even higher than the walls around the amusement park Mr. Mann had built for himself. From here I could see the tops of the roller coasters of that loathsome place for common folk.

I ate my strawberries and cream in silence from the comfort of the bed. The butlers, that is the donkeys that waited on me, stood dutifully by prepared to receive any order I may give them. I cannot believe the common folk want to become these little beasts, the more colorful sort, I suppose, but they simply do not know the beauty of the feminine form. Yes, perhaps it is kinder than they should be good looking servant beasts than ugly looking humans.

I finished eating and clapped my hands twice. A butler took the tray away while many others carried me from the bed into the bathroom. They were all males, but I considered it my one gift to their kind that they should have the privilege of looking upon my naked body as they bathe me, the very essence of human beauty. After my bath, I had them fit me with my socks. It delights me to watch them work socks up my feet. This is where their kind should be, at feet working for their betters. After having my butlers fit several pair of slippers onto my feet, I decide on a pair and have them carry me down stairs, Where to my surprise Mr. Mann was waiting.

“Ah, Mary. Looking lovely as ever, I see.” He rolled his hand and bowed.

“Oh, Mr. Mann. To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?”, the butlers sat my carrying throne down and I stood up preemptively fanning myself in this hot weather.

“Mary, my dear, my flower, my jewel,” Mr. Mann stepped up and took my hands dancing with me to no music other than his voice, a game he likes to play when he is particularly pleased to see me, “I have come to you once again, to ask only that you join me for the Saturday night park closing ceremony.”

“Ah, but Mr. Mann, I say again, how can you stand the proximity to such commoners?” This was my favorite part of the game, gently refusing Mr. Mann’s requests on the grounds of what is dignified and proper.

“But Mary, my sweetheart,” Mr. Mann cooed with that pouty face of his, “Even the common rabble would like to meet their princess once in a while, don’t you think?”

“Bah! Princess,” I broke the dance and turned to fan myself, “That word only makes me sick of late. To think that barnyard animal from the other world actually refers to itself as a princess.”

“Oh~” Mr. Mann cooed again as he stepped up behind me rubbing his cheek against mine, “You are so right, my dear, but they will come soon. Soon they will try to take this palace, but they will fail. They will fail because those many loyal guards, commoners though they may be, will fight for your honor.”

Mr. Mann stepped around to face me and looked into my eyes, “Mary, doesn’t even the commoner deserve to know the face of the one for whom he fights?”

I turned my gaze and pondered the question, as I idly asked, “Does it really make such a difference to a commoner?”

“No,” Mr. Mann shook his head as he stared resolutely in my direction, “No, my dear, it does not. They would not appreciate your beauty, but my love, some may not return from this fight. It is only for my sake that I want them to know whom I would choose to be my queen!”

I looked on dumbfounded as Mr. Mann presented himself on one knee holding up an open box, “Mary, will you marry me?”

I gasped and fanned myself, “Why, yes!”

“Oh, Mary,” He pulled my hand to his cheek, “You make me the happiest man, ever. Will you, will you let me propose to you again at the ceremony in front of everyone who will come to know you as my queen?”

“O-of course! Yes, it will be a wonderful surprise.”

Mr. Mann stood and held my hands in his, “Indeed it will my sweet, and such a pleasure just to say these words again” He smiled and tilted his head to one side. “Will you please forgive me? I am so excited I want to go and prepare the changes at once.”

Without another word Mr. Mann walked hurriedly out of the room leaving me to my own excitement.