(Caption) Captain Beauty

He stood in front of the old mirror, its surface blurred by years of salt corrosion, but clear enough to reflect his figure. He stared at his slender body and soft features, an idea forming in his mind. The crew had long been complaining about the absence of women on the ship, and the oppressive atmosphere was growing unbearable. As the captain, he had to find a solution. He decided to take a bold step—he would turn himself into a woman.

He gathered all the makeup and accessories available on the ship. First came the makeup. Using rouge and foundation looted from a noblewoman, he began applying it, clumsily at first. After several attempts, the foundation spread evenly across his face, giving his skin a smooth and delicate appearance. He dabbed rouge on his cheekbones and painted his lips a deep red. Slowly, the person in the mirror took on a seductive look.

Next was his hair. He let down his usual ponytail, carefully combing out his long hair. Using green ribbons, he braided it into several intricate plaits, tying small metal ornaments and feathers at the ends. Finally, he placed a flamboyant pirate hat on his head, its feathers swaying gently in the breeze, adding a touch of exotic elegance.

The clothing was the most critical part. He pulled out a woman’s dress they had once plundered—a tight-fitting piece with a daringly low neckline. He hesitated briefly but eventually put it on, stuffing cloth into the bodice to fill out his chest. Then, he slid on a pair of white thigh-high stockings, their smooth texture unfamiliar but making his legs appear long and shapely. Lastly, he chose a pair of black high heels. Though he wobbled at first, he quickly adjusted.

When she stepped out of the captain’s quarters, the deck fell silent. The crew froze, staring in shock, their eyes glued to her. The crisp sound of her heels striking the deck echoed as she walked, her skirt swaying slightly with each step. The white stockings outlined her slender legs, drawing everyone's attention. Cheers and whistles erupted, and the crew’s enthusiasm flared like never before. Their reaction pleased her.

But the problems began soon after. The helmsman and navigator were so distracted by her appearance that they nearly steered the ship into a reef. This left her conflicted; she wanted to keep her current image but couldn’t risk endangering the ship.

That night, she stood by the cabin window, gazing out at the endless sea. Her skirt fluttered in the wind, and she looked down at her high heels and the stockings hugging her legs, her emotions a mix of pride and unease. Now she's both a captain and a beautiful woman.