"You okay? Bandits didn't hurt you, did they?"
The merchant reined in his horse and leaned forward from the driver's seat, concern in his eyes.
"Umm… err… no," Natsuki replied, his voice soft and sweet without meaning to.
He winced internally.
Damn it!! Even my voice sounds like a cute girl!
The merchant gave a relieved chuckle. "That's good to hear. You're lucky, miss. This road ain't the safest for someone traveling alone."
Miss.
Again with the 'miss'…
Natsuki forced a smile, scratching the back of his head. "I, uh… just got lost."
The merchant nodded knowingly. "Say, you need a ride to the nearest town? I'm headed to Fenhurst. Got space in the back."
Natsuki hesitated. His eyes flicked toward the wagon—sturdy, wooden, shaded by a canvas cover. It looked safe enough. And honestly, he had no idea where the hell he was going.
"Umm… can I?"
There it was again—that soft, gentle tone. No awkwardness, no cracking like when a guy tries to fake a high voice. It just came out… naturally.
The hell is this?!
Why do I sound like a polite village girl accepting a ride from a stranger?!
I didn't even try to fake it. My body just—just did it! Shit!
"'Course you can," the merchant grinned. "No way I'd leave a cute girl like you out here on your own."
He reached out a hand to help him up.
Natsuki took it, instantly aware of how small and soft his own fingers felt in comparison. The man's grip was warm, rough, calloused. The kind of grip that could toss him over a shoulder if he wanted to.
Natsuki climbed into the back of the wagon, his butt lightly bouncing on the wooden planks.
The merchant let out a low whistle under his breath, thinking he didn't hear.
"Damn… tight little thing, aren't ya…"
Did he just—?!
Natsuki's face flared red.
He sat down with his arms folded tightly over his chest, glaring at the floorboards.
Okay. Stay calm. Don't freak out. Just act normal. Just…
...This is not normal.
"…Can I ask you something?"
Natsuki looked up. "Yes?"
The merchant scratched his cheek, hesitating. "Why are you… wearin' a man's clothes?"
Natsuki blinked.
"Huh?"
"I mean," the merchant chuckled awkwardly, "you're clearly a girl, but the outfit's more like a boy's tunic. You don't see many ladies dress like that outside mercenaries or… you know."
Oh shit. Oh shit. Oh shit.
"Ah… umm… it's a long story…" Natsuki fumbled. "I just… I woke up and… well…"
The merchant raised a brow. "You woke up?"
"Y-Yeah. In the middle of a field. I don't really remember how I got there," Natsuki said, trying to avoid eye contact.
It wasn't exactly a lie. He had woken up in a field. Confused, cursed with a body that looked like the ideal fantasy waifu. Just with… bonus equipment.
"…You lose your memory?" the man asked, sounding more intrigued than suspicious.
"Maybe?" Natsuki shrugged. "Kind of."
The merchant nodded slowly, thoughtful.
"That'd explain a lot. You act kinda odd. No offense," he added with a grin. "Cute, but strange."
Cute. He said cute again.
Natsuki hugged his knees, face slightly flushed.
The merchant chuckled. "Well, whatever the story is, it's not my business. You're lucky it was me that found you though. If one of those backwoods adventurer types had seen you first, well…"
He whistled low. "Pretty little thing like you wouldn't be sittin' here so calm, I bet."
Natsuki gulped.
Okay. Good guy… but definitely sees me as a girl. A cute girl. And apparently, this world has creeps. Good to know.
"Anyway," the merchant continued, relaxing back in his seat, "Fenhurst ain't far. Got an inn I stop by every trip. You're welcome to stay there tonight, if you got nowhere else to go."
Natsuki hesitated.
"…Thanks. I… really appreciate that."
His voice betrayed him again—soft, grateful, girly.
Damn it. Why does it feel so natural to talk like this? It's like this body has its own personality trying to leak out…
The wagon rolled on.
And somewhere in the back of Natsuki's mind, a very real question was starting to form.
What if I really can't act like a guy anymore…?
Herald suddenly pulled the reins.
The wagon slowed to a gentle stop on the side of the road, surrounded by wildflowers and rustling trees.
He turned around in his seat, smiling warmly.
"I should tell you… I'm a merchant who specializes in delivering and selling ladies' dresses."
Natsuki blinked. "Eh?"
Herald hopped off the front seat and started rummaging through one of the larger crates in the back.
"If you'd like to take a look, I've got a few spares I keep as display stock. One might fit you just right."
"Umm… I… I don't have money," Natsuki replied, hugging his knees a little tighter.
Herald looked up and waved dismissively. "Don't worry about it. If it's just one, consider it my treat."
Natsuki hesitated. "R-Really?"
"Of course." He smiled. "It's not every day I meet a mysterious, cute traveler out in the wilds. Least I can do is help you blend in a little better."
He turned slightly more serious, eyes softening. "I'd feel a lot better knowing a girl like you was dressed properly in town. Some folks… don't always act polite around travelers."
Natsuki looked down at his tunic—rough cloth, boyish cut, definitely not doing anything to hide his body's soft curves. He didn't even have proper shoes.
"…Okay. Thank you," he said, trying not to sound too flustered.
Herald reached out a hand. "If you don't mind, your name… miss?"
Natsuki hesitated—then gave a sheepish smile.
"Natsuki~"
The sound came out naturally. Too naturally.
They shook hands.
And in that instant… Herald jolted slightly.
Her fingers were so small. Her skin—his skin—was soft. Not just feminine-soft, but silk-soft. Like flower petals and warm milk. Delicate. Fragile. He didn't want to let go.
Herald's heart skipped.
Wow…
It had been years since he last felt anything from a handshake. Since his wife left, most women only saw his wagon and coin purse, never him. But this mysterious girl—Natsuki—smiled so sincerely, so innocently…
Something about her just tugged at a long-quiet part of his chest.
He swallowed hard and let go.
"I'll… uh… grab a few for you to try," he said, quickly turning back to the crate to hide the blush creeping into his beard.
( End Of Chapter )