NOVEL WEB Chapter 14
The act of a man wearing women’s clothing is considered cross-dressing and is a very divisive behavior.
Now, if a woman who was originally a man cross-dresses, would that be considered normal cross-dressing? Since the body is female even if the soul is male, wouldn’t that not be considered cross-dressing?
What are you talking about?
I don’t know either!
“Edu! How about this? It looks cute and would match you well.”
While saying that, Riana puts on a flowy, semi-transparent dress over my body.
“Alright, it suits you very well!”
“…It’s fine.”
Standing beside me, Sita and Mili also chime in with their opinions.
Oh Lord, why test me so…
I know, I worked hard on my long hair and it will definitely suit me. Moreover, all the clothes Riana picks out, even through my male eyes, look good. This beauty will definitely be enhanced.
Yeah, it will be pretty, I admit that. But still…
I was originally a man!
“…Haha, hahaha.”
A strained laugh escapes, and at that moment, a clerk flies over faster than light and blocks my view.
“Phew~ Customer, you seem to like it so much that you’re laughing involuntarily, which is really fortunate.”
“…”
To anyone, it’s clearly a forced laugh, but the female clerk quickly covers it up. This clerk…is shamelessly bold not in a normal way.
“And Riana customer? I’ve brought more clothes in the toddler size you requested.”
Saying that, the clerk hands over a big pile of clothes to Riana.
“Ah, thank you.”
“To you too, Edu customer, please enjoy.”
Saying that, the clerk turns around with a swish and tightly grips my shoulder. Though the face was smiling, the hidden look was like a snake’s grin.
M, M-scary…!
“Since we have a lot of time, let’s try on a few things! And after that, we’ll pick out clothes for the two of you!”
“Yes, yes!”
“Yes.”
The three, full of energy, keep pestering me until I’m finally free.
I did it, I protected my precious spiritual chromosome…
“Then let’s go choose underwear next.”
“…What did you say?”
“Underwear!”
Riana holds up cute women’s underwear with white lace on her face while saying that.
Yeah, this is too much now.
“Eh, Edu?”
Edu’s small body crumples to the ground, unconscious. As the three are confused by this sudden collapse, the clerk from before flies back with the speed of a flash.
“I beg your pardon.”
Saying that, the clerk picks up Edu’s delicate body and checks it carefully.
Looking towards the three who were watching quietly, she brightly smiles.
“The customer seems a bit tired, but don’t worry. Since our store always has a medical support system ready for situations like this.”
“Huh… Is that so?”
“Yes, so please don’t worry and focus on your shopping. We will take care of the customer.”
“Eh, eh…”
A confused Mili doesn’t know what to do, but before the three can answer, the clerk gently holds Edu and bows.
“Then, have a good time.”
Leaving those words, the clerk disappears like an arrow. Mili instinctively reaches out her hand but there’s nothing there.
“Hmm… I don’t quite get what’s going on, but let’s pick out clothes for Mili and Sita for now?”
“Yes, yes…”
Thus, the three continue shopping when a light notification sound comes from Riana’s neck.
[ Transmission received from Explorer Guild. ]
“Hmm? Mili, Sita, wait a moment.”
Giving a slight gesture to the two and putting a little distance between them, Riana does so because personal matters might be revealed, though apologizing inwardly to Mili and Sita.
“ID, connect please.”
[ Code confirmed, connecting with Explorer Guild. ]
After ID’s response, an image of a beautiful woman appears on one side of the view; it’s the female-type automaton used by the Explorer Guild.
[ Hello, Riana-sama. We apologize for the sudden contact. ]
“It’s fine, but what’s the matter?”
[ Yes, for another matter, the Guild master heard of your achievements and wishes to publicly reward you. ]
“Huh? The Guild master?”
[ Yes. ]
Riana, momentarily lost in thought. Though it’s certain that this time’s achievement isn’t ordinary, she wonders if it’s something that would need the Guild master’s involvement.
But that thought fades quickly as she finds herself unknowingly nodding, considering that the reward from the Guild master would definitely be helpful for the three of them.
“Alright, when should I come?”
[ All preparations should be completed by tomorrow afternoon, so please come before then. ]
In short, to arrive in the morning.
“Alright, is that all the information?”
[ Yes. ]
“Okay, thanks for letting me know. Good job~”
[ Thank you for your consideration, Riana-sama. ]
The automaton bows deeply on the other side of the screen, and the communication ends with the video cut.
‘Then, I should let Edu know when they wake up. Hopefully they’ll like it…’
With that thought, Riana goes back to Mili and Sita. She hurries when she sees the two girls surrounded by the clerks and at a loss for what to do.
…
At the same moment, Edu regains consciousness.
“Ugh…”
“Have you come to your senses?”
Edu, slowly opening their eyes after rubbing them with small hands, finds the shameless clerk from before looking down.
“Where am I…?”
“Don’t worry. You collapsed during shopping, so we brought you to the medical room.”
“Ah, I’m sorry.”
“It’s fine. However, the examination results reveal no serious physical abnormalities, but your strength is so lacking it astonished even the responsible doctor.”
“Haha…”
This body’s status STR 1, with an additional un-growth debuff. To put it simply, I’d definitely lose even in a wrestling match with an infant!
…But is this something to boast about?
“Besides that, there were no other problems, but there’s a bump on the back of your head, so the doctor prescribed some ointment. We’ll provide the item free of charge, so please don’t forget to apply it every night.”
A small tube of ointment is handed to me, and when I take it and get ready to leave, the clerk slightly smiles.
The boldness of a snake that I saw just a moment ago disappears instantly, replaced by an innate sense of intimacy.
And the bump… Hmm, could this be from the wound treated due to some adverse traits? Well, since it’s not a major wound, I’m relieved.
“Thank you.”
“Not at all. It’s our mission to give the best treatment to our customers. Besides, the high-end boutique – Diamang Core is prepared for any situations.”
As I gather my thoughts and look up, I notice the clerk’s gaze fixed on my face.
“Uh, what’s the matter?”
“At this rate… Could you spare a moment, customer?”
“Huh? What for…?”
“It won’t harm you, and if it works out well, you might even receive Madame’s assistance.”
Madame? The owner or manager here?
At that moment, the insight of a seasoned veteran kicks in, and given the reality where I can’t afford to refuse help from influential people, my head bows naturally.
“Then, for a moment…”
“Yes, let me guide you to Madame.”
Guided by the clerk, I’m moved to a magnificent door located at the farthest end of the boutique, which the clerk lightly knocks on.
“Madame, are you there?”
“Um? Sery, what is it?”
The voice, carrying dignity even in everyday conversation, tells without any introduction that the person behind the door is an exceptional expert.
“Madame, I’ve brought a lady suitable for the matter you mentioned earlier.”
“The matter-relevant lady? Alright, come in.”
“Yes, Madame. I’ll take my leave.”
The door opens carefully, and beyond it stands a stylish middle-aged woman dressed in a lavish purple dress, holding a fan covering her mouth.
Perhaps wearing a hat until just now, her slightly flattened hair and the fancy hat nearby draw my attention. The green eye peeking through her long flowing hair leaves a distinct impression on me.
“Oooh-”
An involuntary exclamation escapes as her gaze behind the fan slightly lifts at my reaction.
“It’s that person, is it not?”
“Yes, Madame.”
“Hmm.”
That sharp gaze pierces through my body. Perhaps the dignity and composure in her voice aren’t gained easily; her severe gaze makes me feel a chill as if it’s piercing my very being.
After staring intently for a while, the woman, known as Madame, slowly relaxes her eyes.
“Indeed, Sery, you have excellent discernment.”
The fan clicks closed, revealing Madame’s expression behind it.
Though her face has a somewhat strict look, her tight lips convey no specific expression, the atmosphere emanating from her is powerful.
“I’ll introduce myself. My name is Risses Argant. I’m the owner and designer of this boutique – Diamang Core.”
Her elegant but not overly elaborate introduction warrants a respectful bow.
“May I ask for your name?”
“Edu, Edu Numverseday.”
“Edu, Edu Numverseday… Hmm.”
Risses Argant repeats my name, savoring it.
“A beautiful name matching your beauty, Edu.”
“Thank you.”
“I dislike beating around the bush, so I’ll come to the point, Edu.”
As she states this, Risses Argant radiates charisma, her aura nearly glowing.
“Yes, yes.”
“Would you become the infant wear model for our boutique – Diamang Core?”
“Huh? An infant wear model?”
“That’s correct. Those thin arms, long hair, un-melted baby fat, and your outstanding beauty — you’re a naturally-born infant wear model, Edu!”
Risses’ compliments flow like a waterfall, as if a floodgate were opened.
“There’s no other model besides you. You are the only one who can do this work!”
“Er, uh…”
Though it feels meaningful that someone important appreciates me, asking someone who passed out after wearing female clothes to become a model seems a bit too much.
“I, I thank you for the offer-”
“Of course, there will be sufficient compensation for you, Edu.”
Snap.
As Risses flicks her finger, Sery, standing behind, promptly places something on the table.
It’s a large rectangular case made of an antique leather material.
“Excuse me.”
With that, Sery opens the case, and its contents emit a brilliant glow.
“Er, uh…?”
“Edu, as the owner of Diamang Core, I have a single iron rule.”
“Ru, rule?”
“For effort, there must be an equal reward, and for those who shine, they deserve their due praise.”
As if echoing Risses’ words, various jewels and countless precious metals inside the case emit golden light, reflecting my face in their surfaces.
“Edu, you possess a beauty that rivals countless goods and treasures.”
Risses extends her hand.
“Would you lend me your strength, please?”
“Mm…”
The high praise from her and the goods laid out before me clearly show how incredible her power is.
However, even so, the resistance against modeling in women’s clothes is…
“Of course, this isn’t all, Edu. As a representative of the Commerce Guild, I pledge adequate support for Edu.”
Wait, what did you say? One of the people who control Fangju’s wealth offers to be my backer? That’s unbearable.
With lightning speed, I grasp Risses’ hand with both of mine and reply with enthusiasm.
“I’ll do my best! Madame!”
“Oh my, you’re quite a quick learner, aren’t you? I like such attitudes.”
Risses answers softly, smiling with her eyes. Thus, the contract is established.
Cross-dressing and modeling…
For Edu, both were incredibly difficult tasks, but refusing the offer from Risses was far too tempting.
Both cross-dressing and being a model were definitely not easy tasks for Edu, but refusing the wonderful proposal Risses had made was impossible.