Natsuki climbed down from the wagon, her bare feet landing gently on the grass. She stood still for a moment, then turned and followed behind him as he opened the carriage's back hatch.
"Whoa… you're super tall, Herald," she said, blinking up at him.
Her voice was light and sweet—genuinely surprised.
He looked down and saw her craning her neck, trying to meet his gaze. The top of her head only came up to his chest. Maybe a little lower.
Herald chuckled, scratching the back of his neck. "Ah… thank you."
She didn't mean it as a compliment, but something about the way she looked up at him—with those wide eyes, soft lips slightly parted—made his heart thump.
She was so small. So delicate.
And she was standing so close.
Herald cleared his throat and quickly turned around to open a large crate behind the wagon.
"Let's see… these are mostly merchant dresses, travel-friendly stuff. Nothing fancy, but they'll fit better than what you're wearin'."
He pulled out a few pieces—light linen dresses in soft blues and creams, a deep red one with short sleeves, and even a pale green one that had a gentle floral trim.
He laid them out over the trunk and glanced over his shoulder.
She was still staring. Her hands were lightly clasped together in front of her, like a noble's daughter being polite at court.
Gods… she's adorable.
If she walked into Fenhurst dressed like that, every man in the tavern would be offering her a drink.
"Go ahead and pick whichever you like," he said, trying to sound casual.
Natsuki stepped closer and gently touched the edge of the red one.
"It's pretty…"
Her voice was quiet. Her fingers lingered on the fabric, stroking it gently.
She looked up at him, hesitating. "Is… it really okay?"
Herald's chest tightened.
He nodded. "Of course."
Then he quickly turned around again. "You can… change back there if you like. Behind the wagon. I'll stand up front—won't peek, I promise."
She nodded and gave him a little smile. "Thanks, Herald."
Herald stood near the front of the wagon, arms crossed, trying to keep his thoughts straight.
Just give her a few minutes. She'll change, and we'll be on our way. Simple.
But then he heard rustling. Fabric sliding. The soft whisper of a tunic being pulled off.
And before he could stop himself, his eyes drifted back.
And he saw her.
Natsuki had taken off her top—completely. Her back was smooth, pale, and gently curved. Her waist tapered in just enough to make her hips look rounder by comparison. She turned slightly, reaching down to unfasten the belt on her tunic—
And that's when Herald saw everything.
Her chest.
Small, soft mounds—just enough curve to fit in the palm of a hand.
And those pink nipples... tight from the cool air, standing out against her porcelain skin.
Her stomach was flat, smooth, no sign of muscle—just softness. A cute little belly button sat right at the center, like the kind a man might press his lips to during—
"Ahh—Miss Natsuki!!" Herald blurted out, voice cracking. "Use the towel! Please!"
She blinked, turning toward him, still topless. "Hmm? Oh… oops. Thank you."
She casually took the cloth from his outstretched hand, as if this wasn't anything at all.
As if standing half-naked in front of a grown man wasn't dangerous.
Herald turned around fast and let out a hard sigh, trying to calm his breathing.
By the gods… she really doesn't know what she's doing to me.
Is she innocent? Or is this some kind of tease?
He shook his head and pressed his palm against the side of the wagon.
It had been so long since he'd felt this kind of heat… and this girl—Natsuki—was setting a slow fire in his chest without even trying.
"Thank you, Herald. This red dress is beautiful."
Natsuki spun lightly in place, the hem fluttering just above his knees. "Are you sure it's your treat?"
Herald nodded, trying not to stare. "Y-Yes. Absolutely. It suits you."
"Okay. You're a good person."
Natsuki smiled—gentle, bright, genuine.
But to Herald… it felt like a small dagger in his chest.
That smile. That soft blush in her cheeks. The way her hands shyly brushed the skirt's edge…
That wasn't just a thank-you smile. That was a melt-a-man's-soul kind of smile.
He turned quickly, grabbing the reins. "Let's get going."
"Okay~" she said, hopping up beside him, dress rustling softly as she settled in.
Inside Natsuki's Mind:
Damn… this is weird.
He sat with his knees together, His back straight. Hands folded in his lap.
Why am I acting so... girly? I didn't even try. It just—happens.
He glanced at the dress again, feeling the way it hugged his waist and moved with each step. It was light. Silky. Weirdly comfortable.
He tugged at the collar a bit.
At least I'm still a guy… even if I look like a flat-chested idol wearing cosplay.
He sighed, brushing his long hair behind one ear.
Back to Herald:
She sat beside him again—closer this time. The soft scent of wildflowers drifted off her skin, or maybe the dress. He wasn't sure anymore.
He kept his eyes on the road ahead, hands gripping the reins just a little too tightly.
She has no idea what she's doing to me.
No woman's made me feel like this in years… and she's not even trying.
He stole one more glance at her bare shoulder where the dress hung just a bit loose. Her pale collarbone peeked out.
And that smile… still lingering in his mind.
As the wagon rolled down the gentle forest path, Herald suddenly frowned.
He glanced at Natsuki's bare feet swinging just above the wooden floor.
"…Wait. You still don't have shoes?"
Natsuki blinked. "Ah…"
Herald pulled the reins again and brought the wagon to a slow stop.
"You're walking around in that dress, barefoot?"
"It's fine!" Natsuki said quickly, waving both hands. "No no no, really—this dress is already expensive. I can't take more from you."
Herald shook his head. "No. I insist."
"You really don't have to—"
"I said I insist," Herald repeated, reaching behind the seat to open a small leather case. He pulled out a box wrapped in cloth. "I deliver shoes too. Travelers buy them all the time. I've got a pair that might fit."
He turned to offer them—and paused.
Natsuki's eyes were wide. Sparkling.
"R-Really?" she said softly.
Herald swallowed hard.
That look. The way her lips parted slightly in wonder. Like she'd never been treated kindly before. Like he'd just handed her the stars.
Gods, help me.
"Yeah. Really."
He handed her the box, trying not to notice the way her fingers brushed his again.
Natsuki untied the cloth and opened the lid.
Inside, a pair of simple but elegant red flats—slightly glossy, with soft lining and a gentle heel.
"Whoa… They're pretty…"
She slipped one on. It fit perfectly.
Then the other.
When she set her feet down and stood up, the heel gave her just a bit more height—enough to make her legs look longer, her posture more graceful.
She turned toward him and smiled again.
Herald felt something thump in his chest.
"Thank you, Herald… You're really kind."
You're really dangerous, he wanted to say.
Instead, he just nodded.
"…Of course. Let's get you to town, Miss Natsuki."
( End Of Chapter )