NOVEL NEXT ch2 - Appearance change
2: Appearance change (too beautiful)
I was in my room in Japan. So, what is this? Did I somehow end up in a fantasy world? Am I the protagonist of a story or something? Haha. Can someone explain what’s happening—please!
“No way. Was I thinking out loud…?”
Who are you calling scatterbrained! Sure, I might have been a bit absent-minded and carefree during my school days, but once I entered the workforce, I was in a cutthroat environment where even the smallest mistake wasn’t tolerated… Ah, no, I can’t go there… My head’s starting to hurt. Forget it. I got fired from my job anyway. I’m free now. Too free, actually. Ugh. Wait, where am I?
It’s like my mouth has turned into a broken faucet, just spilling everything.
The wolf sniffed me, its presence overwhelming. I’m completely buried in its fur, using it as a bed.
Is that so? It’s probably the scent of another world. Though, I think it’s just fabric softener.
The wolf sighed.
Its face is so large that it made my hair blow wildly…! And my hair is silky white-silver now—!? Come to think of it, I haven’t really looked at myself.
“Excuse me. Can I ask you a question?”
Wow, a straightforward answer. Just two characters.
“Thank you. Um, about my appearance… I think I originally had black hair. Do you know anything about this? My skin wasn’t this pale either, and even my clothes have turned white… I’m really surprised.”
Seems like it knows something. This is helpful.
So it’s your fault. Wait, hold on.
“…I have three questions. Did I really sleep for three days? What exactly is a demon wolf? And how does your magic change someone’s appearance?”
The wolf frowned. Sorry, it’s just my work language.
Oh, a demon wolf! A magic wolf, I see! Wait, is this for real?
“Oh, it’s Noel Hiiragi…”
Having such a sparkly name made my early career extra hard. I really want to file a complaint with my parents about that.
Maybe such names are common here. It is a fantasy world…right?
“Why drop the ‘No’?”
Oops, I instinctively retorted! But really, why drop one character?
<‘No’ is mine now.>
“Wait, that’s actually possible…?”
“I didn’t consent to this! I think unilateral exploitation is a bit much!”
Take this! The ultimate vocabulary skills honed from handling both office work and field sales, despite being hired as a clerical worker! They said I was bad at conversations! Who cares!
Strangely enough, this wolf seems to want to have a normal conversation with me. I thought he’d enjoy being revered.
“I don’t really need the ‘No,’ though…?”
The wolf looked utterly shocked. Uh, well…do you really want the ‘No’ that badly?
“If you really want it, you can have it.”
You really want it, huh? Go ahead. His eyes are practically glowing with excitement. Wow, you really wanted it that much!?
From my body, a silver line extended and floated in the air, forming some strange characters. The wolf snapped it up with a bite! Whaaaaaat!?
A bright light filled my vision, forcing me to cover my eyes. When it subsided, the wolf’s fur seemed even more lustrous! It looked incredible, and I almost reached out to pet it, but I restrained myself.
“You’re welcome. By the way, what was that light just now? Your fur looks even more magnificent.”
Well, I guess that request is being accepted! Fine by me! Frustrated, I threw away the polite language and decided to just go with the flow.
“I really want to pet this fluffiness.”
<…Very well.>
I felt like I had overstepped by speaking so instinctively, but the wolf seemed quite receptive. Its fur was fluffy, silky, and pleasantly cool in the sunlight—a perfect animal therapy experience that made me involuntarily smile.
“By the way, what about the animals that brought the fruit…?”
“Ah, I see. Wait a moment?”
You stared at your reflection in the mirror, stunned by the extraordinary beauty that stared back at you.
The revelation about the magic wolf was quite overwhelming. It wasn’t a dangerous entity but rather a revered being, akin to a great spirit that blesses and enriches the land.
You realized you were no longer entirely human, which took a moment to sink in. Your transformation seemed to align with something positive, given the wolf’s revered status.
You noticed your bag lying at your feet and asked:
“May I look in the mirror?”
You retrieved a hand mirror from your bag and gazed at your reflection.
…Wow! The sight was dazzling!
Your reflection showed a stunningly beautiful girl with snow-white skin, clear blue eyes, long lashes, and pink lips. The delicate blue tinge on your nails completed the picture of an ethereal beauty.
“Who is this…?”
You were overwhelmed by the unexpected beauty and profound changes, struggling to understand what was happening.
The wolf, Fenrir, seemed to sense your turmoil and offered comfort.
Fenrir’s large, blue eyes were close to yours, and despite their cool, beastly appearance, there was a warmth and gentleness in his presence that made you feel supported. The cool touch of his fur was surprisingly comforting.
You were reassured, feeling a bit of warmth from the unexpected kindness. The wolf’s words offered solace.
As you wept, your tears transformed into pearls, adding to the surreal quality of the moment. The change was baffling but also strangely beautiful.
“I don’t understand what’s happening…!”
You felt a wave of embarrassment for your earlier reaction and apologized.
“I’m so sorry for that!”
Fenrir’s response was a mixture of amusement and reassurance, as if acknowledging your genuine remorse and offering understanding.
The wolf laughed heartily. His body shook, making me sway gently.
…My head feels all fuzzy too.
…This wolf might be a genius at making me cry. Even when I revealed the rough, imperfect parts of myself, which I had hidden behind a facade of being a good girl, he accepted me… and now the tears won’t stop. My palms are full of pearls.
The wolf’s tail enveloped me completely, inducing an irresistible drowsiness.
…I’d like to stay awake for a bit longer, but just one thing.
“…Sniff. What about me did you like…?”
How interesting. I was praised for being good at massages when I was a child, and I even built a little harem of stray cats with my petting skills.
To be liked for something so small… I’m happy. My hands are full of pearls, so when I wake up, I’ll pet again. I settled back into the comforting embrace of sleep.