
Nessa sat across from me, her gaze unwavering. “We need to talk about your situation, Lira. As a noblewoman, your life is about to change, especially as a woman.”
“What do you mean?” I asked, confusion knitting my brows. “What does being a woman have to do with anything?”
Nessa crossed her arms, leaning forward slightly. “It has everything to do with it. You’re stepping into a world filled with expectations. You’ll need to conduct yourself with grace, particularly around suitors.”
My heart raced. “Suitors? I can’t deal with that! This whole noble thing is too much already.”
“You don’t get a choice,” Nessa replied, her tone firm. “Once the news spreads about your noble lineage, a parade of suitors will come knocking at your door.”
“I just want to figure out who I am first!” I exclaimed, my frustration spilling over. “How can I think about suitors when I’m still trying to understand this new life?”
Nessa’s expression softened slightly. “Your feelings are valid, but these responsibilities come with the title. You’re not just a name; you’re expected to uphold the family’s honor and legacy.”
“I’m still me!” I insisted. “I don’t want to be molded into someone else’s idea of what I should be.”
“Change is inevitable,” Nessa said firmly. “You can either embrace it or resist it, but resisting will only make things harder for you.”
I sighed, trying to absorb her words. “What do I even need to do?”
“You’ll need to learn how to navigate court life, host gatherings, and manage relationships with other nobles. It’s a lot, but it’s part of your duty.”
I felt overwhelmed, but before I could respond, Nessa continued, her tone shifting. “Now, let’s talk about something even more pressing: your physical changes.”
I felt my cheeks burn. “I really don’t think that’s necessary.”
“Trust me, it is,” Nessa replied, her tone unwavering. “Your attendants know about your gender change and are aware of the situation. They’ll expect you to be informed about what’s coming.”
I felt my face heat up further. “You mean they’ve been talking about this?”
“Of course,” Nessa said, her tone direct. “They care about you and want you to be prepared. You need to understand what to expect as your body develops into womanhood.”
“I don’t want to change, Nessa,” I said, looking away. “I’m still me, and I don’t want to be molded into someone else’s idea of what I should be.”
“Change is a part of life,” she insisted. “Learning to accept these changes will empower you. You need to understand what’s happening to your body—what it can do, what it’s becoming. It’s part of your identity now.”
I hesitated, grappling with her bluntness. “This is all so new and overwhelming.”
“Of course, it is,” she said, her tone still firm. “But you need to grasp what it means to be a woman in this world. You will have to learn about the physical changes that come with it, and that includes understanding your own body.”
I sighed, feeling the weight of her words. “But what if I’m not cut out for that?”
Nessa leaned back, her expression steady. “This isn’t about being cut out for it. It’s about acceptance and preparation.”
Nessa’s gaze softened slightly. “You were brought to this world as a young woman, but you haven’t had the pain and experiences that shaped others into what they are now. That’s going to change.”
I shifted uncomfortably, trying to process her words. “What kind of changes?”
“Let’s start with the physical aspects,” she began, her tone matter-of-fact. “Your body will undergo several transformations. You’ll develop curves that reflect your femininity—your hips will widen, your breasts will grow, and your figure will shift. It’s a natural part of becoming a woman.”
My cheeks flushed at the thought. “I… I don’t know how I feel about that.”
“Most women share your apprehension,” Nessa reassured me. “But it’s essential to embrace these changes. They signify your growth and your identity. You’ll also experience menstrual cycles.”
I blinked, taken aback. “Menstrual cycles? You mean...”
“Yes,” she said, her voice steady. “It can be uncomfortable and sometimes even painful. But it’s part of being a woman, something you’ll need to learn to manage.”
“Great,” I muttered, trying to hide my shock. “Just what I wanted to hear.”
Nessa continued, unflinching. “Your emotions may become more intense as well. Hormonal changes can affect your mood, making you feel more sensitive or reactive than before. It’s something many women go through, and it’s crucial to be aware of it.”
“Isn’t there a way to avoid all this?” I asked, a hint of desperation creeping into my voice.
“Refusal won’t change what’s happening,” she replied gently but firmly. “Instead, understanding these changes will help you face them more comfortably.”
“What else should I expect?” I pressed, a mix of curiosity and anxiety swirling within me.
“When you do find a suitor, the connection will deepen,” Nessa explained, her expression becoming more serious. “Felinor have unique signs of becoming a mated pair. You’ll feel a pull towards your partner, a sense of belonging and desire that may overwhelm you.”
My heart raced at the thought. “I’m still trying to figure out who I am!”
Nessa nodded, her tone steady. “I understand that. But the bond you’ll form is part of your development as a woman. It can be beautiful but also challenging. You may experience instincts to protect and nurture, which are natural responses.”
“Protect and nurture?” I echoed, skepticism creeping into my voice.
“Yes. When you find someone you connect with, you’ll want to care for them deeply. That bond is powerful among the Felinor. It’s more than just affection; it’s a connection that intertwines your lives.”
“I can’t even think about that right now,” I admitted, feeling overwhelmed.
Nessa leaned in slightly. “No one ever truly is at first. But knowing what’s ahead will help you prepare. You can learn to manage your emotions, understand your body, and embrace the changes that come with becoming a woman in this world.”
I sighed, feeling the weight of her words settle heavily on my shoulders. “I just want to take it one step at a time.”
“Then we’ll do just that,” she said, her confidence unwavering.
Nessa crossed her arms, her gaze steady. “Let’s start with your body shape and curves. As you continue to grow, your figure will change significantly. You’ll develop more defined hips and a fuller bust.”
I blinked, heat creeping up my cheeks. “Do we have to talk about this? Can’t we skip to something else?”
Nessa’s smile didn’t waver. “I’m afraid not, Lira. It’s crucial to understand what’s happening to your body. These changes are a natural part of becoming a woman.”
“Natural? It sounds more like a nightmare,” I muttered, trying to mask my embarrassment. “Why is this necessary?”
Nessa leaned in slightly, her expression earnest. “It’s important, Lira. Your body will undergo shifts that will redefine how you see yourself and how others perceive you. You’ll have more pronounced curves, and with that will come a new sense of confidence.”
I crossed my arms, still feeling the flush in my cheeks. “What kind of confidence can curves give me? It feels so superficial.”
Nessa raised an eyebrow, her voice steady. “It’s not just about looks. The way your body feels can impact how you carry yourself. When you feel those curves, you’ll learn to move differently. There’s a grace and power in femininity that many overlook.”
I tilted my head, considering her words. “So, what, I’ll just magically become graceful because I have curves?”
“Not magically,” Nessa said with a chuckle. “But as your body changes, you’ll become more aware of your presence. You’ll notice how your hips sway, how your shoulders align. It’ll feel different—like you’re inhabiting a new form of yourself.”
“Different how?” I asked, my curiosity edging out my discomfort.
“Well,” she said, her voice taking on a softer tone, “there may be a weight to it, both physically and emotionally. You might feel more aware of how others respond to you. The way clothes fit will change. And as you develop, you might find your body becomes a topic of discussion—both good and bad. Some may admire your shape, while others might judge you for it.”
I grimaced. “So I’ll be on display for everyone? That sounds awful.”
“It can be,” Nessa admitted. “But it’s also a chance for you to express yourself. You’ll learn to choose outfits that accentuate your figure, that make you feel empowered. It’s all about finding what makes you comfortable in your own skin.”
I bit my lip, picturing myself in dresses that hugged my new shape. “And what if I don’t want any of that? What if I want to stay hidden?”
Nessa tilted her head, her gaze unwavering. “That’s understandable, but hiding won’t change who you are. Embracing your curves can be liberating. You’ll have to learn to navigate that space between visibility and privacy.”
“Why does it matter so much?” I pressed. “What’s the point of all this?”
Nessa’s expression turned serious. “In our society, your curves will be an asset. You can use them as tools to manipulate and dominate men, ensuring you won’t end up as a childless mate. It’s a hard truth, but a necessary one.”
I raised an eyebrow, trying to downplay the seriousness of her words. “Childless sounds fine to me.”
Nessa smiled knowingly. “That, too, will change. Trust me. You’ll see.”
I shifted in my seat, my mind racing. What if I’m not cut out for all this? My thoughts drifted to Myra, and an ache settled in my chest. I miss her children. They were full of life and laughter, a warmth that feels so distant now.
The thought of children led me to the young White Felinor, her frightened eyes flashing through my mind. What if I have to help her? Will I even be capable?
“Still,” I said, trying to regain my footing. “It feels overwhelming. All this attention just for existing?”
Nessa nodded, her voice softening again. “Yes, but it’s also a chance to carve out your own path. Your curves will be a part of your identity, a signal to others about your strength and determination. It’s all about how you choose to wield that power.”
I looked away, trying to process her words. A part of my identity? Or just another burden?
Nessa’s tail flicked one last time before she sighed and straightened up. “Now that we’ve had that conversation, we’ll need to focus on getting your standard manners and movements in place. You need to, at the very least, pass for now.”
I blinked, still digesting everything she’d said earlier. “Manners and movements?”
“Yes, Lira.” She raised an eyebrow, her tone firm but not unkind. “There’s a lot you need to learn. It won’t happen overnight, but you have to start somewhere. Once we have the basics down—how to move, how to speak, how to present yourself—we’ll dive deeper into your roles and responsibilities.”
I swallowed. The idea of roles seemed distant, almost unreal. “And if I... don’t?”
Nessa’s eyes locked with mine, unyielding. “That’s not an option.”
I opened my mouth to protest, then shut it. It was clear I wasn’t going to win this battle, not with her.
“Come,” she said, stepping aside and motioning for me to follow her into the open space in the room. “Before you can lead anyone, you need to learn how to carry yourself. A leader’s posture speaks volumes before they say a word.”
I sighed quietly but followed. This wasn’t about forgetting how to walk—I knew how to do that, obviously. But what she was asking for wasn’t just walking; it was learning to walk like them. Like a noblewoman, not a normal person.
Nessa circled me, observing closely. “Stand tall, but not stiff. Relax your shoulders, and let your arms flow naturally at your sides. You want grace, not rigidity.”
She reached out and gently adjusted my shoulder. “Yes, like that. Now walk.”
I took a step, trying to mimic the poised stride I’d seen from other women. I wasn’t stumbling, but the movement still felt... unnatural, forced.
“No, glide,” Nessa corrected. “Every step should look effortless, as though you’re walking on air. You’re not rushing anywhere, but you’re not dragging your feet either. Fluidity is the key.”
I adjusted my stride, trying to find the balance between confident and graceful. I wasn’t stomping, but it still didn’t feel right. My muscles ached from the tension of trying to hold the posture, my body unfamiliar with this level of delicacy.
Nessa didn’t relent. “Better, but you’ll need to practice until it’s second nature. Tomorrow, we’ll repeat this. And we’ll continue every day until the movements and graces are instinctual.”
I nodded, feeling the weight of it all pressing down on me. “And after that?” I asked, a hint of fatigue creeping into my voice.
“After that, we’ll move on to more refined matters,” she said simply. “For now, we start with the foundation.”
Hours passed as she drilled me, each movement broken down into small details. How to turn without jerking my head. How to sit without slouching. Every gesture, every glance had to be perfected. My legs burned from holding positions, my shoulders ached from constant corrections, but I forced myself to keep going.
“Good,” Nessa finally said, stepping back to observe me. “You’ve made progress. Tomorrow, we’ll repeat this and continue discussing your body and how it will change. Until you have the movements and graces down, we’ll revisit these lessons every day.”
The thought of repeating this day after day made me want to collapse right then and there. I massaged my sore neck as Nessa continued, “You’re beginning to understand, but we’re far from done. There’s more to being a noblewoman than just appearances. You’ll need to know how to act when the time comes.”
I could only nod, too exhausted to say anything. My mind was already swimming from all the information.
When I returned to my room with my attendants trailing behind me, I was ready to collapse. But as I opened the door, I froze.
The room had been completely redone.
Gone was the simple, functional space I had before. In its place was something more elaborate—something fit for a noblewoman. The walls were lined with intricate screens, the floor covered with elegant silk rugs in deep blues, purple and silver. Lanterns hung from the ceiling, casting soft, warm light over the room. There were delicate wooden tables, with hand-carved designs, a large vanity mirror, and more pillows than I knew what to do with.
It was almost overwhelming, the luxury of it all. Like stepping into someone else’s life. The decor reminded me of something from ancient Chinese or Japanese palaces I’d read about, though I had never imagined living in one myself.
One of my attendants stepped forward, bowing low. “We’ve redecorated the room to reflect your new station, Lady Murasakikiba.”
“Right...” I muttered, still processing. I was hardly Lady anyone in my own mind.
My legs ached as I stepped into the room, the exhaustion of the day settling over me like a blanket. All I wanted was to collapse on the bed and forget about everything for a while.
I took one last glance around the room before falling into the soft, luxurious bed, feeling completely out of place in this new world.
Tomorrow, we’d do it all again.
Alright, So I really like this novel so far. I think a really good job has been done with the characters and changes. Considering what happened in earlier chapters I think I have an idea of what is happening. Indoctrination obviously, pretty sure they want to go to war with humans or other races and controlling a new generation of nobles is the first step there. Also pretty sure that other sick girl was trying to run away and got caught when they probably took her from the ward by force when she refused. While they are being forced into the new role I am wondering if they will try to escape, Or live a life different from what they consider normal for a lady. As they are really trying to force through the changes. A part of me wonders if the embassy will be assaulted which might be interesting. So far things are developing in a interesting way. but ya good job so far and I hop that Lira will be able to keep themself safe. Also Nessa prob evil
Thank you very much. I am glad to hear you are enjoying it!
Really good story so far.
I feel like Elias would also be some form or nobility, and he would be the best suitor (assuming interracial marriages would be allowed) because he also has the same gender swap issue and can relate and provide comfort for Lira, albeit he's accepted it quite well already.
Also, what kind of shoes is she wearing? Is she also wearing Japanese sandals?
My feelings are that if they really want to reassure and make the MC's life easier they would tell her that they aren't going to force her to have children or anything like that. Let the changes take place and just be open to what the future has in store. That there is a downtrodden people in need of leadership and she can help them. There have been countless queens that have been well respected but never bore children or had some other kind of atypical behavior. Catherine the Great wasn't perfect, in fact she had some massive flaws as a "noble lady" but you don't get "the Great" put after your name for nothing. Overthrowing your own husband isn't exactly in line with "ladylike" behavior. But if you have the support of the church, the military, and the people, you can do anything.
Nessa here is laying it on VERY thick. A bit too thick if you ask me and it might backfire. But its still too early to tell if Nessa is a reliable ally or someone trying to turn the MC into a powerful chess-piece for her own ambitions.
Good story so far, I'm invested.
What I think would be interesting is if the MC wanted to build a Kitchen Cabinet(a group of unofficial or private advisers to a political leader.) Picking people from the transmigration group that had exceptional knowledge or experience from earth. But I'm sure the powers that be are already trying to pick out as many of those as they can for themselves.