
The first pale light of dawn crept in through the cracks of the screen, stirring me from sleep. I shifted, every muscle protesting as I remembered the previous night’s escapades through the camp. Hana’s distraction, the mad dash back to our quarters, hiding my kimono—it had all taken far longer than expected. By the time my head hit the pillow, it was well past midnight.
Just as I thought I might drift back to sleep; the soft swish of the sliding door pulled me from the edge of dreams. I blinked, groggy, as Hana and Miko stepped quietly into the room. Hana’s grin was radiant, her tail swishing eagerly behind her, while Miko looked more reserved, though her usual composed expression softened when her gaze met mine.
“Good morning!” Hana whispered, her voice bubbling with excitement as she moved closer.
“Morning…” I mumbled, pushing myself up on my elbows. My eyes trailed to the end of the bed, where my clothes had been laid out. Only… something about them seemed different.
I could make out a rich, deep color—crimson, I realized—that stood out sharply against the pale bedding. But the style of the fabric was still blurry in my half-asleep state, so I dismissed it, yawning as I rubbed my eyes.
“Let’s get you ready,” Hana said, picking up a comb and settling next to me. She began working the knots out of my hair, each gentle tug bringing me closer to full consciousness. Miko joined her, smoothing down stray locks as they worked in rhythm.
As my hair was finally tamed, I got a clearer look at the outfit laid out before me. It wasn’t a kimono. Instead, the deep crimson dress had a structured shape, fitted through the waist, with a high lace collar and delicate trim along the sleeves and hem. It flared slightly at the skirt, giving it an elegance that was foreign to our customs but striking all the same.
“Wait… this isn’t…” I stared at the dress, my mind racing. “It’s not a kimono.”
Hana practically bounced in place, clapping her hands together. “It’s a dress like the humans wear! Isn’t it exciting?”
I looked over at Miko, confused. “Why am I wearing this?”
Miko’s lips pressed into a thin line, but she answered softly, “Because this afternoon, we’ll be meeting with the human ambassador. It’s expected that you present yourself properly.”
The surprise hit me fully now, and I looked down at the dress again, suddenly realizing the weight of the day’s preparations. I swallowed, nerves flickering in my chest.
Hana’s eyes shone with excitement. “Come on, let’s see how it looks on you!”
My fingers hesitated as I reached for the dress. The fabric felt softer and heavier than I was used to, the intricate details almost too delicate for me to touch. It wasn’t at all like the kimono’s familiar layers that wrapped me up in loose folds.
Once I slipped the dress on, I quickly realized it was a bit tighter than I had anticipated. I twisted slightly, struggling to pull the fabric into place. A little puff of air escaped me as I worked to ease it over my hips. Miko’s brows raised slightly, but she remained silent, her hands ready to assist if needed.
Hana, however, couldn’t contain her excitement. “You’ve got this! Just a bit more!”
With a final wiggle, I managed to get the dress sitting properly. But as Hana and Miko began lacing up the back, I stiffened. The fabric pulled snugly around my waist, then across my chest. Each tug of the laces seemed to mold the dress closer to my frame, emphasizing curves I was still not entirely comfortable with.
I looked down, face heating as the neckline framed my collarbones and dipped in a way that made my chest far more prominent than usual. The fitted bodice and structured waist felt constricting, each breath reminding me of the way it hugged my form.
Hana’s fingers worked nimbly, securing the last ties, her grin uncontainable as she stepped back to admire the result. “It suits you perfectly!” Her tail swayed with satisfaction, completely oblivious to the swirl of discomfort in my stomach.
I wrapped my arms around myself, self-conscious. “It’s… very different.” I avoided looking at Miko, though I could sense her watching me. It felt strange not having the flow and cover of a kimono. The way this dress displayed my figure—it left me feeling exposed, vulnerable.
Miko cleared her throat, her gaze briefly averting. “It’s… formal attire for today’s introduction. With the human ambassador present, appearances are… important.”
I took a shaky breath, trying to steady my nerves. “I understand.”
As I adjusted to the snugness of the dress, Hana and Miko moved into action, the two of them working as a team to transform me. Hana was the more enthusiastic of the two, practically bubbling over with excitement.
“Okay, time to freshen up!” she declared, her tail flicking eagerly and her cat ears perked up as she reached for a small wooden box filled with various powders and brushes. She began applying a light foundation, carefully dabbing it across my cheeks and forehead. “The humans like a fresh look, and this will help brighten your features. They don’t wear as much color as we do, but they prefer a more polished appearance.”
I held my breath, trying to stay still as the brush glided across my skin. I could feel the weight of the makeup, and though I wanted to flinch, I managed to maintain my composure. “It’s just… why do girls have to wear so much?” I asked, glancing at my reflection. “Sometimes it feels like too much.”
Miko chuckled softly, applying a hint of blush to my cheeks. “Subtlety is key,” she advised, her tone steady. “You don’t want to overwhelm them. Just a touch of color will do.”
As they worked, Hana continued to chatter animatedly. “So, the human ambassador is supposed to be really influential! His name is Lord Aric, and he’s known for being fair-minded and diplomatic. But don’t let that fool you; he’s also quite shrewd. It’s said he has a way of getting people to see things his way.”
“Is he the reason I’m in this situation?” I asked, trying to focus on Hana’s words rather than the prickling sensation of the makeup on my skin.
“Yes! But he’s bringing a guest—someone special who specifically asked for you,” Hana replied, her excitement palpable. “They think you’ll make a great impression.”
“Not really,” I muttered, rolling my eyes.
Hana and Miko exchanged a look, and Miko's lips pressed together in a thin line. “Lira, it’s more complicated than that,” she said softly, stepping back to meet my gaze. “You’re currently the sole heir to a land bordering the human kingdoms. Li Shuan, that puts you in a unique position.”
I furrowed my brow, not quite grasping where she was going with this.
Miko continued, “Think about it. The humans would want to build a relationship with you personally for several reasons. First, aligning with you could strengthen their ties to the Felinor people, especially as tensions with the nobles rise. Second, if something were to happen to the current leadership, they might see you as a way to negotiate peace or influence future decisions. And third, they may want to establish trade routes through your territory, which would be beneficial for both sides.”
I blinked, taking in her words. The weight of my position was settling over me like the layers of the dress. “I didn’t realize it was so significant,” I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.
“That’s why you’re special,” Hana chimed in, her tail flicking with enthusiasm. “You have the chance to make a difference!”
“Or be caught in the middle of a political game,” Miko muttered under her breath, but I could see she was trying to keep the mood light despite her usual composure.
“Well, that’s comforting,” I murmured, glancing at my reflection. The dress’s crimson hue contrasted sharply with my dark blue hair, and I felt an unfamiliar swell of confidence mixed with anxiety as the makeup settled onto my skin.
Miko’s gaze softened, her voice steady but layered with gravity. “When the Royal Family learned that an heir to Li Shuan would be among those summoned, it changed everything. They knew that if the rumors were true and the heir returned… well, they’d have an invaluable chance to secure the border peacefully.”
Hana nodded, her usual enthusiasm dimmed by the seriousness of her tone. “Li Shuan has always been a prized territory, but one hard-won. The land itself has suffered through countless invasions, yet it stood strong, time and time again. No one could truly claim it, not even the royal court, despite how much they wanted to.”
“Strategically, it’s invaluable,” Miko added. “Right at the edge of our borders, a fortress against any potential threat. And now, with the chance of an heir returning, the throne can’t ignore it. They want to secure Li Shuan without war—and with you, they see an opportunity.”
I felt my pulse quicken, both from the weight of what they were saying and the uncertainty of what it all meant for me. “So instead of conquering it… they want to sway me?”
Hana leaned closer, her amber eyes filled with a mixture of excitement and worry. “Exactly. There’s no need for armies if they can win your loyalty. They sent Nessa to watch over you, and us to prepare you for what’s to come. And now, instead of soldiers, you’ll be facing… diplomats, nobility, and ambassadors. They’re hoping to win you over and secure Li Shuan’s allegiance through your alliance.”
“A different kind of battle,” I murmured, piecing it together. “But still a battle, isn’t it?”
Miko nodded, her expression solemn. “Yes. Li Shuan’s fate—and possibly the balance of power along the border—depends on the decisions you make. Lord Aric and his guest will be the first of many trying to sway you.”
The responsibility settled over me, heavier than any garment. "So… they think they can just talk me into pledging my home, my people, to them?”
“That’s the idea,” Hana said with a shrug, though her eyes sparkled with mischief. “But they may not realize just how stubborn the heir of Li Shuan can be.”
Hana’s eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief as she leaned forward, her voice dropping to a playful whisper. “But just one more thing you’ll need to watch out for…”
I frowned, glancing between her and Miko. “What?”
“Men,” Hana said, wiggling her eyebrows. “They’ll try to sway you too.”
“Men?” I repeated, an incredulous laugh escaping me. “Why would that sway me?”
“Oh, come on!” Hana giggled, nudging me lightly. “You’re practically the biggest prize of the season! Powerful, mysterious, practically royalty… You really think a few nobles won’t try to charm you to their side?”
I scoffed, shaking my head. “Absolutely not. They can try all they like; it won’t make any difference.”
Hana’s grin widened. “Are you saying you don’t find any of them interesting? Not even a little?” She leaned in, eyebrows raised as if we were conspirators.
“No,” I replied firmly, crossing my arms. “Not at all. Not even a little.”
“Really?” Hana’s eyes sparkled with playful disbelief. “So… no interest in men at all?”
“None,” I said, maybe a bit too forcefully, feeling the heat rising in my cheeks. “If I had my way, I’d be off somewhere alone, far away from any… distractions. I don’t know what you’re getting at, but it’s not happening.”
Miko chuckled, her calm, watchful gaze settling on me with a hint of a smirk. “Give it time,” she murmured. “You’re not exactly used to… certain aspects of your new life yet. But if—when—the time comes, we’ll be here to help you through it. Every step.”
I huffed, trying to ignore the warmth creeping up my neck. “I appreciate the support, but there’s no need. Really.”
Hana’s laughter bubbled up again, her tail flicking in amusement. “That’s what they all say at first. But don’t worry, we’ll be here to help—whether it’s warding off unwanted suitors or… maybe encouraging a few.”
“Encouraging?” I said, narrowing my eyes at her. But my protests only seemed to amuse them more, the two of them exchanging knowing glances.
“Just remember,” Miko added, her voice soft but steady, “some may try to win you over for power. But that doesn’t mean you can’t choose someone who sees you for who you are, not just for what you stand to inherit.”
I shook my head, feeling my heart pound as I tried to brush off their words. “None of that will change anything. I’m here to focus on my duties, not to get… caught up in whatever you’re hinting at.”
“Oh, of course,” Hana replied with a wink. “Duty first, suitors second.”
As the conversation about suitors dragged on, I felt my patience fray. I sighed, barely able to hold back my irritation. “Are we almost done here?”
Hana opened her mouth, clearly ready to launch into another round of commentary about men, but Miko quickly held up a hand. “Actually, you’ve been ready for some time now.”
I frowned, not sure whether to be relieved or irritated, when a sharp knock echoed at the door, followed by a summons. “Lady Murasakikiba, the Ambassador requests your presence in his chamber.”
At that, Hana and Miko’s expressions grew serious, all traces of their lighthearted teasing gone. We shared a quick, wordless look, and then they fell in behind me as we made our way through the embassy halls.
As we approached the chamber doors, I took a deep breath, nerves tingling. Inside, Rael was in a silent, fierce staredown with a human guard. The tension in the air was thick, the guard’s grip tightening on his spear as if ready to step forward at any sudden movement. But as the doors opened, they each took a step back, and I stepped forward, steeling myself.
I moved into a practiced curtsy—though as I began, I realized, mortified, that it was the eastern style I’d known before. I corrected my posture mid-motion, deepening my stance into the low bow customary to western traditions back on earth. Embarrassment flared up, but when I rose, I saw Ambassador Aric’s expression of approval, and he clapped his hands in satisfaction.
“A lovely show of respect, Lady Murasakikiba,” he said with a smile. “Please, do take a seat.”
I nodded, doing my best to mask my nerves, and took my place, folding my hands in my lap. Miko and Hana positioned themselves in the corners of the room, their gazes vigilant. I offered the Ambassador a polite smile. “Thank you for the honor of this meeting, Ambassador.”
He inclined his head. “The honor is mine, though I confess I wouldn’t have called for you if not for the suggestion of my newest assistant.”
I kept my expression calm, though I was puzzled. “Your assistant, sir?”
At a gesture from the Ambassador, a figure emerged from the shadows near his desk and stepped forward. As he approached, my heart skipped a beat. His hair was shorter now, styled in a way that almost disguised the familiar face—but there was no mistaking him.
“I am Elias Mercer,” he said with a respectful bow, a faint smile playing at the corners of his mouth.
Authors note:
I start a new job tomorrow so should be able to write a bit more often now and I have a few chapters already lined up! So, I am releasing this one a bit early. Thank you to everyone for your support and I genuinely wish you all well!
hoooooo boy, well things be getting serious, I do wonder if it will be Yuri? or double gender bender romance.
I hope its double gender bender.
I never saw anything like this so I hope it happens
I don't remember but did the mc meet this Elias Mercer before?
They are the other person that got genderswapped in the first chapter.