Chapter 46
In the crisp morning air before the sun had fully risen, we stood gazing up at the seven-story 'Adventurers' Guild and Magical Research Institute' on First Avenue of Greifner Street. A massive cloth poster was displayed there—so large that we couldn't see its entirety from directly below, so we lingered near the middle of the street for a better view.
The poster featured Amy's radiant, flower-like smile, clad in the outfit we'd all collaborated to create.
The catchphrase read:
'Style over defense'
'Will you protect me?'
In the lower right corner of the poster:
'Greifner Kingdom's first fashion magazine, *Eimy*, debuts!!'
'Limited 500 copies available at Ohana Bookstore on ○/×!'
'Featuring an exclusive interview with mastermind *Mirrors* shop owner Misa!'
It was the pinnacle of our efforts—a masterpiece that wouldn't have been possible without every single one of us.
"Tomorrow..."
I murmured, overwhelmed.
The others whispered words of agreement, nodding as they stared at the poster.
Yes, tomorrow was the magazine's release day. Its sales would decide our fate—the starting line for whether this new fashion would take off.
Since there was a ball in the evening, I'd asked everyone to gather at dawn so we could all see Amy's poster together. Though exhaustion lingered on their faces, their expressions shone with accomplishment.
I scanned each face one by one.
*Mirrors* shop owner Misa, who'd raced around in her own new designs.
Designer Joe, the rising talent who'd brought my unreasonable sketches to life.
Speed Wild—Black Brian—who'd taken on deputy editor duties, negotiating with bookstores while tirelessly chanting the advanced fire spell *Copy*.
Sugii Wild, aka Osugi, 40. He'd chanted *Copy* nonstop until his mana ran dry—fifteen times.
Tenmei Canyone, the lecherous photographer. Beyond being Amy's exclusive cameraman, he'd tackled impossible requests, even capturing Greifner's first-ever monster photos for the final page.
Usax, the rabbit old-timer, 39. His high-spec administrative skills handled everything from meal costs to payroll without a single error, plus schedule management for the whole team.
Pine Oatsin, aka Boing-chan, 17. A former weapon-shop part-timer recruited for her witty attack-power commentary. She'd coined the 'Will you protect me?' slogan and was now the magazine's biggest fashion addict.
Frankie Grantino—Frank. Ariana's second-youngest brother, 11. Hired on a whim after I glimpsed his amusing study notes. His sharp reporting and relentless curiosity made him a natural journalist.
Then three temporary *Copy* mages: Maruo, the soba shop guy, and Madam Ocho.
Behind me stood Clarice, my ever-supportive personal maid. Even the weary lines on her face seemed softer today.
And Amy, the magazine's exclusive model. She couldn't hide her embarrassment at seeing her giant photo on display. Adorable as always.
"Misa, Joe. Thank you for everything."
"What are you saying, my lady?!"
"She's right, Ellie! *We're* the grateful ones!"
They beamed as they spoke.
"Printing team... I know how tough it was. All those failed poster attempts..."
"Heh, that was nothing!"
"Ellie, who do you think we are? We're the Wilds!"
Black Brian, Osugi, and the three *Copy* mages wore expressions of deep fulfillment.
"Photographer Tenmei! You're the best!"
"All credit goes to my subjects—the fairy-like Miss Amy and you, Miss Ellie."
Tenmei hadn't let go of his camera since that day.
He carried it on his back constantly.
"Usax, thanks for handling all the grunt work!"
"The honor is mine! Those dull days feel like another life... Meeting you, Miss Ellie, has made me happy!"
Though sleep-deprived from coaching me and Elizabeth late last night, his rabbit ears stood straight toward the sky.
"Boing-chan, thank you!"
"I got off easy! But I love you, Ellie! Also, can we ditch that nickname?"
Boing-chan—an estimated H-cup—bounced enthusiastically in her new dress, making her assets jiggle.
"Frank! Let me touch your ears later!"
"Sure, whatever..."
With wide, Ariana-like eyes, Frank was cuter than most girls. Once he outgrew his childishness, he'd be downright handsome. I looked forward to his growth—both as a reporter and a person.
"Clarice..."
"My lady..."
Wordless understanding passed between us—how wonderful.
"Sister Amy... Thank you, truly. You're the best sister in the world."
"I had so much fun too! All the outfits, Misa giving them for free... *I* should be thanking *you*!"
Amy's smile glowed as brightly as ever. Without her, this magazine wouldn't exist. The others clearly felt the same.
"Alright, everyone! Tomorrow's the *Eimy* launch festival! Meet at Ohana Bookstore! Got it?!"
"Yes, ma'am!" "Yeah!" "Got it!" "Roger!" "Finally!" "Understood!" "Woo!" "Okay..." "Yes!" "Yes!" "Yes!" "My lady!" "Ellie's so cool~!"
After their chaotic replies, they raised their right hands, thumbs up, as if success was already certain.
*This* is what a team should be!
○
I sighed deeply at my reflection.
Evening after school. My morning energy had vanished.
The magazine chaos had cost me sleep, and now two new pimples had appeared. *Two!*
A chubby maiden unable to hide her devastation.
Starting tomorrow, I'd return to a modest lifestyle.
Ugh—pimples never just disappear.
If I ever turned back into a man, I'd cheer on pimple-plagued girls.
Seriously, no magic to erase zits? Wouldn't slapping on some supreme-tier white magic give me flawless skin? Nah... Rumor says only the Seller Theocracy's pope can use that, and he wouldn't waste it on pimples.
"My lady, sighing so much will ruin your cute face."
"I'm ugly *and* pimply. It's hopeless."
Misa giggled, shaking her bob cut at my rare complaint.
She'd used her free time to do my hair and makeup for the ball.
"And my hair's all frizzy, right?"
"The roots are healthy—it'll regain its shine soon."
"Really? Hey, Misa, what do you use to wash yours?"
"Well, I..."
And just like that, I'd fully adapted to girl talk.
Before long, my hairstyle was done—an updo with a navy-blue rose accessory, secured by hairpins. It matched the chic black dress I'd specially ordered. Misa had even applied light makeup, elevating me from a two to a five. (Out of a thousand, obviously. Heh!)
"My lady, Lady Ariana Grantino has arrived."
"Show her in."
Perfect timing—I dragged Ariana into Misa's care, dressing her in a navy clerical one-piece with a white collar that hid her too-slim frame. I'd custom-ordered it ages ago, planning to gift it to her someday.
The outfit cleverly concealed her angular figure, and the fox tail peeking from a discreet hole in the back was unbearably cute. Misa kept gasping, "My! My!" in excitement.
"Ellie... Does it suit me?"
"Absolutely."
When I patted her head, her tail wagged hard enough to create a breeze.
Elizabeth and Amy returned from work and school, starting their ball preparations. With Misa, the three of them chattered happily. Girls really liven up in groups—!
Oh right—*I'm* a girl too! A kindhearted, plump lady...!