Mid-November.
The winter sun bathed the land, casting a cold glow over the bustling streets.
Although the City of Chaos wasn't located in the far north, the season still brought a sharp chill. Heavy coats and thick cotton jackets had become the standard attire for passersby.
The eastern slums, unable to afford such warmth, saw the poor huddling in shadowy huts, avoiding the biting winds of the open streets.
Meanwhile, the Winter War up north was still raging, but it had little to do with the City of Chaos. Rumors occasionally surfaced—like one of the passes being breached, or orcish armies making it through the Forest of Freyst—but each was swiftly debunked by official sources.
Amid this chilly day, Yuna walked down Aikley Street, dressed in a perfectly fitted cotton coat.
A hood covered her head, hiding her flowing black hair and a pair of soft, snow-white fox ears.
Her pace was slow and relaxed, almost like she was simply out for a stroll. She passed by two storefronts side by side: one labeled "Tabletop-Themed Tavern", the other "Ron's Wonderful Flower Shop."
At the halfway point, Yuna took a turn and entered the alleyway between the two stores, quietly observing their layout and condition.
At the end of the alley, her eyes landed on a dust-covered notice pinned to the wall:
"Now hiring two shop assistants."
"Applicants must be young, capable, and hardworking."
—Ron's Wonderful Flower Shop, Proprietor: Ron André
Yuna reached out and gently touched the words "Ron André." In her calm, emotionless gaze, a trace of tenderness briefly emerged.
Tilting her head slightly, as if recalling something amusing, a playful smile lifted her lips. Then she casually tore the notice off the wall and walked through the alley into Desak Street, disappearing into the distance.
Elsewhere…
Nora, now something of a "small-time rich girl," stepped out of the tavern in her new winter jacket—bought by the boss himself. She held down her hat against the cold wind as she headed back into the flower shop.
Flipping the sign to "Open for Business", she officially began the afternoon shift.
The tavern next door had finished renovations days ago. Since it needed time to air out—and because Ron still hadn't hired new staff—it remained unopened for now.
I wonder if the new hires will be easy to get along with?
The afternoon was quiet, and with no customers yet, Nora sat behind the counter idly reading a book while daydreaming.
The boss had gone out again after lunch—likely to the countryside, and then maybe the Magic Academy. Sister Sylvie had gone with him.
So lucky… she gets to be by the boss's side all the time. I wish I could…
Nora had been holding the same page of "The Viscountess's Path to Power" for several minutes.
And Sylvie even lives in the shop now… she continued thinking.
Even if it's in the attic on the tavern's third floor, it still counts.
I want to move in too… what do I do…?
She'd already turned down Ron's offer twice. Asking to move in now would just make her look desperate, wouldn't it?
Nora slammed the book against her burning cheeks in frustration. So embarrassing…
If I ask now, will the boss think I'm being clingy?
Besides, even Sylvie lives in the tavern next door. A regular employee like her living under the same roof as the boss… doesn't that cross a line?
But the tavern only had the attic as a bedroom now—the second floor had been remodeled into gaming rooms. There weren't any spare rooms…
Sigh… I'm so dumb… Nora scolded herself internally. Why did I say no back then…
Just then, a customer entered. Nora shook her head, pushing those thoughts aside. She closed the book and got up to greet them.
Ron arrived at the Darle River prayer house by carriage, bringing along a cart full of supplies. Officially, he claimed it was to show concern for the working sisters—but in truth, he was just here to inspect their productivity.
While harvesting Chameleon Radish leaves every day was mind-numbingly repetitive, the nun aunties—who could sit unmoving in prayer all day—didn't find it too taxing.
Ron had also taught them how to play Element Cards, so their break times were surprisingly fun. Some even said this life was more enjoyable than the convents.
Seeing them adjusting well, Ron was satisfied.
Once the first batch of sisters had fully adapted, the newcomers would integrate more quickly and boost production even further.
Still…
If they were all cute nun sisters instead… I'd probably be coming by to "inspect" every day…
He watched the aunties moving between the plants and sighed.
Just then, an armored guard jogged over and saluted.
"Your Eminence Ron."
"Mm. Anything to report these past two days?" Ron asked casually.
After news of his activities reached his father, a dedicated patrol unit had been assigned to him from within the City of Chaos.
Free manpower? Of course, Ron accepted it.
Besides the usual escort, he also stationed several patrol members around the farmland to ensure the safety of the sisters and the crops.
"Several nobles sent people to inquire about this land after hearing it had been sold," the guard reported. "As per your instructions, we told them the full truth."
"Good work."
"Just doing my duty."
Ron looked around, greeted the working sisters, and soon left by carriage—headed for the Magic Academy.
On the way, with nothing else to do, he shifted his consciousness into the furthest of his dolls, instantly taking control of the one placed in Mia's room.
The chibi-style Ron plush opened its eyes—though technically, it didn't have eyelids.
What he saw was a lavish pink bedroom.
A bed large enough for five people to lie side by side filled the view. Mia lay curled up in the center, still in her frilly, silky white nightgown, fast asleep.
Just as Ron's consciousness arrived, Mia stirred awake, blinking her wide innocent eyes… then promptly pulled the covers over her face again.
"Just five more minutes…" she mumbled, her golden hair spilling across the pillow.
Ron was speechless. So she's one of those "five more minutes" types, huh?
He was just about to wake her and ask about the hotpot-barbecue restaurant plans when something felt… off with the plush body.
He looked down—and instantly froze.
The doll, which should've been naked and fuzzy, was now dressed in an elaborate, pink-purple full-length gown!
Ron slowly turned the doll toward the mirror on Mia's desk.
There, in the reflection, was a fully dolled-up version of himself.
Long dress, bracelet, necklace, headband, and all sorts of glittering trinkets he didn't even recognize—every accessory was meticulously in place.
Or rather, they were all on the plush doll.
Ron stared dumbfounded at his reflection.
Is this…
Was I just…
FORCED TO CROSSDRESS?!
Pah! Pah! Pah!
This is plush crossdressing! It has nothing to do with me, Ron!!