The Auto-Memories Doll and the Curse of Gender-Bending Chaos! - Because, I want to protect her—I want to protect Violet!

Hey, Violet. Have I seriously gotten that cute? Slumped over the desk in the office, Benedict muttered under their breath. Their soft, black, semi-long hair spread across the desk's surface. The late-morning light streaming through the window made those locks gleam with a glossy sheen. Violet stopped her mechanical prosthetic hand and looked up from the third ghostwritten document of the day. A delivery person we passed in the hallway earlier said you'd become a real beauty. A beauty, they say?! I just want my old body back, dammit! Benedict snapped their head up. Their large brown eyes were, somehow, glistening. Their long eyelashes trembled, looking so alluring you'd never guess they used to be a man. But their tone of voice was the same as ever. Why'd this have to happen to me? Even when I go out for deliveries, my feet get tangled in the skirt, and the customers just stare at me all shocked... I believe you simply have to get used to it. You're as cold as always, aren't you! And who was it that brought that cursed box in here, huh?! Kicking their chair back, Benedict stood up and walked right over to Violet. They nearly stepped on the hem of their skirt, almost tripping. "Whoa—" Stumbling, Benedict ended up clinging to Violet's arm. ...Violet, you've got a good hold on me. Take responsibility, alright? A soft sensation against her arm. She could feel the warmth of Benedict's body. Ever since they'd taken on a woman's body, Benedict had become excessively eager to touch Violet. Is that an order? Violet asked, her expression blank. Her blue eyes stared intently at Benedict's reddening face. A-An... order. Yeah, an order. You promised this morning you'd stay with me until I get my original body back, right? Benedict squeezed Violet's arm tightly. Their own heart was the one pounding, yet Violet was as composed as always. (*Why am I the only one whose heart's racing like this...*) Seeing Violet's blue eyes up close made it hard to breathe. I acknowledge the order from this morning. However, I must attend to my ghostwriting duties now. Work again?! Would you seriously choose some letters over me?! Letters are the feelings of our clients. She replied with a straight face. Benedict clutched their head in frustration. That's when it happened. *Thump, thump.* Someone knocked hesitantly on the front door of the postal company. The sound of the knock resonated a little heavier than usual. "Comiiing, I'll open up right— wait." Benedict still wasn't used to the pitch of their own voice. Watching their back as they headed for the entrance, Violet set her documents down on the desk. *Creeeak...* The sound of the door opening. —And then, a familiar, yet somehow different voice rang out. Everyone, I'm so sorry I'm late. I suddenly shot up in height, and none of my clothes fit anymore. It's been quite the ordeal. But the voice was very deep. A rough, masculine voice. Only the manner of speaking remained that of the usual, gentle Cattleya. Wait— Cattleya?! You too?! Benedict's high-pitched voice cracked in surprise. Violet also stood and stepped out into the hallway. Standing there in the light of the entrance was an unfamiliar man. But the traces of his features belonged to someone Violet knew well. Solid, broad shoulders. Short, cropped brown curly hair. Gentle green eyes that now held a slightly sharper, more dignified impression. In their hand was their usual large tote bag. They were just a little taller than Violet. My voice has gotten so deep. I was truly shocked when I looked in the mirror this morning. Cattleya brought a hand to their mouth and sighed. The gesture was exactly the same as when they were a woman. But the voice was low. And the hand was much larger than before. Is that you, Cattleya? Violet approached. Cattleya's green eyes gazed intently at Violet's face. Yes, it's me. Though my appearance has changed a bit. Cattleya gave a wry smile. That smile alone was as gentle as it had always been. So, Violet. Are you alright? Are you hurt anywhere? Cattleya placed a hand on Violet's shoulder. A warm, large palm. At present, I have no major changes to my outward appearance. However, I feel a slight discomfort within my body. Discomfort? What kind? It is difficult to explain. It feels hot, and heavy. Cattleya's brows furrowed slightly. Their worried expression was easy to read, even on a man's face. I see... Don't push yourself. Tell me right away if anything happens. Saying that, Cattleya removed their hand from Violet's shoulder. However. "Heyyy, Violet. You're not done with work yet, are you? Let's get back to it, quick." From down the hallway, Benedict poked their head out. And then, with light steps, they approached Violet and— Here, it's an order. Stay by my side. Benedict clung to Violet's arm. Their soft, black hair brushed gently against Violet's shoulder. Cattleya's green eyes widened for just a moment. ...Benedict. A low voice. Huh? What is it, Cattleya? You were clinging to Violet just now, weren't you? C-Clinging?! I wasn't— I just grabbed her arm— Benedict's face turned bright red as they made excuses. Cattleya stared intently at the scene. A churning irritation rose deep in their chest. (*What is this feeling?*) They didn't understand the reason. Benedict was originally a man, now in a woman's form. Judging by appearances alone, it just looked like a young girl playfully hanging onto a close colleague. But Cattleya's heart was unsettled. Benedict, listen. No matter how much your appearance has changed, why don't you show a little more modesty? Clinging to Violet dressed like that is indecent. Hah?! Modesty?! What's that supposed to mean?! And what about you, Cattleya, why'd you suddenly get so damn burly?! You keep saying you'll protect Violet, but isn't that just you wanting to show off?! Showing off?! I'm simply worried about Violet— I'm worried about her too! And besides, I was the first one who decided to take responsibility for this curse! Shouting, Benedict squeezed Violet's arm even tighter. Hey, Benedict. You're clinging to Violet too much. Let go of her. Cattleya stepped forward, trying to get between Benedict and Violet. A large, strong hand lightly tapped Benedict on the head. Ow! That hurts! Back off, Cattleya! You're the one who should back off. Violet is my *kouhai* whom I've looked after the most from the very beginning. So what if she's your *kouhai*?! Right now, I'm the one who— well, responsibility! I have responsibility! Responsibility, responsibility, you keep saying that! So what exactly do you plan to do?! W-Well, that's... I mean, like, staying together forever... Benedict's voice suddenly grew very small. Cattleya's low voice echoed through the hallway. I knew it, you haven't thought this through at all. You just want to be spoiled. That's nothing but a nuisance to Violet. Shut up! I'm serious about this! The argument between the two grew more and more heated. The usually peaceful hallway of the postal company now resembled a battlefield. With both arms still held by Benedict, Violet stood still between Cattleya and Benedict. Her blue eyes observed their faces in turn. Now, let's calm down. You calm down! "—Fighting is not good." It was a quiet, but clear voice. Both of them stopped dead in their tracks. Violet's mechanical prosthetic hand clenched tightly. Her golden hair, cut neatly at the shoulders, swayed as she lifted her head. Both Cattleya and Benedict are precious colleagues to me. Therefore, if you have orders, please use me equally. "...Huh?" I was a military asset. Now that I have no commanding officer, there are times when I find it difficult to decide on a mission without orders. If you would both clearly state what you require of me, I will comply. She said it with a completely straight face. Benedict looked dumbfounded, and Cattleya looked exasperated. Violet, wait... That's not what this is about, orders and missions... Then, what is it about? Violet tilted her head slightly. She genuinely looked like she didn't understand. Oh, for the love of...! The moment Benedict clutched their head, Cattleya let out a huge sigh. ...What are we even doing? Yeah, seriously. What the hell are we doing? The two looked at each other and slumped their shoulders simultaneously. The intense argument from moments ago now seemed utterly foolish. A moment of silence returned to the hallway. That's when it happened. —A sharp pang struck Cattleya's chest. (*I have to protect her.*) A face surfaced in the back of their mind. A young man's face, smiling gently. "...Ngh." Cattleya pressed a large hand against their own chest. (*No. This isn't the same.*) Their heart pounded fiercely. Beneath the impulse to protect Violet lay the memory of someone they had failed to protect long ago. The Continental War of Telsis. Four years ago. In the midst of fierce battle, they had lost their fiancé. He was a kind man. He was the first to support Cattleya when they started their work as an Auto-Memories Doll. But the war took him away. They could never hold his hand again. ...Cattleya? Violet's voice brought Cattleya back to their senses. Blue eyes gazed up intently at Cattleya's face. The expression was curious. You look a little pale. Shall we sit down? No, I'm fine. Just a little dizzy, that's all. Thank you, Violet. Cattleya managed to force a smile. But the pain in their chest didn't disappear. (*What am I seeking from Violet?*) Because they couldn't protect their fiancé, were they trying to protect someone else this time, as a substitute? Violet was just a *kouhai*. But still. This powerful desire to protect, which had welled up since they gained a man's body—was it truly directed at Violet? Or was it just ego, trying to compensate for the loss of their fiancé? ...I don't know. Cattleya murmured quietly. The voice was so low it didn't reach anyone's ears. Outside the window, the city of Leiden was bustling as usual. The surface of the Brao River sparkled, reflecting the early afternoon light. The scent of coffee and old paper drifted through the hallway of the postal company. Cattleya walked over to the window. Placing both hands on the railing, they looked down at the cityscape. Their hands had become so large. The memory of being a woman was still fresh, yet the shadow reflected back was that of a strange man. (*Where does this feeling of mine come from?*) (*Do I want to protect, or do I want to be protected?*) No answer came. They just couldn't stop worrying about Violet. If she was the cause of the curse, then all the more reason to stay by her side and support her. But Benedict probably felt the same way. Even if their appearance had changed, Benedict's cheerfulness and fundamental kindness hadn't. Benedict. ...What? Before they knew it, Benedict was standing beside Cattleya. Violet was still a little distance away, watching the two of them. I'm sorry for going too far earlier. I just lost my temper. Nah... I didn't mean to snap at you like that either. But, I dunno, I just got so damn irritated. Right. I don't even understand the reason myself. I'm sure it's because of this body; my emotional balance must be out of whack. Ah, that's it. Me too, getting this woman's body has made... all sorts of things complicated. Benedict pointed at their own chest area and sighed. I care about Violet a lot too, you know. So I don't want to trouble her unnecessarily. ...Me neither. It's not that I want to trouble her. It's the opposite, really. The opposite? N-Never mind! Anyway! I want Violet to be happy too, that's all I'm saying! Cattleya watched with a slight smile as Benedict said this, their face bright red. Heh heh, I see. Me too. The two of them gazed out the window together. Beyond the Brao River, the red roofs of the old town stretched out. In the distance, they could hear the whistle of a stea

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Episode 3

Name: The Auto-Memories Doll and the Curse of Gender-Bending Chaos!
Author: Novelia

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