Misunderstandings

Whenever people mistook him for being younger, they would always say, "You look like a tall middle schooler," not, "You look like a girl."

"So… what exactly made you think I was female? Do I look like a woman in this world?"

Suddenly, Damien realized something: since arriving in this world, aside from Natasha, the old lady, he hadn't seen many women. Most of the knights in the barracks were men, and even if there were women, it wasn't exactly obvious. The maids at the mansion had kept their heads so low that he hadn't even caught a glimpse of their faces.

Maybe, just maybe, men and women didn't look that different when they were young in this world. After all, if there were beastmen here, it wouldn't be strange for humans to be a bit different too.

"No, you look like a man as far as I can tell. But… I thought maybe you were just a very masculine woman…"

Wow, he really overthought it that much? Damien thought, baffled.

I look like a guy, but you thought I was a girl? How does that even make sense?

"Was it maybe something about my mannerisms?" Damien wondered aloud. "Or maybe this necklace is translating something oddly?"

"N-no, it wasn't that either…"

Theo was now blushing and fidgeting. Damien noticed his strange reaction.

"What? So what's the real reason you thought I was a woman?"

"Well… if you say you're a man, then that's fine, but…"

What a vague answer, Damien thought. He pressed on, "If I don't know why you thought that, it's going to be a problem. What if people keep thinking I'm a girl from now on? That would be such a hassle."

If it was something simple to correct, Damien didn't mind, but judging by Theo's demeanor, it didn't seem like a quick fix. Theo still seemed doubtful, not entirely convinced.

Damien needed to know the reason. If it was something he had to be constantly mindful of, he'd better figure it out.

"Please, just tell me. I promise I won't get angry or upset."

Taking Theos hand to hold his attention, Damien looked directly into his eyes.

"…O-okay… Well, um…"

Theo blushed even harder, unable to meet Damien's gaze. Damien couldn't help but notice—Theo seemed really weak when it came to physical contact.

I'm definitely going to use that to my advantage, Damien thought.

It seemed like Theo was finally ready to talk, but Damien decided to keep holding his hand. Theo's hands were soft, and it felt nice.

"The thing is… it's your… smell…"

Smell?

"Oh no, I smelled sweaty, didn't I?! I'm so sorry!!"

Startled, Damien quickly released Theo's hand and scooted his chair back, creating some distance between them.

Damien had gotten so used to it that he hadn't even noticed, but at this point, he was definitely reeking of sweat. After all, he hadn't bathed or changed clothes in a whole week.

The embarrassment was enough to make him want to die.