I Was Just an Ugly Girl, But in Another World They Call Me an Angel - 4 - Kneeling Before the Smile of God

The moment I encountered her in the forest, a shock coursed through me as if all the bl00d in my body had reversed its flow.

Before me stood a being who possessed all the attributes of the “divine beauty” described in legends.

A plump figure. Softly rounded cheeks. A small, elegant nose. Round, sparkling eyes and black hair.

In this country—no, across the entire continent—I had never seen anyone with such perfect beauty.

“Don’t worry! I’m not afraid of you!”

Her first words.

A bit awkward, yet direct and gentle in tone.

She chose her words carefully, speaking in a way that wouldn’t frighten me.

Ah, this person…

This divine being does not fear me.

She does not recoil from my appearance.

She treats me as a person…!

In this world, those with a rugged face like mine are considered abominable.

In a society that values the small and slender as “handsome,” I have always been looked down upon and laughed at behind my back.

Even though I’ve made a name for myself as a mercenary, I still endure scornful glances at inns.

Yet, she…

This lady…

Smiled at me—without any prejudice—upon our first meeting.

…In that moment, I found myself kneeling.

Unconsciously, my knees touched the ground.

My instincts understood that this was the proper posture before a deity.

And she—Lady Kanako—said:

“By the way, in my world, you fall into the ‘beautiful’ category. I, on the other hand, would be considered ‘ugly.’”

I couldn’t believe it.

The pinnacle of beauty in this world would call herself “ugly”?

And to say that someone like me is “beautiful”…

The disparity in values only served to highlight her purity.

How foolish. I was already—

Captivated at first sight.

From that moment on, I desperately concealed my emotions.

Lady Kanako was confused.

Having suddenly been transported here without any knowledge of this world, she was filled with anxiety.

Yet, she smiled at my face, thanked me, and whispered her gratitude.

What incredible kindness…

In this world, no one had ever smiled at someone like me before.

My heart trembled painfully.

I didn’t want to take her—this radiant being—to the royal castle.

…It was just too dazzling.

In the capital, there are many mages, knights, and nobles.

Everyone would bow before Lady Kanako’s “beauty.”

Of course they would. Even I… deep down, already felt it.

But that was my ego.

She wishes to know the truth of this world.

Amidst fear and uncertainty, she still tries to remain bright, positive, and accepting.

How could I not support her in that?

All I can do is—

Sincerely guide her first steps on this journey.

“Well then… I have a small cabin nearby. The sun is beginning to set, and there are dangers from magical beasts. Please, stay the night. I am a mercenary in the kingdom, called Asphalt. I-I am definitely not a suspicious person!”

I managed to suppress my trembling voice as I introduced myself.

Her eyes softened and narrowed gently.

“Thank you. Then I will take you up on your offer.”

In that moment, my heart swelled.

Ah, I want to protect her.

I want to keep that smile safe forever.

That feeling couldn’t find words, and all I could do was bow my head deeply.