Off Work, Then I Become a Magical Girl
Book 2: Chapter 106: Colorful Cloud Wetland

Vol 2 Chapter 106 Colorful Cloud Wetland

Dusk in Luennolore brought cool air.

The high, layered clouds blocked most of the remaining sunlight. A gentle breeze rustled the grass and trees, and the clear, crisp air was invigorating.

Sitting in the magic-powered carriage driven by a fairy, Veronica looked up at the orange sky. The restless thoughts in her mind finally began to settle.

The carriage was moving along a cobblestone road within a magic-restricted zone. Since they were passing through a residential area, the houses on both sides were relatively low and modest.

These houses resembled Western-style villas from the Material World, mostly painted in white, red, or blue. But unlike those in the Material World, these homes were built using magical devices, making their structures fantastical and unconventional—some even seemed to defy the laws of physics, giving off the illusion of stepping into a dream.

Along the way, they even saw a shop built right above a pond. To preserve the natural ecosystem, the structure was supported by just two wooden poles, with a spiral staircase extending from the ground to the shop. Midway up, the staircase turned into an arched bridge...

The bizarre and whimsical buildings, some bordering on absurd, managed to lift Xiaolu’s spirits a little, even though she had been nearly catatonic earlier. At some point, she sat up, gripped the armrest silently, and stared wide-eyed at the scenery outside.

Xia Liang was taking photos. Bai Jingxuan had fallen asleep leaning against Veronica due to hunger. The carriage, which should’ve been lively, was surprisingly quiet.

“We’re almost there, bosses. You can already see your destination.”

From the front, the fairy driver chirped a string of odd syllables. It didn’t sound like any language used in the Material World, yet all the Magical Girls aboard understood perfectly:

“How was the ride? If anything felt off, just let me know! I’ll take your feedback seriously, so don’t forget to give me a good rating!”

Though magic was restricted in this zone, that didn’t mean there was no magic at all. Some spells cast over all of Luennolore still affected this land—including one called “Mutual Understanding,” which helped overcome language barriers.

After all, the locals spoke the Kingdom’s language, some fairies from small settlements used the fairy tongue, and people from the Material World came with dozens, if not hundreds, of languages. Without such spells, communication would be a nightmare.

The carriage veered off the main road and stopped by a quiet grassy field. The fairy driver called out:

“We’re here.”

Those still awake peeked outside. All they saw was an open field swaying under the golden afterglow of the sunset, and a single signpost written in multiple languages:

[Launch Point No. 43]

Aside from their group and the magic carriage, there was nothing else.

“So where is this? Weren’t we supposed to find a place to stay?”

Xiaolu hopped off the carriage and turned to Veronica with confusion. “Why’s there nothing here?”

“Probably some secret passage, or maybe an illusion?” Xia Liang, already by the signpost, was taking a selfie and trying to sound serious:

“Look, the sign says ‘launch point’... Maybe an airship or hot air balloon’s coming to pick us up?”

“Nope. Nothing like that.”

Veronica paid the fairy driver and helped a groggy Bai Jingxuan out of the carriage. “So, let’s keep moving. We’ve still got a long way to go before we reach the lodging.”

“Wait, don’t tell me…” Xiaolu’s eye twitched as a thought struck her. “Are we supposed to fly there ourselves?”

“What else would we do?”

Veronica gave her a puzzled look as she summoned her wand with a simple gesture.

“This isn’t a restricted zone, so using magic is allowed. Flying ourselves is faster than waiting for transport.”

“I mean, yeah, but…”

Xiaolu opened her mouth, then gave up and sighed, summoning her wand.

“This feels like some countryside folk stepping into the big city in a period drama. And here I was, dreaming this place would be a fairy-tale kingdom. Stupid me.”

“You said fairy-tale kingdom?”

Veronica hadn’t caught the earlier conversation at the border, so this was her first time hearing Xiaolu’s disappointment in detail.

“Yeah, you know—like the places in storybooks or cartoons. Beautiful, cozy, magical…”

Xiaolu looked genuinely glum. “But this just feels like a city that’s more developed than Fangting, with fancier architecture.”

“Oh, if that’s what you’re after, we’re almost there.” Veronica blinked.

“Huh?”

“You said it, right? Fairy-tale kingdom?”

Veronica pointed up at the sky. “That would be the Emerald District.”

---

“Wow! Whoa! Woohoo! Yaaah!”

Half an hour later — Emerald District, Rainbow Cloud Wetlands.

Rolling around wildly atop clouds as fluffy as a spring mattress, Xiaolu shrieked like a maniac.

The Emerald District sat on a floating island separate from Luennolore. Its location was not only a mark of prestige, but also a natural filter—ordinary folks without magic or spells had to either use costly flight devices or buy expensive airship tickets to get here.

As a result, most visitors were Magical Girls, fairies, or magicians, with the occasional wealthy non-magic tourist.

For those rich non-magic guests, this place offered surreal scenery and the chance to network with the magical elite. Services like fairy massages and magic hot springs—unavailable in magic-restricted zones—added even more allure. These guests were more than happy to spend lavishly, boosting Luennolore’s tourism economy.

Still, Magical Girls were the dominant presence. Many who settled in Luennolore chose to live or open shops here. In the Emerald District, “you’ll see Magical Girls on every street corner.”

And Rainbow Cloud Wetlands was one of its most famous lodgings.

Calling it a “hotel” might be misleading—it wasn’t a conventional building or complex.

The Wetlands were, quite literally, wetlands—interspersed with scattered scenic suites.

These rooms were spaced far apart, some built with glass walls, others with open-air designs like pavilions. Despite appearances, they were fully furnished and powered by magical utilities. Bathrooms were hidden behind magical curtains, but everything else was visible, giving the place a surreal openness. For privacy, a spell could be cast to block external views.

Guests walked barefoot here—grasses grew directly on white clouds, and the waters running through the wetlands were warm, magic-infused springs. Simply walking was a healing foot massage.

At night, these dream-like rooms glowed softly among the wildflower-dotted grass, lighting up the wetlands. Looking out from one of these suites, guests would see glistening waters, tranquil fields, a clear night sky, and twinkling stars. The atmosphere was so romantic and peaceful that many fell in love with the place—and the Wetlands became a renowned name.

At this very moment, Xiaolu was tumbling around on a bare patch of cloud like a little kid.

“She had the most energy flying ahead of us... and she still has the strength to roll around like that?”

Xia Liang was stretching after the long journey while unpacking her bags. “All I want now is to get in that hot spring and soak for a while.”

“The springs here are worth it.”

Veronica looked up and glanced her way. “You can transform before soaking, then cancel it after.”

“Oh? What does that do?”

“They say it helps channel the excess magic from your transformed state back into your normal body—good for your skin.”

Veronica paused, then added, “Or at least that’s what I heard.”

“Hmm…”

Xia Liang blinked, tempted, then grinned mischievously. “If it’s that good, we should all go together, right?”

“I’ll tell the others when they get back.”

Veronica glanced over at Xiaolu, then returned to packing. “If you’re done, go ahead and try it first.”

This time, Veronica had learned her lesson from the chaos aboard the Landship. To avoid any drama, she booked a spacious scenic room with four single beds—no arguments over sleeping arrangements this time.

While Veronica and Xia Liang packed, Xiaolu ran off to play on the clouds, and Bai Jingxuan, starving, had already gone to the dining room.

“No, no, no, that’s not what I meant. I mean, let’s go to the hot spring together!”

Xia Liang beamed, twirling a finger in the air. “It’s rare we get to do this! Soaking alone is lonely.”

“It’s not rare—we’ll be staying here for nearly a month. You’ll get sick of it before long.”

Veronica said flatly. “Plus, we’re not the only guests. The springs will be crowded enough.”

“Come on, let’s go together.”

Xia Liang bent down so their eyes met. “Just come with us?”

“…You already know my situation.”

Veronica sighed, lowered her voice, and checked that Xiaolu wasn’t listening. “Joking about it is one thing, but you seriously want me to join you?”

“What else?”

Xia Liang whispered too, clearly aware of what Veronica was worried about. “Look, I know you’ve lived as the other gender for years and it’s your comfort zone—but right now, you can only go to the girls’ side, right?”

“Wha—?” Veronica stared in shock.

“Hm?” Xia Liang replied with feigned confusion.

“Wait, are you… misunderstanding something?” Veronica frowned slightly.

“Misunderstanding? I saw male guests here. The baths must be separated, right?”

Xia Liang blinked. “So if you’re going to the girls’ bath, you’ll be around other girls either way. Going with us or alone makes no difference, right?”

Veronica opened her mouth again but hesitated. “I mean… maybe you have a point, but what I meant was—”

“Hot springs? What hot springs?”

Xiaolu’s voice suddenly cut in. She flipped off the cloud and dashed over.

“You’re going to the hot springs? Take me too!”

“…We were just talking about the benefits of magic springs here.”

Veronica blinked, then answered smoothly, seeing that Xiaolu hadn’t overheard anything awkward. “If you want to go, you can head over with them later.”

“Sure! Let’s go together.”

Xiaolu nodded. “So we’re waiting for Bosetsu?”

Veronica lowered her eyes. “No, not we, I meant you all…”

“Huh? You’re not coming, Dragon Gentian?”

Xiaolu’s eyes widened. “Why not?”

“Because I have work to do.” Veronica looked away.

“What work?”

“I brought a lot of files. Some are due tomorrow.”

“Then just finish after the bath.”

Xiaolu pressed on. “Or teach me, and I’ll help after we’re back.”

“This isn’t a job for kids.” Veronica closed her eyes.

“I’m not a kid anymore.” Xiaolu pouted.

At that moment, Xia Liang chimed in again. She reached around and gently pushed Veronica’s shoulders:

“White Rose is right. We’re here, after all. Soaking together builds team spirit!”

“I don’t think this has anything to do with team spirit.” Veronica stayed firm.

“But it can help, right?”

Xiaolu wasn’t giving up either. “Come with us!”

“No.” Veronica shook her head.

“Come on~” Xia Liang gave her a playful shake.

“No.”

“Join us!”

“No.”

“Pretty please~”

“No.”

The argument between the girls gradually devolved into a battle of endurance, reduced to a repetition of just a few words. It wasn’t so much about persuading each other anymore, but about seeing who would cave first. Unfortunately for Veronica, the moment Xia Liang roped Xiaolu into the conversation, the outcome was sealed. After all, very few fathers can stay firm in the face of their daughter’s playful pleas.

Thirty minutes later, Veronica was sitting in the hot spring, wrapped in a bath towel, with only her head above the water. Feeling the warmth surrounding her, she leaned back against the edge of the pool and let out a long, relieved sigh.

Next to her, Xiaolu, Xia Liang, and Bai Jingxuan were all soaking side by side. Whether it was good luck or bad luck was unclear, but for now, the women’s bath was occupied by just the four of them.

The hot springs at Rainbow Cloud Wetlands were divided into male, female, and fairy zones, and each zone had indoor and outdoor sections. The indoor areas were equipped with changing rooms, showers, saunas, massage rooms, and smaller pools. The outdoor area, on the other hand, was a massive magic spring set right amidst the grass, like a small lake.

Various spells were in place to keep insects and birds away, and a circle of mist covered the area within several dozen meters. The mist was also laced with barrier spells to prevent anyone from “accidentally” wandering into the wrong bath.

After entering, everyone did a quick rinse and, as Veronica had suggested earlier, transformed before entering the spring. Once they felt a faint stream of magic diffusing from their bodies into the water, they reverted to their normal forms.

Naturally, Veronica still looked the same as always.

“Ahh, this magic spring really lives up to the hype. That tingling feeling... wow, it’s like the water’s massaging my whole body.”

Xia Liang floated in the water with a blissful smile, as if melting: “Amazing. I feel like ice cream in a bowl of warm water—just about to become one with the spring.”

“Is it really that comfy though?”

Xiaolu mimicked Veronica’s pose, leaning against the pool’s edge, though her face looked more puzzled than relaxed. “I can feel the tingling too… but it’s not pleasant at all. Honestly, it’s kinda uncomfortable.”

“Means your skin’s more sensitive than mine.”

Xia Liang turned her head to look at her. “Just like a baby’s skin is more delicate than an adult’s, I guess the younger you are, the more intense it feels. So it’s nice for me, but unpleasant for you.”

“I’m older than you,” Xiaolu squinted. “Stop trying to call me childish with roundabout logic.”

“Huh? That counts as an insult?”

Xia Liang struck a mock-pensive pose, then grinned: “Anyway, I’m older than you in every way that matters.”

“Ha?”

Xiaolu immediately sat up straight, ready to stand and argue, but remembered she was still in a bath, so she huffed and sat back down.

“I think it’s weird too…”

Just as the argument was about to pick up again, Bai Jingxuan spoke up. Unlike Xiaolu, who stayed in the water despite discomfort, she stood up with her towel in hand. “It just feels awful being in the water.”

“See? Bosetsu agrees it’s weird.”

Xiaolu instantly regained confidence as if bolstered by backup. “You’re the odd one out here!”

“What’s there to argue about? She’s still a grade schooler—of course she’s a kid.”

Xia Liang shrugged calmly. “You’re two years older than her. Seriously, you wanna compare yourself to her?”

“Ugh…”

Xiaolu wanted to refute Xia Liang’s nonsense, but couldn't think of a comeback. She glanced helplessly at Veronica, only to see her sitting statue-still, wrapped in her towel, knees drawn in, eyes closed in total silence.

“Dragon Gentian?” Xiaolu asked cautiously, unsure if Veronica had fallen asleep.

“What is it?” Veronica replied.

“Oh—nothing. I just thought you were asleep since you weren’t moving or talking.”

Xiaolu softened her voice, even sounding a bit gentle: “So, what do you think of the spring?”

“You mean that tingling sensation you were all arguing about?”

Veronica kept her eyes shut and didn’t move an inch. “From my perspective, the sensation of magic flowing through the water into the skin isn’t particularly pleasant, but it’s tolerable.”

She paused, then added: “Also, for you all, that tingling sensation actually means it’s working to improve your skin. So if that’s something you care about, the tingling is a good thing.”

Splash.

Plop.

Right on cue, two loud splashes echoed as both Xiaolu and Bai Jingxuan dunked themselves completely into the water, even submerging half their faces.

The bath fell quiet again. Though the juniors still chatted occasionally, at least the argument had ended.

Everyone focused on feeling that tingling sensation, trying to make sure it was really working. After a long while, when Xiaolu finally felt the numbness had faded, she broke the silence: “Hey… Dragon Gentian?”

“Mm?”

“Why have you kept your eyes closed the whole time?”

Xiaolu twirled her fingers in her damp hair. “Is that, like, a bathhouse tradition or something?”

Veronica’s shoulders twitched slightly under the water. Thankfully, the steam and ripples made it unnoticeable.

She lifted her head slightly, expression calm, as if just searching for the right words, then replied, “It’s to stimulate sensory compensation.”

“What’s that?” Xiaolu blinked.

“When someone loses one sense, the brain enhances the others to compensate.”

Veronica’s tone was clinical. “So if you close your eyes and keep quiet, your vision and hearing go offline. That lets you focus more on your body’s sensations.”

“Wow… I didn’t know hot springs had this much technique involved.”

Xiaolu accepted the explanation but didn’t try it herself. To her, the bath was already done, and she wasn’t planning to focus any harder. “I learned something new. You really know your stuff, Dragon Gentian.”

Veronica nodded without replying. She had no intention of continuing the conversation—after all, she had worked hard to come up with that excuse. She couldn’t exactly say, “I’m avoiding looking at your bodies,” so diverting the topic was the safest route.

Meanwhile, she felt someone fiddling with her hair.

Since her hair was extremely long, she had tied it up after rinsing. Now, she could feel someone tugging gently on the strands.

“What’s wrong?”

Just from the direction and strength of the tug, Veronica guessed who it was. “Is there something wrong with my hair?”

“Nothing.”

Xia Liang didn’t deny it at all, and her tone was completely casual. “Just admiring it. Is this one of the perks of becoming a Magical Girl?”

“If you think that’s a perk.” Veronica replied vaguely.

Many chose to remain Magical Girls beyond their ten-year term for the sake of youth. While it didn’t extend their lifespan, it did preserve their appearance until the very end.

That was the excuse Veronica had always used to explain why she looked the same before and after transforming. Thankfully, it held up—especially with Asou Madoka recently settling in Fangting City as another example. No one had questioned it.

“Of course it’s a perk.”

Xia Liang continued to run her fingers through Veronica’s hair. “Feels like if I look closely, I can see little sparkles—like starlight.”

“You mean dandruff?” Veronica asked, confused—since Magical Girls weren’t supposed to have things like that.

“What kind of mood-killer is that?” Xia Liang sighed. “I’m talking about those soft bluish-white sparkles in your hair. It’s pretty and harmonious—not dandruff.”

“Hmm, if you really want nice hair, I think there’s a salon in the Emerald District.”

Veronica thought aloud. “They offer aesthetic and functional services—like Favor Runes etched into manicures to boost magic flow, or dye with trace stimulants to enhance Soul Resonance.”

“Sounds fun,” Xia Liang said, clearly tempted. “Wanna check it out?”

“Hey, Dragon Gentian, wanna come too?” Xiaolu called from the other side.

“No, I’ve got real plans tomorrow.”

Veronica exhaled. “You girls go explore Luennolore. You can ask the front desk for a local guide—they’ll recommend the best spots.”

She wasn’t lying. Tomorrow’s appointment was important.

She was going to the Court of Research to meet Emerald.

Emerald had once promised her a way to mend her Heartstone, and Veronica had been preparing since last November—pre-checkups, preliminary treatments—all for tomorrow’s success.

No more delays. Repairing the Heartstone meant regaining full combat power, and the sooner the better.

Emerald seemed to have her own motives too, often urging Veronica to come. They’d finally agreed on tomorrow.

Could it be a trap?

Veronica still couldn’t say for sure. When she first met Emerald, it certainly felt like one. But after months of collaboration, Emerald’s assistance—and her strangely sincere attitude—gradually wore down Veronica’s suspicion.

Though she had some eccentricities and personal quirks, Emerald shared intel openly. She rarely withheld answers when Veronica asked. That brutal honesty set her apart from Chrysoberyl Cat’s Eye, and it was the reason Veronica kept her distance from the latter and chose to meet Emerald instead.

Lost in thought, Veronica no longer noticed the juniors playing with her hair—even as the number of hands increased from one pair to two.

Eventually, as dizziness set in among the girls, they left the bath.

They dried off and dressed in the changing room. Wrapped in a robe, Veronica stepped barefoot onto the wetland grass. The soft ground and evening breeze made her squint in comfort—until approaching footsteps brought her back to awareness.

A group of unfamiliar young women were heading her way. Their appearances were youthful, and the magic waves they gave off were stronger than most civilians—clearly Magical Girls too.

In the Emerald District, passing strangers like this was nothing special, so Veronica didn’t think much. She simply stepped aside and let them pass.

The other Magical Girls noticed and nodded in thanks before walking toward the magic spring.

It was just a group of strangers, Veronica thought. She barely glanced at them, only seeing them because they passed by.

But as the last girl in the group moved past, something hit her—a powerful jolt of familiarity.

She knew this person. Not just vaguely—intimately.

Before she realized it, Veronica turned her head, trying to get a better look, to confirm the identity.

But instead of the group’s backs, all she saw were her juniors' faces.

They had finished changing and come out.

“Thanks for waiting. Let’s head back!” Xiaolu waved at her.

“Ah… I feel so much better after that soak,” Xia Liang said, stretching her arms overhead. “While I’m this relaxed, I need to crash ASAP.”

“My head’s spinning…”

Still a bit woozy from nearly fainting, Bai Jingxuan stumbled over, naturally wrapping her arms around Veronica’s. Maybe it was because Veronica’s body temperature was cooler, but Bai Jingxuan sighed happily. “Haah…”

Guess I’ll take the kids back first, Veronica thought.

If it was someone she knew, she wouldn’t have forgotten them. She could think back later about who might’ve returned to Luennolore, and reach out when the time was right.

With that in mind, Veronica cast one last glance toward the spring. But the group of Magical Girls had already entered the changing room—out of sight.