Dressing Party(2)

Ais emerged from behind the curtain with an air of grace that seemed to command attention.

The white dress clung to her slender frame, enhancing her natural elegance and beauty. The bodice was adorned with intricate lace patterns that added a touch of delicacy to the otherwise simple design. The fabric cascaded down in a soft, flowing manner, creating a gentle and ethereal appearance. Her golden hair, flowing over her shoulders, made a stunning contrast against the pristine white fabric, like rays of sunshine illuminating the surroundings.

As I looked at her, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and admiration, like a little girl gazing at a grown woman. She exuded confidence and poise, and I couldn't help but wonder how she managed to look so effortlessly beautiful.

But as my eyes wandered over her, I noticed something off about her sleeves. It was a minor detail that I had overlooked, lost in my admiration for her. However, Ren's keen eye didn't miss a thing, and he chuckled softly before stepping forward.

"Silly, you didn't fix your sleeves properly. Let me," he said with a gentle smile.

Ais turned to him, her face slightly flushed with embarrassment, and allowed him to adjust her sleeves. At that moment, I couldn't help but feel a pang of envy.

As Ren adjusted Ais' sleeves, he smiled softly, his cyan eyes filled with genuine admiration. "You look absolutely stunning," he complimented, his words carrying a warmth that made Ais' cheeks turn a shade pinker.

Their eyes met. There was an unspoken understanding between them, a connection that seemed to go beyond words. It was a sight that left me feeling like an outsider, a spectator to a bond that I couldn't quite comprehend.

He seemed to understand her so effortlessly, noticing the smallest imperfections that I had failed to see.

Maybe that's why they were closer. He saw her for who she truly was, flaws and all, and embraced every part of her. Whereas I, blinded by my admiration and insecurities, kept a distance. It was a realization that stung, but one that I couldn't deny.

The moment Ais stepped out in that stunning white dress, Ren's eyes lit up. But he wasn't satisfied with just one round of dresses for her.

"How about I buy all the dresses in Babel, and you can try them out one by one at home?" he half-jokingly suggested, and I couldn't help but roll my eyes.

Is he some kind of CEO or what?

But then, a strange realization hit me. Ren truly would go to such lengths if Ais asked. It was just the kind of person he was, always going above and beyond for those he cared about.

Ais, however, shook her head in response to his offer, taking it quite seriously.

"Thank you, but... it wouldn't hold the same meaning"

I understood where she was coming from. Amidst the looming war, we were trying to savor a little joy before the storm hit us again.

War, even with the upper hand, was draining and disheartening. Not knowing our enemy's strength only added to the burden, for it meant the stakes would be higher than we anticipated. Orario's safety would be questioned depending on the trump cards these nations might possess.

"I will do everything in my power to protect everyone, even if I don't feel strong enough," I mused, my mind lost in the weight of our responsibilities.

But my serious thoughts were interrupted as Ren flicked my forehead, snapping me out of my reverie. The pain made me glare at him, but he was unfazed, as usual.

"You're supposed to be enjoying yourself, not drowning in worry," he chided me, his tone direct and blunt. "Don't ruin Ais' fun by being so serious all the time. Go back in there, try another dress, and have a good time."

He was right, and I couldn't help but nod in agreement with a sigh. Yet, I couldn't resist muttering, "You could have just called my name instead of hurting me."

His response was a cheeky smile, and I rolled my eyes playfully. Fine, he had won this round.

With a determined resolve, I turned to head back inside and change into another dress. After all, this was a rare moment of leisure, and I was determined to make the most of it, even if the shadow of war lingered at the back of my mind.

---

Ren's enthusiasm was unmatched, and it seemed like we had been at this dress shop for an eternity. Ais had tried on at least ten dresses, and I was ready to call it a day. But Ren, as energetic as ever, insisted she try on more. I could feel exhaustion seeping into my bones, but these two seemed to have an infinite reservoir of energy.

Desperately, I tried to communicate with Ais, silently urging her to put an end to this fashion parade. Surprisingly, she picked up on my unspoken plea—

"Lefiya...wants to try a few more..."

No, No!!

I did not—

"Oh...well, wait there, I'll choose a few ones for both of you."

But it was too late.

---

By the end of the day, I had tried on over fifteen dresses, and I was beyond exhausted.

"S-Sir...are you sure?"

The poor workers looked like they were on the verge of tears, and I couldn't blame them. They had to deal with two hyperactive adventurers and their endless quest for the perfect dress.

Finally, it was time to decide which ones we wanted to buy, and I was about to make my choices when Ren dropped a bombshell.

"I'll buy all of them. And you better not have your workers touch the dresses Ais tried on... for your safety," he declared with an emotionless gaze that made me tremble a little.

Shameless...

---

Author's Note:

Ais was in these dresses -> No one can touch or possess them anymore.