A Failed Disguise

Even though she wore an oversized cloak that covered her dress and hair, and she had masked herself, her noble blue eyes were, at a glance, different from everyone else around her. In addition, while Asu might've not realized it herself, those beside her were looking at her in awe due to the complex design of her mask.

It was beyond obvious that her social class was definitely in the upper circles. But oblivious to how eye-catching she was despite her best efforts of a disguise, Asu clung to her cloak tighter and searched for me in the crowd.

With a smile, I took off my own cloak and hid it in a small bag I carried with me. Letting my long, ebony hair hang loosely around my shoulders, I inched in the direction Asu was heading in, acting ignorant of her presence.

I was wearing a dress that I bought a few days back in these same streets; it was a dress that wasn't worth much but was suitable for a festival such as this one. The skirt was a plain magenta, and it wouldn't attract many eyes either—a complete contrast to what Asu was wearing.

Before long, I felt a warm and joyful pair of eyes gazing at my back, and my smile broadened.

She had finally noticed me.

With an expression of childlike excitement, I whipped my head around to catch the girl's eyes.

Asu, at this time, had already taken off her hood, beaming bashfully at me.

My eyes widened as I marveled at her beautiful golden hair that was braided intricately with glorious, glowing silver flowers. I'd never seen such a thing in Marude nor in Loen. In addition, her royal blue mask was customed to embrace and enhance her features, and I'm sure everyone could agree that she was beautiful, even without seeing her.

By now, the lights in the streets had lit up, and the multi-colored light from the lanterns ricocheted onto Asu, dyeing her hair and her mask, making her splendor seem even more ethereal.

Am I in a dream? A painting, perhaps? Asura Claremont, are you sure you're not an angel disguised as human?

I chuckled. With springing steps and voice filled with passion, I sprinted forward, impatient to see her up close and to flatter her.

But when I reached her, I could not say anything. It was only when Asu gently pulled apart her cloak and revealed her satin dress that was adorned with more silver flowers that I finally snapped out of my daze. "Your dress! It looks wonderful on you, Clare!"

It felt unusual to call her "Clare," and I yearned to call out her true name, but I restrained myself.

I continued, "As expected of your beauty! And the dress looks very unique. I don't think I've seen it before! Did you order it especially for tonight?"

Of course she did. I wouldn't accept anything else for an answer, but I asked just to humor myself and to get an irresistibly cute reaction from her.

"Heh, it's nothing. It's just that I'll look good in anything I wear!"

In contrast to my imagination, however, Asu was not flustered at all. Instead, she answered with the confidence befitting of royalty.

Pleasantly surprised, I took a double-take. But I chuckled; I suppose this is cute too.

But just after I thought this, I heard an adorable voice mutter under her breath, "Hmph. Not that I wore it solely for you."