Dressing Party(1)

--- Lefiya's POV ---

I wasn't aware that their relationship had progressed to the point where they shared a room. When I saw the scene before me, I couldn't help but be momentarily overwhelmed. My mind couldn't help but wander into more intimate territory, causing me to feel even more embarrassed.

It didn't occur to me just how much I had changed internally to have such thoughts.

My original intention was to choose some nice dresses with Ais-san to alleviate stress, and that's exactly what we did. However, if I had only asked her alone, it wouldn't have been any different from our past interactions.

I had made a promise to myself not to come between them and instead take the other available spot next to Ais-san, and that's exactly what I did by inviting Ren as well. But I hadn't fully considered how embarrassing it would be for me to try on dresses in front of him.

I tried to suppress my embarrassment by reminding myself that Ren's attention was solely focused on Ais-san. However, it wasn't enough to ease my flushed face as we discussed which dresses were the best in one of the shops we discovered in Babel. The presence of the shop workers only added to my discomfort.

"...Hey, aren't they the Sword Princess and the Thousand Elf...!? And...they're with a man?"

Whispers filled the air as onlookers recognized Ais-san and me. But the mention of Ren's presence caused me to blush even harder. We... we're not like that, okay?!

Before I could utter a word in response, a cold voice cut through the chatter, sending a shiver down my spine.

"Stop your chattering. You're bothering us."

I looked at Ren, surprised by his response. Perhaps he spoke up for Ais-san's sake, but I couldn't help but feel grateful for it.

What a fool I am.

Still, I quietly thanked him, appreciative of his intervention.

Ais-san, on the other hand, seemed unfazed by it all, except for the moment when I moved a bit closer to Ren to express my gratitude.

She also inched closer to him, mirroring my actions, as if engaging in a silent competition...

There was no emotion in her gaze, but after all the time I spent observing her, I could read her like an open book.

She was jealous.

Ais-san, do you also think I would...?

I couldn't bring myself to say the words aloud. It was too embarrassing, but the doubt lingered in my mind.

Did Ais-san truly believe I had romantic feelings for Ren?

"...Now that I think about it... Why do you... call Ren by his name without honorifics?"

Her question left me speechless, and I could see Ren chuckling softly.

This was not a situation to find amusement in! I felt on the verge of tears...

Why, you ask? It's because...

"She thinks we are similar in some ways, and since she hated me at first, she didn't bother using any honorifics. Now that we have come to understand each other as members of the same Familia, it would be awkward for her to suddenly start addressing me formally. So, I asked her to continue calling me by my name. I also don't particularly care for all the formalities. You should stop being jealous over that and focus on trying on some clothes. Otherwise, we'll miss our chance before we have to return."

With those words, Ren gently nudged Ais-san towards me, and I felt a surge of gratitude. If only I had seen this side of him from the beginning, instead of being blinded by my jealousy, maybe we could have become good friends by now.

I didn't need to remind myself that he didn't care about me in that way. I was well aware of it. But that's exactly what made him a potential friend in my mind. There would never be any unnecessary complications or mixed feelings between us.

"...I see. I'm sorry for doubting you, Lefiya."

With Ais-san now convinced, we proceeded to choose dresses to try on, while the shop workers remained frozen with fear, still affected by Ren's single threat.

I couldn't help but wonder how terrifying it must be to have Ren's angry gaze directed at you.

But I didn't want to find out.

---

As I stood before the full-length mirror, my eyes were drawn to the exquisite blue gown that hung delicately from the hanger. Its rich, deep shade of sapphire shimmered under the soft lighting. The dress was a masterpiece of craftsmanship, adorned with intricate lace patterns that trailed down the bodice and skirt.

The sheer sleeves, adorned with dainty sequins, added a touch of elegance and allure.

Every seam, every stitch, spoke of meticulous attention to detail. It was a dress fit for a princess, and as I imagined myself wearing it, I couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement and anticipation...

For adventurers like us, things like this were rare and unfamiliar territory.

Slipping into the dress, I couldn't help but notice how it accentuated my curves, drawing attention to my chest and waist. But I knew that most dresses would have a similar effect, so there was little I could do about it.

The thought of revealing myself to Ren made me blush with embarrassment. How does Ais manage to be so bold with him? It's beyond me.

Lost in these thoughts, I absentmindedly opened the curtain without realizing it.

"Ah."

My voice caught in my throat as I locked eyes with Ren, his cyan gaze meeting mine.

For a moment, time seemed to stand still as neither of us spoke.

"...It suits you, I suppose."

He studied me from head to toe, his evaluation almost detached and objective, which brought a small smile to my face.

"Thank you..."

After this exchange, we fell silent, but strangely, it wasn't as unpleasant as I thought it would be...

---

Author's Note:

If you see any grammar error, know that I'll fix them once I have my PC back(Those on discord should know I don't have my PC).

On my laptop, I don't have any proofreading tool to help me, so it's possible that my grammar might've took a slight hit.

Anyways, dresses will come next chap <3