We live at the foothills of Dragon Peak.
Even a horse-driver looks good in fine clothes.
The day after watching the Peking Opera, the Yorttenitos Kingdom officially announced the incident. While it was a slightly altered truth that we had agreed on beforehand, once the country declared it as truth, the citizens had no choice but to believe it.
And so, the unprecedented incident of the Royal Castle’s disappearance spread rapidly throughout the entire Yorttenitos Kingdom.
I’m sure news will reach the Armēdo Kingdom not too long from now.
Incidentally, the one who danced on the mysterious dragon’s back was not a celestial maiden, but a messenger from Dragon Peak. In other words, me, and it has been properly announced that I am male.
“Why wasn’t it announced that you’re from the Armēdo Kingdom?”
Mistral tilted her head curiously, asking that question at the time.
“Because if it were announced that I’m from the Armēdo Kingdom, it would create an obligation to them.”
“Because, we are already in a state of obligation to the Hero, so we cannot say that an incident was resolved by the success of a foreigner from another country.”
It was as the Twin Princesses said. Apparently, this matter concerns the relationship between countries. I don’t quite understand it myself. However, the Yorttenitos side, not wanting to further tarnish the country’s reputation, seemingly wanted to keep my origin from the Armēdo Kingdom secret.
As for me, I wasn’t looking for accolades or fame, so I entrusted these complex matters to the Twin Princesses and had them finalize discussions with the Yorttenitos Kingdom.
“Ordinary people might think Elnea-kun lives on Dragon Peak and is part of the Dragon Race. However, I believe those who heard Elnea-kun’s declaration during the Rite of Declaration will surely understand.”
“Yes. I’m satisfied with that.”
I nodded at Ruiseine’s words.
Although I was announced as a messenger from Dragon Peak, my name was properly revealed to be Elnea Eris.
Elnea Eris of Dragon Peak. Those among my classmates and guardians who knew I was heading to Dragon Peak for the Rite of Declaration in spring would surely realize it was me.
I don’t aspire to become a super celebrity like a Hero. So, as long as the truth reaches my family and close friends, isn’t that enough? That’s how I feel right now.
At any rate, despite these behind-the-scenes circumstances, the official announcement was made.
Furthermore, it was announced that a ceremony would be held at the Royal Castle Ruins three days later.
Watching the Peking Opera seemed to have included a break after completing a series of arrangements.
Also, the sudden decision for the ceremony date was a request from the Temple side.
Three days later will be a full moon.
The night of the full moon is very important to us humans. This is because the moon symbolizes the Goddess of Creation, and the night of the full moon, when the moon shines the brightest, becomes a special time for the clergy.
The ceremony will also include a memorial service for the deceased. For this reason, Madrine requested the full moon date.
The sudden decision of the schedule made us, of all people, suddenly busy.
The preparations by the high-ranking officials were mostly completed before the Peking Opera viewing, so there was nothing to rush about now. At most, it was just the preparation of the ceremony venue.
But we were different.
We came to the Yorttenitos Kingdom with nothing but the clothes on our backs. Our everyday clothes were provided by the kingdom as a kindness, but we certainly didn’t have formal attire for the ceremony.
Therefore, it was decided that we would get new outfits to be ready for the ceremony.
“Y-you want me to wear this?”
Mistral’s face contorted as she looked at the luxurious attire prepared for her.
In fact, the measurements had been taken long ago. It was decided that we would participate in the ceremony, and it was also decided that we would get new formal wear, so things had been set in motion considerably in advance.
So, what made things suddenly hectic?
“I refuse. I absolutely will not wear this!”
We could barely suppress our laughter at Mistral’s resolute refusal.
We’d be killed if we laughed.
The outfit made for Mistral was a seductive one with a dramatically open back. However, Mistral’s reason for rejection was not on the back, but on the front.
“It’s padded.”
“It’s a fake bust.”
The Twin Princesses said, and then burst out laughing uncontrollably. As Yufilia and Nina said, the chest area in the front was already unnaturally bulging before Mistral even tried it on.
Putting aside the curiosity of how such a mechanism works.
“There’s no way I’m wearing something so embarrassing! If I have to wear an outfit like this, I’ll withdraw!”
Mistral’s furious outburst, which even terrified the tailor who prepared the outfit, conveyed her seriousness.
“B-but if we remake it now, there won’t be enough time…”
The servant in charge of the attire looked at me helplessly, probably hoping for help. But I don’t think it’s possible!
Mistral isn’t shy about me seeing her naked. However, her chest is a forbidden zone. If anyone touches that, even I can’t protect her.
“It’s fine, Mistral. You’ll probably never have a padded bust again in your life.”
“It’s fine, Mistral. It’s a great opportunity to experience having a bust.”
The Twin Princesses teased Mistral to their heart’s content. Then Mistral, a blue vein throbbing on her forehead, started chasing them.
“You two, wait!”
“It’s dangerous!”
“It’s terrifying!”
The Twin Princesses hurriedly fled from the fitting room. Mistral also left the room, chasing after them. We were left behind, able to do nothing but watch them go while suppressing our laughter.
I don’t know. Even if they get hurt for teasing Mistral, I won’t help them! I screamed in my heart to the Twin Princesses and put on a strained smile.
“In any case. Mistral’s outfit should be less revealing, and please adjust the bust.”
The request to reduce the outfit’s exposure was my selfish whim. It stemmed from my possessiveness, not wanting to expose her skin too much in public.
“Mist is stubborn, so if she says she won’t wear it, she won’t wear it. Therefore, I think we have no choice but to modify it.”
With the words of Ruiseine, a Miko, added, Mistral’s outfit was decided to be changed.
Incidentally, Ruiseine, being a Miko, will be wearing her usual Miko attire during the ceremony. And she will also be participating in the memorial service to be held that night after the ceremony.
“Well then, next is Laira…”
Saying that, I was speechless when I saw Laira emerge from the dressing room.
“Laira-san…”
“Umm, flashy?”
The life drained from Ruiseine’s eyes, and Priscilla-chan was surprised.
Dazzling. Supremely luxurious. A deep crimson outfit lavishly adorned with gold and silver threads all over. That alone was unbelievably expensive, but additionally, various sizes of jewels were sewn everywhere on the outfit, making it sparkle as if to say, “Take that!”
“Your Majesty, you’ve overdone it…”
No one needs to point it out. The one who made Laira’s outfit so splendid and expensive was undoubtedly the King’s command.
King, please exercise restraint…
Laira herself, who had tried it on, seemed troubled and clung to me, pleading with teary eyes.
“Elnea-sama. Please, ask His Majesty to change this outfit.”
With teary eyes, Laira pressed her chest against my face and pleaded.
“Ugh. Laira, the jewels are poking me, it hurts!”
The feel of her chest was satisfying, but the countless jewels dug into my skin and hurt.
“Yes, yes, Laira-san. Let go of Elnea-kun.”
With Mistral gone, it seemed Ruiseine’s role was to protect me from the “chest attack.” Ruiseine tried to pry Laira off me, but Laira clung to me tightly, resisting.
I don’t like it! Normally, this would be a situation anyone would be happy about, but it’s not enjoyable because the jewels hurt!
“Um, Laira’s outfit will also be changed, please. The deep crimson outfit suits Laira’s golden hair, but please remove the jewels and make it simpler. Just enough flashiness to be in balance with everyone else.”
“B-but from His Majesty…”
“I will persuade the King later. Even if anything happens, it’s all my fault, so please.”
If I threatened her by saying “You’ll hate Laira?”, the King would be subdued in an instant. That is not what I am thinking, as terrifying as it sounds.
“Meow.”
Nimia, who had been relaxing on Priscilla-chan’s head, meowed, as if reading my thoughts.
Nimia and Priscilla-chan also had special outfits prepared for them, of course.
However, when preparing their outfits, we made the tailor and the servants involved promise to keep secret Priscilla-chan’s race and Nimia’s true identity.
The reason we told them their identities was to prepare outfits that would properly conceal Priscilla-chan’s long, drooping ears and Nimia’s wings and horns. Our requests were properly met, and they were prepared adorable matching outfits befitting children, and they were already wearing them and delighted.
By the way, their true identities have still not been revealed.
This is because if Priscilla-chan is known to be of the Mimicho Race, people will try to find out where we met her. The Mimicho Race is a legendary race, even rarer than the Dragon Race of Dragon Peak. If it becomes known that we are accompanied by a child of such a race, it might lead to unnecessary trouble. Therefore, we kept it a secret.
Nimia was just an afterthought to Priscilla-chan. I thought that by Asher revealing his appearance, someone might realize Nimia’s true identity… Perhaps due to her size, Nimia is recognized as a kitten we own without suspicion.
However, Nimia herself was troubled by being served food meant for a kitten.
“But, thanks to that, I can eat sweets as much as I want, meow. So I’m not really troubled, meow.”
“If you eat too many sweets, you’ll get fat, okay?”
“I’m actually big, so it’s fine, meow.”
The tailor and servants’ eyes widened in surprise as they listened to the conversation between me and Nimia. Even though they had spoken when we told them Priscilla-chan and Nimia’s true identities, they still found it inexplicable.
“I saw that divine dragon from a shop in the capital city… I’m surprised that this small and cute one is the child of that dragon.”
“Absolutely keep it a secret. If you reveal the secret, my mother will sprout fangs and fly at you.”
“O-of course, I won’t tell anyone else!”
The tailors apparently sometimes overhear the secrets of nobles and royalty through their work. But spreading such rumors could not only cause problems with trust but also likely lead to death. Therefore, everyone involved in preparing outfits was tight-lipped.
“Can I go play dressed in these clothes?”
“To show Fio and Rim, meow.”
“No, you can’t. Today is just for trying on the clothes to see if they fit you. If you stain them, you’ll have to stay behind and won’t have anything to wear for the ceremony in three days!”
“Umm, I understand!”
“I’ll endure until the ceremony, meow.”
Saying that, the two of them took off their clothes without hesitation. The tailor and servants rushed over at their careless removal. And in front of my eyes, Priscilla-chan became completely naked.
Why did she even take off her underwear!
Before I could object, Priscilla-chan used Spatial Jump to hug me.
“Bath!”
“Meow.”
“No, no, no! It’s still daytime! Bath time is later.”
For Priscilla-chan, taking off her clothes meant it was time for a bath. Especially since the bath in the detached palace where we were staying was super luxurious and spacious, and Priscilla-chan’s favorite.
“Priscilla-chan, please put on your clothes. You’ll catch a cold.”
After finally prying Laira off, it was now Priscilla-chan’s turn to be taken care of. Ruiseine, who should have been relaxed with no fitting, seemed the most tired.
And finally, it was my turn.
After discussing the adjustments for everyone’s outfits, I entered the dressing room. Then, with the help of a servant, I put on the unfamiliar formal attire.
Speaking of which, I also entrusted one to Listea’s residence. That was a hand-me-down from Listea, but this one was tailored to my measurements, and the feel of wearing it was perfect.
It was a calm outfit made with white and green fabric. It lacked the flashiness of the women’s outfits, but it had patterns and embroidery reminiscent of dragons here and there. On the day of the ceremony, I was to be equipped with the White Sword along with this.
As for the Spirit Tree Wooden Sword… Its appearance was that of a roughly hewn branch with leaves sticking out. Due to various circumstances, Ares-chan was to hold the Spirit Tree Wooden Sword during the ceremony.
That aside. After trying on my outfit, I came out of the dressing room to get everyone’s opinions.
By then, Mistral and the Twin Princesses had already returned. How they managed to calm Mistral’s anger, I don’t know. The Twin Princesses seemed to have returned safely.
“How is it?”
Standing in front of everyone, I shyly spun around to have them look at my outfit. Then, everyone who had been steadily gazing at me suddenly brightened their faces.
“You don’t look like Elnea Older Brother, meow.”
“So cool, so cool.”
I honestly rejoiced at everyone’s positive reactions.
And so, with outfit adjustments, learning the minimum required etiquette, teaching Mistral human customs, and coordinating for the ceremony, the three days passed by in a blur of busyness.
