Chapter 71: The Robes That Refused to Behave
👘 Act I: A Stylish Announcement
Ne Job was adjusting the hem of his intern robe when a scroll floated down, trailing threads of silk and sparkles.
> Notice from the Department of Divine Attire:
> You are invited to the Celestial Fashion Showcase.
> Theme: "Miracles in Motion."
> All interns must present one robe design.
> Judges: The Sentient Robes of the Realm.
Ao Bing gasped. "Sentient robes? They're picky!"
Taiyi Zhenren adjusted his collar. "Last year, a robe refused to be worn and flew off mid-show."
Ne Job blinked. "We're designing clothes… for robes?"
Twinkle hummed nervously.
Lord Xian appeared. "Interns must collaborate with their robes. No enchantments. No ego. Just elegance."
Ne Job saluted. "Time to stitch."
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🧵 Act II: Designing with Personality
Ne Job visited the Department of Divine Attire — a grand hall filled with floating fabrics, humming needles, and mannequins that offered unsolicited advice.
His robe — a modest, moon-threaded garment — floated beside him, occasionally twitching.
"Hello," Ne Job said. "I'd like to design with you."
The robe shimmered and wrote on a scroll:
> "I prefer subtle flair. No glitter. And I refuse to be paired with thunderfruit dye."
Ao Bing's robe demanded sequins and a cape.
Taiyi Zhenren's robe insisted on footnote embroidery.
Ne Job sketched a design: soft folds, gentle shimmer, and a hidden pocket for Twinkle.
The robe approved.
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🌀 Act III: Rehearsal Mayhem
During rehearsal, chaos erupted.
Ao Bing's robe refused to walk the runway unless it was announced with a trumpet fanfare.
Taiyi Zhenren's robe began reciting regulations mid-stride.
A rogue robe from the Department of Forgotten Fabrics tried to eat a scroll.
Ne Job's robe floated calmly — until it spotted a rival robe wearing the same shade of moon-thread.
It flared dramatically and wrote:
> "I demand a redesign. I will not be duplicated."
Ne Job sighed. "Fashion is feelings."
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🧠 Act IV: The Last-Minute Fix
With hours to go, Ne Job scrambled to redesign.
He added:
- A whisperroot lining that murmured affirmations.
- A stardust clasp shaped like a teacup.
- A hem that shimmered only when kindness was nearby.
The robe pulsed gently.
Twinkle hummed.
Ne Job whispered, "Ready?"
The robe floated into place.
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🎭 Act V: The Showcase
The runway was a glowing path of clouds and scrolls.
Robes strutted, twirled, and occasionally argued with their wearers.
Ao Bing's robe performed a dramatic spin.
Taiyi Zhenren's robe footnoted every step.
Ne Job's robe glided forward — calm, elegant, and quietly radiant.
The Sentient Robes conferred.
One robe whispered, "Subtle. Thoughtful."
Another hummed, "Emotionally resonant."
The third floated forward and draped itself around Ne Job's robe.
> "We approve."
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🏆 Epilogue: A New Design Scroll
The next morning, a new scroll appeared in the Bureau's design archive:
> Design #R-88: The Intern's Whisperrobe
> Created by: Intern Ne Job and Robe #M-7
> Effect: Calms wearer, affirms kindness, resists duplication.
Ne Job added a note:
> "Fashion isn't just flair. It's feeling. And sometimes, it's a robe that knows who you are."
Twinkle hummed.
And somewhere in the Bureau, a robe twirled quietly — proud, elegant, and finally understood.