Sylvia's impression of Kafka had always been fixed on that iconic outfit from her official artwork.
Elegant, polished, and undeniably charismatic.
Even in the photos Kafka had taken before, though the clothes were completely different, the overall style was consistent. Blouses seemed to be a favorite of Kafka's.
But today, dressed in a dress and high heels, when Kafka smiled at Sylvia, that dangerous allure was gone, like fangs neatly retracted, leaving no trace.
And those eyes that usually seemed so hollow were now clear and gentle.
It made Kafka seem more like an enchanting, sweet girl-next-door.
Sylvia stood up and walked over to Kafka. Their heights weren't far apart, but Sylvia's shoes were no match for the heels, creating a noticeable gap.
Not that Sylvia minded. She put away her phone and met Kafka's gaze with a smile.
"Even prettier than I imagined. But why the special outfit change?"
"For a date, of course, one needs more appropriate clothes."
Kafka stepped closer, naturally closing the distance between them, then leaned in slightly.
Her full, soft form drew near, almost touching but not quite making contact.
Strands of purple hair fell by her ear, brushing lightly against Sylvia's cheek.
That faint, teasing touch made Sylvia instinctively scrunch up her face.
Kafka let out a soft chuckle right by her ear, raising a hand in its silk glove to gently wipe Sylvia's cheek.
"Besides, changing one's appearance is a necessary part of infiltration."
Her warm, husky voice, accompanied by a moist breath, lingered around Sylvia's ear.
'What a wicked woman!'
Hit by this combo from Kafka, Sylvia's legs nearly went weak.
'Think of Silver Wolf, think of Firefly... With moves like these, Kafka, you're definitely a wicked woman.'
Alarm bells blared in Sylvia's mind. She was here to raise affinity and pull cards, not to be played like a fiddle by some femme fatale.
"..."
Sylvia fell silent, gathering her composure before finally speaking.
"So, why did you ask me to meet here?"
As she said this, Sylvia naturally let her gaze fall on the shop sign not far away.
Kafka chuckled softly by her ear.
"It seems you know my tastes quite well, dear. I did want to invite you to get some clothes custom-made today."
Hearing Kafka's words, Sylvia nodded at first, but then jolted in realization.
"Me too?"
"Of course. Since we've decided to enter into an intimate contract, I won't be as casual as Silver Wolf. We'll naturally need matching formal attire."
Kafka's tone hadn't changed much, but Sylvia could still tell she didn't intend to treat this like just another mission, the way Silver Wolf had.
'She's taking it this seriously?'
As she spoke, Kafka had already taken Sylvia's hand and started leading her towards the custom tailor's shop.
Sylvia could practically feel the eyes from all around being drawn to Kafka.
While Sylvia considered her own face quite lovely, compared to Kafka's prepared appearance, she inevitably felt a bit overshadowed.
"Hehe~ You seem surprised?"
Hearing Kafka's light laugh, Sylvia tilted her head slightly and saw her smile.
She had to admit, there was a very gentle aura about it, but beneath that aura, one could faintly sense a hidden thread of danger.
This combination was absolutely lethal to Sylvia, every bit of it a critical hit.
Fortunately, Sylvia's willpower was formidable; she wouldn't be so easily conquered.
"A little, yes. After all, this contract with me is just a mission. I thought it'd be good enough if you all didn't dislike it. I never imagined you, Kafka, would take it so seriously."
Hearing Sylvia's words, Kafka pursed her lips into a smile.
"Don't be misled by Silver Wolf. It's not just me; Firefly likes you very much too. And actually, Silver Wolf cares quite a bit as well, she just makes it look like she's checking off a task."
What Kafka said made images flash through Sylvia's mind: time spent with Firefly, and that game console Silver Wolf had brought over last time.
She nodded, feeling a bit abashed.
"That was rash of me. I should be more serious about it."
It wasn't that she actually believed these Stellaron Hunters had truly fallen for her in a romantic sense.
But Sylvia still chose to take it more seriously.
Though, to be honest, Sylvia had been quite serious when spending time with Firefly, and she was progressing with Silver Wolf at a suitable pace too.
It was mainly that she wasn't familiar with Kafka. Today was their first meeting, and the photos Kafka had sent before showed her in everyday attire.
Who would've thought that upon meeting, she'd find Kafka all dressed up like this?
Sylvia's own clothes were naturally proper, but clearly, standing next to Kafka, they seemed a bit mismatched.
"So, I'd like to have a set custom-made for you as well. It might take some time, but to me, it's worth it."
Walking beside Kafka, Sylvia didn't have strong feelings about new clothes.
She just didn't understand why Kafka had chosen custom tailoring.
Their operation wasn't far off. Making clothes for both of them probably wouldn't be that quick, right?
Sylvia thought it, so she asked outright.
But Kafka just smiled and said:
"Those two things don't really conflict, do they?"
"...Aren't you afraid of getting caught?"
Sylvia didn't get it.
You and Silver Wolf will cause a big scene at Herta Space Station. Wouldn't The Blue issue a warrant?
And yet you want to swan around The Blue on a date with me, even planning to go get some official certificate...
You're really not afraid of getting surrounded on the spot, are you?
Sylvia's reply held a kind of pure, almost foolish clarity that made Kafka's response stall for a moment.
Then, Kafka tilted her head slightly, offering Sylvia a somewhat helpless smile.
"Hmm... Dear, shouldn't you be asking 'what if I get implicated?' instead of worrying about me getting caught?"
Kafka had no intention of crossing paths with Herta Space Station, but Sylvia seemed to want to engage with them somehow.
If they were exposed, Sylvia should be more concerned about whether her association with the Stellaron Hunters would cause trouble for her.
Why was she worried about Kafka instead?
Yet Sylvia didn't seem bothered, replying with a smile:
"At this point, if I were still worried about that, it'd just be precious, wouldn't it? Besides, you're all cooperating with my plan. I can't very well nitpick."
"Dear, if you're this soft-hearted, you're going to get tricked by a wicked woman someday."
"..."
Hearing Kafka's warning, Sylvia really wanted to retort, 'You seem like the wicked woman here, you know. You're talking about yourself.'
But Kafka's tone wasn't teasing; she seemed to genuinely mean it.
So Sylvia kept that thought to herself, just nodding to show she'd heard.
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.