Following Kafka, Sylvia stepped into a rather stylish boutique.
The shop's decor wasn't modern; instead, it was filled with a kind of classical style unique to The Blue. Sylvia had seen some of this style on The Blue before, but few places executed it with such meticulousness and refinement as this one.
The interior was spacious, yet packed with clothes, fabrics, and the like. Sylvia even spotted some Xianzhou-style garments here—it seemed the shop owner had quite eclectic tastes.
Holding Sylvia's hand, Kafka gestured toward an area of formal gowns and tilted her head slightly, whispering, "See anything you like? Among these dresses."
Even though the plan was custom tailoring, it didn't mean everything had to be made from scratch. If there was a ready-made piece she loved, of course she could just buy it.
"…"
While Sylvia thought all the dresses were quite beautiful, was she really going to wear something so gorgeous to marry Kafka?
"Don't like them?"
"It's not that…"
Sylvia felt a bit shy. After hemming and hawing for a moment, she finally spoke up.
"I've never worn this style before. The thought of wearing a dress like this to register our marriage… feels a little embarrassing."
Seeing Sylvia like this, Kafka finally got a taste of her innocence.
Kafka found it rather amusing.
This person had relationships with so many women, yet she could get embarrassed over something like clothes. To become so bashful in such an odd area all of a sudden.
"Then let's give it a try. I think it'll suit you perfectly."
Seeing no rejection in Sylvia's eyes, Kafka led her to the clothing rack and began holding up different pieces.
Just then, a staff member finally approached and started introducing the store to the two of them.
Thanks to Kafka and the shop assistant's recommendations, Sylvia tried on some of the shop's ready-to-wear pieces.
A beautiful, high-end gown, paired with the right accessories, brought out Sylvia's charm to an immense degree. At the very least, Sylvia herself quite liked it.
As for Kafka, it seemed she had already ordered clothes from this shop earlier. Today's visit was partly to place a new order, and partly to pick up a coat.
Compared to the coat with spiderweb motifs Sylvia remembered, today's coat seemed much milder. But draped over Kafka, it fit perfectly.
After receiving her garment, Kafka promptly ordered a set of clothes for both herself and Sylvia.
Just as Sylvia watched the shop owner record the order and accept the deposit, thinking they were about to leave, she suddenly heard Kafka address the owner directly:
"Listen to me—"
In that instant, Sylvia faintly sensed a power spreading from Kafka's voice, instantly pulling the shop owner and staff into her domain.
Sylvia was brushed by this power too. But whether Kafka wasn't targeting her or she had some resistance to this sort of thing, Sylvia didn't feel anything strange—no odd sensation of being controlled.
Then, she heard Kafka's voice: "You will have unclear memories of our appearances and names. You will expedite this clothing order. After completing it, you will destroy all records."
"…"
The shop owner nodded silently.
Kafka then took a step back, paid no further mind to the several people, took Sylvia's hand again, and left the boutique.
Accompanied by the clear tinkle of a wind chime, the several people under the influence of Kafka's Spirit Whisper awoke behind them.
Sylvia only glanced back once before the door automatically closed, then redirected her attention to Kafka.
Her eyes fixed on Kafka, now wearing the coat, without saying a word, which prompted Kafka to turn around and smile affectionately. "What's wrong, dear? Worried I might use the same Spirit Whisper on you?"
"Not at all."
Sylvia shook her head without hesitation.
Mainly because there was no need—there was no direct conflict between her and Kafka, nor any situation that absolutely required the use of Spirit Whisper for control.
"I'm just curious about Spirit Whisper. It seems so… unique. Would an ability like that work on a creature like a Heliobus?"
This Spirit Whisper ability seemed unique to Kafka in the game. Sylvia hadn't seen a second person with a similar power. She didn't know if it was an ability specific to Kafka's homeland or simply unique to Kafka herself.
But Sylvia was genuinely curious, and really wanted it. Such an ability was incredibly useful—and, of course, very cool.
Sylvia wasn't particularly managing her expression, so Kafka easily read her current emotions and couldn't help but laugh.
"Sorry, I've never used it on a Heliobus before, but I imagine it would be effective."
Kafka's Spirit Whisper was a mental-type ability. Heliobi might lack physical bodies, but they had souls. So Kafka believed Spirit Whisper should work.
Sylvia nodded, and Kafka didn't intend to delve deeper into the topic.
"Alright, let's go this way. We'll find a place to sit for a while, have some afternoon tea."
--+--
Kafka hadn't made plans in advance like she did for that time with Firefly. Aside from the initial clothing order, the café where she took Sylvia to rest was just a spur-of-the-moment decision.
Even so, Sylvia didn't feel there was anything wrong with this date.
In the beautiful café, a pianist on the stage played melodious music.
A table for two by the window.
Sitting in her chair, Sylvia stirred her coffee with one hand, her gaze resting on Kafka.
Aside from brief exchanges with the waiter, a temporary silence had settled between them.
Kafka propped her chin on one hand, tilting her face to watch the passersby outside the window. Her slightly parted lips softly hummed along to the music echoing in the shop.
Sunlight from outside filtered through dappled tree shadows and the clear glass, falling on Kafka as if she were draped in a pale golden glow.
Instinctively, Sylvia picked up her phone from the table, opened the camera, and aimed it at Kafka. As the phone automatically focused—
Click.
A Kafka both beautiful and tinged with a hint of melancholy was captured in Sylvia's phone.
Perhaps Sylvia's gaze was too intense, or her photo-taking motion too noticeable.
"What is it?"
Kafka, still propping her chin on her hand, tilted her head and withdrew her gaze from the window, the soft hum on her lips ceasing. She smiled at Sylvia, not minding at all that her photo had been taken.
Kafka's violet eyes were as bright as gemstones. The look she gave Sylvia was gentle, yet seemed tinged with a certain emptiness.
"I was mesmerized. You look truly beautiful today."
Sylvia didn't hold back her praise, her cheeks slightly flushed as she flipped her phone around and slid it toward Kafka. The captured moment was now displayed before the person herself.
--+--
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.