The curiosity in Lucianna's eyes sparkled like stars as she turned to Matterinna, her voice trembling with anticipation. "Do I need to pay you for the clothes?"
Matterinna's laugh was light and musical. "No payment needed, Lucianna. Consider this a thank you gift for saving Max and becoming his friend."
A smile bloomed on Lucianna's face, her eyes gleaming with gratitude. "Really? Where can we start then?"
Matterinna's response was a warm invitation into her room, her eyes promising a makeover unlike any other.
I sat there, fidgeting nervously, waiting for what felt like an eternity, but was only a few minutes. Then the door swung open, and Matterinna emerged, followed closely by Lucianna.
My breath caught in my throat.
Lucianna was transformed. She was wearing a white formal shirt with golden trimmings, a black tie, and her face was touched up with light pink lipstick and mascara. Her hands were adorned with shiny pink gloves, and light silver gauntlets added a touch of regality. A short blue skirt, shiny long pink stockings covered with light silver armor, and metal boots completed her stunning appearance. Her hair, now tied into asymmetrical twintails, gave her a spirited look.
She posed dramatically, her eyes shining with joy. "I've always wanted to look like a real adventurer," she declared, her voice ringing with pride. "Like a regal princess who can charm and fight people."
I could feel a blush rising to my cheeks as I watched her, mesmerized. Was this really the same Lucianna?
"Well, Max? How is it?" she asked, turning to me.
I stammered, my words tripping over each other. "Y-You look stunningly heroic and beautiful."
Her face flushed a delightful pink, but she thanked me with a confident thumbs-up, her smile bright and genuine.
Matterinna's laughter filled the room. "Lucianna, you're enjoying your new makeover a bit too much!"
Lucianna's response was to reach for Matterinna's hands, her eyes brimming with emotion. "I'm super happy!" she exclaimed, shaking Matterinna's hands in an endless loop, her enthusiasm unbounded.
Matterinna's laughter turned to a sigh, but her eyes were warm and understanding. "Alright, alright," she chuckled, nodding at the same pace as Lucianna's excited shaking. "But my arms are getting tired!"
Their laughter, bright and joyous, echoed through the room, filling it with a sense of camaraderie and shared delight. It was a moment of pure, unadulterated happiness, and I knew I would cherish it forever.
The room was filled with the gentle laughter of Lucianna and my mother, Laussinna. Their voices, warm and rich, wove together as they admired each other's fashion sense. My heart swelled with happiness at the sight.
"Lucianna, my dear, you look absolutely breathtaking!" my mother exclaimed, her eyes twinkling with genuine delight.
Lucianna's cheeks turned a delicate shade of pink, and she gave a graceful bow. "Thank you, Laussinna. But I must say, your bard outfit from last night was something truly stunning."
Laussinna's response was a knowing smirk, her hand waving dismissively. "Oh, the outfit is just the seasoning. It's the person wearing it who's the true main attraction, wouldn't you agree?" Her laughter was light and musical, and Lucianna joined in, their shared taste for fashion bridging the gap between them.
Meanwhile, in the living room, my little sister Illyanna's energetic voice reached my ears. She was practically bouncing with excitement as she begged Matterinna for a new outfit.
"I'm sorry, Illyanna," Matterinna's voice was gentle but firm, "I'm rather low on mana already. I can't conjure you clothes right now."
Illyanna's face fell, and her lower lip jutted out in a pout that would melt anyone's heart. But Matterinna was quick to console her, her voice warm and promising. "Next time my mana is filled, I'll make something special just for you, okay?"
Illyanna's smile returned, wide and bright. "Really? Make sure you're not wasting any of it on other stuff then!"
I could almost see Matterinna's conflicted expression as she scratched her head, torn between her responsibilities as a housemaid and the sweet request of a child. But eventually, she agreed, sealing the deal with a fist bump that sent Illyanna skipping away, her heart light with joy.
My contentment was suddenly interrupted by a hand on my shoulder. It was my father, Antrodos, his face serious but his eyes filled with an uncertain warmth.
"Max," he said, his voice deep and resonant, "come sit with me at the dining table."
I could feel my throat tighten as I swallowed, my mind racing with what he could possibly want to discuss. His tone was serious, but there was an uncertainty there that I couldn't place. With a hesitant nod, I followed him to the dining table, my heart pounding in my chest.
The room around me seemed to fade as I sat across from him, his eyes fixed on mine. I knew that something important was about to unfold, something that would draw us closer or perhaps reveal a truth I wasn't ready to face. But either way, I knew that this was a moment I would never forget.
The soft murmur of conversation filled the room as my father, Antrodos, sat across from me at the dining table, his face a mix of seriousness and a hint of nervousness.
"Max," he began, his voice heavy with importance, "there's something I need to speak to you about." His eyes darted around, and I could see him glancing at the others, especially my mother, Laussinna.
A cold wave of anxiety washed over me, my stomach knotting with worry. What could possibly be so important, and why did it seem to be related to my family? My mind raced with possibilities, each more concerning than the last.
But then my father leaned closer, his voice dropping to a whisper as he said, "Laussinna's birthday is coming up, and I haven't prepared a birthday gift or planned any event yet due to work."
As he spoke, I could see his usually stoic attitude crumbling, replaced by a look of genuine sadness and concern. "I need your help, Max. I need your help desperately for Laussinna."
The tension in my chest eased, and I let out a sigh of relief, a smile tugging at my lips. It was just about my mother's birthday, nothing more serious. My heart swelled with warmth as I realized how much my father cared for her.
"Hmm," I said, rubbing my cheeks thoughtfully as an idea began to form in my mind. I could feel my father's eyes on me, a knowing chuckle escaping his lips.
"You know, Max," he laughed, "you have the same exact body language as me most of the time when you're stuck thinking about something."
I laughed too, surprised and delighted by this shared trait. "Really, Dad?" I asked, my eyes wide.
He nodded, his expression turning serious once more. "But we should go out to town while Laussinna is distracted with the other girls. Time is of the essence."
I agreed, but then a thought struck me. "Wait, Dad, I haven't taken a bath yet."
At the same moment, we both sniffed our outfits, our noses cringing in unison. The comical timing sent a ripple of laughter through me.
"Neither have I," my father admitted, his voice urgent. "But we need to get out now."
With a final nod, we tiptoed out of the inn's room, our shared mission binding us together in a way I hadn't expected.
As we made our way to the Snow Fairy's Tavern, preparing to explore Tarvernia, I couldn't help but reflect on how comical my father had become in this dream world. It made me wonder, what about his real-world version? Was my father like this back home too?
The question lingered, a gentle puzzle that added a layer of complexity to our adventure. And as we ventured out into the town, I knew that I was not just uncovering the secrets of this world but also discovering the hidden depths of my own family.