Lady Ayana strode briskly, her steps purposeful and determined. Tristan and Valeria followed closely, matching her pace. However, after a few minutes, Lady Ayana abruptly raised her right hand, signaling for them to halt.
Both Tristan and Valeria halted their step. Their gazes fixed on Lady Ayana. With a graceful motion, Lady Ayana turned towards Tristan and Valeria, extending her hand to present something to each of them.
In her outstretched palm, Lady Ayana held two badges. Those badges are the same. A mix of gleaming gold and radiant red. Adorning the center of each badge was an intricately embossed depiction of a wolf's head, its eyes fierce and piercing.
She instructed Tristan and Valeria to affix the badges to their left arms while simultaneously uttering a single word, "Vanguard."
As Tristan and Valeria adhered to her instructions, a remarkable transformation occurred. Their once familiar armor jackets underwent a magical metamorphosis, morphing into lightweight robes of a soft, ash-grey hue.
The robes were equipped with a concealing hood that enshrouded their heads completely. Their swords gracefully shifted from their backs to their hips while their guns found a place on the opposite side. Remarkably, the weight and flexibility of the robes matched that of their former armor jackets, rendering no discernible difference.
Perplexed and discontented, Valeria hesitantly removed her hood, narrowing her eyes and furrowing her brow as she studied her new appearance. The wardrobe change clearly left her dissatisfied.
Tristan, on the other hand, marveled at his new attire, his eyes brimming with excitement and admiration. With a fluid motion, he unsheathed his sword, assuming a stance that mirrored a warrior ready for battle.
Perplexed, Valeria mustered the courage to ask, "Ma'am, what is the meaning of this?" Her voice was tinged with anxiety, and she tried to hide her dissatisfaction.
Tristan, unable to contain his enthusiasm, "...I must say, Lady Ayana, this robe is a revelation! The addition of the hood and the repositioning of our weapons make it truly remarkable. Just look at what I can do in this new attire!" He exclaimed, leaping into a series of acrobatic maneuvers, spinning and rolling with grace.
Lady Ayana observed their reactions, her expression calm yet discerning. "Tristan, Valeria, these robes are the robes of the Phaenon elite force known as the Vanguard. You will easily blend if you wear the robes and act as my bodyguards. Also, you will hear people calling me Lady Katharina. So that is what you will call me until I say otherwise."
Valeria, though still uncertain, nodded reluctantly, her frown easing slightly.
Tristan, beaming with pride at his new attire, resheathed his sword, his eyes gleaming with the incoming adventure in Frostholm.
"Now, speak it aloud. Repeat the name I have imparted to you, and let it resound so I know you have got used to saying it," commanded Lady Ayana.
Tristan, though loud, exhibited a hint of awkwardness as he declared, "I hear you, Lady Katharina... Ma'am."
Lady Ayana's gaze sharpened as she turned her attention towards Valeria, a silent prompt for her response. After a brief pause, Valeria relented, her voice carrying a reluctant concession, "Very well... Lady Katharina. Your wish is our command."
Satisfied with the responses from Tristan and Valeria, Lady Ayana resumed her graceful stride, once again taking the lead. As she moved forward, her attire underwent a gradual transformation, evolving from a utilitarian jacket into an exquisite robe adorned with cascading laces and shimmering crystals. The luxury and regal splendor of the white and golden fabric spoke volumes, radiating an aura of luxury befitting a noble ruler.
In synchronization with Tristan and Valeria, Lady Ayana's sword sheath and gun holster gracefully shifted to rest upon her hips, completing her transformation. Lady Ayana, now known as Lady Katharina, assumed a visage more reminiscent of a sophisticated hostess than a battle-hardened warrior. Her countenance reflected a love for soirées and leisurely pursuits rather than the thrill of dangerous adventures.
Tristan, impressed by the uncanny changes, couldn't contain his admiration. "Lady Katharina, your transformations are truly remarkable. Your impromptu disguise is just jaw-dropping! That robe has truly made a remarkable impact," he remarked, his voice filled with genuine appreciation.
Lady Katharina accepted Tristan's words with a nod and a graceful smile, acknowledging his praise.
Lady Katharina, Tristan, and Valeria pressed on together, their journey continuing under Lady Katharina's guidance. The Vanguard's distinctive attire signaled their transformed roles, as Tristan and Valeria aimed to emulate the appearance of dedicated bodyguards walking in step behind their Madame.
Tristan embraced the role with evident delight, a smile playing upon his lips as his gaze took on a more menacing intensity, surveying their surroundings.
In contrast, Valeria wore an expression of discontent, her dissatisfaction with the charade evident. She framed her beautiful face with a deep frown, silently conveying her sentiments to Tristan.
With a touch of exasperation, Valeria explained, "I'm fully committed to the role of a Guard, which apparently requires me to look angry and unattractive." She paused briefly before adding, "It's exhausting to constantly wear an angry and unpleasant expression."
Tristan only responded with a soft chuckle, maintaining a vigilant watch over their surroundings. Ignoring Valeria.
"Oh, come on Tristan. I know you think it's no sweat. Looking ugly comes naturally to you; You don't even have to try," Valeria teased Tristan with her light-hearted tone and chuckled back at him.
Their banter was interrupted by Lady Ayana, her disguised identity compelling them to silence. "You both, stop talking. We are entering the village area," she said.
As they drew closer to the picturesque houses that had beckoned from a distance, the flow of people grew more frequent. Some even nodded in recognition of Lady Katharina, fueling Tristan's suspicion that her disguised identity was a well-known figure in the village.
Before long, Tristan's suspicions were confirmed. A figure emerged from the crowd, calling Lady Katharina's name and making a beeline toward their group. It was an older, portly man with a neatly trimmed, voluminous white beard.
Though he approached with respect, there was a slight quiver in his voice as he addressed Lady Katharina, indicating his timidity. Tristan pondered silently, 'Who is this old man?' as he observed the unfolding encounter.