"Leave that to me, I know where we should go."
With Tera's perfectly time resurgence from behind the pillar, she began telling us about a foreign market located in town. Sarion had one of the largest merchant guilds in Alther so there would be lots of options for us to find something suitable to wear.
"I was already planning to ask you to come with both me and Lillith Orphelia, so this works perfectly."
She smiled warmly as she extended me the invite, but I remembered he was still here.
'Sigh.'
"Thanks for the invite Tera, would you mind if Dir Dir came along too?"
His eyes twitched at the mention of the nickname once again.
"Sure no problem the more the merrier. Lillith will meet us there, she's coming with another friend of hers."
"Okay."
"Thanks for letting me come along too Tera."
With that leading our latest expedition was Tera. Being the daughter of a wealthy merchant from a country like the Hilryon Republic surely would have many benefits. She'd know how to get us the most for our money's worth.
***
Upon our arrival, Lillith was waiting alongside a cute girl with short coal black hair, leafy green eyes and pale white skin.
"Hi Lillith."
Tera walked over first but I felt Dirius hold back my hand.
"What's with you Dirius?"
"Those girls....,which one is Lillith?"
I turned to him with a curious look.
"The one with the long white hair...do you know my roommate?"
He looked like his heart shattered.
"Why do you keep collecting all the baddies? It's not fair at all bro!"
I cackled at his defeat.
"Where do you know Lil from anyway?"
I asked whilst wiping a tear caused by my laughter.
"Saw her around school twice. She talked to me on the first day when the rain started falling, I was heading to the dorms."
"Nice meet-cute, poor thing was so dumbstruck he forgot to ask for a name."
I said whilst covering my giggles with my right hand.
"Like you and the guy who gave you money?"
"That's wayyyyyy different, I couldn't ask for his name cause he knew Orphelia before. Valid excuse."
"Whatever."
"Are you two coming?!"
Tera called out as we proceeded to end our brief quibble.
"Hello my name is Lillith, and this is my classmate Sarah."
We all exchanged introductions with Sarah before entering a small dress shop. The exterior of the shop was really cozy, there was an abundance of orchid vines and sunflowers draped along it's outer walls; making it feel like a mystical cottage tucked away in a meadow. The inside smelt oddly like cinnamon. 'For a shop meant to be a boutique it smells more like a bakery.'
Greeting us upon our entry was a female gnome, she hand long blonde braided hair and wore a blue dress uniform.
"Welcome all of you, your appointment is ready under Miss Finres. I'm Judith, the owner of this establishment, and I'll be personally tending to you all."
"Thank you for having us Miss Judith."
I greeted politely as she led us to a private room at the back of the shop, there were many dresses, jewels and shoes already prepared waiting for us.
"These dresses are all enchanted to fit the wearers body perfectly. We are one of only three store that provide clothing like this in all of Alther."
'Amazing.' Even knowing this was a fantasy world the idea of clothing like this hadn't crossed my mind.
"For the gentleman I'll pull out our finest suits from in stock. If you'd follow this man please."
He got up stiffly. 'Dude thought he was going to get a free try on haul from pretty girls.' I couldn't help but giggle at his disappointment.
When he left two other female gnomes came out to assist us alongside Miss Judith.
"So who's first?"
Tera asked happily, smiling all wide eyed. 'She's really into this huh?'
Can't fault her, I myself love a good shopping day.
"Well I'll try on something first. Any suggestions?"
Lillith pointed to a purple velvet form fitting dress. 'Women after my own heart.' Leave it to them to figure out the vibe that I go for the most.
The gnomes helped me in and out of my clothes with practiced ease. I tried on the dress at Lillith's request, and I do admit it looked amazing. But it wasn't for tonight.
Next I tried on a silver satin draped dress according to Sarah's suggestion. This also was very appealing to me, more so than the first option, but I still wasn't feeling it entirely.
"Hey why don't you wear something that goes with the hairpin the prince gave you."
Tera advised, so I took out the ornament and scanned the dresses displayed. Carefully considering my options, my eye landed upon the perfect dress. 'Found it.' I pointed to what I'd believed to be my dress.
"I'd like to try on that one please."
The dress was floor length and formfitting with roses embroidered throughout. It's top half was reminiscent of a lace black corset with long sleeves, and an off shoulder neckline; fitted with a black sheer train. It was very villainess core, very fitting for someone like me with added reputation of the previous host.
""That's the one!""
I laughed at how cute they looked when saying that in unison, as though they had practiced precision. Next to pick a dress was Sarah who chose an emerald green ballgown with ruffles, a large bow in the back and matching gloves. Lillith decided on a silk lilac draped dress that had golden butterfly pins, no sleeves and solid white silk gloves.
Lastly there was Tera who chose a maroon velvet fit and flare dress that had black beaded hearts and black fingerless gloves. 'A slay honestly.' Decisions finalized, mind calmed, I was now just purely excited.
"Thank you for your patronage Miss Finres, come again."
"I will Miss Judith."
'Just like that?' All our items were boxed up and placed into a magic bag by the staff. As we left out room I pulled back Tera to speak with her in private.
"Hey, why didn't we have to pay anything?"
"Oh that? My father is a major supplier for this shop so she wouldn't take money even in tried giving it to her."
"But still...I feel bad taking things from you for free. If I feel bad I know Dirius is pissed. He doesn't take anything for free just like that."
"I'm your friend, I wanted to give you something. Us being friends is enough, do you think I really need an extra few gold coins? And if Dirius is that butt hurt about one suit he can uproot a mandrake for all I care."
She really was something. Dirius was already waiting outside with the very same bitter expression I'd expected. I walked over to him dropping my voice whispering in his ear.
"Don't do it, you'll make her feel bad."
"But-" I Interjected before he could finish his sentence.
"She said uproot a mandrake."
He sighed exasperatedly as continued our way back to campus.
***
"Your stupid brother really broke in to our dorm to give back ten gold coins!?"
Awoken from the first day I was allowed to sleep in by Tera was not on my to do list. 'Of course he'd do that shit.' With no classes today we'd have the entire day to get ready for later tonight.
I washed my faced and sat in front of the vanity doing my makeup. I didn't have any personal attendants like the others but that was normal to me, despite not being the best at anything beauty related, just meh, I'd be able to pull of a good enough look on my own.
"All done."
I got up and caught the other two staring at me.
"Me next!"
'Just my luck.'
.
.
.
The ball was being hosted in the grand ballroom, one of the many rooms in this academy I hadn't seen before. Right in front of the entrance was Solon. He was wearing a black tailcoat with silver detailing, white shirt with a royal blue tie and black pants.
"Good evening Orphelia. You look ravishing."
He walked over, bowing before taking my hand and giving a gentle kiss.
"I'm glad you think so Solon, you also look quite charming tonight."
My years of watching period pieces and reading was paying off. I swear I could've died when he complimented me earlier but I needed to remain strong. 'For the plot.' He took my hand, leading me through the door.
"Prince Solon and Lady Orphelia."
A man I assumed to be the announcer by his introduction of us to the crowd ushered us in. All eyes flit to our direction, the room was the picture of opulence. Gold crystalized chandeliers, ornate walls, porcelain tiles with dragon symbols and large paintings depicting events from great battles and mythical creatures.
Suddenly he whispered in my ear softly.
"I shouldn't be telling you this as it's supposed to be something you find out later on but...."