Haruka returned to the hotel room, his arms laden with a variety of dishes. He had selected salmon wellington, lobster thermidor, and clam chowder, hoping to impress the Xebelian princess. As he placed the plates on the table, a thought occurred to him – he had forgotten to ask Hila if she could even consume seafood.
Hila eyed the array of surface dweller foods with a mixture of curiosity and skepticism. Haruka hesitated, wondering if he had made a mistake in his choices. "I, uh, I wasn't sure if Atlanteans ate seafood," he admitted sheepishly.
Hila fixed him with a stern gaze, her green eyes shimmering with a hint of amusement. "Do not take me for a fool," she said, her voice laced with a regal air. "Even we Atlanteans partake in the bounty of the sea."
Haruka let out a relieved sigh, grateful that he had not offended the princess with his assumption. "Of course, my apologies. Please, enjoy the meal."
Hila picked up her fork and knife, carefully examining the dishes before her. She took a delicate bite of the salmon wellington, her expression unreadable. Haruka watched with bated breath, wondering if she would find the surface dweller cuisine to her liking.
After a moment, Hila's lips curved into a subtle smile. "It is... passable," she said, her tone betraying a hint of surprise. She proceeded to empty the plate, savoring each bite with a newfound appreciation.
Haruka couldn't help but roll his eyes at Hila's assessment. Despite her regal demeanor, it was clear that she had enjoyed the meal. He silently thanked his instincts for choosing dishes that would cater to the Xebelian princess's refined palate.
As Hila finished the last bite, she set down her utensils and fixed Haruka with a thoughtful gaze. "Your surface dweller cuisine is not entirely without merit," she conceded, her voice softening ever so slightly.
Haruka couldn't help but feel a sense of pride at her admission. "I'm glad you found it to your liking, Princess Hila," he said, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
Hila fixed Haruka with a determined gaze, her chin raised ever so slightly. "I wish to go out," she declared, her tone brooking no argument.
Haruka blinked, caught off guard by her sudden request. "But, Princess Hila, it's not safe," he protested. "Those black-armored men are still out there, hunting for you."
Hila's eyes narrowed, a flash of annoyance crossing her features. "You expect me to be locked in this room?" she countered, her voice laced with a regal edge. "I am a princess of Xebel, not some fragile flower to be hidden away."
Haruka let out a resigned sigh, but knew he had little choice in the matter. "Very well, Princess Hila. But I'll be coming with you." He quickly retrieved a comfortable sweatsuit and jacket, offering them to the Xebelian royal.
Hila eyed the casual clothing with a critical gaze. "You expect me to wear this?" Her brows furrowed in displeasure.
Undeterred, Haruka replied, "You can't go out dressed like that. If you don't like these, we'll stop by a store and get you something more to your liking. But for now, this will have to do." He held the garments out to her, his expression firm.
Hila's lips pressed into a thin line, but she relented with a curt nod. "...Very well." She retreated into the hotel room to change.
Moments later, Hila emerged, the sweatsuit and jacket hanging awkwardly on her regal frame. She tugged at the fabric, her nose wrinkling in distaste. "This attire is most unbecoming of a princess of Xebel," she declared, her tone laced with disdain.
Haruka, standing beside her, suppresses a sigh. "It's just temporary, Princess Hila. We need to keep a low profile, especially with those armed men still out there hunting you."
Hila's eyes narrow, her lips pursed in a disapproving frown. "I do not appreciate being treated like a common criminal, forced to hide away and wear these... rags," she says, her voice dripping with contempt.
Recognizing the princess's growing frustration, Haruka raises his hands in a placating gesture. "I understand your discomfort, but please, trust me on this. Your safety is my top priority right now."
Hila's gaze remains fixed on Haruka, her expression unreadable. After a moment of tense silence, she finally gives a reluctant nod. "Very well. Lead the way, then."
Relieved, Haruka gestures towards the hotel's exit. "Excellent. Let's go find you something more suitable to wear."
As they step out into the bustling streets of Amnesty Bay, Hila can't help but feel out of place, her regal bearing clashing with the casual attire she's been forced to don. She follows Haruka, her eyes darting around, taking in the unfamiliar sights and sounds of the surface world.
The pair make their way to a nearby clothing store, Hila's steps measured and precise, as if she's walking on eggshells. Haruka holds the door open for her, and she steps inside, her gaze sweeping over the racks of casual wear.
"This is where we shall find you something more befitting of a princess," Haruka says, guiding Hila towards the women's section.
Hila's expression remains skeptical, but she follows Haruka's lead, her fingers trailing over the fabrics, assessing each garment with a critical eye.
The store attendant, a friendly-faced woman, approached Hila with a warm smile. "Good afternoon, ma'am. Is there anything in particular you're looking for today?"
Hila regarded the attendant with a regal air, her posture straight and her gaze unwavering. "I require garments befitting of my station," she declared, her voice carrying a subtle edge.
The attendant's eyes widened slightly, sensing the gravity in Hila's words. "Of course, of course," she replied hastily. "Let me show you our finest selection."
Guiding Hila towards the back of the store, the attendant pulled out a series of exquisite dresses and blouses, each one more elegant than the last. The fabrics shimmered with intricate patterns, and the cuts were tailored to accentuate the wearer's figure.
Hila examined each piece with a discerning eye, running her fingers over the luxurious materials. "These are... acceptable," she conceded, her tone betraying a hint of approval.
The attendant beamed, sensing an opportunity to make a substantial sale. "Wonderful, my lady. Please, take your time and let me know if there's anything else I can assist you with."
Hila nodded, her attention already focused on the array of clothing before her. Haruka stood nearby, observing the interaction with a mixture of amusement and relief. He knew that keeping the Xebelian princess satisfied would be crucial in maintaining her cooperation.
As Hila carefully selected a few items, the attendant couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. This was no ordinary customer – the way Hila carried herself and the air of authority she exuded suggested someone of great importance. The attendant was determined to provide Hila with the best service possible, eager to secure a sale that would surely be a substantial one.
Haruka stood near the window, his gaze sweeping the streets outside. Despite the tranquil atmosphere of Amnesty Bay, he remained vigilant, alert for any sign of the black-armored men who had attacked Hila. His hand rested on the Shotriser at his side, ready to transform at a moment's notice.
As Hila continued her selection of clothing with the attentive store attendant, Haruka couldn't help but steal occasional glances in their direction. He admired Hila's regal bearing, even as she perused the racks of casual attire. The Xebelian princess carried herself with a grace and confidence that seemed out of place in the modest clothing store.
Suddenly, the attendant called out to Haruka, a friendly smile on her face. "Sir, your girlfriend is ready to show you her choices!"
Haruka felt his cheeks flush with embarrassment, and he quickly corrected the attendant. "Oh, no, she's not my girlfriend. Hila is... a friend," he said, the words sounding unconvincing even to his own ears.
Before the attendant could respond, the changing room door opened, and Hila emerged, her expression one of quiet confidence. Haruka's breath caught in his throat as he took in her transformed appearance.
Gone were the casual sweatsuit and jacket, replaced by a sleek, form-fitting dress that accentuated Hila's regal bearing. The dress was a deep, emerald green, with intricate silver patterns woven into the fabric, creating a shimmering effect. The neckline was modest yet elegant, while the skirt fell in graceful folds to just above Hila's knees.
Hila had paired the dress with a pair of silver flats, their simple design complementing the overall ensemble. Her long, dark hair had been swept up into an elegant updo, with a few stray locks framing her face. The princess's makeup was subtle yet striking, her eyes accentuated with a touch of eyeliner and her lips painted a soft, rosy hue.
Haruka found himself momentarily transfixed by Hila's transformed appearance, the casual yet classy look suiting her far better than the ill-fitting sweatsuit. He couldn't help but admire the way the dress flattered her figure, the fabric clinging to her curves in a way that was both alluring and refined.
"Well, what do you think?" Hila asked, her voice betraying a hint of uncertainty as she smoothed her hands down the front of the dress.
Haruka cleared his throat, struggling to find the right words. "You... you look incredible, Princess Hila," he managed, his voice barely above a whisper.
Hila's lips curved into a small smile, her eyes meeting Haruka's with a newfound warmth. "I must admit, these surface dweller garments are not as distasteful as I had initially thought," she said, her tone softening ever so slightly.
The attendant beamed, clearly pleased with Hila's transformation. "You look absolutely stunning, my dear," she gushed. "I'm sure your boyfriend will be the envy of all the men in town."
Haruka felt his cheeks flush once more, and he quickly interjected. "She's not my girlfriend," he reiterated, his voice tinged with a touch of exasperation.
Hila's expression remained serene, but Haruka couldn't help but notice the subtle amusement dancing in her eyes. "I appreciate your assistance, but the young man is correct. I am not his girlfriend," she said, her tone laced with a regal air.
The attendant's smile faltered slightly, but she quickly recovered. "Of course, my apologies. Well, shall we get these items ready for you?"
Hila nodded, her gaze shifting back to Haruka. "Yes, let us complete this transaction and be on our way."
As the attendant hurried off to prepare Hila's purchases, Haruka couldn't help but feel a newfound sense of admiration for the Xebelian princess. Her transformation from the casual attire to this elegant, yet classy look was nothing short of captivating.
Haruka's eyes widened in shock as the attendant rang up Hila's purchases. The total cost was far more than he had anticipated, and he felt a lump form in his throat. He didn't want to appear frugal in front of the Xebelian princess, but the prospect of eating instant noodles for the foreseeable future was daunting.
Hila observed Haruka's expression, her brows furrowing slightly. "Is there a problem?" she asked, her voice laced with a hint of concern.
Haruka swallowed hard, forcing a smile. "No, no problem at all, Princess Hila," he replied, his voice slightly strained. He quickly handed his credit card to the attendant, trying to ignore the small twinge of pain he felt as the transaction went through.
The attendant beamed, clearly pleased with the sale. "Thank you so much for your purchase, sir," she said, handing the card back to Haruka. "I hope you and your girlfriend enjoy the rest of your day."
Haruka opened his mouth to correct the attendant once more, but Hila placed a hand on his arm, silencing him. "Thank you for your assistance," the princess said, her tone polite but firm. She turned to Haruka, her expression unreadable. "Shall we be on our way?"
Haruka nodded, a resigned sigh escaping his lips. "Of course, Princess Hila." He gathered the neatly folded garments and led the way out of the store, his wallet feeling significantly lighter.
As they stepped out into the street, Haruka couldn't help but feel a twinge of regret. He had hoped to keep a low profile and avoid drawing too much attention, but the cost of Hila's attire had put a significant dent in his budget. He silently lamented the prospect of surviving on a diet of instant noodles for the foreseeable future.
Hila walked beside him, her posture regal and her gaze sweeping the unfamiliar surroundings. Haruka glanced at her, admiring the way the dress accentuated her figure, but the thought of his diminished funds dampened his enthusiasm.
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Give Power Stones so I can continue to write this story. If it does not gain any interest, I will drop it.
Advance chapters on my P@tE0N Najicablitz, which is also the best way to support me.