Chapter 355: The Stunning Ais

Today, it was originally agreed upon to accompany Ais and Lefiya shopping, using it as a way to relax Ais's tense nerves.

Furina had originally been enthusiastically preparing to join in on the fun as well. But now, due to this sudden "social death" accident, she naturally refused to go no matter what.

Ultimately, the Familia's outing personnel underwent quite a few changes.

Robin understandingly chose to stay behind, smiling as she stated she could try to soothe the sulking patron deity, and arrange her newly written musical scores while she was at it.

Tifa was heading to the market on the main street for a major grocery run for the next few days. Hyacine holed up in the potion room bright and early, focusing intently on concocting new potions.

As for Daphne and Cassandra, those two kept a respectful distance from this shopping activity brimming with normie vibes, not wanting to join in the fun at all.

Thus, the grand outing plan was reduced to just Aiden bringing Firefly and Jeanne d'Arc.

He could tell that although Firefly didn't say it out loud, her eyes were already brimming with curiosity about this city of adventurers.

It was also perfect timing, as they indeed needed to purchase some fitting everyday clothes for them.

The Northwest Main Street was half-reverently, half-jokingly referred to by adventurers as "Adventurer Street".

This was one of the most prosperous, yet most chaotic districts in Orario.

The morning light cascading down from the sky couldn't entirely dispel the mixed scents of sweat, dust, and rust on the street.

The light illuminated the various armors worn by countless adventurers, some bright as mirrors, others covered in scratches.

Demi-humans gathered in groups of three or five, laughing and talking loudly while making their final preparations before setting off for the labyrinth—checking the buckles of their backpacks or vigorously wiping the longswords in their hands.

The clashing of metal armor plates, the clanging from dwarven blacksmith shops, the enthusiastic calls of merchants, and the roars and curses breaking out due to the crowded streets intertwined into a rough yet vibrant symphony unique to Orario.

In sharp contrast to the shops on both sides with their thick doors and windows wide open and clerks enthusiastically hawking their wares, there were always some open-air peddlers lurking in the dark alleys where light struggled to reach. Wearing ambiguous smiles, they peddled potions with dubious efficacies to newcomers whose faces looked young and obviously fresh off the boat.

Facing this endless tide of people preparing to head to the Dungeon and challenge their fates, this street remained full of noise and vitality today as well.

When Aiden brought Firefly and Jeanne to the agreed-upon fountain plaza, Jeanne was fine. Having been in Orario for some time, she had long since adapted. But Firefly subconsciously leaned closer to Aiden, seeming somewhat unaccustomed to the overly lively scene.

After pushing through the crowded sea of people, Aiden quickly caught sight of a few familiar and eye-catching figures by the agreed-upon fountain.

Ais maintained her usual cold and quiet demeanor. Her golden hair fluttered slightly in the morning breeze, as if she stood apart from this noisy expanse, forming her own realm of tranquility.

Lefiya, acting like a dutiful little elf guard, vigilantly scanned the surroundings. Any suspicious gazes attempting to get near Ais were blocked by her sharp glare.

And beside the two of them was an unexpected, yet perfectly logical figure.

"Aiden, over here, over here!"

An Amazon girl with crisp black short hair was holding her hand high, energetically waving in their direction, as if afraid others wouldn't notice her.

It was Tiona.

Aiden smiled helplessly.

Although she wasn't part of the original agreement, given the "Great Severing's" innocent, romantic, and chaotic personality, how could she possibly sit quietly in her Familia after catching wind of the excitement?

"Sorry, we're late."

When Aiden approached with Firefly and Jeanne, his entire attention was instantly captured by the figure bathed in the sunlight.

Today, Ais had taken off that cold silver armor and changed into a brand-new everyday outfit. The aura she exuded was entirely different from usual.

She wore a sky-blue sleeveless dress. The simple round-collar design perfectly revealed her delicate collarbones.

The fabric of the dress was light and draped beautifully. As the breeze blew, the hem swayed gently like ripples forming on a lake.

A pure white silk belt was tied around her waist, tracing the young girl's slender figure.

Most eye-catching of all were those straight, well-proportioned lower legs wrapped in pure white over-the-knee socks.

Above the white stockings was a pair of equally pristine white leather shoes, adorned with dainty blue bows on the insteps.

This outfit stripped away the sharp edge of the Sword Princess, unreservedly highlighting the pure and gentle temperament belonging to a sixteen-year-old girl.

Her golden hair was draped casually over her shoulders, sparkling with a dazzling luster in the sunlight, making her look like a princess stepping straight out of a fairy tale.

Lefiya, standing beside her, had also dressed up meticulously today.

She wore a beige chiffon shirt with a ruffled stand-collar, the puff sleeves making her look exceptionally cute.

For her lower half, she wore a light green high-waisted suspender skirt, the hem swaying gently with her movements.

Like Ais, she also wore a pair of pure white over-the-knee socks on her legs, paired with small brown round-toe leather shoes. Her entire being radiated the fresh and lively youthful energy belonging to an elf girl.

As for Tiona, she was exactly the same as always.

On her upper body, she wore only a tight-fitting leather tube top, generously displaying her healthy wheat-colored skin and flat, tight stomach.

Her lower half was covered by an extremely short animal skin skirt, with various miscellaneous ornaments tied around her waist.

Leather bracers and greaves were wrapped around her arms and calves, and her unruly black hair was tied back casually.

She was like a female leopard brimming with primal vitality, passionate and uninhibited.

"How is it? Isn't Ais-chan super pretty today?"

Tiona grinned and grabbed Ais's arm, pushing her toward Aiden.

Ais obviously hadn't expected her to pull a stunt like this. Her pretty face flushed red, and she shyly avoided Aiden's stunned gaze, her eyes darting around, not knowing where to rest them.

"Of course, this outfit suits you very well, Ais. Very pretty."

Aiden snapped back to his senses and unhesitatingly gave her a thumbs up, praising her sincerely.

Then, he looked at Lefiya beside her and said with a smile, "Lefiya is also very cute today."

"W-Who asked for your praise!"

Lefiya shot back stubbornly, but the uncontrollably rising corners of her mouth and the smiling intent in her eyes completely betrayed her good mood at this moment.

Obviously, being able to receive Aiden's praise made her very happy; it wasn't a waste of her getting up early to dress up.

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