Glenn and Dália entered the most luxurious clothing store in Chaos, a true temple of opulence and refinement. The establishment, known as "The Tent," was a landmark of sophistication where the demonic, beastfolk, and even wealthy human elites came to dress in the finest attire.
The facade alone was a spectacle: black marble columns with golden veins supported a pediment adorned with sculptures of winged demons holding ceremonial swords encrusted with rubies and emeralds. The main door, made of polished ebony and inlaid with cut crystals, shimmered under the magical light of floating lanterns.
As they crossed the threshold, they were greeted by an atmosphere that seemed to transport them to another world. The floor was covered with a carpet so soft it felt like floating, woven with threads of gold and silver that reflected the light of crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. The walls were lined with crimson silk and blue brocade, while enchanted glass display cases showcased mannequins dressed in outfits that seemed to have been sewn by the gods themselves.
Every detail of the place screamed opulence, from the crystal chandeliers hanging like clusters of diamonds to the subtle scents of incense and exotic flowers wafting through the air.
Dália, with her poised demeanor and the look of someone who knew the place well, guided Glenn through the main hall. Her steps echoed softly in the space as she observed the displayed pieces with a mix of admiration and critique.
Glenn, on the other hand, seemed slightly overwhelmed by the grandeur of the place. His eyes darted from one display to another, catching details ranging from ceremonial swords with silver blades and sapphire-encrusted hilts to lapel flowers made of pure crystal that sparkled like tiny stars.
"Welcome to The Tent," announced a melodious and smooth voice. A demoness with impeccable features, dressed in a tight black satin dress and a black pearl necklace, approached with a smile that radiated confidence. Her dark eyes sparkled with the promise of luxury and exclusivity. "I am Jeanne, your hostess for this evening. How may I assist you?"
Dália, wasting no time, took the lead. "We are looking for formal attire for a special occasion. Something that reflects the... unique position of the young master Glenn," she said, with a touch of pride in her voice.
Jeanne smiled, as if she already knew exactly what they needed. "Ah, young master Glenn. Your reputation precedes you. Please, follow me."
She led them down a side corridor, where the pieces became even more impressive.
"For the young master," Jeanne began, stopping in front of a mannequin displaying a formal suit in black and silver tones, "I suggest this ensemble. The tailcoat is made of enchanted black silk, which subtly changes tone under the light, and the silver details are plated in white gold. The vest, embroidered with mithril threads, features geometric patterns reminiscent of protective runes."
Glenn looked at the suit, then at Dália, who seemed to approve with a slight nod. "And for you, Miss Dália," Jeanne continued, "we have this blood-red satin dress, with black lace details and a discreet yet striking neckline. The skirt is light and flowing, perfect for dancing, and the gold belt with a red crystal lapel flower complements it perfectly."
Dália touched the fabric of the dress, feeling its softness and quality. "It's... impressive," she admitted, with a glint in her eyes that Glenn rarely saw.
"And, of course," Jeanne added with a mischievous smile, "we have accessories that can elevate the look even further. Diamond brooches, platinum bracelets, and even a discreet tiara, if the lady desires."
Glenn, still a bit dazed by the extravagance of the place, looked at Dália and said, "Looks like we're going to leave here looking like royalty."
Dália laughed, a soft and melodious sound. "Young master, you are already treated as such. Now, it's just about dressing the part."
Jeanne, satisfied with their reaction, made an elegant gesture with her hands. "Shall we try on the outfits, then? I am certain you will look stunning."
**
Led to a private room with a dressing area covered by luxurious silk curtains, Glenn was thrown inside with a mountain of clothes to try on. Jeanne was also in the room, taking Glenn's measurements with a tape measure.
"No need to worry about the fit, young master Glenn. Our clothes are enchanted to adjust to your measurements, so you will leave here with the perfect fit your body deserves."
Inside the dressing room, Glenn found himself completely lost. There were pieces of clothing he didn't even know where to put on.
Starting with the basics, Glenn opted for something less flashy. A matte black suit with a bow tie featuring a small golden pearl, a plain vest without any embellishments. It was nice, pleasant, and the least eye-catching of all the pieces Jeanne and Dália had selected. But as soon as he stepped out of the dressing room;
"Rejected! NO!" Dália and Jeanne instantly exclaimed.
A long session of changing clothes followed, with many rejections from the evaluators. The bigger problem was the lack of consensus.
Dália wanted Glenn to radiate his light wherever he went with his outfit. Meanwhile, Jeanne wanted Glenn to maintain a charming and mysterious aura, creating a passively captivating atmosphere wherever he went.
Because of this, Glenn had to try on over thirty outfits before the women reached a consensus.
**
Stepping out of the dressing room, wearing a black suit resembling a tuxedo, Glenn looked transformed. The lapel was rounded and adorned with silver runes, a typical bow tie with a golden brooch matching the color of his eyes. A matte black vest contrasted with the shiny tailcoat, which sparkled as if thousands of diamond particles had been dusted onto the fabric.
Two gold cufflinks shaped like the royal symbol hung from his wrists. And the fitted pants shimmered like the tailcoat.
His long hair, neatly combed, flowed freely down his back.
The two women were ecstatic at the aura Glenn exuded. The hours of torture had finally paid off.
Simultaneously, without realizing it, both Dália and Jeanne bit their lower lips at Glenn's seductive figure. A soft and light atmosphere hung over the room before the verdict was given.
"Young master Glenn looks magnificent," Jeanne said.
The words of the luxurious woman beside Dália snapped her out of her trance.
"This one is perfect," Dália murmured.
"Very well, I will be sending an extra unit, as we always do in our store. I hope our services have pleased and satisfied your preferences."
"So, can I change now?" Glenn asked.
"Yes! No!" Jeanne and Dália said in disagreement.
"I mean, yes..." Dália corrected, her cheeks slightly flushed.
Glenn hurried back to the dressing room, grabbing his casual clothes from earlier.
**
As soon as he returned, Dália and Jeanne were discussing something he had no interest in, so he chose to wander around the store. All the attendants were incredibly beautiful, men and women alike. They all dressed sumptuously, carried themselves politely, and their words were as sweet as honey to the customers' ears.
But from time to time, the salespeople would glance over to analyze Glenn's figure, their eyes carrying a hidden lust, as if they wanted to devour him.
Dália finished her dealings with Jeanne and approached Glenn.
"Let's go, young master," she said timidly.
Glenn frowned in confusion.
"Are you okay, Dália? Your face is still a bit red, and you're breathing heavily."
"Ye... yes... no need to worry."
**
Outside, Valkyria awaited them. They entered the carriage, which began moving slowly, crossing the city toward the castle. Dália still had her head down, holding her hands in a strange posture.
"Dália?"
No response.
"Dália?"
No response.
"Dália?" Glenn said, leaning closer and gently lifting her head toward him.
Her face was rosy, her lips slightly parted, and her breathing slightly labored. But her eyes... her eyes were filled with a primal desire that sent a shiver down his spine.
"Agh..." Glenn was pushed down.
"Sorry, young master," Dália said, leaping onto him, knocking them both onto the carriage seat.
She snapped her fingers, and all the windows instantly turned black, blocking the view from outside.
"I... I... can't wait any longer!" she said, pressing her lips passionately against his.