"Xia Lun, what do you think of this one?" Liyana held up a short skirt, comparing it against Aina's figure.
It was a rather provocative piece—one that would inadvertently reveal glimpses of pale thighs—with a stylish, modern cut.
Though Aina had come along, she showed little interest in the surrounding garments, sitting primly on a chair as she waited for Liyana to finish.
"Hmm... It looks nice, but I don’t think Aina would like it," Xia Lun offered a fair assessment.
"Oh? Really?" Liyana raised an eyebrow before skipping over to Aina.
"Aina! Xia Lun said he wants to see you in this!" Liyana grinned, handing her the skirt.
Aina glanced at the garment, then shot Xia Lun a look reserved for trash and vermin.
"Pervert," she murmured, though there was little reproach in her tone.
Xia Lun: "..."
Fortunately, Aina wasn’t genuinely upset. She must have overheard Liyana’s earlier exchange with Xia Lun and knew it was just a joke.
Otherwise, her reaction would have been far colder—she wouldn’t have even bothered speaking to him.
Liyana, however, seemed even more amused, as if she’d caught onto something, her lips curling into an unconscious smirk.
"Aina, since we’re here, why don’t you pick out something new? You wear that same black robe every day," Liyana coaxed.
"Unnecessary."
"Even if we don’t fuss over appearances when traveling, we’re still girls. We should dress up now and then... Who knows how smitten Xia Lun would be if you changed outfits?" Liyana pressed.
"Hey... Liyana, I’m not the type to be easily swayed. My will is steel," Xia Lun retorted.
"Hard to say. Our Aina is so beautiful—even if you’re the Hero, Xia Lun, you’d still fall at her feet." Liyana gave him a discreet thumbs-up behind Aina’s back.
That did sound intriguing.
A new idea took root in Aina’s mind.
She was the Demon King, after all. If she could bewitch the Hero into infatuation... the moment he discovered her true identity would be priceless.
Then, she could crush Xia Lun’s emotions and pride in the cruelest way—leaving him desperate to live yet longing to die, even willing to perish by her hand.
Truly, she was born to be the Demon King. What a terrifying thought.
Slowly, Aina rose from her seat and approached the clothing rack, her expression stern as she scrutinized the garments, though her icy demeanor remained, as if the fabrics had personally wronged her.
"So?" Liyana grinned, eager for praise. "Did I do you a solid?"
"Weren’t you the one who wanted to see Aina try on clothes in the first place?"
"Nonsense! I’ve given up on Aina—she’s your target now." Liyana clapped Xia Lun’s shoulder boisterously.
"D-don’t say things like that, Liyana. Aina is our teammate..."
"Oh?" Liyana arched a brow. "Are you seriously claiming you don’t feel anything for her?"
Xia Lun’s face stiffened slightly.
"We’ve been together since childhood. I’ve never seen you act like this around other girls—you think I don’t know you?" Liyana scoffed.
Xia Lun took a deep breath. He knew lying would be futile.
"...I do. A little."
"Still, I’m curious. Why Aina? What’s so great about her? Most people wouldn’t tolerate her temper—well, at least not at first."
Once she confirmed Xia Lun’s feelings, Liyana felt an inexplicable twinge of irritation, as though something precious had been snatched away.
With a derisive sniff, she added, "Don’t tell me it’s just her looks. Silver hair and crimson eyes are rare, sure... Tch, men really do think with their lower halves."
"Of course not. I’m not that shallow."
"Ah, so you’re a masochist who enjoys being scorned by Aina?" Liyana gasped, covering her mouth in mock surprise.
Xia Lun’s eye twitched. "What? No. What’s wrong with you, Liyana?"
"Doubt it. You looked pretty pleased when Aina called you a pervert earlier."
"Ahem." Clearing his throat, Xia Lun pondered before answering, "If I had to say... it’s her mystique. At first, it was just curiosity—she’s always hiding something. But then I realized I cared... I wanted to know more about her."
"Wow, Xia Lun. I didn’t know you had it in you to say something so embarrassing." Liyana widened her eyes.
Just then, Aina emerged from the fitting room.
Gone was the bulky, shapeless robe. In its place was an elegant black gown.
The graceful curve of her neck traced the arc of a swan gliding over frozen waters. The black silk clung to her shoulders like a butterfly’s wings poised to break free from its cocoon, while the hollow of her collarbone cradled shadows that swayed like candlelight.
Her figure, neither exaggerated nor ostentatious, was exquisitely proportioned—every contour a delight to behold. Beneath the hem, glimpses of slender, alabaster calves peeked out, luminous as moonlit snow.
Xia Lun’s lips parted slightly, admiration flickering in his gaze.
Aina seemed satisfied with his reaction, sweeping a lock of silver hair behind her ear with an air of cool detachment, like a fae bathed in moonlight.
"Thanks for the feast," Liyana intoned solemnly, pressing her palms together. "A sight like this could make even stale bread taste divine."
Aina tilted her chin slightly, her eyes locking onto Xia Lun as if demanding his verdict.
"Stunning... It suits you perfectly," he praised without hesitation.
"Naturally." A faint smirk tugged at her lips, radiating confidence.
She had, of course, overheard Liyana and Xia Lun’s conversation.
And secretly, it pleased her.
The Hero was indeed interested in her—which meant her plan was viable.
After all, she still hadn’t gauged Xia Lun’s true strength... Truth be told, her patience was wearing thin.
If she could break him another way, all the better.
Aina saw no issue with this. Yes—this was the wisdom of a Demon King.
Manipulating events from the shadows, holding all the strings... This was what it meant to rule.
Brute force alone was meaningless. A true Demon King mastered hearts as well.
"The mage lady seems rather pleased," Liyana whispered to Xia Lun.
"So it seems."