Sylvia's Little Thoughts

"Wizard Xu Xi, what do you think of this one?"

"It's soft and well-fitted. I believe it will suit you."

"If you dislike the color, you might consider this one instead. The lining woven from silver wool will provide greater comfort."

Inside the clothing store, the staff could hardly intervene.

Servia Clawphire picked out garments on her own, occasionally holding them up against Xu Xi for comparison.

All Xu Xi had to do was nod or shake his head to decide which formal attire would stay.

Outside the window, the setting sun dyed the streets of the Holy City gold. The stained-glass windows refracted the light, casting a soft, colorful hue over Xu Xi as his outfit transformed.

The silver wool lining.

A sleek, black tailored coat.

Matching trousers.

And small, intricate ornaments—silver-white or pale gold—adorning the collar and cuffs, details Xu Xi had never paid attention to before.

"Wizard Xu Xi, please wait a moment."

Servia stepped forward, carefully adjusting his collar, smoothing out every uneven fold with her fingers.

Only then did she finally smile.

"Wizard Xu Xi, how do you feel?"

"...It feels strange," Xu Xi answered honestly.

Glancing down at the clothes she had painstakingly chosen, he thought they were far too flashy and extravagant for his usual style.

Not that he disliked them.

But wearing something like this for the first time left him with an indescribable sensation.

"Thank you, Servia."

"For always helping me pick out formal wear."

"Time is running short—you should hurry and choose something for yourself too."

Xu Xi smiled, expressing his gratitude while reaching out to tidy the slightly disheveled strands of her hair.

The shopkeeper rushed over, rubbing his hands together, presenting several outfits he claimed were the latest trends among nobility—so captivating that princes would stare and princesses would envy.

Yet Servia rejected every single one.

"Forgive me, Wizard Xu Xi, but could you…"

"Choose my attire for tonight?"

Servia Clawphire turned to face him.

Her emerald eyes, usually as clear and bright as gemstones, now held an inexplicable intensity.

Xu Xi agreed.

"Alright," he said with a smile.

"Just know my taste might not be the best, Servia."

"That’s alright, Wizard Xu Xi."

Whatever you choose,

I’ll love it.

Not because it’s beautiful, but because it’s you who picked it.

"Then I’ll leave it to you, Wizard Xu Xi~~" Servia blinked, immediately clinging to his left arm as she pulled him toward the women’s section.

She pressed close,

her face radiant with joy,

like a blooming flower following Xu Xi’s every step.

"Servia, what about this one—"

"Beautiful!"

"Uh, and this one—"

"Also beautiful!"

The Hero was so eager to praise that no matter what Xu Xi selected, she wholeheartedly approved.

Her enthusiasm made him suspect that even if he chose a sackcloth, she would happily wear it.

Of course,

Xu Xi had no intention of doing so.

After some deliberation, along with the shop’s tailoring and the aid of magic, Servia’s custom gown was soon ready.

A pale green silk skirt.

White lace trimming the edges.

A fiery red collar, bright as flames, accentuating the girl’s courage and fearlessness.

Her sunlit hair, usually tied in a high ponytail, now cascaded freely, half-braided with golden strands framing her ears, shimmering faintly in the light.

"W-Wizard Xu Xi…?"

"How do I… look…?"

It was strange.

Despite all her mental preparation,

Servia now seemed unbearably shy.

Her gaze wavered, fingers clutching the hem of her skirt as if she had suddenly forgotten how to act around him.

"Absolutely stunning, Servia."

Xu Xi’s eyes softened as he praised her.

Her beauty overlapped with the memory of the cautious skeleton she once was, filling him with warmth. He gently stroked her hair.

No longer needing to save the world in despair,

the Hero could now embrace life’s joys.

"Let’s go, Servia."

"Ah—yes, Wizard Xu Xi."

Xu Xi took her slightly trembling hand, paid for their attire, and headed toward the heart of the white Holy City.

As the sun set,

night draped over the sky.

The city’s festivities gradually reached their peak.

On the outskirts, commoners enjoyed performances and shopped for exotic goods.

At the center, nobles and powerful figures discussed the shifting world order after the Demon King’s demise.

Xu Xi paid little attention to such matters.

He had only come for Servia’s sake.

Yet even now,

he couldn’t understand why she had suddenly wanted to attend a banquet.

Servia was never one for such events.

"Duke Olita, I never expected to see you here!"

"Long time no see, Baron Dothordronk! Haha, allow me to introduce the Second Prince of the Kingdom of Norma."

"A pleasure!"

On their way to the city center,

acquaintances exchanged pleasantries, sharing news or casual chatter.

Hand in hand, Xu Xi and Servia ascended the steps, passing rows of guards before finally arriving at the palace gates where the banquet was held.

The structure was breathtaking—

towering stone pillars and arched domes, light spilling through every crevice.

From afar,

it resembled a sunlit palace untouched by darkness.

"Wizard Xu Xi, I forgot something very important!"

Just before stepping inside,

Servia’s expression changed. Flustered, she apologized, saying she needed to retrieve something and would return shortly.

"I’m so sorry, Wizard Xu Xi!"

"It’s fine. Go ahead."

Xu Xi smiled gently. "I’ll wait here for you, Servia."

"Yes, Wizard Xu Xi!"

The Hero hurried off. Though her destination was unclear in the night, Xu Xi faintly sensed a ripple in space.

"Did Servia go to another world?"

he wondered.

He intended to wait,

but the dense crowd on the steps made it impossible to stay still.

Swept along by the flow, he soon found himself inside the dazzling hall.

The air buzzed with laughter and clinking glasses.

Light flooded the space as delicacies circulated.

Before him unfolded an opulent feast, attended by royalty, nobility, and seasoned warriors from across the lands.

The moment elegant music swelled, the joyous chatter grew even livelier.

Xu Xi could only sigh.

This kind of setting really wasn’t for him.