For hours on end, Judas found himself getting dragged around by Riveria, who, for some reason, seemed very eager to fulfill Loki's request, treating him like a dress-up doll.
Still, Judas couldn't help but be impressed.
The efficiency with which Riveria worked was impressive.
As a royal High Elf, Riveria used her connections to find him the best tailor in the city, one that not even money could buy.
Looking at the elven tailor measuring him and Riveria, who kept giving suggestions about the details of his suit, Judas didn't even have time to speak before rows of clothing had been presented before him.
After a few hours…
"I think this is alright. We should just get this."
Judas said with a slightly tired, hoarse voice, already stepping forward to pay.
But Riveria didn't agree right away.
She narrowed her eyes and scrutinized the suit he was wearing from head to toe before eventually shaking her head.
"No… it doesn't match the color of your eyes… try another one."
Hearing this, Judas felt his face turn slightly pale.
"...Another one?"
"Yes."
Riveria answered without the slightest hint of hesitation.
"The cut is acceptable, but the color dulls your complexion. It also clashes with your hair."
She gently adjusted the collar before stepping back to examine him once more.
"And the sleeves are a little too long."
The elderly elf tailor standing nearby nodded in complete agreement.
"Lady Riveria has an exceptional eye."
"I shall prepare another set immediately."
Before Judas could object, two assistants hurried over and whisked him behind a changing screen.
"..."
'At this point, do I even have a say in this?'
Several minutes later, he stepped out wearing another suit.
Riveria circled around him once.
"...Better."
Then she frowned.
"But the shoulders don't sit quite right."
The tailor's expression immediately stiffened.
"My deepest apologies. We shall make the adjustments at once."
Another round of measurements followed.
Judas stood there with his arms spread apart while measuring tapes wrapped around his chest, shoulders, waist, and legs.
"..."
'To think I have to experience this again.'
'I think I preferred fighting monsters.'
Even though he had Estelon's memories and had lived a life of royalty… Estelon was the type of person who would attend an important event wearing casual clothes without batting an eye simply because they were comfortable.
'Heh... I guess some things just stay the same.'
It was only through the insistence of his subordinates that he managed to maintain at least some level of decorum and was forced to wear formal clothing, just like Riveria was doing now.
...
Nearly three hours later.
"This one."
Riveria finally declared.
The tailor let out a sigh of relief as if a great burden had been lifted from his shoulders.
Judas lowered his gaze to inspect himself in the mirror.
The black formal suit fit him perfectly, every seam tailored to his physique without feeling restrictive.
Silver embroidery subtly traced the cuffs and collar, while a dark violet necktie complemented the color of his eyes.
Even he had to admit...
'...It does look pretty good.'
Riveria nodded with satisfaction.
"Now you look presentable."
Judas gave a small smile.
"Thank you."
"There is no need."
Riveria calmly replied.
"As a representative of the Loki Familia, your appearance reflects upon all of us."
Although that was what she said...
When she caught sight of Judas standing before the mirror, even Riveria paused for the briefest moment.
This boy now carried an entirely different aura.
The tailored suit accentuated his lean build, while his black hair and violet eyes gave him a composed yet mysterious appearance.
Even Riveria found herself captivated for a few seconds when she first saw him in this suit.
'...He cleans up rather well.'
She admitted inwardly as she let out a fake cough, a light blush creeping onto her cheeks.
Not that she would ever say it aloud.
"Next."
Riveria suddenly spoke after composing herself.
"We still need shoes."
Judas' smile froze.
"...There's more? But I have shoes at home, aren't those enough?"
Riveria looked at him as if he were a country bumpkin.
"...No."
She answered flatly.
"Most of the boots you wear every day are meant for adventuring."
"They're durable, practical, and completely unsuitable for a formal banquet."
Judas lowered his gaze to the boots he was currently wearing.
The leather was worn, with faint scratches and scuff marks covering the surface.
"But it's not like people are going to look down on what shoes we're wearing, right?"
Riveria pinched the bridge of her nose.
Judas could only smile wryly.
"A proper outfit is more than just the suit."
"..."
Judas slowly looked toward the exit.
'Can I still escape?'
Unfortunately, the moment he took a single step, Riveria's calm voice sounded from behind him.
"Judas."
"...Yes?"
"We're not finished."
…
When night fell and the sun slipped below the horizon, Judas looked at himself in the mirror and nodded in approval.
'Although it was tiring, Riveria did a really good job.'
Leaving his room, Judas walked down the hallway toward Loki's quarters.
Entering Loki's room, instead of the men's-style clothing she wore in the anime, she was actually wearing a beautiful dress that matched the color of her hair.
"Loki… it's almost seven. The carriage should be here soon."
When she turned around to look at him, Loki grinned and looked him up and down as if savoring the view.
"Damn! What a heartthrob!"
"I bet half the thirsty goddesses in that party are gonna drool over ya!"
Loki remarked with a whistle.
"Even I feel tempted."
She added as she wiped the drool form her lips.
Ignoring her teasing, Judas offered his arm.
"Shall we depart?"
"Heh… what a gentleman. Did Riveria teach ya that?"
Loki chuckled, hooking her arm through his.
"Alright then… let's get this show on the road."
...
The rhythmic clatter of horses' hooves echoed down the road before coming to a stop in front of the manor gates.
"It is an honor to be of service to the Loki Familia."
The carriage driver said as he tipped his top hat respectfully.
Judas glanced at the elegant, ornately decorated carriage waiting before them before turning to look behind him.
Ais, Tiona, Tione, Lefiya, and the others had come to see them off.
"Aww... why couldn't the rest of us go? That's not fair! I wanted to come with Judas."
Tiona whined, puffing out her cheeks in dissatisfaction.
"Tiona... this is a banquet where Loki is only permitted to bring one guest."
Riveria replied with a helpless shake of her head before stepping toward Judas once more.
Without a word, she straightened his tie, smoothed the collar of his suit, and even brushed aside a stray lock of black hair that had fallen over his forehead.
Looking at Riveria, who was radiating an overwhelming amount of maternal energy, Judas could only smile wryly and let her fuss over him.
"There..."
Riveria took a step back, giving him one final inspection.
"...Perfect."
She nodded in satisfaction.
"..."
Judas instinctively glanced toward the sky.
'This kinda feels like I'm about to leave for my first day of school...'
Even though it was a bit embarrassing, feeling the warmth behind her actions made it impossible to brush her off.
"Fufufu..."
Loki watched the interaction with an amused smirk before her lips curled into a familiar, mischievous grin.
"Tsk, tsk… as expected of Mama Riveria. Just can't help yourself, can ya?"
Loki's teasing instantly cut short when Riveria leveled a icy glare at her.
"Judas, you look great."
Lefiya said shyly, her cheeks faintly flushed as she looked at him.
'Ah~... he looks so handsome... He really looks like Prince Charming.'
The young elf felt her imagination begin to run wild.
Since Riveria had personally chosen his attire, the suit carried subtle influences from traditional elven fashion, giving him an elegant and refined appearance.
"Judas, have fun."
Ais said quietly as she looked at him with a warm gaze.
When she first laid eyes on him dressed so neatly, it would be a lie if she said it didn't cause her heart to skip a beat.
"Thanks, we'll be back later this evening."
Judas said as he met her gaze.
Looking at the way her precious Ais was looking at him…
Loki felt as though she had drunk battery acid.
Her face twitched, and she hurriedly grabbed his arm before dragging him toward the carriage.
"We are about to be late, let's go."
She said as she dragged him along, having to force herself not to grind her teeth.
"Bye-bye!"
Tiona cheered, waving both hands in the air.
"Have fun!"
Lefiya added with a smile.
Ais simply gave a small nod.
"See you later."
With the farewells of his Familia behind him, Judas stepped into the carriage alongside Loki.
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