The Banquet Begins
The flower of a party is clothing. Men in sharp suits and women in stunning dresses dancing under the dazzling light of chandeliers—that's the image that first comes to mind when you think of a party.
"Not that I wanted to wear a dress or anything."
I muttered under my breath, eyeing Sylvia who'd barged into the professor's private office. In her hands was my dress. A simple pure-white fabric, unflashy and modest with no excessive exposure, accented just right with subtle blue trimmings. And... it was an antique from three hundred years ago, no less.
Or maybe calling it an antique to its face would be rude? Even after three centuries, it looked as pristine and lovely as if it'd just come off the shelf.
"...Why the hell do you still have a three-hundred-year-old relic? And you've been casting repair spells on it this whole time?"
"Obviously 'cause I wanted to see you wear it again, sis."
"Hah?"
I raised one eyebrow, looking up at her. Sylvia—such a cute, kind, wonderful girl... but scary as hell in moments like this. Holding onto an old dress for three hundred years, repairing it obsessively just to make me wear it again? Is this for real?
"I was planning to go in my professor's uniform."
Having lived a thousand years in this body, it felt weird saying that now, and yeah, I knew it sounded lame coming from a girl's body... but my male sense of self still lingered stronger. No helping it. I'd lived as a man until 26, when my ego fully formed. It was like how the language you learn as a kid sticks with you for life.
Plus, this vessel I reincarnated into was half-elf. Maybe because it lacked any real sexual urges? A thousand years in, and I'd never felt attracted to a man. Made me think, Guess I still can't shake my past life's gender.
So... dresses were a bit much. Not outright repulsive, but dolling up to look pretty? Kinda embarrassing.
"Absolutely not. No changing. Not happening. Go home."
I crossed my arms and turned away. Couldn't be harsh with the people close to me, so this was the firmest rejection I could muster for my beloved Sylvia.
"...Fine."
"?"
She accepted it so easily—what's up with that? Right then, Sylvia flashed an ominous smile.
"I went out of my way to give up my professor spot for you, set up a new class in three days, made the textbook from scratch... but if you hate it, no choice."
"Ugh...!"
Her words stabbed right at my conscience. Sounded fair when I thought about it. She'd busted her ass for me, and what had I done in return? Nothing.
"Haa..."
In the end, I couldn't refuse.
"...Just this once. For real."
My cheeks flushed faintly as I took the dress.
When the imperial invitation first arrived, Lily had been utterly flustered. As a former slave, luxuries like dresses were beyond her. The cost of one could cover a year's textbooks at the academy.
She'd never imagined attending high society soirees, so naturally, she hadn't bought one.
"...What do I do?"
She considered skipping, but it was an imperial event—no dice. Begging the factions? Leaning on one would tie her to them forever, and she hated that even more.
Maybe go in uniform? That's when Sylvia approached.
"Need a dress?"
"Principal?"
"Come with me. I'll get you a nice one."
The gift was a black dress that perfectly matched her hair—simple design, no gaudy ornaments. It suited her tastes spot-on.
"Th-thank you so much... but can I really accept this?"
"Of course. Made it to match your partner's."
"My partner?"
She knew what that meant. Party guests always came in pairs. But partner felt worlds away. She'd never dreamed of stepping into such events.
Who could it be...? Lily couldn't guess, but Sylvia smiled.
"Professor Ria."
"E-eh...?"
Even the ever-stoic Lily lost her composure. Attending beside her idol? Hard to believe.
"Look forward to it. I'll make you gorgeous."
Maybe that's why, an hour before the party, waiting in a quiet alley, her heart fluttered a bit.
She'd always known Professor Ria was beautiful. Even in casual professor garb, hair loosely down, no makeup—still pretty. Properly dolled up? Stunning, for sure.
But...
"...!"
Under the sunset glow, silver hair and a pristine white dress caught her eye instantly. A far cry from her usual bundled-up style. The bold exposure of shoulders and collarbone highlighted a feminine allure she'd never noticed.
Minimal makeup amplified her pure charm, paired perfectly with the lily ornament on her left hair.
If she weren't a woman, it might've stirred her heart. Honestly, even now, a little thrill lingered.
This look would turn heads—even from kids who disliked the professor.
"W-what's with that stare?"
Yet her shy demeanor was flawless too—almost too much.
Lily just said she was pretty.
"N-no, just... Professor, you're really beautiful."
"...You too."
With a bashful reply, a gloved hand in white lace settled over Lily's. She smiled brightly and took it.
The moment I saw Lily done up, I knew whose handiwork it was. Sylvia. Only she could've matched my dress code so perfectly.
"Haa..."
What an odd elf, I thought. Sure, I'm a reincarnator, but Sylvia's pure-blooded—and she bolted from the forest.
Whatever. As long as she looked pretty? Black dress Lily shed her bookworm vibe entirely. No more gloomy, quiet girl in long skirts and loose hair—she was a different person.
Proof? The stares pouring in, laced with shock.
"That's her?"
"Same girl...?"
"Hmph..."
Lily shrank under the scrutiny, so I squeezed her hand reassuringly. The prickly gazes faded when a servant approached with the guestbook.
"Professor Ria of the academy, student Lily? Correct?"
"Yes."
Recent events must've spread our faces around. No extra checks—he waved us through.
Finally relaxed, we took in the banquet hall.
"Flashy, huh?"
"Yes."
"Get used to it. You'll see plenty more."
But Lily's burdened expression lingered.
"Won't push you to adapt right away, though."
So I led her outside. Past the bustling hall, down cool, dim corridors, to a terrace overlooking the capital's bright night.
Cool night breeze filled my lungs, clearing the mental clutter.
"Better here?"
"Yes..."
"When the hall gets too hectic, slip out here for a breather."
I drew the curtains.
"Curtains up means 'occupied—stay out.'"
The bright light from the hall cut off, leaving perfect silence. Glancing aside, I saw Lily's tense face. Olivia was coming soon—worry over her wand-grabbing intentions, no doubt.
"Worried?"
"Mm... honestly? Yes."
I stroked the back of her hand.
"Don't be. Nothing like what you're imagining will happen."
The party's mood was ripening; even here, sounds drifted in. Gently, I tugged her hand.
"Let's peek. She'll be here soon."
Out the terrace, down the opposite corridor—to another overlooking the hall's interior. Leaning there, I checked preparations while glancing down.
Telepathy link with Luna: ready.
Magic to erase mana traces: ready.
Remote control over Luna's body for emergencies: ready.
Auditory enhancement to eavesdrop from the terrace: ready.
"Hm-hmm."
Humming softly, I surveyed the hall. The main doors swung open, revealing the guests of honor: Sylvia and Olivia.
All eyes turned there.
"Let's begin."
I pressed index and middle fingers to my ear, activating the magic circle.