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Chapter 84: How To Look Like A Noble
Zayn barely had time to react before Celestia grabbed his wrist and pulled him through the grand hallways of her estate.
He was still trying to process the insanity that had just occurred — how he had somehow become a fake boyfriend, and how he was going to fight her Friend’s boyfriend.
Before he could even ask for clarification, Celestia stopped in front of a grand oak door.
She inhaled deeply, rolled her shoulders, and then, with a sharp clap of her hands, the doors swung open.
Zayn blinked.
Inside the room, lined up with almost military precision, was a group of maids.
But not just any maids — varied maids.
Busty ones, flat ones, average ones, short ones, tall ones — Zayn had never seen such a diverse collection of maid anatomy in one place before.
He turned his head slightly toward Celestia. "...What the hell is this?"
Celestia grinned mischievously. "Your transformation."
Zayn took a slow step backward. "I don’t like that word."
She pushed him forward. "You need to look the part, Zayn. If you’re going to play my noble boyfriend, you need to dress like one."
He scoffed. "I’ve seen one too many nobles, I know how they dress. Besides I’m an Adventurer."
Celestia blinked, clearly thrown off for a second, but quickly recovered. "Okay, Adventurer or not, you look too... rugged. Adventurer-y. And my boyfriend needs to exude class."
Zayn rubbed his temples. "Celestia, It’s just a fight. Do I really need to dress up?"
She smirked. "Oh, but of course. Reputation, remember?"
Before he could retort, the maids closed in. Zayn barely had time to let out a strangled, "Wait — " before he was practically dragged into another room.
The next twenty minutes of his life were a blur of fabric, scissors, and feminine hands adjusting, measuring, and styling.
First, they stripped him out of his light armor.
His usual rough, durable clothes were peeled away and replaced with something more... luxurious.
A deep navy-blue noble suit with silver embroidery. It was fitted — tailored so well to his frame that Zayn was almost impressed.
The sleeves hugged his arms just right, the vest sat snugly against his torso, and the pants — gods help him — they were so damn comfortable.
Then they took his sword.
"What — no. No, you’re not taking my weapon."
One of the older maids smiled sweetly. "Oh, but milord, a noble wouldn’t carry around such a crude weapon."
"Crude?" Zayn looked offended. "That blade has saved my life more times than I can count."
A younger maid giggled. "We have something more refined for you."
A new sword was placed into his hands.
It was smooth. Elegant. Thin and polished, with an intricate hilt design that looked more decorative than practical.
Zayn stared at it. "This isn’t a sword. This is a fashion statement."
"It’s a noble’s sword, milord," another maid corrected gently. "To go with your noble suit."
Zayn ran a hand down his face. "You people are going to kill me."
By the time he stepped back out, the air around him had changed.
Gone was the adventurer.
Gone was the rugged, battle-worn warrior.
In his place stood something far more refined.
A Noble if words could describe him.
Even Zayn had to admit — he looked the part.
Celestia, who had been waiting outside, yelped in excitement when she saw him. "Oh my gods, you actually look good!"
Zayn deadpanned. "Thanks. I think."
She walked around him, eyeing his new attire with satisfaction. "Oh, you’re so much more presentable now."
"I hate it."
She ignored him.
Then, suddenly, she stepped in close — too close.
Zayn barely had time to process before Celestia leaned in, tilting her head ever so slightly toward his cheek.
He instinctively pushed her face away with a palm, his other hand keeping his new, stupidly fancy sword balanced at his side.
Celestia pouted. "Hey! That was supposed to be a noble greeting!"
"That was you trying to sneak a kiss," Zayn corrected, unimpressed.
Celestia huffed, folding her arms. "It’s common etiquette among nobility!"
"I know a noble friend, and I can confirm that’s a lie."
Before she could argue, a soft hum filled the air.
Zayn immediately noticed it — his instincts screaming at him before the sound fully registered.
It was the distinct ripple of magic.
A magic circle materialized behind Celestia’s ear, glowing faintly.
Her eyes widened. "She’s hereeee — "
Without hesitation, she grabbed Zayn’s arm and practically dragged him toward the front entrance of the estate.
Zayn let out an exasperated sigh. "Here we go again."
By the time they reached the grand entrance, the double doors were already swinging open.
A wave of magic rolled through the space, tingling against Zayn’s skin. Whoever had just arrived was strong.
Very strong.
Then, she walked in.
Zayn had fought monsters, bandits, dragons, and even a damn skeletal dragon at one point.
But somehow, none of them had ever given him the same sense of foreboding as the woman who just stepped into the estate.
She was elegant. Too elegant.
Dark purple hair cascading over her shoulders, piercing golden eyes that held the weight of someone who knew things, and a smirk that spelled nothing but trouble.
She was beautiful. But in the way a venomous snake was beautiful.
Zayn’s entire being screamed danger.
Celestia squeezed his hand a little too tightly. "Zayn," she whispered. "Don’t say anything stupid."
Zayn blinked. "What do you think I’m gonna do?"
She gave him a look.
"...Fine."
The woman stopped before them, golden eyes flicking lazily between the two.
Celestia inhaled sharply, then forced a bright, clearly fake smile. "Lady Isadora! What a surprise!"
Isadora chuckled, her voice smooth and velvety. "Celestia, darling. You look well."
Celestia tensed, and Zayn immediately noted the shift in her demeanor.
Interesting.
Then, Isadora’s gaze flickered toward him.
Zayn kept his expression neutral.
Isadora’s smirk grew. "And who is this?"
Celestia’s grip on his arm tightened slightly. "This is my boyfriend, Zayn."
Isadora raised a perfectly sculpted eyebrow. "Oh? Boyfriend, you say?"
She took a slow step forward. Then another.
Zayn stared her down.
