CH 58

The Prince

There are many types of formal wear for Vuld women. You have dresses imported or recreated from Earth, traditional military uniforms, and many others. On the contrary, when it comes to men, earth-style formal wear is unpopular with Vuld because they are not considered cute.

Then what kind of formal wear is available for Vuld men? The answer is simply as there’s one right in front of Kisei now.

“Nope.”

Kisei muttered while staring at something that can only be expressed as a dress adorned by numerous slits. Even though the dress itself is made of plenty of cloth, the amount of skin shown such as the upper part of his arms and legs made it look very embarrassing to wear. Since he’s not an exhibitionist, Kisei doesn’t dare to wear such a thing.

“Kuh…….how unfortunate.”

Schleered moaned with an expression that says that she’s already expected his reaction. This ‘dress’ she prepared was the one that she secretly ordered for Kisei. That’s why she couldn’t help but be disappointed at his reaction even though she had expected it.

“I can just go like this right. Leaving aside whether this thing suits me or not, I’m definitely not going to wear that.”

Kisei is currently wearing a Calencian military uniform for ceremonial uses which was slightly modified from the one for women. The uniform was designed with blue fabric at its base and golden aiguillette. A slightly gorgeous and sophisticated design.

“I, I mean, if I say that the uniform doesn’t suit you then I’d turn every woman here into my enemy you know.”

Said Schleer as she turned away with loosened cheeks.

“Still, a crossdress beauty huh…….I never knew that this is an option…….Rather, I think Kisei-san would get a full score no matter what you wear though…….”

“Saying that it’s crossdressing is embarrassing enough alright!”

Without any joy from hearing such a compliment, Kisei shouted so and let out a deep sigh.

“Well, I’m done getting dressed so let’s go. Your brother is waiting right?”

“Y, Yes. That’s true. This way please.”

Taking Kisei’s hand, Schleer led the way out of the small private room which they used as a changing room. Their destination is the guest room.

The two are now in the central government building of the capital about half an hour drive from the port where the [Radiant] was anchored at. Their purpose here today is to meet Prince Ao, Schleer’s younger brother, who’s planning to visit the [Radiant] today. 

“We’re here.”

After making their way through the government building which looks a lot like the government office on earth for a while, what appeared in front of Kisei was a heavy wooden door. When Schleer knocked on it, a reply saying [Please come in.] returned from the inside.

“Ahh, Nee-san!”

The one who greeted them was a beautiful little boy with white hair. He’s wearing a dress with a similar design to what Kisei refused to wear earlier. Once he spotted Schleer, he immediately ran up to her.

“How are you doing? Are you injured? Have you been eating properly?”

Seeing the boy who asked her multiple questions in succession, Schleer smiled bitterly at him. This kind of reaction is as expected so she did not get taken aback by him. After all, he has been worried about her since she departed to battle.

“I’m fine, Ao. Your sister is doing well.”

Schleer hugs the trembling Ao and gently strokes his head. By doing so, he seems to have finally calmed down and nervously let her go.

“I’m, I’m sorry, Nee-san. It’s been a while.”

“It’s okay. But I’m here with someone today, you should offer your greeting first right.”

“Ah……-”

It seems that he just noticed the presence of Kisei when their eyes finally intersected. Ao is even shorter than the petite Kisei so it’s the first time in a long while since he has to look down to talk to someone.

“Hello, It’s nice to meet you. I’m Hokuto Kisei, a mercenary.”

When Kisei introduced himself with a smile, Ao immediately blushed and repeatedly nodded. It wouldn’t be weird if steam rose from his head now.

“Awawa…..I, I’m A, Ao Henrietta…..!”

After he somehow managed to return a greeting with a bow, Ao confusedly turned to Schleer.”

“N, Nee-san! Didn’t you say that a man is coming today…….?! I didn’t know that you’d bring such a beautiful woman…..!”

“Eh, No, he’s wearing women’s clothes but this person is a man you know.”

“EHHH!?”

Ao looks at Kisei’s face with a serious expression but the vermillion shade on his face only darkens as he shyly looks away.

“Y, You’re lying. This person is obviously a woman right.”

“You think so? He looks completely like a man to me though…….”

The sibling’s expression turned to a puzzled one while Kisei who’s in the middle of all this has a fed-up expression on his face.

“It’s strange right, men always mistake me for a woman but women always see me as a man.  Still, I’m definitely a man alright.”

“No way……”

For some reason, Ao looks away with a despaired expression on his face. However, he immediately shook his head and muttered [No, gender is nothing…….]. He then smiles and turns to face Kisei again.

“Uh, Umm…..I’m truly sorry. Forgive my rudeness.”

“I’m used to it already. Please don’t mind it.”

Kisei answers with a bitter smile. In truth, he’s so used to something like this so he doesn’t bother getting angry about it anymore.

“Thank you very much…….you will be my escort for today, correct? I will be in your care.”

Seeing Ao regain his composure and extend his hand toward him, Kisei gives him a deep bow and grabs his hand.

“Of course, please leave it to me.”