Part 3
The streets of Velmyra bustled with energy—vendors shouting their wares, dwarves arguing over imported fabrics, and tailors rushing by with rolls of cloth slung over their shoulders.
Stone buildings adorned with golden and silver signs gave the city an air of elegance that sharply contrasted with Molgaroth's industrial grit.
Haruto walked with his hands in his pockets, taking in the commotion.
"This city never stops amazing me… Dwarves really don't know how to slow down."
"Velmyra's the fashion capital of dwarvenkind," Thalindra said proudly, crossing her arms.
"Even the casual wear here looks high-end. So if you're planning on buying anything… better have your wallet ready."
Yuna smiled and opened the pouch of Gold Yues Melodia had given them.
"I think we can afford to indulge a little."
Rina, on the other hand, had come to a complete stop. Her golden eyes sparkled with wonder as she stared at the mannequins dressed in elegant clothes.
"So much clothes… so colorful… so clean…" she murmured, mesmerized.
"Alright! Time to turn our favorite wild girl into a proper lady, kizu~!" Kizuna cried, spinning with excitement.
Before Rina could react, Yuna and Thalindra grabbed her by the arms and dragged her into the nearest boutique.
Inside Imperial Silk, the warm lighting bathed everything in a soft glow. Large mirrors reflected the spacious interior, and folding screens with golden patterns marked the fitting areas.
A dwarf woman with orange hair and a flawless tailored suit greeted them with a slight bow.
"Welcome to Imperial Silk. I'm Minu. What can I help you with today?"
"Something elegant. We'll be attending a formal party in Astralith," Yuna explained.
"I see. And your budget?"
Yuna shook the pouch. The jingle of coins made Rina tilt her head curiously.
"About a hundred Gold Yues."
Minu raised an eyebrow.
"Not quite noble level… but respectable."
With practiced efficiency, she began evaluating each of them.
She looked at Yuna first.
"You're easy. This Lumina-line dress will highlight your curves and make your hair shine.
She handed her a white dress with golden accents.
Next, she turned to Simmone and pulled out another design.
"For the one with a mystical air… this light blue gown with gemstone detailing will bring out your eyes. Put your hair up with the right accessories, and you could pass for nobility."
Simmone gave a quiet nod and took the dress, clearly indifferent.
Then it was Rina's turn.
Minu scanned her from head to toe and frowned.
"Hm… this will be a challenge."
Before Rina could protest, the dwarf snapped her fingers. A squad of seamstresses appeared instantly, tape measures and fabric rolls in hand, and whisked her away behind a screen.
Haruto and Thalindra stood by the counter, arms crossed.
"Hey, Thalindra… don't you think this has gone a bit overboard?" Haruto whispered.
"At this point… there's no turning back."
Suddenly, the screen curtain was thrown open.
Rina stepped out in her first outfit.
The room went silent.
She wore a green ball gown with blue lace trim, long sleeves, and a tight corset. Her expression said it all.
"Can't… move… help…" she muttered stiffly, completely frozen in place.
Haruto tried to stifle his laughter, while Thalindra doubled over, clutching her stomach.
Minu, however, gave a nod, completely composed.
"It fits her perfectly. Though she really ought to visit a salon… her hair, while beautiful, looks like it was cut with a hunting knife."
Thalindra could barely stay on her feet, watching Rina wrestle with the dress like she was trying to escape a death trap.
But before Haruto could make a comment…
Minu turned with a razor-sharp glare.
"You two. The scruffy one and the grease-stained one. Don't laugh… You're next."
Thalindra blinked.
"Wait… what?"
Minu raised her hand and snapped her fingers.
"Jeff. Code three. I need you."
From the back of the shop emerged a dwarf dressed to the nines. His mustache was perfectly combed, and he radiated refined disapproval with every step.
He stopped in front of Haruto, examining him from head to toe.
"Hmm… fascinating. This young man thinks he has 'style' with that red coat… but he clearly has no idea what he's doing with his image."
A chill ran down Haruto's spine.
"Hey, now hold on a second. This coat makes me look awesome!"
Minu waved her hand with dramatic flair.
"He's all yours."
"With pleasure," Jeff said, adjusting his silk gloves.
Before Haruto could escape, he was already being dragged behind a screen.
Thalindra watched, grinning smugly.
"Oh yeah… now this is getting good."
Kizuna floated beside her, wearing a mischievous grin.
"Haruto-kyun's in the hands of fashion! I can't wait to see the results, kizu~!"
Still trapped in her corset, Rina tried to move—but collapsed to her knees with a groan.
"Rina… stuck… again…"
Minu placed a hand on her forehead and sighed.
"…I'm going to need tea."
From behind the screen came Haruto's desperate cry:
"SOMEONE SAVE ME FROM THIS DWARF!"
Minu raised her voice, calm but commanding.
"Julia! Code five."
Immediately, a dwarf woman with sky-blue hair and an elegant dress descended the stairs with graceful poise.
"How may I assist you, madam?" she asked with a refined bow.
Minu gestured subtly.
"See the redhead who's laughing to herself over there?"
Julia tilted her head, spotting Thalindra, who was still grinning at the chaos.
"I see her, madam."
"I want a full makeover. These youngsters have a formal event in Astralith, and I refuse to let a dwarf embarrass us in the elven capital."
"She's in your hands while I continue with our long-legged lady here."
Thalindra's laughter stopped cold.
"...Wait, what did I do?"
Julia adjusted her gloves with a critical gaze.
"Oh, darling… there's so much to fix."
Before Thalindra could protest, she too was being dragged away with surprising strength.
Minu turned her attention back to Rina.
"Alright, tall one. Let's continue."
Rina, still tangled in her dress, blinked a few times in confusion.
"Rina… no want makeover… Rina just want move…"
"Yes, yes, relax. Leave it to the professionals," Minu replied, clapping once.
Immediately, a squad of dwarf stylists appeared—armed with measuring tapes, scissors, and combs—swarming around Rina like a tactical strike team.
Yuna watched the scene unfold with quiet resignation.
Haruto was still trapped under Jeff's merciless control.
Thalindra, who'd been laughing just moments ago, now found herself unable to escape.
And Rina… looked seconds away from leaping out the nearest window.
"Well… at least Melodia's going to be happy," Yuna muttered.
Kizuna floated beside her, absolutely delighted by the chaos.
"Haruto-kyun, Thalindra, and Rina caught in a makeover ambush? This is pure gold, kizu~!"
"I just hope we make it out of here with a shred of dignity left…" Yuna sighed, as the sounds of scissors snipping, fabric tearing, and muffled protests filled the air.
Dwarven haute couture… spared no one.