Chapter 71: The Robes That Refused to Behave
š Act I: A Stylish Announcement
Ne Job was adjusting the hem of his intern robe when a scroll floated down, trailing threads of silk and sparkles.
> Notice from the Department of Divine Attire:
> You are invited to the Celestial Fashion Showcase.
> Theme: "Miracles in Motion."
> All interns must present one robe design.
> Judges: The Sentient Robes of the Realm.
Ao Bing gasped. "Sentient robes? They're picky!"
Taiyi Zhenren adjusted his collar. "Last year, a robe refused to be worn and flew off mid-show."
Ne Job blinked. "We're designing clothesā¦ for robes?"
Twinkle hummed nervously.
Lord Xian appeared. "Interns must collaborate with their robes. No enchantments. No ego. Just elegance."
Ne Job saluted. "Time to stitch."
---
š§µ Act II: Designing with Personality
Ne Job visited the Department of Divine Attire ā a grand hall filled with floating fabrics, humming needles, and mannequins that offered unsolicited advice.
His robe ā a modest, moon-threaded garment ā floated beside him, occasionally twitching.
"Hello," Ne Job said. "I'd like to design with you."
The robe shimmered and wrote on a scroll:
> "I prefer subtle flair. No glitter. And I refuse to be paired with thunderfruit dye."
Ao Bing's robe demanded sequins and a cape.
Taiyi Zhenren's robe insisted on footnote embroidery.
Ne Job sketched a design: soft folds, gentle shimmer, and a hidden pocket for Twinkle.
The robe approved.
---
š Act III: Rehearsal Mayhem
During rehearsal, chaos erupted.
Ao Bing's robe refused to walk the runway unless it was announced with a trumpet fanfare.
Taiyi Zhenren's robe began reciting regulations mid-stride.
A rogue robe from the Department of Forgotten Fabrics tried to eat a scroll.
Ne Job's robe floated calmly ā until it spotted a rival robe wearing the same shade of moon-thread.
It flared dramatically and wrote:
> "I demand a redesign. I will not be duplicated."
Ne Job sighed. "Fashion is feelings."
---
š§ Act IV: The Last-Minute Fix
With hours to go, Ne Job scrambled to redesign.
He added:
- A whisperroot lining that murmured affirmations.
- A stardust clasp shaped like a teacup.
- A hem that shimmered only when kindness was nearby.
The robe pulsed gently.
Twinkle hummed.
Ne Job whispered, "Ready?"
The robe floated into place.
---
š Act V: The Showcase
The runway was a glowing path of clouds and scrolls.
Robes strutted, twirled, and occasionally argued with their wearers.
Ao Bing's robe performed a dramatic spin.
Taiyi Zhenren's robe footnoted every step.
Ne Job's robe glided forward ā calm, elegant, and quietly radiant.
The Sentient Robes conferred.
One robe whispered, "Subtle. Thoughtful."
Another hummed, "Emotionally resonant."
The third floated forward and draped itself around Ne Job's robe.
> "We approve."
---
š Epilogue: A New Design Scroll
The next morning, a new scroll appeared in the Bureau's design archive:
> Design #R-88: The Intern's Whisperrobe
> Created by: Intern Ne Job and Robe #M-7
> Effect: Calms wearer, affirms kindness, resists duplication.
Ne Job added a note:
> "Fashion isn't just flair. It's feeling. And sometimes, it's a robe that knows who you are."
Twinkle hummed.
And somewhere in the Bureau, a robe twirled quietly ā proud, elegant, and finally understood.