I could tell I was completely naked. That meant the three kneeling girls got first row seats for a full view of my rising dragon. Add to that my attempt to sound cool and intimidating, and you got yourself one of those moments that will continue to haunt you for the rest of your days.
'Goddamn it! How am I supposed to go on like this?'
Nevertheless, I had to continue.
"Liliana Aveline Goldlance," I said, somehow keeping my voice steady. "I have heard your call, and thus I shall listen to your plea." I paused, closing my eyes for dramatic effects. "However, this is hardly the place for a proper conversation. Prepare the proper venue."
I fought the urge to check their reactions. Before long, I heard a somewhat enthusiastic reply.
"Yes, Great Spirit! I shall see to it at once!"
The reply came from Liliana, but the one who stood up and hurried away was Rosalia. That helped me confirm that the hierarchy of their little group was exactly the way it was in the game. Now, if only I had a way to deal with-
'Holly-'
I almost broke into a coughing fit. As it turned out, my new body came equipped with quite the massive cannon.
"I would very much appreciate something to cover this vessel with."
After much thought, that was the way I decided to frame my request for some clothes. I was a Great Spirit, after all. This body was nothing more than a form I took to interact with the people of this world.
"I shall handle it."
Saying as much, Daphne got up and quickly left the room, doing her best not to look in my direction.
'I hope she doesn't bring a dress or something…'
If this place is what I think it is, then I doubt they had anything meant for men sitting around. My guess was confirmed when the ponytailed Daphne returned.
"Please accept my sincerest apologies." She said. "It will take time to prepare the appropriate garments. We hope that this will serve you in the meantime."
She brought me a large white sheet made from some soft fabric. It might have looked like a bed sheet, but it was still better than nothing.
'I mean, one of their cloaks would have been fine…'
I wrapped the sheet around me like the Romans did with their toga back in the day. In a way, such an outfit was fitting for the character I was trying to play.
'Who knew something I learned for a Halloween costume would come in handy?'
My rising dragon seemed to calm down a little once it was out of sight, though I doubted it would remain that way for long.
Rosalia returned soon enough, and I was escorted out of the dark room. I walked slowly, trying to get a good sense of how my new body moved. It doesn't seem like I will take that long to get used to it. I was also curious about how I looked.
'If only I had a mirror or something…'
The room I had been summoned to was in the basement. After going through a corridor that clearly didn't get much traffic, we arrived at a more opulent part of the building. I was then led to one hell of a room.
It looked to be an audience chamber of some sort. The furniture was quite luxurious, and the decorations were selected to match. The windows were tall enough to reach the ceiling, and there were plenty of flower vases in between. A sparkling chandelier hung from the ceiling. I stared at it for a while, and from what I could tell, the light it emitted didn't come from any candles.
'Is it magic?'
So far, this world seemed to be far more detailed than the 32-bit game I was making. That was to be expected, considering the level of realism, but I probably should prepare myself for things not being the same as what I had designed.
"Please, have a seat," Liliana said, gesturing at a nearby high back chair.
'Just what I needed.'
I sat down, crossed my legs, and rested my head on my fist, leaning on one of the armrests.
'I hope this looks as intimidating as it does in my mind.'
More importantly, I no longer have to worry about my cannon pulling the white sheet up.
Now that we were in a brighter room, I finally got a better look at the three girls. The dark brown cloaks they wore hid everything well, but from what I'm seeing, they seemed to be as curvaceous as their deigns. I had noticed their shapely behinds as I followed them just now, and now that they were standing in front of me, I could tell they were quite busty.
'I was hoping they would change into something better, but… Well, this will have to do for now.'
"U-um, would you like… would you like something to drink?"
Rosalia's timid voice drew my attention, and she shrank when I turned to her. I could see the other two shooting her harsh looks.
"I appreciate your offer, Rosalia Serenith Purplethorn. However, that will not be necessary for the time being." I shifted my gaze to the blonde one. "You may speak."
Liliana dropped to her knees at once and bowed her head. The other two did the same.
"O Great Spirit." She said. "Once again, please accept my deepest gratitude."
"I would like to hear the reason you called for me." I cut her off, not wishing to waste more time on pleasantries. "You can save your gratitude until you have received my help."
"Understood." Lowering her head once more, she seemed to think her words before meeting my gaze, her eyes brimming with determination. "Great spirit. My house is in decline, and so is the faction we are meant to lead. My strength alone has proven insufficient in helping my people rise. That is why I seek your aid. I wish for the strength to help my people. I wish for the strength to reclaim our rightful place."
I listened in silence while trying to look a little bored. Once she was done, I held her gaze for a few seconds.
"This house you speak of…"
"The Goldlance house." She finished for me when I went silent.
"And your faction?"
"One of the seven knight orders of the Astravorn kingdom." Her eyes seemed to glimmer as she spoke the words. "Rose of Valor."