Rayish
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Chapter 131
🕑 Added 2025-05-07 06:55:15 +0000 UTCTheir footsteps echoed lightly and rhythmically as they walked through the boutique hallway adorned with fabrics and accessories of various colors. Aiz's shoes tapped softly on the wooden floor—tap, tap, tap—accompanied by the gentle rustle of Lefiya's skirt fluttering with each step.
However, halfway to the swimwear section, Aiz glanced to the side and noticed something that made her frown slightly. In Lefiya's right hand was a small cream-colored cloth bag that appeared slightly full.
"Lefiya," Aiz said flatly but curiously, "what's that you're carrying?"
Lefiya turned to her with a faint smile. "Oh, this?" she said, lifting the bag. "It's the clothes I was wearing earlier." She opened the top slightly, revealing neatly folded items—a white blouse and a distinctive pink corset dress.
Aiz nodded slowly, her eyes lingering on Lefiya's everyday dress. But her calm didn't last long—she paused, then suddenly stopped walking as realization struck.
Oh no.
Her gaze sharpened, and inwardly, she cursed herself for being too distracted by the new blouse earlier. "My battle cloth… It's still in the changing room," she murmured under her breath, turning to go back.
Before she could take another step, however, a small but firm hand tugged at her sleeve.
"A-Aiz… I mean… Sis! Wait a second!"
Aiz turned, slightly confused. "Hah?"
Lefiya's face was slightly flushed, but her expression was earnest. "You go ahead to the swimwear section, okay? I'll get your battle cloth for you," she declared, patting her chest proudly.
Without waiting for a response, Lefiya dashed toward the back of the store, her skirt fluttering and her footsteps quick—tap-tap-tap!—as if racing against the wind.
Aiz stood frozen for a few seconds, processing what had just happened. Why did she call me 'sis' just now…? Is it because of what that store employee said earlier…? she wondered, her brow furrowing slightly. Though confused, a faint warmth crept into her chest—subtle but impossible to ignore.
Just then, a voice snapped her out of her thoughts.
"Huh? Where'd the Thousand Elf go?" asked the black-haired employee, looking around and seeing only Aiz standing alone.
"She'll… catch up later," Aiz replied briefly, her eyes fixed on the direction Lefiya had disappeared. Then she resumed walking.
***
Lefiya's hurried yet light footsteps echoed as she navigated the boutique's hallway, her expression determined. Her cheeks were still tinged pink, and her heart beat a little faster than usual. Thump. Thump.
"I… I just called Aiz 'sis'… in front of others, too! Oh my god… I'm really bold." Her inner monologue echoed in her mind, half embarrassed, half proud of herself. A strange sense of satisfaction bloomed in her chest, warm and pleasant.
She reached the row of changing rooms and began checking them one by one, carefully pulling back the slightly open curtains. The first stall was empty. The second had only a hanger. Finally, in the last stall, her eyes landed on what she was looking for—Aiz's signature white battle cloth, neatly hung inside.
"Ah, found it!" she whispered, then quickly stepped in and closed the curtain softly to avoid drawing attention.
Carefully, Lefiya took Aiz's battle garment from the hanger. The fabric still carried traces of warmth from its owner's body. Her hands moved slowly, folding it piece by piece. Fufu, she smiled faintly as she tucked in the last fold.
But just as she was about to place the battle cloth into her bag, her hands froze. She stared at the garment for a moment, and the smile on her lips faded into hesitation.
"…Aiz's scent…"
She bit her lower lip, blinking rapidly. "No, Lefiya, you can't… that's weird… that's really weird…"
Yet, the tempting curiosity slowly eroded her self-control. She brought the fabric closer to her nose… then a little more… until her face was buried in the folds of the white cloth.
Ahh… this… it smells like Aiz…
There was the fresh scent of the soap Aiz always used, faintly mixed with the lingering trace of sweat—a smell that wasn't unpleasant but instead gave off a tough, real impression. The scent of someone who fought relentlessly yet kept herself clean and tidy.
Lefiya inhaled deeply, closing her eyes briefly before snapping them open and turning her face away, her cheeks now burning like ripe berries. "W-what… what was I just doing…!?"
Quickly, she stuffed the garment into her bag, sealing it tightly as if hiding evidence of her little sin. She stood straight, her breath slightly ragged, and lightly slapped her own cheeks. Plak!
"Focus, Lefiya! This is for Aiz!"
With Aiz's battle cloth safely in her bag, she pulled back the curtain and prepared to return to the front. Though her face was still flushed, a small, irrepressible smile lingered on her lips.
***
While Lefiya's light footsteps faded into the distance, Aiz had already arrived at the swimwear section, following the still-enthusiastic employee. Brightly colored racks were filled with various swimsuits—from tiny bikinis with ribbons and lace to sporty, tight-fitting one-pieces. Aiz scanned them with a blank yet slightly uneasy expression, her eyes rigidly tracing the rows of clothing.
"This would definitely suit you!" the employee exclaimed, picking up a deep blue triangle bikini with a bottom so low it could barely be called coverage. She held it up to the light as if emphasizing just how 'minimal' it was.
Aiz stared at it… Then shook her head slowly.
"I don't want something like that," she said flatly, averting her gaze slightly.
The employee looked a little disappointed but still grinned widely. "Aww, shy, huh? With a body like yours, you'd look amazing. Especially standing by the pool… all eyes would be on you!"
"I'm not shy," Aiz replied firmly, her voice steady. She turned slightly, locking eyes with the employee, then continued in a quieter tone, "…I just don't want to look cheap. I want something… proper. Something modest."
The last words were spoken softly but clearly. Aiz's face warmed slightly as her thoughts drifted back to Lefiya's comment earlier that morning, when they had discussed her swimming practice with Shirou back in Melen.
Back then, Aiz had worn a white bikini for her first swimming lesson with Shirou. She hadn't thought much of it, simply wearing the swimsuit Loki had given her. But Lefiya had half-seriously remarked that Shirou might see her as shameless for wearing something like that in front of him.
That thought resurfaced now. What had once seemed like a lighthearted warning now felt like a weight.
Did Shirou really think of me that way? Shameless? Indecent…?
The employee's words earlier were like gasoline poured onto the small fire of doubt in her mind, making it flare up. Aiz bit her lower lip slightly, trying to stay calm even as her chest tightened.
I don't want to be seen the way he thought of me back then…
But the employee just chuckled and winked teasingly. "Y'know, though, guys love girls who are a little… naughty. The more revealing, the more attractive."
Aiz froze.
"Guys love…"
"…girls who are… indecent?"
Her pupils dilated slightly, and her expression shifted into a mix of confusion and shock. A thought surged from the depths of her mind, shattering her fragile defenses.
Does Shirou… feel that way too?
An image of Shirou's face flashed in her mind—his calm demeanor, his gaze that was sometimes gentle, sometimes sharp. Shirou… who averted his eyes when he saw me in that bikini… was that just politeness? Or… does he secretly like that kind of thing too?
Aiz lowered her head slightly, her cheeks faintly reddening, and her hands unconsciously clenched the hem of her blouse.
No… I don't want him to see me like that… but… if that's what he likes…
Her face grew hotter, and her thoughts became clouded by questions she couldn't answer. But one thing was certain—Aiz Wallenstein had never faced such a bizarre dilemma before.
Light footsteps grew closer. Tap… tap… tap… the sound of heels approaching quickly.
When Aiz turned, she saw Lefiya walking toward her, now accompanied by another female employee—a young woman with short caramel-brown hair and a slightly annoyed expression. Without preamble, the new employee grabbed the black-haired employee who had been chatting with Aiz earlier.
"Hey, what are you doing here?! Weren't you supposed to be tagging prices in the accessories section?" she scolded sharply.
"I-I was just helping VIP customers, really!" the black-haired one protested, glancing at Aiz as if pleading for divine intervention. "Besides… they're the Sword Princess and the Thousand Elf, you know…!"
"Do you want another warning from the manager?" her coworker snapped, dragging her away. "Come on, there's work to do."
"Ugh… but… I didn't even get to say thanks…" the black-haired employee mumbled dejectedly, her gaze lingering sorrowfully on Aiz and Lefiya. But she reluctantly followed, her steps heavy and shoulders slumped, before disappearing from view.
"Hah… sorry about that, Aiz. She's just too enthusiastic," Lefiya said with an awkward smile, then held up the small cream-colored cloth bag she was carrying. "Here… your clothes. I got them from the changing room," she said, showing the contents—Aiz's neatly folded white battle cloth, free of wrinkles.
Lefiya held her breath for a moment. She would not admit that before packing it, she had pressed her face into the fabric and inhaled deeply. That's a lifetime's worth of shame if anyone finds out.
Aiz simply nodded quietly and took the bag without saying another word. Her hand grasped the edge of the bag, and then she looked at Lefiya.
"Thank you."
Lefiya nodded quickly, a cheerful expression appearing on her face. "No problem! By the way… You went ahead to the swimwear section, right? Did you find anything you like?"
But Aiz turned toward the racks with a puzzled expression. "Lefiya…"
"Hm?"
"…Do you think guys like girls who are… shameless?" she asked bluntly yet seriously, her sharp gaze fixed on her friend.
"EEEEHHHHH?!" Lefiya squeaked, her cheeks suddenly burning crimson. Her voice echoed slightly among the clothing racks. "W-Why are you asking something so weird, Aiz?!"
Aiz remained calm, but her tone was honest and slightly confused. "That employee just said… guys like girls like that."
Lefiya fell silent, her hands fidgeting nervously in front of her. In her mind, Aiz's question still reverberated. She replayed the words, searching for the right answer, but nothing felt correct.
How can I answer when I don't even understand it myself…? she thought, a sense of unease creeping into her chest. I've never had experience with guys. I've never even… thought deeply about things like this.
Meanwhile, Aiz was still watching her, calm yet expectant. Her golden eyes seemed to pierce through Lefiya's wall of hesitation, waiting patiently, like someone trying to understand a world foreign to her.
Finally, with a slow exhale, Lefiya lifted her head.
"I… I don't know for sure, Aiz," she admitted honestly, her voice soft but firm. "But yesterday evening, I talked with Lady Riveria… when I mentioned we were going swimming in the Dungeon for your training, she immediately forbade me from wearing a bikini."
Aiz blinked. "Riveria forbade it?"
Lefiya nodded. "Yeah… I don't know why either. But she said wearing a bikini is improper."
Aiz let out a short breath and nodded slowly. "If Riveria forbids it… There must be a reason," she murmured, her voice thoughtful. "I don't really understand these things… but I trust her."
Then Aiz looked at Lefiya, her expression softening with understanding. "So… that's why you wanted to buy swimwear now? To follow Riveria's advice?"
"Yeah, that's why," Lefiya answered quickly, stepping closer. "I was afraid of choosing wrong, so I thought it'd be better if we picked together. So… what do you think? Should we go with something modest?"
Aiz nodded again. "I'll choose what Riveria would approve of. I don't want to disappoint her."
Lefiya sighed in relief. "I thought the same. Lady Riveria is always strict, but I know it's because she cares."
Aiz smiled faintly. "If we're like sisters… then Riveria is like a mother watching over us, right?"
Lefiya giggled softly. "Exactly. A strict mom who knows what we're thinking before we even say it."
Aiz nodded, her faint smile lingering. "But… I'm glad we have someone like her around."
Lefiya nodded in agreement, her heart warmed by the shared trust between them. Though they had been lost in awkward worries and questions earlier, everything now felt lighter.
"Let's start picking," Lefiya suggested, stepping lightly toward the racks of more modest swimwear. Her hand skimmed through the hangers, her eyes quickly scanning for designs that matched their standards of propriety—and, of course, with a little consideration for aesthetics.
Aiz nodded and walked to the other side of the rack, her eyes examining the neatly hung swimsuits. Some were too revealing, some too flashy. But in one corner, her gaze caught on something familiar. She approached slowly.
Before her hung a white halter-neck swim dress. Sleeveless, with a delicate neckline that wrapped around gracefully. The fabric fell softly to mid-thigh, light and comfortable. At the hem, small golden star motifs shimmered faintly under the store's magical lighting, giving it an elegant and refined touch.
The swimsuit was simple yet had a quiet charm. It wasn't the type to scream for attention, but was beautiful enough to be appreciated in silence.
Aiz carefully took it and brought it to Lefiya. "Lefiya," she called. "What do you think? Does this suit me?"
Lefiya paused her search and looked at the swimsuit in Aiz's hand. Her eyes traced its shape and cut. After a moment of thought, she answered honestly, "For regular clothes… this would be a bit revealing, Aiz."
Aiz's eyes dimmed slightly. She lowered her head slowly, her fingers tightening around the hanger.
But Lefiya quickly added, "But for swimwear… It's perfectly modest! It even looks really elegant. Especially on you—it'll suit you well."
Aiz looked up again, her expression easing into something almost happy. "I see… Then I've made my choice. Now, let me help you pick yours, Lefiya."
Lefiya laughed softly, the blush still lingering on her cheeks. "Guess it's my turn now." She then asked, "Where did you find that one?"
Aiz pointed toward the rack where she'd found it. "Over there. The right corner, near the display window."
Lefiya nodded and headed there with Aiz. Among the colorful array, her eyes landed on one swimsuit that caught her attention—a bright red swimsuit. Its playful design featured slender straps and a large golden ribbon adorning the chest and waist. The short ruffled skirt swayed lightly, giving it a cute, flirty touch.
Lefiya picked it up and examined it hesitantly, then glanced at Aiz. "What about… this one?"
Aiz studied it for a moment before praising, "That one… suits you. Bright and full of energy. Just like Lefiya."
Lefiya's cheeks warmed again, but she couldn't suppress a small smile. "Then… I'll take this one."
Side by side, they walked toward the changing rooms at the end of the store, their steps light and their shared silence comfortable.
In front of the changing stalls, Lefiya held her swimsuit with both hands and turned to Aiz with a small smile. "How about we change together, Aiz? It'll be faster."
Aiz gave a slight nod. "Okay."
Without another word, they stepped into a stall large enough for two if they stood close. The click of the lock echoed clearly, enclosing them in the small space lit by warm lights and a large mirror on the left side.
Lefiya started by removing her blouse first, followed by her skirt. Aiz followed suit, her movements calm and efficient. They both neatly folded their clothes and placed them on the small bench in the corner.
But as Lefiya bent slightly to adjust the folds of her skirt, Aiz's attention inadvertently drifted to her friend's chest, covered by a soft pink bra. It was full, the shape prominent even beneath the fabric. Aiz, always honest even in silence, stared for a moment—not with ill intent, just… curiosity.
Lefiya, noticing the gaze, quickly straightened and crossed her arms over her chest, her face turning bright red. "Huh?! A-Aiz… do I look… chubby?"
Aiz, still eyeing her friend's bra, nodded slowly without much thought. "Big. Your chest… It's much bigger than before, Lefiya." She said it without embarrassment, as if stating a simple fact. "I remember when we bathed with Tiona and Tione before… it wasn't like this."
"Ugh! It's all Shirou's fault!" Lefiya groaned, covering her face with her hands. "He keeps cooking delicious meals—meat, curry, soup… How can I say no? No wonder I'm getting chubbier!"
Aiz looked down for a moment, observing her own chest, covered by a snug white sports bra. She didn't speak, only thinking to herself—But I eat Shirou's cooking too… probably even more than her. So why is mine still like this? Though hers wasn't small, it was clearly not on the same level as Lefiya's.
They continued changing. Aiz put on her chosen white swim dress—the halter-neck design blending softly with her pale skin, the golden stars shimmering. She adjusted the tie at the back of her neck neatly.
Lefiya, meanwhile, finished first and stood in front of the large mirror. She turned slowly, observing how the bright red swimsuit with its golden ribbons suited her. The ruffled skirt swayed cutely with her movements.
"I… look okay, right?" she asked softly, staring at her reflection.
Aiz turned and nodded. "You look great. Really great."
Lefiya's expression brightened, while Aiz also stood before the mirror, smoothing her slightly dry golden hair. Both were now ready for their swimming session in the Dungeon tomorrow.
