Chapter 35: I Was Careless!
Too careless!
Xu Bai had assumed that Lin Yan, who always dressed in men’s clothing and favored heavy armor, would wear something like a tuxedo, even to a banquet.
But she hadn’t expected Lin Yan to wear a typical, albeit beautiful, gown…
And she hadn’t expected to be dressed in one as well!
Xu Bai wanted to rip the dress off, but three pairs of eyes were watching her intently… and she wasn’t even sure how to remove it.
Thankfully, Xiaoya and Xiaona hadn’t removed her bandages while dressing her.
Xu Bai was still uncomfortable with her body and kept it tightly bound.
Although some of the bandages had frayed, those beneath her clothes were still intact.
“Bai, you look stunning. Has no one ever thought of dressing you up before?” Lin Yan asked, admiring Xu Bai.
“Of course not…” Xu Bai said wryly.
Even her comrades had rarely interacted with her; she had always been a loner.
Only after becoming the Sharp Assault squad leader had she had teammates to talk to, but even then, it had been limited.
Lin Yan stroked her chin, remembering that the hair and eye color on Bai’s wanted poster were different, seemingly even more striking.
That must have been her appearance while using her powers… she really wanted to see it.
However, with Xiaoya and Xiaona present, ordinary humans who shouldn’t be exposed to such things, Lin Yan dismissed the thought.
“How long until the banquet?” Xu Bai asked casually, fiddling with her lace gloves.
She couldn’t wait to get out of this embarrassing dress.
But she had made the request herself, so she could only endure it, hoping it would end soon.
“Not long. After the evening prayers at the Clock Tower, we can enter,” Lin Yan said, producing two wide-brimmed hats with sheer veils, one larger than the other, as if by magic. “Put this on. You wouldn’t want to cause a scene at the banquet, would you?”
“Maybe. Possibly. Perhaps… I would,” Xu Bai replied, taking the smaller hat and putting it on, mimicking Lin Yan, the veil concealing her face.
Uncle Lin had only mentioned accompanying Lin Yan to the banquet, but Xu Bai didn’t believe it was just a simple dinner.
“That’s… concerning,” Lin Yan chuckled, her tone more mischievous than worried.
She wasn’t on good terms with Glaimond and would relish seeing the arrogant general embarrassed.
Although Glaimond was publicly celebrated as the hero who forced the Abyssal Demon Realm into a truce, Lin Yan, holding a key position in the Garrison Knights, knew the truth.
And so did most of the Empire’s high command, but they remained silent.
Although the true heroes were buried in Saint Noyes, the desperate people of the Empire needed a living “hero” to rally behind.
Lugner had refused the honor, so it fell to General Glaimond, who happened to be in command of the Saint Noyes front.
It was stolen glory.
Besides, if Uncle Lin wanted to bring Bai along, he must have a reason.
Regardless of Bai’s true identity, she was, for now, the cutest little girl ever~
Lin Yan looked at Xu Bai with amusement.
The twins were completely lost, even more confused by Bai’s sudden change in demeanor. She seemed like a different person.
Wait, had she actually changed…?
They noticed strands of grayish-white hair peeking out from beneath Bai’s purple hat, falling onto her low-cut dress.
They looked at her face, her eyes now a cold, frosty white, beautiful and dangerous.
“Little Sister Bai, what’s…” Looking at Xu Bai, Xiaoya and Xiaona felt a surge of inexplicable fear.
Lin Yan also looked at Xu Bai, surprised. Why would she reveal this form now?
Well… she did look even more beautiful, but it would also be troublesome.
“The rune’s power has faded…” Xu Bai touched her hair, sensing the rune on her collarbone vanish without a trace.
“Miss Sasha, what are you planning?”
Xu Bai’s earlier anxiety was gone, replaced by the calm composure of the young man who had faced death without flinching.
Facing the serene Xu Bai, Lin Yan felt a strange sense of familiarity, her mind superimposing “Bai” onto a lonely figure from her memories.
They were completely different people, yet Lin Yan felt a strong sense of déjà vu, an involuntary connection.
She shook her head, dismissing the thought as absurd. Their ages, even their genders, didn’t match.
Besides…
Lin Yan touched a folded piece of paper tucked inside her dress, its words etched in cold, stark letters:
“Sharp Assault special operations squad, Saint Noyes Garrison Knights, all members perished heroically in the Battle of Saint Noyes, November, North Calendar Year 536.”
No names were mentioned, but Lin Yan remembered every member of the squad, and their captain.
He was dead.
“What’s wrong with me…” Lin Yan shook off the confusing thoughts, returning her attention to Xu Bai.
“Wow… you’re even prettier than me!”
Just then, Uncle Lin arrived with the carriage, his eyes widening in shock upon seeing the silver-haired Xu Bai.
But he quickly regained his composure, a smile returning to his face.
“It seems Miss Bai is fully prepared. Then I have nothing to worry about.”
“Let’s go. I’m sure General Glaimond is waiting…”
Xu Bai turned, looking intently at Uncle Lin, sensing something different in his smile.
Whether it was the Weapon of Vikarn or the Demon Hunters, this banquet wouldn’t be simple…
“Yes, let’s go.”
Xu Bai nodded, mimicking Lin Yan’s graceful movements, lifting her skirt slightly as she walked towards the door.
Glimpses of white bandages showed beneath the translucent fabric, her small figure regal and beautiful.
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