CHAPTER 22: DRESSING UP!

The Sacred Sanctuary where Lord Siamelumis resided was also known as the Silvervein Forbidden Peak. It was the holiest ground of the clan, perched atop the highest mountain within their domain, shrouded in snow, mist and reverence.

It came as a great surprise when Siamelumis summoned Draco to her Sanctuary. By untold laws, people believed that only those born with Silvervein blood were permitted to enter.

And Draco, despite bearing the title of Clan Head, had never entered the place because of that.

Because... in truth, he was never really a Silvervein.

The truth was plain to see in his appearance. Those blessed by the Silvervein lineage always bore white hair and eyes as clear as sapphire. But Draco, the Fire Dragon Emperor, possessed hair as crimson as flame. He had once belonged to another clan, until fate bound him to Lady Ariana. For her sake, he severed his old ties, abandoned his family name, and took hers as his own.

And because he now bore the Silvervein name, he was permitted to compete in the bloody contest for the Clan Head’s seat many years ago. There, he crushed every rival genius one after another, painting the battlefield with their blood, pride and ambition. His victory earned him both fear and respect, sealing his place as the head of the Silvervein clan.

But such a choice had never been without consequence. Though his strength commanded respect, there were always those within the clan who resented him for not being of pure blood. They dared not voice it openly, for none possessed the power to challenge him. Their grudges lingered in silence, festering beneath forced obedience.

Draco knew this well. Even Emilia was aware of it.

Yet so long as those whispers did not swell into rebellion, so long as no fool threatened the unity of the clan, Draco turned a blind eye. To him, strength was enough to smother discontent. And yet, deep within, he knew the truth: resentment never truly died—it only waited.

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Because they would soon depart for the Forbidden Peaks, Lady Ariana was helping Emilia change into more suitable clothing.

The mountain was tall, its summit forever wrapped in snow and icy winds. A simple dress would never do. Instead, Ariana prepared garments both warm and noble, fit for a Silvervein daughter stepping into sacred ground.

Emilia slipped into her new attire: a soft, form-fitting tunic of pale azure lined with silk, paired with thick ivory leggings that clung snugly to her legs, and fur-trimmed boots that reached her knees. But the true centerpiece was her cloak—an elegant mantle of silver-white fur, heavy yet graceful, flowing all the way down to her ankles. Its hood was wide and deep, edged with snowy down that framed her face like a crown of winter. At her throat, a crystal clasp shaped like a blue rose sealed it in place, shimmering faintly with a protective enchantment.

The outfit was both practical and enchanting. Warm, fashionable, and regal—yet still cute enough to make her look like a little winter princess.

"Emilia, you look beautiful," Lady Ariana said softly, her eyes glowing with pride.

"Meoww!" Mimi chimed in, her tail flicking with approval.

Emilia was already cute, but with this outfit she was dazzling.

Hehe, my master is really the best! Mimi thought proudly.

"Thank you, Mimi," Emilia replied with a gentle smile.

Satisfied, Ariana took off Emilia’s fur cloak temporary and guided her daughter to sit, then began braiding her long, flowing hair, weaving strands of silver ribbon into the locks

Meanwhile, Draco sat silently on the couch, watching them with an unreadable expression. His broad shoulders relaxed a little bit, his red hair falling like a flame across his cheek as he seemed lost in thought.

Mimi, however, had already found her cozy spot—a soft pillow on the side. She curled into a ball, tail swaying lazily.

And of course, both Lord and Lady had already dressed beforehand.

Ariana wore a flowing black gown trimmed with fur at the collar, her hair beautifully braided and pinned with diamonds and crystal ornaments that glimmered like frost. Draco, on the other hand, was clad in his regal battle attire: a dark, fur-lined mantle draped over his shoulders, fastened with a dragon-shaped clasp of gold.

Though he kept his posture tall and unyielding, his thoughts were far from calm. He knew well that Siamelumis was furious with him. No excuse could erase the earlier mistake he had nearly made. All he could do now was steel his heart and brace himself for the divine scolding that awaited him.

Draco exhaled slowly, his sigh heavy in the silence."Father..." Emilia’s soft voice broke the air as she sat obediently, eyes closed, while Ariana carefully touched up her lashes. "About the Albinite Shard incident... have you discovered who was behind it?"

Someone had tampered with Emilia’s summoning circle, sabotaging it with Albinite Shard. Whoever it was had intended her summoning to fail... or worse, to kill her outright.

"Ah..." Draco breathed, his expression darkening. "Still nothing."

"I... I see..." Emilia murmured

"But whoever did this," Draco went on, his voice low and sharp, "they must either hold high standing within the clan—or be skilled enough to slip past your mother’s gaze."

Emilia’s brows furrowed. "Wait... someone with high standing in the clan... you mean... my uncles?"

"Like I said, nothing is certain yet," Draco answered, shaking his head. "I’m still investigating. Elmandir is assisting me, and we are watching them closely. But so far, there has been nothing unusual."

He paused, his voice turning more grim. "Though... the fact that you only summoned a Noctifelis has already spread throughout the clan. Of course, no one will dare insult you openly, but behind your back..."

"Father, don’t worry," Emilia cut in firmly, her eyes flashing with resolve. "I anticipated this. They can whisper all they want, say stuff behind my back all they want. I don’t care. Mimi is my summon, my gift from Goddess Fauveline. I will never let their cruel words come between us. But..." She faltered for just a moment before lowering her gaze. "... I am worried about you"

Draco gave a short, amused laugh, shaking his head. "What? You think I can’t handle something so trivial?"

"My dear, have you forgotten who your father is?" Lady Ariana added.

Right...

Draco’s power and influence were second to none in the kingdom. It was no coincidence that he had risen to Clan Head of the Silvervein despite being an outsider. Strength, cunning, and a will sharper than any blade—he had proven himself countless times, not only in battle but also in the endless struggles of clan politics.

Even so, his shoulders slumped as he muttered with a long sigh, "The only thing I’m worried about now is Lord Siamelumis. Ahhh... the wrath of a god... I’m so screwed..."

Hearing that, Emilia couldn’t help but smile faintly. For the first time that night, the heaviness in her chest eased just a little.

Moments later, she finished dressing and applying her makeup. Stepping in front of the tall mirror, Emilia gave a soft twirl. Her silver cloak fanned out gracefully, her hair shimmering with its neatly braided strands of ribbon.

"Meow!" Mimi chirped proudly from her pillow, tail flicking like a little banner of approval.

"Oh, wait!" Lady Ariana suddenly gasped, covering her mouth with a hand. "There’s still someone else who needs to be dressed up!"

Oooh? More dressing up?

Mimi’s ears perked as she tilted her head.

But... who? The three of them are already dressed to perfection!

Before she could guess, Emilia bent down and scooped her up!

"It’s you, Mimi!!!"

Oh? M-me?!

Wait—ME?!

"Meooowww!?" Mimi squealed, half-shocked and half-delighted, her tiny paws flailing in the air.

Lady Ariana chuckled warmly, her voice smooth as velvet. "Alright then, let’s make sure Mimi looks just as cute and warm as her master."

"Yeah!" Emilia beamed, eyes sparkling.

And just like that, the two Silvervein women fussed over the tiny Noctifelis.

Where they had gotten all those cat-sized outfits, Mimi had no idea. But in the blink of an eye, she found herself bundled into the most ridiculously adorable little ensemble. Tiny boots hugged her paws, a miniature cape draped across her back, and even a hood with floppy ear holes completed the look.

As Emilia lifted her up toward the mirror, Mimi blinked at her own reflection. Her whiskers twitched.

Oh no.

She looked criminally cute!