CHAPTER 21: THREADS OF TRANSFORMATION

Cedric leaned in, his face almost touching Nolan’s, a sharp frown carved across his features. Instinctively, Nolan drew his head back, wary of the sudden intensity.

Then Cedric burst into laughter. "Hah! I really got you! I really did. Forgive me, I couldn’t resist teasing you. I don’t care about how strong my customers are, or what powers they wield. What matters to me is the gem they bring—the beauty they carry into my shop. I will make them shine."

He plucked at the fabric on Nolan’s shoulder before turning sharply to Linda, his eyes scanning her skin. "Tsk... dirty. There’s dust and grime on her. She needs a proper bath."

Moving to Celia, he nodded with the same critical gaze. "This one too. The demi-human is no different."

With a dramatic clap of his hands, Cedric called out. Four women in maid uniforms stepped briskly from a side room.

Nolan’s eyes widened. Maids? In this world? How...? The sight felt too modern, too out of place.

The maids moved swiftly, seizing Linda by the arms.

"Wait! I didn’t agree to this!" Linda protested, struggling against their grip. But her words were ignored as they pulled her toward a side chamber.

"Stop!" Celia shouted as they came for her next. She kicked and snarled, but two of the maids overpowered her and dragged her away. "No! Leave me!"

Cedric casually strolled to a rack and plucked a dress from it, humming as though nothing unusual had happened.

Nolan let out a slow breath and noticed a wooden chair against the wall. He sat down, resting his elbows on his knees.

"How long is this going to take?" he asked.

"Not long at all," Cedric replied with confidence. He carefully selected a set of clothes from the rack. The moment he did, one of the maids appeared, took the garments from him, and disappeared back into the room where Linda and Celia had been taken.

Nolan tapped his foot impatiently, but only a few minutes later the door opened. Linda and Celia stepped out.

"So fast?" Nolan muttered, blinking in surprise. "They’re already finished with the bath and dressed too?"

"I told you it wouldn’t take long," Cedric said smugly.

Nolan’s gaze locked onto the two of them. Both women looked shy, keeping their eyes lowered as they walked forward. Celia wore a neat shirt, a small jacket over the top, socks that reached just below her knees, shoes polished clean, and even a bow tied into her hair.

Linda, taller at five-foot-seven, wore a flowing green dress with a short jacket layered over it. Her long hair framed her face perfectly, and the fabric seemed to glow against her fair skin.

Nolan was stunned. They’re so beautiful... I can’t even look away.

The two women noticed his gaze and immediately grew red-faced, lowering their heads further in embarrassment.

Cedric stepped toward them, crouching slightly as he examined their skin with a sharp eye. "Yes... now their skin glows, fresh and new," he said with satisfaction. He straightened and looked at Nolan. "They look the part. For an adventurer like you, these two are now dressed perfectly to accompany you on quests."

"Thank you. How much does this cost?" Nolan asked as he stood up.

"This set, altogether... ten gold coins," Cedric replied.

Nolan nearly choked. "What?! That much? For just clothes?"

Cedric’s eyes widened dramatically, and he placed a hand on his chest, speaking in a playful, feminine tone as he struck a pose. "Just clothes? Ordinary? How dare you! These are not ordinary in the slightest. Can’t you see the transformation? Look at how stunning they are now!"

Nolan glanced at Linda and Celia, their shy postures making his heart waver. With a quiet sigh, he reached into his pouch and pulled out the coins. It’s worth it, he thought, handing them over.

Cedric’s face lit up with triumph as he collected the payment.

Linda stepped closer, her voice soft. "Thank you, Master."

Celia followed, bowing her head slightly. "Thank you as well."

Both of them stood before Nolan, nervously shifting as though waiting for his reaction. Linda’s cheeks flushed pink. "So... how does it look?" she asked, her eyes lowering as her fingers fidgeted with the hem of her jacket.

Nolan felt his own face heating up. "It’s... beautiful," he admitted, his voice a little shaky.

Celia tilted her head, her expression hopeful. "And mine?"

Nolan turned to her, meeting her gaze before quickly looking away, embarrassed. "Also... beautiful."

The two girls smiled shyly, their blushes deepening as Nolan tried to compose himself.

As they stepped out of Cedric’s shop, Nolan noticed the sky had already turned dark.

"We need to find somewhere to stay for the night," he said, glancing around.

Directly across the street, a warm light glowed from a building with a hanging sign. It was a hotel. Without hesitation, Nolan led Linda and Celia toward it.

Inside, the air was filled with the aroma of roasted meat and freshly baked bread. People chatted over drinks, waiters hurried between tables, and laughter carried through the hall.

As Nolan stepped in with his companions, a young girl—no older than seventeen—approached them with a bright smile her name is Mira.

"Welcome," she said politely. "How may I help you?"

Nolan blinked, a little caught off guard. She’s... cute.

"I’m looking for a place to stay tonight," he replied.

"That’s wonderful. Would you also like to have dinner first?" Mira asked.

"Yes, that sounds good," Nolan nodded.

She guided them to a table for three near the corner. "What would you like to eat?" Mira asked cheerfully.

Nolan glanced at the menu briefly. "What do you have?"

"Tonight’s special is roasted chicken."

"Then bring us that—two portions," Nolan said.

Mira nodded quickly and hurried away, her smile lingering in Nolan’s mind as he leaned back in his chair.

Celia and Linda noticed the way Nolan’s eyes stayed on the waitress as she walked away. They exchanged a quick glance, then both fixed their eyes on him.

Feeling their stares, Nolan turned his head toward them, puzzled. "What? Did I do something wrong?" he asked.

Neither of them answered, though their silence spoke volumes. Celia simply folded her arms, while Linda looked down at the table, lips pressed together.

Before Nolan could press further, the waitress—Mira—returned, balancing a tray with two steaming plates of roasted chicken. She set them down with a smile. "Here you go. Please enjoy your meal."