Crimson Overlord-Chapter 349: Departure 2

Orpheus stood outside the changing room, a mix of apprehension and curiosity swirling within him. The idea of dressing as a butler was far removed from his usual attire, but Brynhild’s insistence had piqued his interest. With a deep breath, he stepped inside, the heavy curtain closing behind him.

The suit, a dark charcoal grey, hung neatly on a mannequin. It was a stark contrast to his usual attire, yet it held an understated elegance that intrigued him. As he slipped into the jacket, he felt a surge of unexpected confidence. The fabric was soft against his skin, the cut tailored to perfection.

The pants, a matching shade of grey, fell flawlessly, accentuating his long legs. He slipped them on, adjusting the waistband for a comfortable fit. The white shirt, crisp and clean, added a touch of formality to the ensemble.

The final touch was a butler’s apron, a stark white canvas embroidered with the store’s logo. With a sigh, he tied the strings around his waist, completing the transformation.

Stepping out of the changing room, he was greeted by Brynhild’s wide-eyed admiration. Her jaw dropped slightly, a mix of surprise and approval evident on her face. "You look... incredible," she managed to stammer.

Orpheus, unaccustomed to compliments, felt a blush creeping up his neck. He glanced at his reflection in a nearby mirror, the sight of himself in a butler’s uniform both strange and oddly captivating. The long, dark hair, usually styled in a careless wave, was now neatly combed back, framing his pale face. His crimson eyes, usually hidden behind a mask of indifference, seemed to glow with an inner fire.

The suit, far from being a disguise, had transformed him into something else entirely. He was no longer the dark lord, the creature of shadows. He was a man of mystery, an enigma wrapped in a perfectly tailored package. And as he met Brynhild’s gaze, he realized that this transformation was not just for the sake of their mission. It was a chance to reinvent himself, to be someone else, even if just for a brief moment.

The other shoppers, both men and women, couldn’t help but turn their heads to look at him. The butler uniform, usually associated with subservience, was transformed into something entirely different when worn by Orpheus. It was a statement of power, a subtle assertion of dominance. And as he walked through the store, his every move exuding an air of quiet confidence, he felt a sense of exhilaration he hadn’t experienced in a long time.

Orpheus chuckled, feeling happy it was time to have a payback. He teased Brynhild, "Buying some risky negligees and underwear, he forced her to try them on one by one as he observed and judged."

Brynhild, her face flushing with a mix of embarrassment and amusement, playfully swatted at Orpheus’s arm. "Oh, shut up," she retorted, her voice barely above a whisper. "You wouldn’t dare."

Orpheus grinned, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Wouldn’t I?" he replied, his voice laced with a hint of danger. "Let’s find out."

With that, he turned on his heel and strode towards the lingerie section, his tall figure disappearing into the colorful crowd. Brynhild, a mix of trepidation and excitement, followed close behind, her heart pounding in her chest.

The lingerie section was a world unto itself, a riot of color and texture. Delicate lace, satin ribbons, and sheer fabrics adorned the mannequins, creating a seductive display. Orpheus, with a mischievous glint in his eyes, began his search, his tall figure towering over the displays.

He selected a variety of items, his choices a mix of playful and provocative. There were lacy babydoll dresses, sheer negligees adorned with delicate embroidery, and garter belts and stockings that hinted at a darker side. He piled his selections onto a nearby counter, a growing sense of amusement taking hold of him.

Brynhild, her face a mask of playful defiance, approached the changing room. One by one, she emerged, each outfit revealing a different side of her personality. The lacy babydoll dress transformed her into a delicate flower, her usual strength softened by a touch of vulnerability. The sheer negligee, adorned with intricate embroidery, accentuated her curves, creating an aura of seductive mystery. And the garter belt and stockings, a daring choice, added a touch of rebelliousness to her image.

Orpheus, his role as judge and jury a constant source of amusement, offered his critique with a mix of playful teasing and genuine admiration. He praised her daring choices, her ability to transform herself with each outfit. And as the afternoon wore on, the lines between teasing and admiration blurred, replaced by a deeper appreciation for the woman before him.

Their shopping spree complete, a sense of satisfaction and anticipation filled the air. The sun was beginning its descent, casting long shadows that stretched across the city streets. Hunger gnawed at their stomachs, a reminder of the day’s adventures.

They stopped at a charming little bistro tucked away on a quiet side street. Its exterior was adorned with climbing ivy and wrought-iron lanterns, casting an inviting glow in the twilight. The interior was equally charming, with exposed brick walls, wooden beams, and soft lighting creating a warm and cozy atmosphere.

The menu boasted a tantalizing array of dishes, from classic French cuisine to modern interpretations of global flavors. Orpheus, with his appetite whetted by the day’s activities, opted for a hearty steak frites, while Brynhild, ever the health-conscious, chose a salmon salad with a side of quinoa.

As they waited for their food, they engaged in lively conversation, their shared experiences serving as a rich source of laughter and shared memories. The hours spent together had deepened their bond, creating a sense of camaraderie that transcended their different personalities.

When their meals arrived, they savored each bite, the delicious food a welcome respite from the excitement of the day. The steak, cooked to perfection, melted in Orpheus’s mouth, while Brynhild’s salad was a refreshing burst of flavor. They shared stories, laughter, and a bottle of wine, the perfect end to a perfect day.

As they left the bistro, the city lights were beginning to twinkle, casting a magical glow over the cityscape. The day had been filled with shopping, laughter, and a growing sense of anticipation for the adventures that lay ahead. They held hands as they walked, their fingers intertwined, a silent promise of their unwavering support.

’Doing this like this in while isn’t bad.’ Orpheus thought as they walked. It was a nice feeling which he did not dislike.

’Come to think, today is a the day the festival will begin.’ He recalled something.