Chapter 41: A Change of Attire and a Search for Location

To ensure a smooth return, the immediate priority was to change into suitable attire.

After all, the uniform she currently wore had been torn to shreds during the recent attack.

Leaving aside whether Liu Xingluo’s own sense of propriety would even permit her to walk the streets in such ragged attire, the mere sight of someone in tatters would undoubtedly draw unwanted attention.

“It’s quite a shame, though,” she mused. “This uniform actually fit me perfectly. It suited me rather well too.”

The person who had prepared these clothes had been incredibly thoughtful, not only ensuring the size was a perfect match, but also considerately including safety shorts and stockings.

Yet, in less than an hour of wearing it, she had managed to reduce the outfit to this tattered state, necessitating a change.

A pang of guilt struck Liu Xingluo as she considered how she had so carelessly ruined the thoughtful gesture.

“Oh, so Your Royal Highness finds this outfit quite fitting?” Lain’s voice broke her thoughts. “That’s excellent. It seems the attire I procured was indeed rather suitable.”

“Oh? So it was you who prepared this set of clothes for me after all.”

Learning that Lain had been the one to prepare the uniform she currently wore came as no surprise to Liu Xingluo.

She had entertained such a suspicion ever since realizing Lain’s ability to freely enter and exit her shadow.

‘But why would Lain possess a girl’s uniform?’ she pondered. ‘Isn’t he an 异生兽 (TL Note: alien beast)? I haven’t even encountered any places resembling schools in their world…’

“Precisely so. If Your Royal Highness intends to move about in your original form, suitable attire is essential. Thus, I took the liberty of preparing this outfit for you.”

As for why it happened to be a girl’s uniform, that was merely the result of Lain’s keen observation of humanity.

While most human females donned various styles of clothing, a significant portion could be seen wearing identical uniforms. Hence, Lain had procured a uniform of that very style.

Incidentally, the uniform Liu Xingluo was wearing, along with the safety shorts and stockings, had actually been ‘acquired’ by Lain.

Each item had been carefully selected based on his observations.

Initially, he had harbored some concern that Her Royal Highness might disdain the uniform, which was why he had also prepared other styles of clothing.

These, too, had been ‘acquired’ in the same manner as the uniform.

He possessed neither the skill nor the leisure to sew clothes by hand.

Simply taking someone else’s finished product was undoubtedly the most expedient method.

“Hmm, that was quite thoughtful of you, Lain,” Liu Xingluo remarked. “Now, I need to change. Do you have any other outfits prepared?”

Although Lain seemed to have somewhat misunderstood her earlier comment, given his meticulous preparation of a full uniform, complete with safety shorts and stockings, it stood to reason that he would have prepared additional clothes for her.

He was, after all, her personal guard.

‘Though, typically, a guard wouldn’t carry a princess’s wardrobe with him…’

“Of course, I do,” Lain affirmed, a slight bow accompanying his words. “I possess a multitude of different styles of clothing. Your Royal Highness, please feel free to choose to your heart’s content!”

As he spoke, Lain plunged his hand into the depths of his shadow, drawing forth an array of women’s garments in various styles, presenting them for Liu Xingluo’s careful selection.

Had she been back home, faced with such a diverse collection of garments, Liu Xingluo would undoubtedly have been thrilled, eager to try on each outfit to see its effect.

Yet, currently, she was still being pursued, affording her no time for such frivolous dress-up games. Her only option was to select an outfit that wouldn’t impede her movements while still appealing to her personal aesthetic.

“Alright, these few will do,” she decided, waving a hand. “No need to look any further.”

Surveying the clothes Lain had produced, Liu Xingluo selected a few pieces that caught her eye.

The bottom half remained a short skirt, which was unremarkable, but the jacket designs for the upper body were considerably more appealing than the drab uniform.

Liu Xingluo had a fondness for such distinctive styles.

The stockings also required changing, as they too had been torn during the attack; it was imperative to replace them.

Thankfully, the safety shorts remained intact.

“Very well,” Lain responded. “Does Your Royal Highness wish to change now, or would you prefer to find a more discreet location?”

Should Liu Xingluo decide to change immediately, Lain would respectfully turn away while simultaneously monitoring their surroundings for any disturbances.

A princess’s changing was not a sight for the likes of him, nor could he permit anyone else to witness it.

“Let’s find a place where no one else can see us,” she decided. “Changing here would be far too inconvenient.”

After all, the area was utterly devoid of amenities; there wasn’t even a chair for Liu Xingluo to sit on, making the simple act of changing her stockings a challenge.

Conveniently, due to the ongoing alarm, everyone in the vicinity had already fled from the buildings to the safety of the shelters.

Finding a secluded spot was, therefore, incredibly simple; merely stepping into any abandoned shop would suffice.

“Lain, I’ll need you to stand watch for me,” she instructed. “If anyone approaches, inform me. And do not, under any circumstances, act without my express permission.”

She genuinely feared that Lain’s impulsive intervention might once again lead to severe repercussions.

Thus, Liu Xingluo explicitly forbade him from taking any action.

“Understood,” Lain acknowledged. “Leave it to me. Your Royal Highness may change with complete peace of mind.”

Given Liu Xingluo’s explicit instruction not to engage in combat without her prior approval, Lain naturally refrained from drawing his sword, instead remaining at the building’s entrance, keeping a vigilant watch over the surroundings.

Before long, Liu Xingluo emerged, her change of clothes complete.

“Hmm, this outfit feels rather good too,” she murmured, admiring her reflection. “My taste is truly impeccable.”

Gazinge at her reflection in the glass, Liu Xingluo couldn’t help but acknowledge her excellent judgment.

Unfortunately, she had no leisure to admire her current self; moreover, this very appearance would soon be seen by many others.

The thought of such a development filled Liu Xingluo with considerable unease.

Still, there was nothing for it. She decided to first rejoin Lain and then strategize their next move.

“Thank you for your efforts, Lain,” she said upon rejoining him. “No one approached during that time, I trust?”

“Indeed, Your Royal Highness,” Lain confirmed. “Not a single individual appeared within my line of sight during that period.”

Excellent.

She had been concerned that those who had sought refuge in the shelters might prematurely return to the surface, forcing her to evade them.

It appeared the 异生兽部队 (TL Note: alien beast forces) had not yet neutralized her, hence the alarm remained active.

Given that the mere presence of an 异生兽 (TL Note: alien beast) posed a significant threat to humanity, it was entirely logical for the alert to persist.

Paradoxically, this situation had inadvertently proven to be a great boon for Liu Xingluo.

“Right then, our next step is to ascertain our current location,” she stated. “If only we had a phone or a computer.”

Surveying the unfamiliar streets surrounding them, Liu Xingluo was certain she had never set foot in this area before.

Previously, she had always lived with her sister, never venturing far from their usual abode, so her unfamiliarity with this place was perfectly understandable.

A device with internet access would be invaluable; with a navigation app, they could easily pinpoint their exact whereabouts.

Regrettably, Liu Xingluo had not brought her phone; it was likely still at home.

Fortunately, however, everyone in the vicinity had fled to the underground shelters. With a thorough search, she might just find a phone abandoned by some unfortunate soul in their haste to evacuate.