Chapter 211: My Kamera Comes with Built-In Filters
The moment Miss Hina's name was mentioned, Gorou's face turned an alarming shade of red.
Of course he remembered that name. How could he forget?
Back then, just that one loud shout from Bai Luo had almost blown his cover completely.
Thankfully, he'd been quick on his feet and used the excuse of having an older sister to dodge the bullet.
But ever since that day, he had lost count of how many people had asked to meet Gorou's dear "sister" Miss Hina.
The problem?
He didn't have a sister.
He had been forced to fumble through every encounter with vague excuses and nervous laughter.
Eventually, the rumors even reached Lady Kokomi herself, and she too began asking questions about the mysterious Miss Hina.
"Th-this... I don't think it's a good idea," Gorou stammered, ears twitching and tail sticking up as stiff as a board. "Besides, wouldn't my voice give me away?"
The tension in his body was plain as day—he looked ready to bolt at any second.
He had sworn to himself never to wear that outfit again. It was a stain on his past—a living nightmare!
"Relax. You don't need to show your face at all," Bai Luo said, smiling slyly. "All you have to do is put the outfit on and take a photo using the Kamera. Then you write a letter in Miss Hina's tone, encouraging everyone and listening to their troubles. Simple, right?"
The beginning of Bai Luo's explanation was a bit lost on Gorou.
But the second half… that part he understood very well. After all, this was no different from what he usually did around the camp—caring for morale, supporting the troops in his own way.
So essentially… all he needed to do was help people under a different name?
That didn't sound too hard.
Except for one thing…
"…The Kamera."
"Don't worry, I brought one."
Almost as if he'd read Gorou's mind, Bai Luo pulled out a rather sleek-looking device from under his robe.
This wasn't your average Kamera.
It was a special model developed in Fontaine to meet the needs of The Steambird. Unlike ordinary Kamera, this one could apply effects directly onto printed images—filters that enhanced the tone and feel.
In simpler terms, it's a built-in filter Kamera.
"Huh? You mean we're doing this now?"
Gorou's voice cracked slightly. He had been hoping—no, praying—that Bai Luo would at least give him a little time to prepare.
"Of course we are. I might be leaving again in the next couple of days. Who knows when I'll be back here next?"
Bai Luo casually fiddled with the device while giving his not-so-subtle nudge.
Gorou stood frozen for a moment, torn between pride and panic.
But in the end, he let out a heavy sigh and retreated into the back room.
Several minutes later… Miss Hina made her grand return.
Bai Luo gave him a side-eye glance—and nearly dropped the Kamera.
This guy…
Last time it took him ages to get dressed. Now? Just a few minutes and he was out looking nearly flawless.
He's way too proficient in crossdressing.
Even the outfit—once soaked and wrinkled—had been cleaned and pressed to perfection.
Had he washed and dried it beforehand!?
In this rainy mess of an island, everyone dried their clothes using communal heated rooms. But there's no way Gorou would risk taking that outfit into public view… right?
"…So? How do I look?"
Gorou asked awkwardly, fidgeting in the outfit, still clearly uncomfortable.
Despite that, he forced a smile onto his face. Stiff as it was, it was still an effort.
Bai Luo gave him a quick once-over and picked up a calligraphy brush and sheet of paper.
"Strike a nice pose."
"Oh. Uh… okay."
Gorou responded obediently, standing at full attention like a proper soldier—expression grim, posture stiff.
He looked less like a warm-hearted big sister and more like a drill sergeant in disguise.
"Don't look so serious. Try to smile."
"But…"
How could he possibly smile in this outfit!?
He was already pushing himself just to hold the pose. If he forced a smile too, his face might cramp up on the spot.
"Hold on…"
Bai Luo took another look, circling him like a fashion judge. Then, with a spark of inspiration, he picked up a pair of black gloves and held them up near Gorou's hands.
Still dissatisfied, he gave a small shake of his head, unsheathed his Reverse Blade Sword, and began making precise adjustments to the gloves with the blunt side of the blade.
Soon, a pair of delicate gloves with wave-like lace trim appeared in Bai Luo's hands.
The reason behind this was simple: to cover up the thick calluses on Gorou's palms—scars of long years drawing bows and handling weapons.
Miss Hina, after all, was supposed to be a gentle and kind big sister. Her hands, soft and unmarred, should never carry the marks of a hardened warrior.
And with that final touch...
Perfection.
"Yes, yes—just like that! Act like you're about to write something on the paper!"
"Smile! You have to smile! Miss Hina isn't some military commander, she's a kindhearted listener who welcomes everyone with warmth. You can't just stand there scowling like you're issuing orders!"
"A soft smile brings people closer—it bridges the gap between hearts. It's what gives this whole outfit its magical effect!"
"No need to hide your teeth—show just a bit of your fangs. That little flash of canine will help everyone feel more connected to you, more at ease."
"Lower the collar just a little—mmhm, that's it! That subtle touch helps guide people's attention to you. Trust me, it makes all the difference."
With Bai Luo's increasingly professional—and alarmingly detailed—guidance, the shoot finally came to an end.
And just like that, a brand-new photo of "Miss Hina" was born.
It had to be said—this Kamera, crafted in Fontaine, truly lived up to its reputation.
It didn't just take pictures—it refined them.
Not only did it accurately identify Gorou's "chosen" gender, it thoughtfully applied just the right amount of eyeshadow, smoothed over his angular jawline, and added a touch of blush to soften his features.
Even his well-toned chest had been beautifully transformed into a gentle curve, perfectly accentuated by the butterfly ribbon pinned to the front of the outfit.
Looking at the photo…
There was no doubt.
She was Miss Hina.
Even Bai Luo couldn't help but sigh in admiration:
"Ah~ such elegance. Who in the world wouldn't be moved by such a figure?"
"Th-this… this is enough, right?"
Gorou asked weakly, cheeks still burning.
After all the unfamiliar poses, awkward smiles, and sheer emotional damage, he could only cling to the one thought that it was finally over.
"Yes. Starting tomorrow, we'll announce that Miss Hina is here to listen to everyone's troubles," Bai Luo replied casually as he stashed the captured photos away with suspiciously smooth efficiency. "Once that's done, everything will sort itself out nicely."
What Gorou didn't know… was that this particular Kamera model had a little quirk.
Photos weren't just printed—they were archived.
So, all those embarrassing images Gorou thought he'd "discarded" in the past?
Still perfectly preserved in memory.
Somewhere in this Kamera's heart, Miss Hina lived on.
"Also, it's not just the resistance forces."
As Bai Luo caught sight of Gorou's tail—now wagging again, unaware of the looming disaster—he felt like he'd just cracked open a certain Pandora's box.
"I've heard the resistance has already established some networks inside Inazuma City. Maybe you could… use that to gather intel."
"Gather intel… from inside the city?"
Gorou's ears perked up instantly.
As a commander of the resistance, he understood better than anyone just how valuable intelligence from the capital could be.
If this disguise could help them tap into that…
Then maybe—just maybe—this outfit was worth enduring.
"That's right. You'd pose as a warmhearted big sister and open an anonymous Q&A column through Yae Publishing House," Bai Luo explained smoothly. "If anyone in the city has troubles or frustrations… they'll bring them straight to you. And among all those grievances…"
His eyes gleamed.
"…There's bound to be something useful."
. . . . .
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