That night, Klein used the gray fog to "disinfect" his mental state, then took out materials to craft a new amulet before lying back down in bed to try and fall asleep.
But after tossing and turning for a long time, he finally managed to drift off in a daze, his mind still filled with countless chaotic speculations—
Would Alice's unusual behavior be related to the "pleasure" question he hadn't been able to ask?
Or was it just another prank, like always…
But this was clearly beyond a prank; it was practically challenging his male pride!
Could she have a crush on him…? No, no, that couldn't be it. She was acting so strangely today!
Perhaps something happened tonight that triggered her… But what could possibly make her so eager and breathless?
This was way beyond his capabilities!
No, tomorrow… he had to find a chance to ask her tomorrow… Otherwise, he would threaten to skip the dinner party!
That's a good idea, okay, let's do it...
Hmm, I wonder what delicious food we'll have for tomorrow night—...
But the next morning, in front of Benson and Melissa, Klein was too embarrassed to call Alice over for a private chat. He could only pretend to be nonchalant and absentmindedly finish his breakfast.
Luckily, he had already told his siblings about his plans for Saturday night, using the excuse of going to the theater with Alice, otherwise it would have been another agonizing ordeal...
Alice, on the other hand, didn't seem to notice anything amiss and naturally explained to the two siblings that she had come home late the previous night.
The topic was put to rest, and Melissa and Benson both seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, as if silently removing some outrageous speculations from their minds.
Klein, sipping warm tea to soothe his throat, thought to himself, "If only things were really as she said—that her whereabouts were discovered by someone hired by the family, leading to a meeting with a neutral elder and a dinner together…
If he believed her nonsense, he'd need to see a surgeon to get his head checked. Uh, the operating room in this world seems pretty bloody…
Stop, stop, don't think about it."
After finishing the last sip of tea, Klein placed the morning newspaper back on the coffee table, got up to put on his coat, and smiled at the three people in the living room to indicate that he should leave for work.
Just as he stepped out the door, Alice finally caught up with him, calling out to him at the corner of the townhouse.
"Klein, here, I have something good for you."
Faced with a small bottle that Alice smilingly offered, Klein instinctively took a step back, not daring to reach out and take it.
"What's this?"
Alice, seemingly oblivious to his wariness, patiently explained in a cheerful mood,
"I think I kept you up late last night, so this is compensation. It's an energy-boosting potion, additive-free... well, no side effects, much better than all your other weird potions."
Energy booster?!
Klein instantly blushed, barely managing to maintain his composure after hearing her add,
"It's a specialty I brought from 'over there,' specially for relieving fatigue."
...Oh, relieve fatigue... so that's what it meant.
Klein hesitated, but ultimately, driven by a thrifty mentality and a touch of curiosity, he took the small, narrow-mouthed, wide-bellied bottle, about five or six centimeters tall.
After examining the clear, light green solvent inside, he stared intently at the strange patterns near the bottle's opening. Suddenly, he gleaned a detail from Alice's earlier words:
"Our various potions... do you know
what's going on with the potions 'over here'?" Since they were standing on the street, in a fairly public setting, Klein had to use a very subtle approach to avoid revealing his presence on the mystical side.
"I know a little... like the shelf life after mixing." And the perfunctory procedures involved in potion mixing...
Alice didn't voice her true thoughts, but her expression and tone revealed her true feelings.
Klein's heart skipped a beat upon hearing this, a thought he had suppressed resurfaced:
during his battle with the tuxedo clown on Thursday, he had first encountered the extraordinary-level potion "Goddess's Gaze," which had an adrenaline-like effect, briefly stimulating the extraordinary's spirit and maintaining their state; however, this potion was not the kind of healing potion he, a former game enthusiast, longed for, because its healing properties would evaporate after creation, making it impossible to preserve as a regular means of recovery...
If, he meant if...
Alice could produce this light green energy potion for him, did that mean... she possessed at least more than one potion? And perhaps the types weren't limited to this one...?
"Then, I wanted to ask... um, just asking," Klein finally couldn't resist the urge and tentatively asked, "Do you have... do you have potions that can heal injuries? I mean, potions for treating external wounds, cuts..."
Afraid of being overheard by passersby, he leaned closer to the girl and lowered his voice as he asked this question.
Alice, unlike him, didn't seem to have many concerns. She simply looked him over with a strange expression for a few moments before replying,
"Yes, I am, but you're not injured, are you? Or did you accidentally injure yourself last night?"
What did she mean by injuring herself...? Why did that sound a bit off?
Klein forced himself not to think in strange directions and quickly explained,
"I'm not injured, I was just asking!"
After a couple of seconds, he added impatiently, "...Could you give me another one? I'd prefer that kind of...that kind of potion that can heal wounds." As he spoke, he shook the potion bottle in his hand as a gesture.
...Was this going too far?
Just as Klein was worrying about the reasonableness of his request, he suddenly saw Alice seem to pause for a moment, then lower her head and cover her mouth, chuckling softly.
"You—why do you think I gave you this potion?"
It wasn't to compensate for last night... Klein suddenly remembered the question he wanted to ask her and was about to ask when Alice quickly continued.
"I was just worried you wouldn't have the energy tonight and might cause problems during the banquet… As for that potion you mentioned, well, I'll prepare yours, don't worry."
She pushed the light green potion back into Klein's hands, then changed the subject to the pre-banquet arrangements:
"At 4:30 PM, or at the latest 5:00 PM, look for a carriage with an iris emblem near 35 Halls Street. It will take you to the place to change into your evening gown, where I'll be waiting for you. While you're getting ready, I'll explain some important points, including the potion part you're concerned about… Is this arrangement time-sensitive?"
"My job allows me some flexibility in the afternoon… It should be fine." After mentally reviewing the process, Klein quickly replied.
"Alright, then I look forward to seeing you again this afternoon." Alice smiled and immediately waved goodbye.
…She felt like she'd forgotten something.
Klein frowned, about to ponder further, when she added, "Won't we be late if we don't leave now?"
Being late wouldn't be good, especially since his official membership approval hadn't come through yet; he didn't want to be accused of poor work ethic…
Thinking this, Klein temporarily suppressed the awkward feeling of having forgotten something, said goodbye to Alice, and turned to walk towards the street corner where he usually took the public carriage.
Only after sitting down in an empty seat in the carriage did Klein realize he had forgotten to ask Alice about last night.
"This afternoon, this afternoon definitely…" he tapped his forehead, muttering to himself.
…
At 4:30 in the afternoon, Klein left the Divination Furniture Club on time, leisurely strolling to the address Alice had given him that morning. He checked his pocket watch; exactly five minutes had passed.
So, at the entrance of the shop with the Ten Bells Bar sign, he boarded the carriage with the iris emblem. Of course, he didn't forget to use the gold coin divination method for a final confirmation.
After that, the carriage left the Halls district, and the scenery outside the window gradually became unfamiliar. Klein could only roughly determine that he had arrived in the East District.
After a smooth five or six minutes of travel, the carriage stopped in front of a three-story building with railings and a small patch of greenery facing the street.
Klein got out of the carriage and stood at the bottom of the steps, glancing at the inside of the open door.
A male servant seemed to notice his arrival and came out to confirm his identity.
After Klein introduced himself, the male servant nodded to him, indicating that he should follow him.
Klein relaxed and followed the male servant upstairs, admiring the obviously sophisticated furniture and decor of the room.
He had been expecting to see Alice soon and learn more about the dinner party arrangements from her; instead, he was led to an empty living room furnished with sofas, cabinets, a desk, an elegant fireplace, a clock, a full-length mirror, a mobile coat rack with top hats and complete black tailcoats, a box containing various accessories, and a pair of gleaming leather shoes on the floor beside him.
"Would you like any assistance changing your clothes…"
Klein could feel the valet's gaze lingering on his cheap suit for several seconds before asking this question in a puzzled yet tactful tone, seemingly considerate of his feelings. "
I know how to wear a suit, and it's not like I don't have decent ones, but mine is torn and needs mending, and the reimbursement hasn't come through yet, so I can't buy a replacement…"
Klein wanted to explain, but felt that saying it would be even more inappropriate, so he pursed his lips and stiffly replied,
"Thank you, but it's alright."
Fortunately, the valet didn't ask him to confirm again, or Klein felt he would have been mortified.
With a meticulous and cautious attitude, Klein changed into the significantly more upscale tuxedo. Standing in front of the full-length mirror, he smoothed out a few wrinkles, even using his fingertips to feel the fine texture of the shirt and jacket.
Surprisingly, it fit him perfectly, without feeling tight at all. The shoes were also the perfect size, adding three to five centimeters to his height, making him appear even more upright.
It was as if it had been tailor-made for him, and it even felt better than the nearly thousand-pound suits in his wardrobe before his transmigration…
But this was Ruen! How much would a suit like this cost?
Even the tie clip was adorned with gemstones; the whole set would definitely cost over a hundred… no, two hundred, or even three hundred pounds!
The ingrained habit made Klein start estimating the price of the outfit, but as he calculated and struck a few poses in front of the mirror, he suddenly felt like he had become even more handsome, exuding a dignified and composed charm.
"It's good to be rich, you get what you pay for..." Klein wondered if he'd have to return the suit to Alice after the banquet.
Wait a minute, that wicked witch seems to be able to see into the mirror and move through it...
Could she have seen his poses?
What if a figure walks out of that dressing mirror and starts mocking him...?
Thankfully, none of Klein's worries came true.
Not long after he changed, the valet who had led him there knocked on the door in the hallway, asking if the gentleman inside had finished changing.
Klein said no problem, and the valet opened the door and pushed a small cart inside. Behind the valet was a young girl he already knew quite well.
"Good afternoon, Klein. How does this outfit look?"
Alice greeted him cheerfully, circling him a few times as if confirming something, nodding as if to confirm something. The male servant silently arranged the cart, then bowed and left the room, no longer disturbing the two inside.
"...Not bad, just a little unexpected, the clothes and shoes fit perfectly." Klein honestly stated his feelings, then glanced at Alice's attire—her hair wasn't tied up, she wore a simple beige long dress, paired with matching open-toe strappy sandals.
Clearly, this wasn't her outfit for the banquet.
"It fits perfectly, it wasn't for nothing that I transformed myself into your likeness and had the tailors take my measurements. Alright, come sit here, I'll explain the banquet details while I do your makeup."
Alice casually gestured towards the sofa, then moved the cart containing her makeup tools to the side, only to find Klein still standing motionless.
"...Wait, what did you just say? I think I heard something strange..." Klein took a deep breath, forcing a smile.
Alice thought for a moment, then simply pulled him to the sofa and pressed him down to sit. "Wearing makeup? Appropriate makeup is basic etiquette for social occasions. Don't be shy; even men need a little grooming... Come on, close your eyes."
"No, not that part, I mean the part before that,"
Klein replied blankly with his eyes closed, no longer wanting to protest her bullying behavior. He could only pitifully clutch the amulet in his pocket, feeling a little reassured from its gradually increasing temperature.
"The part before that... you mean the tailor taking measurements?"
He felt his hair being clipped up, revealing his forehead, and then a damp cotton cloth was applied to his face, gently scrubbing it.
"No, that's obviously not the issue! And you clearly said you were going to transform into my likeness to have your measurements taken! The point isn't that you transformed into my likeness…"
This is an infringement on my portrait rights! …And she can even transform into other people? Is there anything this witch can't do? Klein silently cried out in his heart.
After the moisture from the scrubbing completely dissipated, Alice applied a cool liquid to his face; he guessed it was some kind of base lotion.
"Um, this… I really should apologize, but the dress's production schedule is very tight, and I didn't have time to ask you to come in person."
She apologized softly, and Klein was speechless, unsure what to say.
He asked her how she transformed. Did she only change her appearance, or did she even change the structure of her organs...? If it was the latter, that was a bit scary...
But then he thought about it again. Alice could transform into his likeness and have clothes tailored to fit him perfectly, which was very strange...
It was almost as if she knew him, his entire body...
Klein was almost bursting with embarrassment at his own thoughts, but then Alice said,
"I think you're thinking some very rude things... Those tailors are experienced professionals. When taking measurements, they would never touch any parts that would embarrass the customer."
That seemed alright...
Klein breathed a slight sigh of relief, cleared his throat, and solemnly stated that he didn't like being arranged for things without his consent. Next time, Alice should at least ask for his permission first.
To be honest, if Alice could change this, Klein felt he could still get along with her... Well, provided she stopped teasing him from time to time.
"…Okay, I'll be careful."
Her tone was like that of a student who had been sternly criticized by the headmaster, carrying a strange sense of grievance.
Perhaps she thought that even if she asked him for his opinion, she would get his agreement, so there was no need to go through the trouble. That's why she acted first and informed him later—a typical self-centered mentality that needs to be corrected… Klein thought.
However, this complicated issue could obviously only be discussed later.
Klein could feel the touch of makeup brushes on his face, seemingly with a careful and gentle care, applying the fine powder to his skin.
Perhaps because his eyes were closed and he didn't have to face Alice's stunning face up close, Klein gradually relaxed, and his thoughts began to wander.
His knowledge of makeup was limited, and he didn't know what stage she had progressed to. So, he recalled with considerable worry the various photos of internet celebrities he had seen online, all with thick eyelashes and red lips and white teeth, and he was very worried that he would also be transformed into a similar face.
Alice, however, clearly didn't care what he thought. After briefly ending the topic he had interrupted, she began to formally introduce the details of tonight's banquet.
A distinguished baron was the nominal host of the banquet, and he had generously provided the venue: a resort estate located on the eastern outskirts of Tingen, west of the town of Riesland.
There were beautiful gardens and fountains, exquisite rooms and paintings, skilled chefs and pastry chefs preparing gourmet dishes, red wine from South Wales, champagne from Intis, and Olmere wine, as well as a live band and a ballroom, doing everything possible to satisfy the material and spiritual needs of every guest.
The banquet was scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM. However, due to certain customary rules, they could enter 15 to 30 minutes later.
It was currently 5:15 PM, and considering that the journey from eastern Tingen to the estate would take about an hour and a half by carriage, even at the maximum time, they would have to get on the carriage within 45 minutes to ensure they entered the venue on time.
The usual dinner party process involves presenting invitations, exchanging pleasantries with the host, and then entering the lounge to wait for dinner to begin. After dinner, there are even more social obligations to follow, making it inherently quite rigid and uninteresting.
However, this dinner party was clearly not conventional—strictly speaking, it was not conventional according to traditional Loen culture.
The esteemed Baron and his partner, a beautiful lady commonly known as Lady Beatrice, had named their monthly joint dinner party "The Masquerade Feast," supposedly inspired by the masquerade balls still popular in Intis…
Hearing this, Klein forcibly suppressed the twitching at the corner of his mouth, trying not to think about whether this heavily Franco-Westernized event was actually something his fellow countryman, the Emperor, had come up with.
Just then, Alice finished her makeup, so she removed the hairpin from Klein's head, indicating that he could open his eyes and look in the mirror.
With a mindset of accepting certain death, Klein mustered his courage and walked to the full-length mirror, only to be stunned:
Who is this?
Who is that handsome man with tanned skin, striking eyebrows, a high nose, and well-defined features?
He looked at the mirror with a gentle yet bewildered expression. His hair, though unkempt, didn't appear messy; instead, it exuded a free-spirited charm. Who was he?
—That's right, it's me!