Chapter 17

“You can see it’s impossible for me to fit in that mummy outfit. In that case, the only thing we can do is trade.” “Wh-what?!” “Rin, take off your clothes!” “Stoppp!” Ten minutes later, Rin had transformed into a magnificent, bright red mummy. Though her bust and butt were hidden by bandages, her taut stomach peeked from between the gaps. She had an entirely different physique. “Urgh… I—I can’t believe I have to walk around town in such an embarrassing outfit… Lady Alice, this is torture!” “You were the one trying to subject your own lady to this experience!” On the other hand, Alice had transformed into a cute devil. “Let’s head out, Rin. We’ll join the parade first. And I’d like to participate in the costume contest in the afternoon. By entering you.” “Me?!” “Of course. That mummy costume is sure to be a hit.” “Wait just one moment!” Two girls stood in Alice’s way. “We can’t let that go after you said that,” one of the two strangers said. “You think you’ll be a big hit at the costume contest?” the other girl asked. “With us entering?” One was a golden-haired girl dressed as a vampire. The other was going as a succubus with black hair. Neither of the costumes was a rental; they looked custom-made. Because they were handmade, there was a freshness and completeness to them that the rental costumes lacked. “Are you specialists or something?” Rin furrowed her brows when she saw the execution of their costumes. “Lady Alice, these two must be pro cosplayers.” “Cosplayers?” “They’re probably models hired on by the people running the event to make it more festive.” Of course. Alice wasn’t very familiar with the term, but the two women were very cute in their costumes. The one dressed as a vampire was even wearing fake fangs, which looked extra impressive because they were covered in what looked like real blood. The other woman was the spitting image of a succubus, and her getup emphasized her unashamedly exposed cleavage. If those two entered the parade, they were sure to become the center of attention. “So what does a pair of pros want with us?” Alice wouldn’t lose to them, however. With her strikingly good looks and glamorous proportions, it would be no exaggeration to say she stood above the rest of the participants. “Rin and I are just here to enjoy the carnival. Is there something wrong?” “I’ll give you a warning out of goodwill. It appears as though you’re newbies dressed in costume rentals. Are you here for Twelfth Street’s costume contest?” “Yes, that’s right.” “Ah-ha! Ah-ha-ha!” “How hilarious!” The pair’s laughter echoed in the changing room. “The entire world is watching this carnival. And Twelfth Street’s costume contest is a super-elite competition designed for pro cosplayers like us.” “That’s right. If you’re planning to use rentals, then maybe you should enter the Second Street beginner competition?” “What was that?” Had the women suggested that in good faith, Alice would have listened to them, but they were clearly looking down on her and Rin. “I won’t deny that we’re new to this,” Alice said, “but don’t you dare underestimate us.” “Hmm? Well, it does look like you’ve got some assets under your devil costume,” the vampire said, appraising Alice after looking her up and down. “But that still won’t work. The makeup’s so bad, it looks like a kid put your outfit together.” “We spent a ton of time on handmaking our costumes and researching what makeup to use. We wouldn’t want some amateurs tarnishing the reputation of the contest.” The differences in their costumes and makeup were evident. However, it wasn’t in the Nebulis princess’s nature to back down from a challenge. “All right. Now that you’ve said that, I’m fired up to participate!” Alice pointed a finger at the two women. “I accept your challenge! On Rin’s behalf!” “Why me?!” “I’m a princess; I can’t attract attention.” Alice grabbed Rin’s hand and marched them out the door of the changing room. “Now, Rin, let’s go to the contest entry desk as fast as we can make it.” “Lady Alice, w-wait a second. If we go too fast, my bandages will unravel!” At the same time, on Bachil’s Twelfth Street. “How is it, Commander? Is it cute?” “You’re adorable, Nene!” Nene had transformed into a cat, complete with ears, a tail, and toe bean gloves. Commander Mismis stood beside her, positively delighted by the costume. “Ugh! I can’t get enough of those gloves and those cat ears! Nene, say ‘Meow’!” “Me-meow! I’m just kitten around!” “Too cute!” Commander Mismis hugged Nene. The girl started to wriggle around like an actual cat, looking the picture of cuteness. “You’re adorable, Commander. That huge hat looks great on you!” “Hee-hee, thank you, Nene!” Commander Mismis was dressed like a witch. The large hat and robe looked great on her small body. In reality, witch was a derogatory term. The Imperials called the Nebulis astral mages “witches” to condemn them, so it was ironic that dressing as one was popular in an affiliate of the Empire. “Nene, let’s take pictures at that studio over there to remember this!” “Sounds paw-fect to me!” “You two are really getting into your roles…” Nene and Commander Mismis were already in the carnival spirit as Iska and Jhin emerged from the men’s changing room. They seemed unsteady on their feet. Their costumes interfered with their vision and were difficult to walk in. “Those outfits look great on you two,” Iska commented. “How are you doing, Jhin?” “Sheesh. You two seem like you don’t have a care in the world. Meanwhile, we’re dressed in all this stuff.” Next to Iska was the sniper, Jhin. But their costumes hid both of their faces.