Albena, like Aaliyah, was also dressed in an evening gown.
To be honest, Gauss actually admired the fact that the clothing store had sizes suitable for Albena’s physique.
Moreover, Ying was also wearing a gown in a similar style, making it hard for Gauss not to speculate that the three of them had gone shopping together as a team.
Except, Aaliyah’s gown was light blue, Ying’s was black, while Albena’s was entirely white.
Back to Albena, the gown on her made Gauss involuntarily think of a game character from his previous life, vaguely called Lady Eight Feet, though Albena was much stronger.
While it couldn’t be said to be unattractive, Albena’s body type really didn’t suit such a long dress, always giving him an indescribable sense of discomfort.
As if at any moment she could pull an ax from the side of her skirt.
"Very... very spirited, you look refreshed, Albena." Gauss agonized for a long time and eventually gave a compliment that was both sincere and polite.
"Really?" With her carefree nature, Albena couldn’t read the subtle complexity on Gauss’s face.
She didn’t ponder too much.
Facing Gauss’s "praise," she beamed with joy, even twisting left and right on the spot to size herself up.
Lord Gauss actually likes it?
Originally, when she first put it on, she felt a bit awkward.
But since Lord Gauss said so, she dismissed that tiny doubt in her heart.
In matters of aesthetics, Lord Gauss shouldn’t be wrong.
Rather than doubt Lord Gauss, she’d better doubt herself.
Albena, you need to be more confident!
Ying smiled as she watched the scene, with a kind of composed look that seemed to see through everything.
However, when Gauss noticed she was watching him, he thought she was also awaiting his evaluation.
He considered Ying’s gown to be the best-looking among the three.
The main reason being that Ying’s height was just right; a long dress needed enough height, but not as towering as Albena.
The dark night-colored gown had fine gold thread embroidery on the hem and cuffs, with a simple neckline design, elegantly revealing her slender neck and clavicle lines.
Though he wanted to give more compliments, realizing the other two were also paying attention here, to avoid favoritism, he merely nodded gently in affirmation.
"This gown looks very elegant on you."
"Thank you, glad you like it." Ying’s lips curved slightly.
What surprised Gauss most was that the usually staid Serdur also changed into a special outfit.
But it wasn’t in human fashion.
Rather, it was a traditional attire in a tropical Snake-man style, suitable for a Half-Snake Man physique, with a long robe cascading naturally from the shoulders, gracefully covering his snake body, the robe hem flaring out like a fishtail.
As he moved, his snake body swayed within, and the folds of the robe rippled like waves.
"Why even you..."
Serdur shook his head solemnly.
"Captain, we’re attending the banquet as your team guests, you may dress freely, but we can’t dress casually, for your dignity’s sake."
Gauss couldn’t help but chuckle bitterly at Serdur’s serious preparation.
At the end of the day, only he was truly casual.
Did these people really not want an excuse to dress up? He had some doubts.
But going to buy a proper evening suit now was too late, so he settled for the white robe.
Although simple, it was still decent.
In truth, no matter what he wore now, he wouldn’t look bad.
"Let’s head out."
...
The streets were brightly lit.
The more prosperous the town, the richer the nightlife.
Gauss’s group, composed of handsome men and beautiful women, naturally attracted quite a few gazes.
Even Serdur, the Half-Snake Man, after dressing carefully, gave off an exotic special beauty, attracting some attention.
Gauss furtively glimpsed Serdur’s seemingly indifferent face, noticing the barely visible upward curve at his mouth’s corner.
"Heh..."
He knew it, Serdur deep down also had a flair for showing off, didn’t he?
Feigning consideration for his dignity.
Never mind, he wouldn’t expose this proud fellow.
At the lakeside.
Beside the town hall, in front of a lavishly styled ballroom, all kinds of mounts and carriages were already parked.
Tall horses were the simplest; the bizarre mount carriages were more eye-catching.
There’s a giant black panther, a large goat with rock-like skin, and a four-legged creature resembling both a hyena and a lion...
The array of types was dazzling, even making Gauss’s eyes blur.
Quite akin to Gauss’s former life, where "bull and horse" luxury cars competed with one another.
Currently, two luxury beast-drawn carriages were blocking the entrance, unwilling to yield to each other.
Two ladies, dressed gorgeously and bedecked with jewels, were lifting the curtains and speaking across the distance.
"Isn’t this Milly from the Kyle family? Dressed so splendidly, which young talented gentleman are you trying to catch the eye of now?"
"Could it be Lord Gauss? Would he fancy you, this flirtatious woman?"
The two clearly knew each other, the slightly mature older lady first launched the attack.
"Oh, it’s Lady Fenney? I’m just following tradition, dressing properly, our Kyle family always values substance."
"But Lady Fenney, hasn’t your husband been deceased for just a few months? Already eager to find new love?"