Kael huffed, glaring at Alira and Lumino as they laughed together, munching sweets like kids at a festival. Meanwhile, he was stuck in Lumino's body, and it was anything but pleasant.
'It's a shame we don't have any mirrors.'
The tightening in his chest worsened, accompanied by a strange, jittery anxiety that made his body feel fundamentally altered. Could this be a side effect of inhabiting Lumino's form?
'And then there's this crap…'
Floating in his vision, a glowing red system window:
< Red Orb – 100% Completed >
Nothing else. Just those words. He'd been staring at it for two minutes straight, and it refused to disappear.
"Closed system!" he snapped, but of course nothing happened. Not like he actually expected it to obey him. He reached out, trying to grab the hovering letters, only for his hand to phase through them.
'Annoying as hell.'
Then came a sudden yelp—using his voice. "Arghh! Why am I so itchy!?"
Kael turned toward Alira—who was still wearing his body. "What's wrong?"
"My face… it's red!"
Lumino look at Alira, pointed at her reflection in a glossy candy wall.
"…Did you eat almonds?" Kael asked sharply.
"Uh… yeah. Macaroons. They've got almond flour, right?"
Kael's eye twitched. "…I forgot to warn you. I'm allergic."
"WHAT!?" Alira, in Kael's body, went wide-eyed. She grabbed him by the collar and shook him violently. "Why the hell didn't you say that earlier, you idiot!?"
"You didn't ask! You just stuffed your face! And did it never cross your mind that a forest full of cakes and candy might be a TRAP!?"
"Calm down—Kael, I mean Alira—don't choke me!" Lumino (in Alira's) tried to separate them. "And Kael, stop provoking Alira!"
Kael blinked.
Suddenly, he wasn't watching anymore—he was the one grabbing Lumino's shirt.
"What—wait, am I back in my body!?" He looked at his own hands, relief flooding through him… until the itching started spreading up his arms.
"Damn it! Alira, thanks to you, now I'm scratching all over!"
"Heh… serves you right."
Kael froze. That mocking laugh had come from Lumino's mouth.
"You two still haven't swapped back?" Kael frowned.
"Kael, are you really you again?" Lumino asked.
"Yes… but only me, apparently."
The words had barely left his mouth before his whole frame felt like it was shrinking.
Kael looked around—and now saw two men standing beside him.
'Oh no… don't tell me…'
"Kael?"
"Shit, not again."
"Why are you swearing now?"
"I'm Kael!" he barked back.
"And I'm Lumino," said the other, who was now stuck in Kael's body.
"…So the one in my body now…" Alira, currently stuck in Lumino's, narrowed her eyes.
Kael raised a brow. "And what? Afraid that I'll eat something you are allergic to just to make you itchy?"
Alira shook her head with an exasperated sigh.
Before Kael could snap again, a smooth voice echoed above them:
"Are you enjoying the entertainment and refreshments?"
All three of them looked up. Perched casually atop a giant candy cane was a man in flamboyant motley. The man wore heavy make-up, dressed as a clown, and wore a hat that looked tall and oversized for his body.
"Who the hell are you!?" Kael growled.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, gentlemen. I am Jester. And I do hope my cakes and sweets were to your liking."
"It was delicious, thank you," Lumino (in Kael's body) said earnestly, licking frosting off his thumb.
"HEY! So this is your fault, isn't it? You're the one scrambling our bodies!" Kael roared.
The man chuckled smoothly. "Mm… I don't mind being scolded by a lady as lovely as you…"
"Shut the hell up and put us back, clown!" Kael lunged—but Jester had already somersaulted down, landing gracefully in front of Alira. He bowed, took her hand, and kissed the back of it.
"You are radiant, mademoiselle."
"Let go, you bastard!" said Kael.
Lumino(Alira) gagged. "Ughhh, watching him kiss my hand makes me want to puke!"
Jester's gaze shifted to Lumino, and his mirth vanished. His jaw dropped, a silent gasp escaping as his eyes widened.
"…I… I did not expect… a flower this divine. Those eyes, like polished gems; that face, framed by silken hair; those lashes, glowing as heaven. You are truly breathtaking, mademoiselle." His warm breath ghosted over Lumino's hand as he clasped it, the kiss a soft press against her skin.
"Ish…," Alira groaned in disgust.
"But I'm not a woman. So let go already." Lumino (in Kael's body) yanked his hand back, stepping protectively in front of Alira (in Lumino's body).
"Enough games. Return us to our bodies," Kael snapped, eyes burning.
Alira—no, Kael—already had fists clenched, itching for a fight.
But Jester only laughed lightly. "Why ruin the fun? My shows are famous, and I assure you… you'll enjoy them to the fullest."
Kael lunged, fist ready to smash his painted grin—but Jester danced away in an instant, springing back atop the candy cane.
"Alas, gentlemen… Jester must take his leave."
He turned, only to slam against a shimmering barrier that flared around him. His smirk faltered.
Everyone stared wide-eyed.
"That power… only one person here has it."
Kael, currently inside Alira's body, turned to Lumino's body.
"What? I am a fast learner." Alira's grin was sharp and smug.
"Good work, Alira," Lumino said with a nod
-----
Jester sat on the ground, tied up with ropes, looking as if he were in the middle of some deep, tragic reflection—except the only thing tragic about him was the ridiculous oversized hat sliding over his eyes.
"Where do you think you're running, huh? Now hurry up and change our bodies back!"
Kael had his sword drawn, though the sight was a little less intimidating considering he was still stuck inside Alira's petite body.
"Eukh… I merely wanted to entertain you fine gentlemen and ladies," Jester said, trying for charm but sounding more like a street vendor caught cheating customers.
"Calm down, Kael. What matters is that we've caught him," Lumino said, voice smooth as ever, though he looked more exasperated than threatening.
"So, your name is Jester? What exactly are you?" Alira asked, narrowing her eyes like a queen interrogating a beggar.
"Uhff… I am but a humble entertainer. My task is to bring joy, to create shows that satisfy the crowd!" He gestured dramatically, as though the ropes binding him were part of the act.
"And swapping our bodies counts as 'entertainment' to you?"
Kael pressed the blade closer, eyes glittering with genuine fury—though it was hilariously offset by Alira's delicate face scowling.
"Uwaah… you are terrifying, mademoiselle! Could you, perhaps, lower the sword first? I'm fragile!" Jester pleaded, sweat dripping down his painted face.
Even Alira raised a brow.
'Wow, Kael actually manage to make me look terrifying.'
"Alira," Lumino turned to her gently, "how do you feel? Any strange effects from using my power?"
Instead of answering, Alira inspected her nails with unbothered elegance. "Lumino… your nails are gorgeous."
"…Excuse me?" Lumino blinked.
"Not just your nails—your hair, your face… they're prettier than mine, and I'm the woman here. What's your secret?"
"Are you seriously asking that now?" Kael snapped, clearly offended. "We're interrogating a clown, not doing beauty tips!"
"Speaking of which… where's the clown?" Alira asked suddenly.
Kael's head whipped back—only to find the ropes slack and Jester nowhere in sight.
"Shit! Since when—?!"
"Kael!" Alira barked. "How could you let him escape?! I worked hard to capture him!"
"Shut it! You weren't even helping with the interrogation, then you act like you're the hero here? You only caught him because you had Lumino's body and his power!" Kael snapped back, cheeks red with rage.
"Both of you, stop it! Is this really the time to argue?!"
Lumino cut in, his tone sharp enough to slice through the bickering. The two froze like schoolchildren caught fighting in class.
Gods… Lumino in Kael's body is terrifying, Alira thought, shivering.
"We need to search again. Let's spread out. Jester has to be nearby," Lumino instructed, voice calm but commanding.
Kael scowled. "And what about me? I'm stuck in Alira's weak little body!"
"Weak?! Excuse you—I'm a White Witch!" Alira shot back, puffing her chest indignantly.
Kael looked unconvinced. "Doesn't feel like it."
"Enough," Lumino interjected again.
"Lumino, can you say 'inventory.' There should be a flare inside. Use it if you find Jester." Kael grumbled but complied.
'Inventory.'
Lumino gasped softly as a translucent window appeared before his eyes. 'So this is the system Kael always talks about…'
He scrolled clumsily until he spotted the flare, tapped it, and watched in awe as it materialized out of thin air.
He handed it over. "Here."
"You picked that up faster than I expected," Kael muttered, eyeing him carefully.
Lumino blinked. 'What's with that look…?'
Kael divided the flares. "If you see Jester, fire it into the sky. The smoke will be green. Don't engage him directly. Lumino, if you're in trouble, use the system to activate auto-pilot combat mode."
"Auto…pilot?" Lumino tilted his head like a curious puppy.
Alira sighed dramatically. "Fine. But Kael, don't you dare do anything weird with my body."
Kael froze. "Weird?! What the hell do you think I'd—!?" His face burned crimson.
Lumino pinched the bridge of his nose, muttering under his breath.
"Alright then, I'll search over there," Alira declared, pointing toward the waterfall.
"I'll go that way," Lumino said, motioning to the cotton candy tree glistening in the distance.
"Alright, I'll go that way." Kael gestured towards the candy cane grove, the last place Jester had been.
With that, the three of them scattered, their odd shapes and squabbling following them like the world's worst, most dysfunctional comedy act.
----
Jester was nowhere to be found—instead, Kael had stumbled into a situation so bewildering it made battling monsters feel simple.
He stood frozen, the cold glass of the tall mirror against his skin. His gaze locked on his reflection, a sight that twisted his stomach. A frilly yellow gown, its airy fabric whispering against him, billowed around him, a dress meant for a queen.
The scent of perfume and hairspray filled the air. Alira's face, flawlessly made up, glowed, her features shimmering like a porcelain doll.
'How… how did it come to this?!'
—A short while earlier—
Kael had been scouring the forest when his eyes landed on something absurd: a lone door in the middle of the woods, painted in bright pink.
"This reeks of that damned Jester's tricks! What the hell is he plotting now?"
He yanked the door open—and froze. Instead of trees, the doorway revealed an opulent bedroom, decorated in pastel colors, with a plush pink bedspread and dozens of stuffed animals scattered about.
'What the hell is this?'
Before he could shut it, someone shoved him from behind. He stumbled into the room, and the door slammed shut before dissolving completely.
'What—?!'
The lights flickered and died. When Kael blinked, his clothes had changed—again and again. Each time the lights went out, his attire shifted. By the time the glow stabilized, he was stuck in the yellow gown, lace frills brushing against his arms.
The door creaked open. A maid stepped in, bowing politely. "Has my lady finished changing her attire?"
Kael glanced around—she was speaking to him.
"Uh… yes? Do you know where this is?"
The maid's smile faltered. "Ah, my lady, your humor is most unusual today. But if you are ready, we mustn't keep your dance partner waiting. The ball is about to begin, and it would be improper to delay him any longer."
"…"
Kael's mind struggled to comprehend the situation. He was confined within a strange mansion, compelled to wear absurd dresses, and, most unsettlingly, trapped in Alira's body.
"That wretched Jester! What have I gotten myself into?!"
He exclaimed, frustration lacing his voice.
A gentle inquiry followed: "My lady, are you feeling well?" the maid asked.
Kael clenched his fists.
'Fine. Let's just play along for now.'
"I'm… fine. Uh, you…?"
"My name is Ophelia, my lady. Have you forgotten already?"
"Of course! Ophelia, yes, hahaha…"
She gave him a puzzled look.
"Let's go. Surely, we shouldn't keep my partner waiting." Kael forced a smile, striding out before she could question him further.
The corridor beyond gleamed with wealth. Gold lined the walls, chandeliers glittered above, and intricate carpets muffled their steps. Kael's lips tightened.
In DF-1, gold and paper money became worthless ages ago. Transactions are all credits now, after that great disaster nearly destroyed their world. But here… it feels like I've walked into another dimension entirely.
Outside, a horse-drawn carriage gleamed, and beside it stood a man in resplendent attire—gold-trimmed clothing accented with bold red.
"My apologies for the delay," Ophelia said nervously. "Our Lady took longer than expected."
"It's fine."
The man pivoted, his sapphire eyes flashing, reflecting the sun. White hair, slicked and gleaming, contrasted with the warmth of his smile as he reached a hand toward Kael.
"Wh—what?"
"Take his hand, my lady," Ophelia whispered urgently.
Kael's eyes widened. "…Lumino?!"
The man chuckled softly. "So, we're calling each other by name now, Lady Alira?"
'Oh, what the fu—what is this madness?!'
Then, floating above Kael's head, glowing words appeared:
=================
Quest must be completed to escape!
Conquer the heart of Prince Lumino Theodore.
1. Dance with him.
2. Show him your charm.
3. Kiss him.
Good luck! Regards, your friend, The Jester.
==================
Kael's jaw dropped. His gaze locked with Lumino's, who was still smiling expectantly.
"My lady, are you alright?" Lumino asked gently.
Kael forced a sweet smile, swallowing his pride as he placed his hand in Lumino's. "I'm fine… Your Highness."
Behind the smile, though, Kael's mind seethed with murderous intent.
'Jester, I swear—I will kill you for this!!!'