Suddenly, the entire Shinrei family found themselves in the grand throne room. Everyone was still in their swimwear from the match. Maria was tending to Nujah's wounds, wrapping his face carefully with her glowing hands, while the others were trying to dry themselves with towels.
Just then, Naraka stormed into the room, her voice sharp and urgent:
> Naraka (commanding):
"Mabaka! Our very special guests will be arriving soon. Some of them are Firstborn Spirits—Seluva, Soluva, Miluva, Valuva... and Elder Death himself.
I can't list them all, but that's all you need to know. For now."
Mabaka's eyes sparkled with excitement.
> Mabaka (grinning):
"Understood! You want me to handle wardrobe?"
> Naraka:
"Dress everyone. Make them shine. You've got two hours before they all walk out that door.
Our guests—and the star of the day—are waiting.
I'll handle the first greeting. I'm counting on you, my little maniac."
> Mabaka (bowing):
"Yes, Mother. I'll make them all shine—even if it's impossible, they'll look better than me."
Naraka smiled as she walked off, her final words echoing:
> Naraka (playful):
"Good luck…"
---
[Transformation Begins]
Mabaka started with the others first, saving Maria and Nujah for last. One by one, she dressed her siblings like an artist bringing statues to life.
Meanwhile, Maria's hand burned like a gentle flame as she hovered it over Nujah's injured face. The scar from Herinhard's attack was still stubborn.
> Maria (sternly):
"Hold still. Healing a wound opened by Herinhard is not easy."
> Nujah (smirking):
"Well, being beautiful and envied… even a scar adds to the charm."
> Maria:
"Charm? Your face was buried in the dirt, Lord Nujah."
> Nujah:
"Still… my eyes stayed symmetrical. I think the universe favors me."
> Maria (laughing):
"Half of that symmetry is my work. I'll send you the bill."
---
[Meanwhile: Ren's Fitting]
Mabaka was circling Ren like a whirlwind, tugging one arm while buttoning his jacket with the other.
> Mabaka (impatient):
"Arms down! I need movement! You're not a statue."
> Ren (groggy):
"This color… clashes with the water. Ice tones suit me better."
> Mabaka:
"You are ice. That's why I picked warm colors—to remind people you're human."
> Ren (sighing):
"I'm still debating that myself…"
She clapped her hands, stepped back, and examined her work.
> Mabaka:
"Done! Cold soul, pretty face."
---
[Back to Maria & Nujah]
With most of her siblings ready, Mabaka turned to the final duo. Nujah was still seated, Maria's glowing hand cupping his cheek. He smiled at her, teasingly:
> Nujah:
"Are we completing the outfit with a flaming face mask now?"
> Maria:
"You can pick your outfit, but this time… I'm styling your eyebrows."
> Mabaka (yelling from afar):
"Don't touch anything until I arrive. Tonight, the light is me."
Nujah finally stood up. His wound was healed, hand still resting gently on his cheek. He glanced around with a faintly theatrical flair.
> Nujah (brushing his shoulder):
"I fell like a Shinrei… now I rise like a prince."
Maria lowered her hand, inspecting his faintly flushed skin.
> Maria:
"Even the flowers blushed when you fell, Lord Nujah. But you still look like someone who fell down a hill."
Mabaka rushed over with arms full of fabric and sparkle.
> Mabaka (gleeful):
"Perfect! This one's yours: long coat, glowing like moonlight—white outside, black inside! Contrast! Drama! Elegance!"
> Nujah (smiling):
"A coat of light with a shadowed heart… Like what I represent?"
> Mabaka:
"No. Like what the outfit needed. Stop being poetic—I'm on a deadline."
> Maria (chuckling):
"If you laugh too much, you'll reopen the wound."
As Mabaka helped him into the coat, she murmured:
> Mabaka (quietly):
"You already draw attention just by breathing… but tonight, I will shine the brightest."
---
With a final adjustment and some flair, Nujah's outfit fit like a dream. Mabaka took his hand with pride:
> Mabaka (grinning):
"Now come on, let's show those fashion-blind siblings of ours what style means."
She led him across the throne room like a stage, his moonlit coat shimmering with each step. The others turned to look—conversation halted.
> Muzan (snapping shut his book):
"Over-the-top… but annoyingly effective."
> Herinhard (arms crossed):
"Neckline's a bit long. Someone could strangle you in combat."
> Ren (touching the fabric):
"Interesting… this won't freeze."
> Vercurius (adjusting her glasses):
"Excellent balance. Mabaka's work—no surprise."
Mabaka placed her hands on her hips and tilted her head with a victorious smirk:
> Mabaka:
"Almost ready. Just a few final touches."
> Maria (grinning):
"And you're still saving yourself for last. Go on then, Mabaka—your turn."
She paused for dramatic effect. Then, with a sparkle in her eye, she lifted her arms:
> Mabaka:
"And now… the star rises."
She wore a gown of shimmering detail—subtle glitter at the chest, flowing tail, and fox-tail motifs carved into the fabric. Black and gold danced in perfect harmony, and translucent, enchanted veils shimmered over her shoulders like magic.
> Muzan (smirking):
"Even the Old Spirits might be confused."
> Herinhard:
"If spirits aren't blind… this will definitely stun them."
> Ren (sighing):
"Great. Now we'll all be invisible next to that dress."
Mabaka smiled confidently—just as the throne room's doors creaked open.
A small elf peeked inside, slightly panicked:
> Elf Messenger:
"Urgent message from Naraka! If you're not there in ten minutes… she says she'll burn the place down."
Everyone froze.
Then—chaos.
The Shinrei family bolted toward the celebration hall in a blur of fabric, glitter, and panicked elegance.