The clothes in this world truly felt different from those on Earth—was it because of magic? They seemed more comfortable to wear. But why were there so many familiar styles here? Was it the influence of the Otherworldly Hero? Or had this world simply evolved this way? Whatever. As long as they looked pretty on her, that was all that mattered.

"Look, those two girls are stunning. They don’t seem to be from our school—I’ve never seen them before," a guy muttered to his friend on the street.

"Probably tourists. If our school had girls this cute, how could we not know?" his companion replied with a loser’s resignation.

"Do you think they’re sisters? Look—both blondes, with that perfect height difference. If they’re not sisters, it’d be such a waste."

"You’re just imagining unlocking an achievement by snagging both at once, huh? Then you’d get to *heh heh heh* with them…" The loser’s voice turned lewd, drool nearly dripping from his chin.

"Don’t pretend you’re not thinking it. But give it up. They’re dressed to impress today—they’re heading to the noble district. Go dream about it at home."

"Yeah, you’re right. I’ll head back to bed then. Heh. Don’t envy me."

"Hey! Stop running off with that excuse! Get back here and watch the store!"

Others on the street showered the girls with similar praise. One thing was certain: these two were breathtakingly beautiful.

Hearing the chatter, the shorter girl giggled softly to her "sister": "See, Aelia? I told you these guys are all spineless. We’ve walked so far, not one dared to approach us. I even picked this route to give them a chance! They really don’t know how to seize opportunities."

Aelia sighed lightly, her delicate brows furrowing just a fraction. That simple gesture of wistful helplessness made nearby men gasp again—but she ignored them, oblivious to the wolves’ whispers. She leaned close to her "sister": "Lulu, be serious. If someone *did* approach you… what then? You wouldn’t actually entertain them, would you? You know—"

"I know what you’re going to say. That’s why I won’t give them the chance. Better to let them give up early than crush their hopes later. At least we’ll leave them a good impression. It’s called the ‘mystique of a goddess,’ right?"

Aelia had no retort for her "sister’s" logic. They both knew their status. To spare these men heartbreak, a mysterious silhouette was all they’d offer. *Hey, you guy over there—put away that recording card! That angle’s way too suggestive! If you must film, shoot our backs, damn it!*

"I’ll stop them." *Those photos can’t leak.* Determined, Aelia moved to confiscate the cards.

Lulu caught her wrist. "Let them keep it. They’re just awestruck admirers. Besides, I don’t mind being their ‘lightning rod’ for nighttime magic practice. Let it go."

"*I* mind."

"They won’t recognize us after today. And we didn’t come here for this. The noble district’s waiting." Lulu tugged Aelia’s arm, dragging her away.

To onlookers, the scene painted a perfect picture:

"*Truly sisters pure as lilies.*"

"Here. Wipe your drool."

"*Slurp*… Oh. Thanks."

…

"Hero-sama, the stage is ready. Soon, everyone will witness your glory," a woman murmured behind the Hero.

For this day, the Hero had donned his full regalia. Every strand of hair, every inch of his frame was immaculate. Blessed with the Hero’s innate charisma, his already striking looks now radiated lethal charm—a true heartthrob. Today mattered too much to embarrass himself.

"Hmm. Do I look dashing enough? I’m still not satisfied," the Hero mused.

"Hero-sama, stop fussing. At this rate, *I’m* tempted to fall for you. If you get any more handsome, not just little girls will swoon—men might too. This is perfect." She teased, but her eyes held truth.

The Hero adjusted his collar in the mirror. Her words weren’t flattery—he *was* dangerously handsome. If he kept this up on stage… well, stealing others’ girlfriends wouldn’t be very heroic.

"Right. I shouldn’t steal anyone’s sweetheart," he declared, thoroughly pleased with himself.

"How long until my turn? You know what today is. I can’t be late. It’d be disastrous."

"About one more *magic hour*. Hero-sama, you woke at dawn with all this time? I’m jealous… Pity I’m not your princess. If I were, I’d marry you in a heartbeat." Her confession hung in the air—hopeless, she knew. A Hero and a commoner? Never.

"Haha! That warms my heart. If you *were* the princess, I’d marry you too."

*‘If’?* So… someone as lowly as her could never dream of him?

The Hero didn’t notice how his careless words shattered her heart.

"Time to go. Waiting here might make us late. It’s the Open Day’s final hours—the crowds will be fierce."

"Understood, Hero-sama," she replied, her voice suddenly icy. But he didn’t hear. His thoughts were already soaring toward the Magic Academy… and the one who waited there.