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Chapter 39: The Stage is Set
update icon Updated at 2026/1/7 6:00:02

On the solitary throne sat a figure in gleaming armor—beautiful, yet unmistakably female. Her pale blue eyes peered through the visor, watching Gali return below. He’d made it back in just two days.

As expected. With Gali’s skills, it wouldn’t take long. But she wondered how things had turned out.

"Gali, any results? And Jeremi—how is he? His arm?" Kevin’s voice carried a trace of regret. This matter brought only tears. She just hoped Jeremi’s condition had improved.

"Nothing strange found. Jeremi’s the same—his arm won’t move. But he asked me to pass on a message." Gali waved helplessly, then spoke with deep meaning.

"Oh? What does that useless shield-bearer have to say?" Kevin perked up slightly, already guessing it wasn’t good.

"*Ahem, ahem.* Kevin Jaeger, you third-rate mage—stop planting spies in my country. Or I’ll come for you myself." Gali mimicked Jeremi’s tone vividly. He no longer looked disheveled. He seemed years younger.

"Still the same old Jeremi. Gali, I’m truly relieved to see you off the bottle. As a friend, it warms my heart." Kevin felt bittersweet—happy her best friend had moved past grief, yet painfully aware of the truth.

"Thanks. I realized I couldn’t keep sinking. And Kevin—you’re not young anymore. Time to think about marriage." Gali said this because an old friend had asked him to nudge the clueless blockhead. He’d agreed readily.

"Oh, no rush," Kevin replied helplessly. Such talks were pointless now, until she changed back.

"Fine. I’ll take my leave, Kevin. Other matters await." Gali didn’t push. His heart raced at the thought of meeting Miss Kallen—a feeling he hadn’t felt in ages.

"Rest well today, Gali. Handle other things tomorrow." Kevin needed to slow his eagerness. Many preparations weren’t ready. To avoid suspicion, she added firmly, "Haha, I’ve arranged with the Kaslana head to welcome you tomorrow. Showing up now would be awkward. But they’ll honor it, right?"

"Understood. Thank you, Kevin—for everything." Gali meant it. Having Kevin as a lifelong brother was a true blessing.

"Nothing major. Just a small favor." Kevin shrugged nonchalantly. She’d use Kallen Kaslana’s identity to make Gali lose hope. If that failed, she’d vanish after the system changed her back. Stalling him was key—lest he discover she resembled his dead wife. The consequences would be dire.

"Got it. I’ll prepare and visit Miss Kallen tomorrow."

"Mm." Kevin nodded gently, watching Gali fade into the distance. Only then did her heart settle. She whispered, "And I have to wear women’s clothes… Aaaah! My manliness!" She nearly broke down but accepted reality fast. What noble lady meets guests in men’s attire? Aaaah!

Her gaze drifted to the azure sky. Darkness swallowed the land, yet the new villa rising from the wasteland glowed like a beacon. Under Kevin’s hand, it ran smoothly—matching every noble house, even surpassing them. She’d woven a tear-jerking history for this fictional Kaslana clan.

"Miss Kallen, what do you think of this dress?"

"The white one suits you best."

"Black is better. It’ll showcase your charm." Young maids circled Kevin, fussing over her nonstop. Compliments poured from their lips—they’d never seen such beauty. Hired at great cost, they’d signed five-year magical contracts, sworn to secrecy. Gardeners, butlers, guards—even the Kaslana prestige—was ready. Now, they awaited Gali. Kevin braced for a long battle.

"You all leave. You—come here." Kevin pointed calmly to the slave dazed in the corner. No—Hanna.

The maids obeyed, shooting jealous glances at Hanna. Why had she won the young lady’s favor?

The door clicked shut. Kevin wore a fine white nightgown. A breeze lifted her silver hair. She felt a chill below.

"Yes, master," Hanna replied coldly, unchanged.

"Hanna, call me ‘miss.’ I dislike ‘master.’"

"Yes, master."

"Fine." Kevin sighed, beckoning Hanna to fix her hair. She’d be her personal maid now. Soft winces escaped Kevin as strands of silver hair were tugged out. She forgave the clumsy girl.

Her pale blue eyes met the mirror’s stunning reflection. Thoughts swirled, ending in a soft sigh. "Manna… I’m sorry." Her gaze shifted to piles of new women’s clothes nearby—expensive gowns, elegant dresses, even lingerie. "They really treat my money as if it’s not money. I just asked for a few nice pieces. Who knew they’d buy so many?"