Closing the Distance

"Thank you, Hill. I'll go try this on now. If we have time later, let's check out some other stuff together!"

Elise took the lingerie Hill had picked for her, a faint blush on her face as she walked into the fitting room.

As soon as she stepped inside, Elise carefully examined the garments in her hands—white and gold interwoven, a combination that really did suit her saintess identity.

As expected of the future number one songstress of the world—her fashion sense is definitely better than mine.

Without hesitation, Elise removed all her clothes and stood completely bare before the full-length mirror.

Ah… every time I do this, I can't help but admire it. This body is too perfect for words!

The Lord God really had good taste—just where did it find a body this flawless?

It's absolutely amazing!

After putting on the lingerie, Elise couldn't resist striking various poses in front of the mirror—some pure, some seductive, and even a few expressions that would never appear on a "saintess." But she could do them all.

If someone photographed these and sold them… they'd probably go for sky-high prices, right?

As expected of me—the beautiful and kind-hearted saintess!

Still… this next part had to be done. Otherwise, it wouldn't have the desired effect.

Elise undid one of the clasps on the back and intentionally made the lingerie look slightly disheveled. 

Even a saintess pulls some tricks now and then!

After all, this is all for building a good relationship, isn't it?

...

What's taking her so long in there?

"Hill" had been waiting quite a while, but Elise still hadn't come out of the fitting room. She was starting to get worried.

Did something happen to her?

Knock knock knock!

"Bronya, what's taking so long? Is everything alright?"

Hill knocked on the door and asked whether Elise needed help, but there was still no response.

"Bro… nya?"

She called out Bronya's name again. If there was still no reply, she was ready to force the door open.

"Hill…"

The door to the fitting room slowly creaked open, just a sliver, and part of a girl's face peeked out. Even with only half her face visible, her overwhelming shyness was obvious.

Is this the so-called 'pure and flawless maiden'? She's actually kind of cute…

Realizing her thoughts were going off track, Hill quickly shook her head to clear them, then softened her expression.

"Did something happen, Bronya?"

"It's just… it's just…"

The girl's face was bright red, and she stammered so much she could barely form a complete sentence.

"This clasp… I can't do it…"

"Could you come in and help me?"

Seeing such a bashful face paired with a helpless request, Hill had to admit—she really did feel a little moved. If a guy saw this, he'd probably go feral on the spot.

"Alright, I'll help you."

Hill casually pushed the door open and entered the girl's private space, finally getting a full view of the bashful figure curled up against the wall.

"Haha!"

She couldn't help but laugh.

When she'd spoken to the girl earlier, Hill had thought she was the composed type—someone who'd remain calm even when changing into lingerie. She hadn't expected this kind of flustered reaction just from struggling with a clasp.

"What's so funny?" Elise pouted, trying to look serious. But unfortunately, her current state—dressed only in lingerie—made it impossible to carry that serious air.

"I'm just happy to see this side of you. It's really cute!"

Elise seemed like she wanted to respond, but Hill's words left her speechless.

"Come on, turn around so I can see. I'll show you how to fasten it properly."

And so, their private moment came to an end. Elise received the white-and-gold lingerie Hill had chosen for her, and in turn helped Hill pick out a bright and elegant purple outfit.

For the rest of the outing, Elise and "Hill" held hands as they began their shopping adventure through the vast mall.

I feel like I forgot something… but if I can't remember, it probably wasn't that important?

So thought Elise, and soon gave up trying to recall it, focusing instead on picking out clothes.

"Hill, I think this one suits you really well! Want to try it on?"

"Of course, Bronya."

Both of them knew the names they used weren't real—but that didn't matter. It didn't affect the sense of mutual understanding growing between them.

Two hours later, their hands full of bags, they finally found a bench and sat down to rest.

"It's been so long since I've felt this happy… not since my teacher left," Hill leaned back against the bench, covering her eyes with her hand.

Some time ago, her teacher, Ursula, had suddenly left and never returned. Since then, Hill had set out on a journey to find her.

The strange part was, whenever Hill used her Strega abilities to locate her, the position kept shifting—making it even harder to track her down.

She had spent a long time caught in difficult emotions—anxious, frustrated, uneasy.

She never imagined she'd encounter the Saintess spoken of in so many rumors on a day like today. Since Elise hadn't revealed her identity, Hill simply played along.

Though they had only spent two hours together, she already felt noticeably more at ease. Maybe this is the rumored magic of the Saintess… or is it divine grace?

Whatever the reason—

At least now, her spirits had improved. She could devote more energy to searching for her teacher again. If that didn't work, she already had a backup plan.

She would head to the floating city established by the Integrated Enterprise Foundation—and enroll in Queenvail Girls' Academy!

If I become more famous, maybe Ursula will come looking for me.

"What are you thinking about? You look so worried."

A gentle voice brought Hill out of her thoughts. She quickly straightened up.

"If there's anything troubling you, feel free to talk about it, okay? Maybe I can help!" Elise softly held her hand. "After all… isn't helping those in need only natural?"

"..." The girl froze for a moment, then suddenly burst into laughter. "Hahaha!"

"That's my line, isn't it? Can't believe you're using it on me now."

"Well, I really agree with it," the Saintess said, folding her hands before her chest in a prayer-like gesture.

"There was a time when I faced hardships, too… and no one came to help me." Elise spoke gently, while Hill quietly listened.

"I felt so hopeless… but I didn't want anyone else to go through what I did. That's why I chose to help others. Even if it's something small—if I can make someone smile, then it's worth it."

Her tone carried both determination and warmth—and it resonated deeply within the purple-haired girl.

She really is… a saintess.

To speak such sincere words… I still have a long way to go.