The array of clothing stalls within the market was abundant. The cultural status of the Sels in Phaelon was not esteemed, as the Crimson Robes did not advocate for it. This was not exclusive to the Sels; due to the barren and harsh climate of the eastern lands of Phaelon, culturally speaking, the descendants of the Imaskan Empire were indeed not as prosperous as those of the Naiseral to the west. Therefore, locals generally favored imported garments, especially the seasonal styles brought in from the Dragon Bay to the east and Kormir to the north. Of course, Panny couldn't afford such luxuries, but replacing his tattered wizard robe didn't require much money. He draped himself in a black overcoat, with a white high-collared shirt underneath and straight-cut trousers, presenting a clean and sharp look.

"This looks much better," Hikol remarked, fastening a cheap ribbon into a bow tie for Panny, a satisfied smile gracing her lips.

"Well, if it makes you a bit happier," Panny replied, shifting uncomfortably. He hadn't worn clothes like these in years, but looking at himself in the circus's large mirror, he found it passable.

"I dislike wizard robes, dislike wizards, and dislike spells... If you want to make me happier, it's best not to let me see those things," Hikol stated.

"Alright," Panny tilted his head, sensing her feelings, but before he could respond, three casually dressed youths whistled their way over. "Hey there, Hikol, rare to see you out during the day. Found yourself a new companion?"

"Who are they?" Panny inquired upon noticing the disrespectful tone and the visible furrowing of Hikol's brows.

"Just a few nuisances," Hikol half-closed her eyes, wrinkling her petite nose.

"My dear sister Hikol, don't be so cold. Just the other day, I saw you with Gomi from the neighboring village. And now, you've taken a liking to someone like this..." The youths blushed, indicating they had indulged in some alcohol, and their brazen gazes roamed over Panny and Hikol.

"Such a thin and dry lad..."

"Gentlemen, speaking impolitely may result in a thrashing," Panny said with a smirk.

"A thrashing? You'd thrash me?" one youth raised his eyebrows, pushing a palm toward Panny's chest. Suddenly, he saw Panny staring into his eyes, murmuring something, and his face transformed into a charming woman's visage. Caught off guard, the youth received a heavy punch to the face, grimacing in pain. As he attempted to rise, he found his head spinning and limbs powerless, as if ensnared by some sorcery.

"Well, well, didn't expect your 'dazed gaze' to be so effective...," Panny remarked, while the youth lay on the ground, a mix of sadness and anger in his expression, but mostly astonishment. "What trickery is this?" he demanded.

"Rightly said, it is indeed a trick," Panny snapped his fingers. "Zero-level spells like 'dazed gaze' and 'touch of weariness' suffice against ordinary folk. Would you lads care to try again?"

"Magician?!" the youths exclaimed, momentarily stunned. These idle youths lacked magical aptitude and had not been noticed by the Crimson Robes. Although this might have seemed fortunate, the information they had received since childhood instilled a sense of awe for mages. Just moments ago, they had seen Panny in new attire, and now, learning of his mage identity, they were unsure whether to advance or retreat. At that moment, a burly, wealthy-looking Wokian priest wielding a hefty pair of cudgels passed by, shouting at the group of youths, "You rascals, cease your mischief at the Lady's celebration!"

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Already dejected, the youths dispersed upon hearing this admonition.

"You resorted to magic again," Hikol half-squinted, her tone displeased.

"I had no choice...," Panny said helplessly. "Who are they, anyway?"

"A bunch of rascals," Hikol sighed, realizing she hadn't intended for Panny to get beaten up. "Always frolicking about."

"Like you?" Panny chuckled.

"Oh, shut up!" Hikol exclaimed, swinging her fist in anger. "I'm not hanging out with them."

"They said you often go on dates with boys..."

"Nonsense, utter nonsense!" Hikol gasped for breath, her face flushed. Panny inwardly rejoiced, knowing that through a series of maneuvers, he had successfully breached the outer defenses of Hikol's mind. Henceforth, in her eyes, he wouldn't just be a bystander.

At least now the girl was somewhat concerned about Panny's thoughts and consciously sought to accommodate his preferences and dislikes. There was a mutual influence, no longer indifference or annoyance.

"Hey there, Panny, don't always provoke girls to anger," Vika said, carrying a large bag as she approached. "Otherwise, sister might not be pleased. Ha, those new clothes are truly beautiful, Panny. You're a handsome lad."

"Do you like them too, sister?" Panny shamelessly inquired.

"Of course, how could a sister not like her brother?" Vika set down the bag, wrapping her arms around Panny's head, causing a sour feeling to rise in Hikol's stomach.

"Is there something you need?" Panny asked, his face slightly flushed as he withdrew from her suffocating embrace.

"Just wanted to see if you two were hungry," Vika squinted, opening the package to reveal a pile of candies, exquisitely baked colorful sweets. Seeing Panny and Hikol's eyes light up, she grinned and gestured toward the temple where the feast was being held. "Got them from there."

Panny's expression faltered. "Well..."

That banquet only welcomed respectable merchants, so Vika's presence was surprising. However, even more astonishing was her gesture, which surely left the attending merchants dumbfounded.

"Madame Wakim's grace should be felt by all who worship her," Vika declared, then called out to a group of eager children nearby, "Children, come and enjoy some treats!"

A chorus of cheers erupted as the children eagerly dove into the parcel, quickly turning the area into an ocean of cream cakes. Hikol sat quietly on a stone bench by the roadside, watching the children gather around Vika, while Panny played the accordion nearby, feeling somewhat melancholic.

As the afternoon wore on, Hikol began to feel a chill in the air. A gust of wind brushed past her, causing her to shiver.

"Sister, won't you join us?" A childish voice reached Hikol's ears. She looked down to see a young girl with cake crumbs around her mouth, her cream-covered hand tugging at Hikol's dress. With big blinking eyes, she said, "Playing together will keep you warm."

Feeling somewhat bewildered, Hikol followed the girl into the lively crowd. Shedding her initial reserve, she gradually let go, and soon found herself frolicking like a child. Despite the childish setting, she sincerely felt a sense of ease and freedom. As dusk approached and the celebration neared its end, Panny played a final note on his accordion, ushering the children home with a smile. He bought a scarf from a nearby stall and draped it around the breathless girl seated on the bench. "It's time to go. I wonder how business was today?"

"Panny..." Hikol lifted her head, her cheeks still slightly flushed. "I think I understand why you didn't want to become a Red Robe."

"Oh, understanding is all that matters. Long live understanding," Panny whistled, and the two walked silently towards the tavern.

"Th-thank you..." Panny seemed to hear the words.

"What?"

"N-nothing."