Chapter 446: Let's Go Out and See

The shadow in the corner of the room fluctuated slightly, like rippling water.

In the next instant, Robin, dressed in a gorgeous gown, silently appeared beside the moonlight Light Band.

Her lake-green eyes remained warm and moist in the darkness; she leaned slightly forward, looking at Ilya on the bed, and her ethereal voice softly said, "What's wrong, Ilya? Can't you sleep?"

"Hah…"

Seeing Robin appear, Ilya seemed to sigh in relief, poking half her body out of the blankets, "Um… Ruby said the Holy Grail War usually takes place at night… Are we… really going out now?"

Her small face was full of worry.

On one hand, Ruby's descriptions of "nighttime adventure," "seeking other Masters and Servants," and "protecting the city's peace (?)" sounded indeed somewhat… exciting.

Especially for a child like her, who is well protected and rarely gets the chance to go out at night.

But on the other hand, Reason String and Sera's usual strict teachings told her that running out late at night was very dangerous, and she still bore the responsibility of a "Master," a heavy burden that made her uneasy.

"Wah~☆ Of course we have to go out!"

Without waiting for Robin's reply, the Magic Ruby Staff floated up from the bedside table on its own, the iridescent light on its shaft flashing excitedly, "Night is the stage for Magical Girls! It's a romantic time for encounters and battles! Ilya, don't you want to experience flying beneath the stars and bravely fighting evil forces? And besides, daytime Winterwood City and nighttime Winterwood City are completely different worlds! There are lots of interesting things that only appear at night~!"

Its voice sounded especially loud in the quiet room.

"Shh——! Ruby! Keep it down!"

Ilya jumped, quickly reaching out from the blankets and grabbing the floating staff, pulling it into the blankets and covering it, "It'll wake up Sister Sera and Lijielite!"

"Mmm… let go, let go, Ilya! Ruby-chan's about to suffocate~!"

Ruby let out a muffled protest from under the blankets, its light flashing wildly.

Robin watched this scene, a hint of amusement flickering in her verdant eyes.

She walked to the bedside, gracefully lowering herself into a half-crouch so her eyes were level with Ilya's.

"Ilya,"

Her voice was like a tranquil night spring, carrying a soothing power: "If you feel tired or aren't ready yet, we can stay here and rest. Participating in the Holy Grail War isn't something that must be done immediately. Your safety and your will are what matter most."

She paused, recalling the children she had once cared for amidst war.

Her experience told her that forcing an anxious child often backfires; giving understanding, support, and gentle guidance is key.

"I've seen many people like you, standing before an important juncture, feeling lost and hesitant."

Robin's voice grew softer, as if carrying some healing melody: "This is completely normal. The unknown always brings fear. But Ilya, you must trust your heart. Whatever choice you make—whether bravely stepping forward to explore, or temporarily staying to gather strength—it is yours alone, a unique melody. And I will be here, as your Servant, as… well, a temporarily trustworthy companion, accompanying you and supporting your decision."

Her words lacked ornate flourishes, yet were full of sincere acceptance.

Those lake-green eyes gazed at Ilya, as if able to embrace all her anxieties.

Ilya looked at Robin, who was right before her.

Moonlight traced her perfect side profile, the ornate necklace at her throat glowing faintly, her whole presence exuding an elegant, reliable, and extraordinarily gentle aura.

Her words were like a warm current, gradually dispelling Ilya's nervousness and chill.

(Robin Sis… she's really gentle, beautiful… like a true princess, no, like an angel…)

Ilya felt her heart completely healed; those earlier worries about danger and responsibility seemed to have been smoothed out by this gentle light.

She felt a sense of being cherished and understood, a feeling of safety.

Her small face flushed slightly, her azure eyes sparkling.

With such gentle encouragement from Robin Sis, wouldn't backing off be too unreasonable?

Besides… the nighttime adventure Ruby mentioned really does seem a little… appealing.

"I… I want to go out and see."

Ilya said softly but firmly, sitting up from the blankets, "Just… just take a quick look! If nothing happens, we'll be back soon!"

"Yay~! That's right, Ilya!"

Ruby immediately broke free from the blankets, happily fluttering around Ilya, "Quick, quick, quick! Enter Magical Girl Mode! Let's set off in style!"

"Trans-, transform?"

Ilya instinctively glanced at Robin, feeling a bit embarrassed.

Transforming into that… in front of such an elegant, beautiful sister…

…this cute outfit makes me feel a bit shy.

Robin's face still held a gentle smile, her head slightly tilted, her lake-green eyes pure encouragement, as if saying, "No matter what you do, I'll think it's great."

She really didn't quite understand what 'transform' specifically meant.

But she respected Ilya's choice and the nature of this world.

Ilya interpreted Robin's expression as encouragement.

She took a deep breath, as if psyching herself up, then reached out and grasped the floating ruby.

"Ruby! Set!"

Pink light burst forth instantly, engulfing Ilya's petite figure.

Within the light, the sound of fabric rustling and some strange transformation effect echoed.

Robin's eyes widened slightly in surprise.

When the light faded, Ilya standing in the same spot had already changed her appearance.

A puffy dress mainly in pink, adorned with white frills and cute bows.

The skirt wasn't long, revealing her slender legs clad in long socks striped pink and white.

On her head she wore a large pink bow hairpin, her silver-white hair flowing down.

She also had a light, sheer pink cape on her back.

The overall look was gorgeous and cute, full of dreamy maiden charm, a stark contrast to the earlier innocent little girl in pajamas.

"Good… so cute."

Robin praised her sincerely, her verdant eyes full of admiration.

This instant costume‑changing ability, and this outfit full of fantasy style, truly made her feel novelty.

Is this the characteristic of this world?

Ilya's face turned even redder, her small hand awkwardly tugging at the hem: "This… this… is a bit weird… the dress is so short…"

She muttered softly, clearly still not quite accustomed to this outfit.

"Not weird at all! It's super cute!"

Ruby loudly announced, "Alright! Let's go! To avoid disturbing Sera and Lijielite, we'll exit from the balcony! Ilya, jump!"

"Eh? Jump?"

Ilya hadn't reacted yet when her body was already drawn by some magic, lightly leaping onto the room's balcony railing, then drifting down like a feather, and standing steadily on the street outside the mansion.

The moment she landed, her Magical Girl outfit vanished like an illusion, reverting to the red casual clothes.