Stop on the way.

Thankfully Nyllia is a skillful guide, as the path you're taking to your destination is strange. It's a distance from the center of the city, away from many other shops. You weave down the streets, and then take a shortcut between two homes. In the early morning, such an alleyway is still blanketed by shadow. When the three of you reach it, your guide stops and turns. She glides her nails across her bangs and back through her hair, gazing back specifically at Xiaoqing as many thoughts look to be racing through her mind.

"I am a templar, an adventurer, and a knight," says Nyllia. "I do not often indulge in lies and deception beyond the fun of friendly teasing. And I think one's connection to those around them is important. Xue, I am sorry, but I must speak my mind."

Both shocked and nervous, your fellow Earthling takes a step back with hands at the ready for whatever danger she may face. "What is it?"

Of course she doesn't attack. Nyllia places a hand upon her bosom and bows her head. "I am Lady Nyllia Tesgella."

Expecting more, Xue responds with confusion. "I already know this."

"I wish to know your true self as well, just as Kyle does. I do not mean any sort of secret backstory, nor am I implying you are deceitful. And no, Kyle has told me nothing. My senses are keen, my dear. And all I am asking for is your name. For without that, I worry you do not trust me enough. You have already become close to one I treasure. Therefore, I trust you in full."

Xiaoqing looks to you first.

You hesitate for a moment before speaking up. "I really didn't say anything."

"I know," she says. "But I'm standing at a fork in the road, and I don't understand why she'd trust me so easily."

"Everyone at Castle Phoenix knows each other's dirty laundry. They all know where I'm from. Some were with me from the start. And for some, all they have is each other. We're misfits and outcasts, and together we've become strong."

In an exceptionally rare occurrence, Nyllia appears genuinely flustered for a moment. "I am... sorry, Xue. I did not mean to--"

"No. It's fine," she replies.

"To be so selfish is unbecoming of a knight."

"It isn't Xue."

"Pardon?"

"... Xue. It's not my real name, just like you said."

You move closer to her. With a caring touch to her shoulder, you feel her at least somewhat relax. Her icy exterior begins to melt. "You know, if you're worried about your disguise, why don't you just become two different people?" you ask.

"What?"

I can tell she wants to do it so badly. Xiaoqing doesn't want to wear this same outfit every single day. She doesn't want to live a lie, or hide away.

"People here wouldn't know your true self. They don't even know this self. As long as you're not seen changing between the two, then your disguise wouldn't be ruined anyway, right? And only Nyllia and I would know."

"I suppose everything you said is technically true."

"I'll keep it all here, in my weird quivering magic bag."

She closes her eyes, and takes a long, deep breath in. She sighs. Then, she looks to Nyllia. With a bow of her head, she places a hand upon her chest. "Lady Tesgella, you are correct. I am more than meets the eye. In fact, I am no man. My name is Xiaoqing, and I'm a traveller from Earth, just like Kyle." Then as she lifts her hat, a head of pale blue hair flows out like a frosted stream. She tugs down her mask to reveal soft lips, and fair skin. She offers them to you, and then begins to undo her coat.

Nyllia steps closer. She reaches out with a hand, and takes hold of the other's. "Xiaoqing. A beautiful name. Fitting for one so lovely. Thank you... for responding so kindly. I was worried I had overstepped. To tell you the truth, I never felt like my true self until I began living with Kyle, and only then did I meet so many people I felt truly were my friends. I hope that in time, you can see me as one as well."

Pink glows in Xiaoqing's cheeks. "Y-Yes. Thank you. From what I've seen of you, Lady Tesgella, I think that's very possible."

The girl dresses down until she's wearing a shirt undershirt, tight black pants, and a pair of boots, but nothing more. All else is stored within your Bag of Holding. She truly is stunning, even garbed in a half-assembled disguise.

Meanwhile, Nyllia looks to you with a smile. "I admit, I had guessed Xiaoqing was a woman, and perhaps hiding more, though I did not expect the twist of her being from the same world as yourself. Fascinating."

Xiaoqing's lips curl to a subtle hint of joy. "... I'm ready to shop," she says.