Chapter 28 - Fine Clothes Make the Man
Finally, the renovation was complete, and after moving in the bare essentials, the hectic day came to an end. It had been a while since I’d slept in a private room, but the new, empty space felt oddly unsettling. I thought I might have trouble falling asleep, but the accumulated fatigue surprised me, and I drifted off soundly.
Waking up unusually late, around noon, my first thought was how empty and lonely the spacious room felt. After all, it’s a new place, and it needs some warmth.
Hmm, maybe I should partition off a private area in the back. That might help make it feel more cozy. And adding some furniture will gradually make it feel more like home. The front part should be a reception area, so I want the decor to look inviting. I might as well ask Josephine to handle it—she’s good at these things.
Looking forward to the future, I got up, changed, and went to wash my face. When I entered the still-empty second-floor office, Valeria was standing alone by the window, gazing outside.
"What are you doing all by yourself?"
"Onee-sama! I was waiting for you to come down."
She’s such a loyal little sister. There aren’t any chairs yet, so she had no choice but to stand.
Furniture and decorations will be delivered gradually, but I really hope they bring chairs soon.
"You could have woken me up. Where is everyone else?"
"They went out to shop and eat. Some are probably still sleeping."
Today, I told everyone to get what they needed, so it’s like a free day for them. Some might sleep all day, but that’s fine. I slept in too, after all. In the afternoon, the ordered items should start arriving, so I asked a few people to stay behind. I’m not sure if they’re part of the late risers.
"Let’s go get something to eat. Anything you want?"
"I want some skewers."
"Sounds good. The square, probably."
Yeah, I’m getting hungry for skewers too.
After finishing our meal, we decided to browse some larger stores and look for furniture for our rooms. As we walked around, Valeria unexpectedly started buying things enthusiastically. Having a room of her own must be affecting her. She was saying she didn’t want anything a few days ago, but now she’s buying all sorts of things. I’m not going to comment on what she buys; it’s fun for her.
We carried back the items we could manage, and the weight and effort were part of the shopping experience. Holding a small sofa and various trinkets, we headed home with our purchases.
"Sorry, Onee-sama."
Valeria shyly apologized for buying too much, which made her even cuter.
"It’s okay, sometimes it’s nice to indulge."
In the end, I didn’t buy anything and just carried Valeria’s things. It felt like a real sisterly moment, and it was quite enjoyable. It was a good change of pace.
We finally made it back to the new place with our heavy load and found a middle-aged man working on something.
"Hey there, miss."
The sign maker, who looked like a bear, greeted us from his ladder.
"Wow, you’re quick. Already installed?"
"Yep. How about it? Impressive, right?"
Indeed, the sign looked fantastic. The black, charred wood with the elegant silver lettering for "Kikyo Society" and the Kikyo crest above it made a bold statement.
"Yeah, this is great work. The color scheme is really nice. I love it!"
"Thanks. I think it suits the Kikyo Society."
This city is known for its skilled craftsmen, and they certainly didn’t disappoint. Even Valeria, who’s usually picky, nodded in approval.
"Considering it’s the sign for a new gang that took over from the Bruno Gang, it’s only natural to put some effort into it."
There’s no denying the quality and speed of the work. While chatting with the sign maker, Frederica came out to check on things.
"Yukari, Valeria, welcome back. The sign is up, I see."
"Looks great, doesn’t it? What do you think of the bags?"
She looked at the pile of bags at our feet, her face showing a mix of amusement and exasperation.
"Hehe, these are Valeria’s personal items. I’ll be out again, so please take care of them."
"Valeria’s? That’s unusual. Will you be back before dinner?"
"I don’t think it’ll take that long, but go ahead and eat if I’m late."
"I’ll wait until sunset, then."
"Alright, see you later."
Leaving Frederica to chat with the sign maker, I took the bags to Valeria’s room. My next stop was to check on the coats. It’s a bit early, but I’m eager to see them.
So, back to Sixth Avenue. It’s bustling as usual, and I’m looking forward to getting more attached to this place.
"Hello!"
At the Brillonvest store, a familiar clerk greeted us.
"Welcome! The owner has been expecting you. Please come this way."
The clerk led us to the back, and as expected, the coats were already ready.
"I’ve been waiting! I couldn’t wait any longer!"
We were warmly welcomed by Torietta-san, the rabbit-eared tailor, who beamed with delight. This is promising.
"According to our agreement, there was still some time, but it’s done already?"
"Of course! Come, try them on."
She handed us the ink-black and moon-white coats. Before putting them on, I examined the design. The silhouette was stunning, and while it was practical, it was also stylish and elegant.
The back featured the Kikyo crest as requested, which added a cool touch without being too overbearing. Inside, there were various pockets and belts for equipment, and the blue embroidery on the lining was intriguing.
Let’s try them on. I’m sure they’ll fit well, but I’ll check the size just to be sure.
"Wow. As expected, it reacts to my magic. This coat offers better protection than ordinary armor and is incredibly light and comfortable. The design and fit are perfect. I couldn’t ask for more!"
Not only does it look great, but it’s also highly functional.
If we sold these, they’d fetch a fortune. They’re that good.
"Onee-sama, are you sure I can keep this?"
"Of course. I’d be upset if you refused."
Despite her polite hesitation, it’s clear she loves it. Valeria is beaming in her moon-white duffle coat, which enhances her beauty to a divine level. And it’s also top-notch in terms of protection.
"Indeed, a good model makes all the difference. I’m proud of this work. How about it? You like it, right?"
There’s nothing to criticize. This is truly perfect work.
"I didn’t expect such quality. You’re amazing. By the way, what’s the blue embroidery inside?"
"Onee-sama, my coat has it too."
It seems both coats have it.
"That’s made from enchanted threads created from processed magic stones. They’re used in high-end items and create an effect that maintains a constant temperature."
Interesting, like a magical gadget.
"Wow, you’re the best! This means we can stay comfortable in any weather. It’s beyond perfect."
"Hehe, I’m glad you like it."
I could hug and kiss her, but I won’t.
"Opportunities like this don’t come often, and the payment was generous. I did my best and even added a little extra."
She handed us a pair of boots. We had mentioned getting boots to match the coats, but I didn’t expect such a generous gesture.
She gave me olive drab mithril-reinforced boots and red ones for Valeria, matching mine in design but different in color.
"Thank you. I don’t know what to say. Wait, this much effort deserves more than just the original payment."
I expressed my gratitude and decided to offer additional payment.
"That’s very kind, but I can’t accept more. The payment was prepaid, and the work matched the reward. I’m the one who should be thanking you."
Her modesty is admirable, but it doesn’t sit right with me.
"Alright, how about a new order? If you can handle it, the reward will be generous."
"Sign me up! I still have some enchanted threads left and was hoping for more work."
I knew she wouldn’t turn it down. She’s clearly enthusiastic.
"Great. It’s a bit more than just a few. How about thirteen?"
"Thirteen!? That’s a lot... even as extras, isn’t it too many?"
Not exactly.
"Not for us. I want them for others. Thirteen people in total."
Eventually, I’ll want extras with different designs and colors.
"Got it. But with the remaining threads, it might be tough."
"No problem. I’ll bring more."
She seemed surprised by my confidence.
"Do you have more of that high-quality material? Who are you, really?"
"A valued customer. So, are you up for it?"
"I’ll do it. Actually, I kept the schedule open, thinking you might have more orders. My apprentices were nagging me to make some for themselves. Unexpectedly, it’s a good thing. We’ll put all our effort into it."
"Reliable. Can we bring them in for measurements tomorrow?"
"Sure, just let me know the time."
The design will vary based on personal preferences, and I’ll decide that with each person tomorrow.
I doubled the reward, knowing it was worth it. For future orders, I’ll decline the extra services to avoid overwhelming her. The Kikyo Society, including Sarah-chan, has the means to buy their own boots.
Before leaving, I consulted with Torietta-san about my limited wardrobe and bought a few more outfits from the store.
On the way back, we wore our new coats and boots. We attracted many admiring glances, no doubt due to the elegance of the coats and our enhanced charm.
We returned just before sunset and entered our new home, which still didn’t quite feel like home but would grow on us.
In the office, a large, comfortable reception area was set up, and everyone was chatting.
"Finally, you’re back. Wait, what’s with that outfit!?"
"Yukari-dono, that coat is—?"
"Valeria too? What—what—what is that!?"
"It’s amazing!"
"Onee-chan, you look so pretty!"
"Can I have one?"
"Such a beautiful coat."
They were immediately captivated. No wonder, with this level of quality.
"Hehe, I understand why you’re excited. We got them as a test, and both Valeria and I were impressed."
"Where did you get them? I want one too!"
"Me too!"
Of course, they’d want them!
"Sure. It’s a celebration of the Kikyo Society’s founding and our new headquarters. I’ve already arranged for everyone’s coats to be made. We’ll go for measurements tomorrow, so think about the design you want."
"Wow, Yukari, you’re the best!"
"Can I get one too!?"
"Awesome, I’m hyped up!"
"I’m so happy!"
"Yay!"
"Thank you!"
The true value of these coats goes beyond their appearance. I’ll keep the practical features a secret for now.
It’s a pleasant surprise for everyone. Hehe.