NOVEL WEB Chapter 105 - Chapter 105: The Necktie
Chapter 105: The Necktie
In the morning, I head to the tailor with Zamza. Surprisingly, the jacket’s cleaning was finished quickly. While preparing the stall, Mary, the second daughter, came over specifically to let us know.
“Bonus, you look sleepy today.”
“Yeah, well, I was up a bit late last night… Hey, Zamza, your hair is getting long.”
“Hmm? You think so?”
“You always just cut it with a knife and leave it. Your new clothes should be ready soon, so why not tidy it up a bit?”
“Got it.”
“You can ask Kuro; she’ll do a good job.”
“Ah… Kuro… I feel like she might play a prank on me. Can you cut it for me, Bonus?”
“Me? Well, I don’t mind, but I wonder if I can do a good job…”
We chat leisurely while walking. Zamza isn’t usually very talkative, but for some reason, whether it’s his pace or his voice, I always feel comfortable talking with him.
“Good morning!”
“Oh, good morning, Bonus, Zamza—oh my! Thank you!”
“Welcome—yay! Thank you!”
“Bonus, welcome. It’s ready.”
Despite their mature appearance when greeting us, the sisters’ faces light up with childlike excitement when given chocolates. Thomas, the shopkeeper, smiles wryly at his daughters’ reaction and brings my jacket from the back room. He also carries another garment in his other hand.
“Thanks. What’s that?”
“This is for Zamza. It was finished just a moment ago, perfect timing.”
“For me…”
As I put on my jacket, I ask Thomas, and it seems Zamza’s jacket, which was recently ordered, is already done.
“It feels like your work is getting faster by the day… Are you getting enough sleep, Thomas?”
“I’ve gotten quite used to it. I’ve found ways to simplify the process, and my daughters are quite enthusiastic about their new tasks…”
“I see. Well, just make sure you don’t overdo it. Zamza, why don’t you try it on?”
“Okay…”
“Come on, over here!”
“Please, this way!”
The sisters eagerly pull Zamza along, looking very excited. Well, he does resemble Shiro and has quite a handsome face…
“Bonus, here’s this as well.”
“Hmm? Oh, the necktie.”
“I made a pattern and some samples. Please take a look.”
“Wow, you’ve made quite a few.”
“Yes, and my recommendation is—”
While Zamza changes, Thomas and I discuss the neckties. Some designs are quite unique, but interesting in a Savoian style. I decide to buy one made of navy and white wool with a detailed woven pattern. It’s mixed with Elizabeth’s fur, giving it a refined sheen.
“Bonus, how do I look?”
“Hmm? Well… you look infuriatingly cool.”
Zamza, looking uncharacteristically shy, steps out. The two daughters look very pleased with themselves as they admire Zamza. Needless to say, with his height, build, and good looks, the suit fits him perfectly. Over time, he’s shown glimpses of youthful innocence, but in a suit, he looks much more mature.
“Lean your head forward a bit.”
“Hmm? What’s this!?”
“There we go! You’re handsome and have a good personality, so you’ll attract all sorts of people. Always dress nicely and keep your guard up.”
Noticing his shirt collar was too open, I tied the knit tie I had brought from my world. Hmm, his hair needs trimming too.
“Bonus, isn’t this important to you?”
“Yeah, it is. That’s why I’m giving it to you.”
“Thank you… I’ll treasure it.”
“Well, it’s delicate fabric, so it won’t last forever… But don’t worry about it. Now, go get your hair cut!”
Zamza looks deeply moved, but he’s overreacting. Watching him, I felt embarrassed, so I ruffled his hair. It does mean a lot to me, but it won’t last forever.
I feel like it would be better for this guy to wear it rather than me being obsessed with it.
I just got something new.
There won’t be another chance like this.
And actually, seeing this guy wearing my tie doesn’t make me feel bad.
“Well then, shall we return to the stall? Thomas, Romina, Mary, thank you.”
“Thank you. Please come again.”
“We’ll be waiting.”
“Bonus-san. I heard from Melanie… that help is needed at the stall?”
“Oh! Now that you mention it, Melanie did mention something about Mary… Will you help out?”
“Yes, of course! I think there’s still a lot we can do with your stall, Bonus-san!”
“Oh, yeah… well, basically, consult with Melanie, and if she says it’s okay, feel free to do as you like.”
“Really!? Oh… sorry for bothering you. I’ll visit the stall again in the afternoon!”
I feel a little overwhelmed by Mary, who is strangely enthusiastic.
I hope the stall won’t be completely transformed by the time I return from the expedition…
“Sorry for my daughter’s behavior.”
“No, it’s actually quite helpful. She’s good with customers. Of course, I’ll pay her properly too.”
“Thank you!”
“Man, I wish I… ”
“Romina, without you, the shop would go under…”
“Well then, see you later~”
While Thomas hurriedly persuades Romina, I return to the stall.
This jacket is indeed nice.
It’s clean and the texture is still the same as before.
The new tie isn’t bad either.
I’m starting to want to make clothes with Elizabeth’s fabric soon.
“Bonus… thank you.”
“How long are you going to make that face? When you get back, everyone will see you, you know? Make sure Shiro and Gisella get a good look too.”
“Uh… I’m starting to feel nervous…”
“Well, don’t worry. Didn’t I tell you earlier? You’ll look so cool it’ll be annoying.”
“R-Right.”
Returning to the stall, Laura is chatting with Menas while holding a cup of coffee as if it’s natural.
I thought she wouldn’t come to the stall anymore once her status as deputy lord got exposed, but it doesn’t seem to be the case.
“Oh, welcome back, Bonus-sama. Wow! Zamsa-san, you look fabulous today!”
“Hello, Bonus-san. The members of the Bonus Company have been wearing really nice clothes lately~”
“Hello, Menas, Ulara… is that okay? But it’s a little embarrassing to be told that by Menas~”
“Oh, um, Laura is fine… since everyone here already knows…”
While dealing with Laura and Menas, it seems Zamsa is already surrounded by women.
Edda is expressing an opinion that I can’t tell if it’s praise or criticism.
“Wow… you look kinda sexy. Zamsa doesn’t seem like an oni at all.”
“You’ve become a little more mature~”
“That’s nice. Did you get that from Bonus?”
“Oh, yeah, Bonus tied it for me.”
“I see. Take good care of it.”
“Of course.”
Shiro and Gisella are doing a fashion check like guardians.
Melanie and the regular old ladies are simply enjoying Zamsa’s appearance with dreamy expressions.
If I let this guy serve… no, it might turn into a different business altogether.
The old men, seeming unimpressed by such scenes, glance disinterestedly, then as if to refresh themselves, they follow Kuro with their eyes.
Kuro, in turn, subtly places my coffee on Laura’s table.
By the way, yesterday, Kuro was so excited that she ended up dancing weirdly holding hands with the otter-like creatures.
Still, unlike me, who is sleep-deprived, she seems completely energetic as usual…
“Bonus-sama, how were the villagers?”
“Oh, right, I have to tell Laura about that… Basically, they agreed to return to the village together. However, about fifteen of them, mostly young people, seem to want to continue living in the city…”
While sipping coffee, I managed to awaken my drowsy mind and explain what happened yesterday.