NOVEL WEB Chapter 107 - Going Shopping
Going Shopping
Good morning! I’d been worried that I wouldn’t be able to sleep, with all the thoughts swirling in my mind, from the embarrassment, but I’d apparently slept soundly. And no dreams either. Though I wanted to talk to Meg again, I hoped we’d meet in my dreams. Well, I guess that’s not how it works.
Time to start work! It was a bit hard to focus, with everything that’d been happening, but the morning would come as usual. Um, I think it was just a half-day shift today. I didn’t have any plans for the afternoon, aside from my nap. Dad had said they were leaving in five days, so maybe I’d have him take me shopping for some necessities?
As I was thinking about such things, I stood before the closet. Wh-Which… one… should… I… wear…?
“Alright! I’ll go with this one!”
I agonized over it for a few seconds. It was so easy to choose, since everything was already coordinated. And what I chose today was a kimono-style dress that I’d had my eye on!
It was white, with large red flowers embroidered on it. It was simple, but eye-catching. And a thick sash-like belt around the waist. It had a user-friendly design, easy to put on even by myself. It was long, but the flared hem seemed to make it easy to walk in. And lace was used here and there as decoration, giving it a slightly unusual design.
“I’m glad it’s not geta or sandals.”
The outfits usually came with shoes, and this one came with short boots. It was important to be able to walk around comfortably, since I was working at Ortus after all. As expected of Ran-chan!
I twirled around in front of the mirror, checking my outfit. Yeah, so cute! Alright, time to knock on Gil-san’s door!
He answered immediately and then opened the door. He was always wearing the same clothes… I wonder if he even had any other clothes? Or maybe he had multiple sets of the same outfit? I decided to ask about this simple question.
“Ah, these clothes are specially made, they clean themselves automatically. They’re stored in subspace when I transform into my beast form, and when I revert back, they’re clean. And they’re resistant to magic, so they double as combat attire.”
So, that’s why he didn’t really need to change. And they’re apparently comfortable to sleep in too. What is this amazing material…? It-It must be incredibly expensive!
“They should be ready for you soon. You’re free this afternoon, right? Shall we go pick it up?”
“Fueh!? Mine?”
Apparently, they’d ordered it for me when they’d found out that I was being targeted. My papa is so prepared!
“I didn’t think we’d be going on an expedition… But I’m glad it’ll be ready in time. It’ll increase your safety.”
He ruffled my hair as he said this, then added, “Though, I don’t plan on letting anyone even lay a finger on you.” How handsome! Ah, that’s right, he’s handsome.
We then had breakfast together. We agreed that he’d be in his room after my nap, and then it was time for work! I’d been getting a lot of comments from the guild members, just like in the dining hall.
“I heard, Meg-chan. About the expedition.”
“Ah, I’m so worried! But you have Gil-san with you…!”
“You’re a proper Ortus member now.”
“Take care, little one!”
Most of them were expressing concern and encouragement. Everyone’s so kind, it brings tears to my eyes!
“I’ll do… my besht!”
But those were the only words I could offer. It’s not about not wanting to be a burden. I’d be a burden just by being there. And it’s not about doing what I can. There’s a limit to what I can do. I’m basically just a key, a key to the High Elf Village. All I need to do is be there.
That’s why I could only say that I’d do my best. I wasn’t even sure what I’d be doing my best at. I wouldn’t cry from fear, I’d stay out of the way as much as possible, that’s about it. It’s pathetic, but I’m self-aware. Though I had been diligently giving my spirits magic power every day, just in case I needed their help. Saving up magic power.
It’s true that I wouldn’t be able to do much, but that didn’t mean that I could just do nothing at all. Even the smallest effort is better than none, better than zero.
Well then, I’d successfully finished my morning shift, and it was time for lunch! As we were heading for the cafeteria with Gil-san, we ran into Kei-san. Hmm, their handsome aura was in full force today, a feast for the eyes!
“So, you’re going shopping after your nap? Mind if Maryla-chan and I tag along?”
“Sure, but Maryla-shan too?”
“That’s right. We’re placing an order with Lagrange. You haven’t forgotten, have you? About the stuffed animals.”
“! Stuffed animals!”
That’s right! We’d talked about it when they’d seen my room!
“I actually wanted to get you one as a gift. If we order it now, it’ll be ready by the time we get back to the guild.”
Ah, that’s right, they were leaving in four days. The thought made my heart skip a beat. Kei-san, seemingly sensing my anxiety, smiled gently and added:
“It’s better to have something to look forward to, right?”
It felt like their words had a hidden meaning, “Let’s both make it back safely.” It eased my anxiety and filled me with warmth.
“Okii! I’m sho excited!”
“…As expected.”
“Hmm? What do you mean?”
Kei-san winked, looking incredibly cool.
And so, the four of us, Gil-san, Kei-san, Maryla-san, and me, arrived at Lagran☆(Kirarin) Tailor Shop! It’s such a strange name. But it’s certainly memorable.
“Oh my, it’s been a while. Hmhm, I’ve heard all about it, Meg-chan! You’ve been working hard! Thanks to you, my sales have been increasing steadily! ”
“Weally!? Everyone’s just realizing how amazing your shop is! My promotion’s just, you know… getting them to notice the shop…”
Because if they don’t like what they see, they won’t buy anything, and sales wouldn’t increase. So this just proved that Ran-chan’s skills were amazing!
“Mmm! That’s so sweet of you. But it’s all thanks to Meg-chan, who can pull off any outfit perfectly. I’m going to work even harder now!”
Ran-chan said this, happily wiggling her body. Ehehe, I’m glad to hear that.
“Ran, is it ready? We’re here to pick up Meg’s combat attire.”
“It’s all set! A special combat attire that’s cute and functional! Since you told me not to worry about the budget, I added a bunch of things! Of course, safety was my top priority.”
“That’s fine.”
Not worrying about the budget!? I-Is that really okay…? And I’d already gotten a subspace storage bracelet from Gil-san that could even create a barrier! I glanced up at him, and he said, as if reading my mind:
“…We have a lot of income, but we hardly spend any of it, so it just keeps piling up. I’d actually be grateful if you could help us spend it.”
Ah, those are words I’d love to say at least once in my life. But with the amount he’s talking about, I’m sure I’d lose all sense of value, and it’s terrifying!
“Meg-chan, what Gilnandio’s saying is true. This man doesn’t spend any money, so it’s actually good for the economy if he splurges every once in a while. It’s for the good of the people.”
“You spend too much on your… hobbies.”
“I couldn’t make a cute little girl pay.”
“Kei-san, so you’re basically saying you spend too much on girls…”
Conclusion. Both Gil-san and Kei-san, even though their approaches are different, are extravagant spenders! I stared blankly into the distance, lost in thought. Haa, amazing.