“Um, I’d like to settle the bill,” Otsupain said, holding the check after finishing her coffee as she headed for the register.
“Oh, Otsupain-sama. My daughter is always in your care,” Marie said.
“M-My goodness, Catherine-sama’s mother. It is an honor to be addressed by you,” Otsupain replied.
“Oh, my.”
The person in charge of the register was Marie, the shopkeeper of Marie’s Bakery. She was the Saintess’s mother, but she was humble, beautiful, and had an attractive figure that even women found appealing. Usually, she was in the workshop in the back making bread and rarely came out front, but today, she was uncharacteristically at the register. Otsupain handed over the check with trembling hands, but Marie’s gentle response unexpectedly made her feel warm and fuzzy.
(Even so, the Saintess’s mother looks so young. You’d believe me if I said she was my age, but with such grown children, she must be far older than me.)
Otsupain thought as she looked at Marie’s appearance.
“Thank you very much. We look forward to your next visit.”
Seeing Marie bow deeply, Otsupain felt it was disrespectful to make her subordinate’s mother bow, and left Marie’s Bakery.
***
“I never thought I’d receive an invitation, so I only have one dress,” Otsupain muttered a few days later, looking through the contents of her closet at her mansion. Although Otsupain’s family was of the aristocracy, they did not live in a truly wealthy environment. Since becoming captain of the Holy Knights, her salary from the country had increased, but only a short period had passed since her appointment, so the effect was negligible. She lacked the funds to maintain the mansion inherited from her father in perfect condition, and she could not afford to hire any servants. Therefore, she could only dedicate time to household maintenance within her means, and areas outside her living space were left unattended. Since she inherited the knightly rank, she mainly wore the armor provided by the country when participating in official duties as a knight, so she had no need for formal wear or dresses. She had sold off all but the minimum necessary items. Consequently, Otsupain currently owned only one dress for parties. The party she was invited to this time would span multiple days, so she would need at least one more spare dress.
“Even if I had it tailored now, it would be impossible considering the time it takes to finish. But then again, I don’t have much financial leeway. So, I should look for second-hand or ready-made dresses that I can obtain immediately and that would be cheaper than custom-made. Oh, right, there was a shop that opened on the former site of Jastar Trading Company not too long ago. I think the name was… That’s it! Bobby Prim Trading Company. I heard it’s a good shop with a wide selection, but if I can’t find anything there, I can try elsewhere. I guess I’ll go take a look for the time being.”
Otsupain decided to use her holiday to visit Bobby Prim Trading Company.
***
“Welcome to Bobby Prim Trading Company. Please feel free to ask if there’s anything you’re looking for,” a female employee said.
(I see, so basically, customers can look around at their leisure. It’s helpful because I don’t have to worry about a clerk hovering over me when I want to browse undisturbed.)
Otsupain entered Bobby Prim Trading Company. A female employee stood near the entrance, but after a greeting, she didn’t approach or try to engage with the customers.
(Let’s see, women’s clothing is on the second floor. Alright, I’ll head up there.)
The store was bustling with many customers, indicating it was doing well. Otsupain checked the directory posted near the entrance to confirm where the women’s clothing items were located. Then, she ascended the central staircase to the second floor.
(Hmm, this is not what I expected.)
Otsupain arrived at the area where women’s clothing was handled, but it only offered everyday wear for commoners, a far cry from the aristocratic party dresses Otsupain was seeking.
“Can I help you if you’re looking for something?” a nearby female employee asked as Otsupain stood confused. Otsupain was surprised by the employee’s skill in approaching her at precisely that moment.
“Actually, I’m looking for a dress to wear to a party held during the New Year’s holiday. Ideally, I’d like something I can obtain right away.”
“For aristocrats, is it? In that case, it would be on the third floor. However, we primarily handle custom-made items and do not stock ready-made ones. Therefore, it usually takes some time. But if you find a sample with a design and size that fits you, it can be delivered on the same day, so would you like to take a look?”
“Thank you. I appreciate it.”
“Not at all. I hope you find something that catches your eye.”
The female employee who spoke to Otsupain bowed and returned to her post.
(Well then, let’s go to the upper floor.)
Otsupain climbed the stairs to the third floor.
***
“Excuse me, can I have a moment of your time?” Otsupain asked a young female employee who was closest to her on the floor.
“Yes, what is it?”
“Actually, I’m looking for a dress to wear to a party around New Year’s.”
“A New Year’s party? For aristocrats, is that correct?”
“Yes.”
Commoners generally took holidays during the New Year and did not have the custom of holding parties. Thus, holding parties at this time of year was exclusive to the aristocracy, and the female employee asked for confirmation.
“If you were to have new measurements taken and place an order, it would usually take about two months. We do have an expedited service, but it still requires at least one month, so delivering by your desired date would be difficult.”
“I was told on the lower floor that you sell items from the samples on display if they fit the conditions?”
“Yes, that is possible. Please, allow me to guide you.”
Otsupain was led by the female employee to the back of the floor.
“This one doesn’t fit my height.”
“This one’s chest size is too small; it’s impossible.”
“This one is for a pajama party.”
Otsupain looked through the sample dresses guided by the female employee, but none of them fit her physique. However, she found a dress hidden in the back that seemed to fit her measurements.
“This… for the night…”
The female employee replied with a blush.
“May I try it on, for the time being?”
“That’s fine, but that dress…”
Otsupain asked to try it on, but the female employee seemed to want to say something. Realizing this customer was an aristocrat, as she mentioned attending an aristocratic party, the employee couldn’t strongly object and, at Otsupain’s request, removed the red dress put on a mannequin.
“Then, allow me to assist you.”
As expected of a shop for aristocrats, the fitting room was like a regular room. Otsupain and the female employee entered it and tried on the removed dress.
“What in the world is this?”
“Th-that is a dress to wear when you spend the night with a gentleman…”
The red dress Otsupain was wearing had a deeply plunging neckline, and the fabric covering her chest was thin, allowing her areolas to be seen clearly through it. The skirt part had unnaturally placed openings in the front and back, and when lifted, there were holes.
“What is this hole for?”
“Th-that is for the gentleman’s… um…”
“Th-that’s enough. I understand. I understand.”
Otsupain understood what the female employee was trying to say.
“The size is perfect, but it’s not something I can wear to a party. How much is it, by the way?”
“This dress was ordered by an aristocrat during the time of the previous Jastar Trading Company, but it was suddenly canceled before delivery. Because of its limited use, it was difficult to sell and remained here. If you would like to purchase it, I can offer it at a discounted price, but I doubt you’d want it, right? The selling price of this dress is 20,000 G.”
Otsupain looked around the store, but this was the only dress that fit her measurements. On impulse, Otsupain asked the female employee about the price.
“Certainly, it’s a good price for an aristocratic dress. But it’s not something I can wear to a party.”
“It’s perfect for when you want to enjoy a different kind of play with your partner, isn’t it? But you don’t need it, right?”
“Different kind of play, you say…”
(If I wore this with Kent… No, no! What am I thinking?)
“Then, I’ll take it.”
“Eh? Are you sure? Thank you for your purchase.”
It wasn’t an exceptionally cheap price, but Otsupain impulsively bought it.
***
“Haa… What in the world did I buy?”
Otsupain stood outside Bobby Prim Trading Company, holding the paper bag containing the purchased dress, and let out a big sigh. She regretted impulsively buying the dress.
(I impulsively thought about wearing this dress and becoming one with Kent, and that made me interested and buy it. But such an opportunity is unlikely to arise… I’ve wasted money. The funds I brought for a party dress have decreased, but if I downgrade, I might still manage.)
Otsupain then visited various other shops looking for a party dress, but she couldn’t find anything she could obtain by her intended deadline. Incidentally, the dress she purchased that day proved to be very useful later when she used it to comfort herself, as its comfort and ease of use, even while worn, were exceptional. But that is another story.
