Kanata is apparently attending a party hosted by Iska.
We had the doorman open the door for us, deposited our luggage with the porter, and entered the lobby of the Shangri-La Hotel.
As expected of the top hotel in Ligrit, the lobby is magnificent.
Marika-san and Natsume are staying in a Royal Suite, while we are in a Superior room.
But even a Superior room in a first-class hotel is still quite something.
The room we were shown to was as magnificent in its size and furnishings as any suite in a mediocre hotel.
The atmosphere of the room reminds me of the special brig in the Garden.
Ah, I see. The Commander must have modeled the special brig after this hotel.
After paying the porter who carried our luggage, I first stretched out flat on the spacious bed.
My father, who was always busy, used to get us good rooms even when he took us on trips.
… I had completely forgotten about Dad. Well, I don’t care about the father who abandoned me.
I wonder what happened to my body in my original world? I’m probably dead…
While I was thinking about such things, the ringing of the Handycom in my pocket brought me back to reality.
“Kanata, you have a fitting for rental costumes. Come to the service room on the second floor.”
“Rental costumes? Is there a costume party?”
“It’s something like that. Iska is also the head of a Zaibatsu. Tonight, we’re renting out the top floor of the hotel for a party. You’re to attend.”
Oh, no. Why would a mere Sergeant like me be at such an elegant and noble gathering?
“Can I politely decline?”
“It seems to be necessary for your ‘safety.’ I don’t quite understand why, but you must go. Iska doesn’t do pointless things… very often.”
“Does ‘not very often’ mean she sometimes does them?”
“Having you dress up would be pointless. A soldier should be able to attend a party in their military uniform. The intention behind making you dress up is probably to laugh at you looking like a child dressed up for a ceremony.”
“If the intention is so obvious, shouldn’t they just stop you…?”
“I’m also starved for amusement. So give up and hurry down.”
I’m fine with being the comedy star of the First Unit, but I don’t want to be laughed at.
No matter how much I complain, I can’t go against it, so I guess I’ll head to the service room.
In the service room, a dandy middle-aged man who looked like a concierge and Marika-san were waiting for me.
“Is this the Kenrou-dono? You have a rather spirited face. You’ll be a joy to style.”
While he might be exaggerating, it’s true that Agito has a handsome face.
If only he were a bit taller, he’d be perfect.
“Please find me attire suitable for a ball. I’d like a tailcoat with silver accessories. It would be helpful if you could teach me ball etiquette while taking my measurements.”
“Understood. Right this way.”
I followed the concierge’s instructions, had my measurements taken, my hair styled, and was taught about ball etiquette.
An hour later, the reflection in the mirror showed a dressed-up, handsome Penguin.
I had my hair styled into a slicked-back look, and I was wearing a seemingly expensive tailcoat, a subdued silver wristwatch, and a refined outfit.
“You look like a penguin in a tailcoat. With that outfit, you could almost pass for an Emperor Penguin.”
Marika-san’s compliment… is it?
“I’ll consider it a win that you didn’t call me a Rockhopper Penguin.”
“Then, Emperor Penguin, since you’re all dressed up, how about we stroll around the hotel’s shopping mall together?”
“Yes, Mom. I shall escort you.”
I bowed respectfully and took Marika-san’s hand.
Hooray, shopping with Marika-san!
I went around the hotel’s shopping mall with Marika-san.
As expected of a first-class hotel, all the shops were high-end brands, and everything was surprisingly expensive.
Marika-san bought a few items, but all I bought was a vivid red scarf.
Right now, I want to spend money to survive rather than on brands. I should avoid unnecessary expenses as much as possible.
Marika-san seemed surprised that I bought a scarf that looked like women’s wear.
“I can pull off red, but it doesn’t look like a gift for me.”
“Even I’m not so rude as to buy a gift in front of the person I’m giving it to.”
“But if the recipient is Lilith, it’s a mis-choice. Red doesn’t suit that little one. Black or silver… maybe blue. She’s almost perfect in form, so even red would look decent on her.”
It’s not for Lilith. I’m sure I’ll be dragged shopping countless times while I’m in Ligrit.
“It’s for Yukikaze-senpai. She always wears a red scarf around her neck.”
“That’s a thoughtful consideration. We still have some time before the party. Shall we have some coffee before heading to the venue on the top floor?”
“Yes, let’s eat at the party venue. If the Commander is hosting, the food should be magnificent.”
I’m sure there will be caviar. And the drinks must be top-notch too.
Frankly, I’m not keen on mingling with the upper class, but at least I can enjoy the food.
I got into the elevator with Marika-san, who was wearing a crimson dress, and headed for the party venue.
Unlike me, who looks like a penguin with a fancy outfit, Marika-san is truly beautiful. A good woman really has an advantage.
According to Sanpin-san, Agito was popular among female soldiers who didn’t know his true nature, so he probably carried himself with confidence.
Then, the problem with my fancy outfit must be my lack of experience.
As I got out of the elevator and was about to enter the party venue on the top floor, Marika-san grabbed my arm.
“Hmm? Is my tie crooked?”
“No, give me your arm. You need to escort a lady properly to be a gentleman.”
Apparently, I have the honor of entering the venue arm-in-arm with Marika-san.
Of course, there’s no reason to refuse. I should gratefully accept the perks.
Inside the party venue, a scene unfolded that I had only ever seen in movies.
… You never know what life will throw at you.
This is not the world I belong to, but for now, I am a resident of this place.
Hm? Am I the only one wearing a tailcoat? All the other male guests are in tuxedos?
Ignoring my confusion, the venue erupted in applause and cheers.
The host, the Commander, appeared on stage accompanied by Lieutenant Colonel Kurando.
The Lieutenant Colonel offered words of gratitude to the guests, the Commander declared the party open, and the toasts began.
I received a glass of Champagne from a waiter and toasted with Marika-san.
“Yo, comrade. Having fun?”
Comrade Axel, dressed in a tuxedo, arrived with Tatiana-san, who was dressed up in a black dress with a front slit.
Her hair is pulled back too. Seeing her like this, after being used to her hat and work coveralls, feels incredibly fresh.
But while the front slit is fine, the cleavage is lacking.
That’s Tatiana-san’s weapon, her super-huge breasts!
“Tatiana-san, couldn’t you have worn a more daring dress?”
“I told her so. She’s apparently shy.”
“Instead of being shy, she should show it off.”
“… Kanata will be the one who’s embarrassed from now on.”
Huh? Why me? I don’t understand what Tatiana-san is saying.
“Is something going on?”
“You’re the only one in a tailcoat, Kanata. That’s the situation, isn’t it, Marika-san?”
“Yes, that’s right. Kanata, come up to the stage with me.”
“Huh? You’re not going to ask me to sing a song as part of the party entertainment, are you?”
I’d love to do a duet with Marika-san, but after a long life of solitude, karaoke is not one of my skills.
“Don’t be an idiot. Of course not. You’re going to receive a medal with me. That’s what the tailcoat is for.”
Receive a medal? Me? I wasn’t told about any such surprise!
I like going somewhere without a plan and without a set destination.
Posting from a parking area. Where should I go today? West for now.
