An area near the noble district in the central plaza, lined with slightly fashionable shops.

I was peeking out the window while being jostled in the rattling carriage, and the people walking along the street were mostly dressed in uniforms—probably servants working at noble estates.

Such an upscale, refined atmosphere.

If it were just me, I wouldn’t even think of coming near here…

“You’ve never been here before? You sometimes go shopping alone in the city, don’t you?”

Sitting across from me, Fiora gave me a curious look as she watched me stare out the window with intrigue.

It’s true I sometimes go into town alone.

But… that’s a bit naive.

I was about to explain that, but before I could open my mouth, Teresa began speaking to Fiora.

“Lady Fiora, Her Highness does visit the adventurers’ quarter and the artisans’ district, but she rarely has occasion to come this way. Even when she does, she usually goes farther in than this area. Besides, she typically travels by air.”

“Ah… now that you mention it, you’re right.”

Teresa said everything for me. This area is still part of the noble district, even if it’s on the outskirts of the central plaza.

The areas I usually frequent are more centrally located, and they’re mainly for commoners, filled with people from all sorts of professions.

Unlike here, the atmosphere there is much more relaxed and casual…

Even though I live in the lord’s mansion and mingle with the country’s highest-ranking nobility, I still haven’t shaken my commoner roots—it just doesn’t feel comfortable here.

It’s not that I intentionally avoid places like this, but somehow they never make it into my list of options.

“Well, today you’re coming along with me.”

“Yeah… it’s not like I’m against it or anything, okay?”

It’s a place I’d never come to alone.

But since I’ve got the chance, might as well enjoy it.

As I pressed myself against the window again, the carriage gradually began to slow down—seems we were approaching our destination.

◇

The shop we arrived at was a high-end boutique with an upscale feel.

Dresses that seemed to be display models were lined up inside, along with matching hats and accessories on display.

There also seemed to be a workshop attached in the back, so they probably handled custom-made clothes as well.

That said, for upper-class nobles living in this city, they likely wouldn’t come to the shop to buy clothes—they’d summon the tailor to their residence. So this store is probably more geared toward wealthy commoners.

As soon as we entered the shop, a man who seemed to be the owner came over, bowed his head to Fiora, and then personally began to guide her.

There were a few other customers in the store, but he didn’t seem to care, acting almost as if he were about to rub his hands together in glee.

Judging by the owner’s behavior and Fiora’s familiar way of navigating the store, she must come here often.

Fiora doesn’t employ any servants, after all…

To the shop, she must be a valuable regular customer who visits personally.

“Lady Teresa, and Deputy Captain Sera as well—what can I help you with today?”

The owner smiled broadly and beckoned toward the back, calling over a female artisan.

He would handle the business talk himself, leaving the rest to his staff.

Maybe he was thinking this might turn into a big sale since Fiora brought along two more guests?

Still, I had no idea what we were buying here today.

I thought we were shopping for something to decorate my room, so I assumed we were headed to a general store or something. But it turns out it’s a clothing store?

What could we possibly buy here… curtains, maybe, since they’re fabric-related?

As I stared at Fiora’s back, wondering what she was planning to buy… she suddenly extended her arm and pointed to one of those torso-only mannequins used to display clothes—what’s it called again? A torso?

It was one of several lined up near the entrance of the workshop.

“Sorry, we’re not placing an order today. I’ll take that.”

“That… you say?”

Apparently, it was far off from what he expected, and his previous enthusiasm faded as the owner replied in a deflated tone.

I mean, if you think a top customer is here to buy clothes but she’s actually buying shop equipment—yeah, that’d catch anyone off guard.

“Teresa, how many do you think we’ll need?”

Despite the owner’s reaction, Fiora and the others continued the conversation without even acknowledging him.

…How many? Are we buying a bunch?

“Hmm… four—no, would five be enough?”

Teresa answered while folding her fingers to count.

Five… looking around the store, there were only four torsos dressed in clothes.

…Are we planning to use more than the store itself?

“We’ll be using them, so please have them delivered today.”

“Y-Yes. Um, and the delivery address would be… to Lady Fiora’s residence?”

“No, to the lord’s mansion. You can address it to Teresa, alright?”

“Yes, and if possible, we’d like it delivered sooner rather than later. We’re counting on you, shopkeeper.”

“Wh-what!? Y-Yes! Leave it to me!”

Despite the rather unreasonable request, the owner replied with enthusiasm.

Hmmm… I guess delivering goods to the lord’s mansion is just that attractive an opportunity.

But aren’t these torsos something a woodworking shop made, not this store?

Still don’t quite get the economics of it all…

“Ah… shall I prepare some tea for you…?”

“No need.”

As I folded my arms and tilted my head, mulling over how complicated business must be, it seemed our business here was done.

The shopkeeper tried to offer hospitality, but the two had already turned their backs to him and declined in a single breath.

From their tone, they weren’t angry, but their attitude was definitely curt…

“Sera, we’re done here. Let’s move on to the next place.”

“Ah, right… there’s more?”

The very first store already turned out to be unexpected, and now there’s more?

Where are we headed next, and what are we buying?

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————–

Sera ・【Hideout】+1 【Prayer】 【Blessing of Mira】 【Wind Garment】 ・【Floating Orb】+1 【Shadow Sword】 【Scarlet Bee Needle】 【Fairy’s Eye】 【Dragon’s Lung】 【Amber Sword】 【Danrem’s Thread】 【Serpent’s Tail】 【Ankle Bracelet】 【Amber Shield】 【Purple Wings】 【Red Sword】 【Monkey’s Arm】 ・4 cards

Seriana ・【Range Identification】・【】・39 cards

Elena ・【】・【Green Fang】 【Amber Sword】・4 cards

Alec ・【Power Strike】・【Red Shield】 【Fierce Horned Trumpet】・10 cards