Chapter 81

"Kuaa..."

In front of the Knights' Hall. It was still early, with the sun having just risen above the eastern horizon. As I watched the bustling crowd, I spent my time in a daze. Everyone, thank you for your hard work.

Two days after hearing that the delegation from Sphendor Yardvania would be visiting the Kingdom of Reberis, I was invited by Alyssia, who had arranged my schedule at super speed, to meet up here.

Still, this meeting was scheduled for an awfully early time. It was just supposed to be a simple event of getting my clothes tailored, but I had a feeling it would take up the whole day, even though it was just the morning.

However, I had no idea what kind of store to go to or what kind of clothes to buy, so I had no choice but to rely on her. Walking around the city with Alyssia, a top-tier beauty, was probably a joyful experience, but as her former disciple who had known her since she was relatively young, I didn't feel much of that kind of excitement.

Rather, I was more intimidated by the pressure and the gazes of walking alongside the great Reberio Knights' Commander. Even though I have a grand title like "Special Instructor," I'm essentially a commoner. I feel more at ease going out with people like Kurni or Mui. It's not that I mind walking with Alyssia, though.

"Teacher, I kept you waiting."

"No, not at all. I just woke up early."

While I was thinking about these things, a familiar silver-haired woman walked towards me from down the road. It was Commander of the Reberio Knights, Alyssia Citrus.

However, she wasn't wearing her usual plate armor today. Instead, she was dressed in a white blouse and a blue long skirt, a look that was quite different from her usual style.

If you only saw her in this outfit, no one would think she was a capable commander. She possessed a beauty that was so complete, it was hard to believe.

However, it was surprising to see Alyssia, who usually wore more masculine or androgynous clothing, in a skirt. Her calves, slightly visible as they swayed in the wind, looked very healthy.

The contrast with my usual plain attire was quite intense. I felt that I shouldn't be walking next to her. I was already feeling apologetic.

"Your casual clothes look good on you."

"Ah... thank you."

I think Alyssia would look good in anything, but when a woman dresses up nicely, it's a man's duty to compliment her. That's what I think, anyway. I don't really know.

"Shall we go then? It's a bit of a walk."

"Sure, that's fine. I'll leave it to you. If we can walk there, it must be in the Central District, right?"

"Yes, that's right."

I thought we might be going to the West District, which is known for its clothing stores, but it seems we're heading to the Central District. If we can walk there, it can't be too far.

"There are stores like that in the Central District, huh? There are still a lot of places I don't know."

"Valtrain is a big city."

As we walked from the Hall, we chatted casually. It's been a while since I came to Valtrain, but I don't have a particular route for walking around, nor do I know any famous stores.

While I do wonder if it's okay for an old man who has a house in the capital to be like this, it doesn't really affect my daily life, so I don't mind. I think Mui probably knows the city better.

Fortunately, I have a few reliable acquaintances, which has been a great help. In fact, I'm currently getting assistance from Alyssia.

"I don't think I need to worry, but is your work okay?"

"No worries. There hasn't been any urgent work recently."

"That's good. That's the best thing."

The existence of urgent work for Alyssia is something the Knights can't overlook. So, to put it bluntly, it's better for the capital's security if Alyssia has some free time.

When the country's military force is busy, it's not a good sign. The people of Valtrain seem to understand this, and the gazes directed at her were calm. On the other hand, the gazes directed at me were still unfamiliar. I guess I just need to get used to it. It wouldn't help to increase my fame among the people.

"By the way, Teacher, what kind of clothes do you like?"

"Hmm, I don't really have a preference..."

As we walked, Alyssia asked me a question. I've never really thought about my clothing preferences. I've always lived in a remote area, so I haven't been picky about food, clothing, or shelter. I wasn't rich, but I wasn't poor either.

"If I had to say, I prefer comfortable clothes. I don't like tight or heavy ones."

"I see."

This preference is more about being a swordsman than personal taste. Even if it's a formal occasion, the essence of the job is protection. I don't want to wear anything that hinders movement. I'm not the type to wear heavy armor, so I prefer something that allows me to move freely.

I wonder if my wishes will be fulfilled. Alyssia nodded, but it depends on the atmosphere and other factors. If my preferences alone could determine everything, we wouldn't need to go shopping.

"Let's start with this store, then."

"Sure, please be gentle with me."

After walking for a while, we arrived at a street lined with stylish shops that, while not ostentatious, had a solid presence. As expected of the Central District of the capital Valtrain, the stores looked high-end. I hope I don't stand out too much.

"Welcome... Oh, it's Lady Citrus."

"Thank you. I'd like to look at some clothes."

While I hesitated, Alyssia smoothly entered the store. I hurried to follow her.

As the polite attendant and Alyssia exchanged greetings, I looked around the store. Various high-end clothes were displayed, but I couldn't tell their names or prices. Just by looking, they seemed tight and hard to move in.

"There are so many."

"Yes. If you see anything you like, please let us know."

The attendant picked up on my casual comment. I don't really trust my own sense of style, so I thought it might be best to leave it to Alyssia.

"Teacher, how about this one?"

"Hmm? Let me see... Oh..."

Soon, Alyssia brought over a piece of clothing. It had a tight-fitting torso, a high collar with elaborate decorations, and the fabric looked like velvet, fine and shiny. What is this? Do I have to wear something like this? That would be a problem.

"It's a poupoint. Do you like it?"

"No, it's a bit... flashy, I think."

I might have to retract my previous statement. I'm a bit worried about what kind of clothes I'll end up wearing if I leave it to Alyssia. I know she's not doing it out of malice.

Still, I was hoping for something a bit more... well, you know, something that would suit a middle-aged man, something elegant but not too flashy.

"I think it would suit you."

The attendant, who was assigned to us, smiled and said. I understand that he's trying to sell, but I don't think it suits me at all.

"Um... let's look at some others... hehehe."

"I see..."

I found it hard to say "No" directly, so I just brushed it off and avoided the poupoint. Alyssia looked a bit disappointed, but I'm sorry, it's just too flashy.

However, are all the clothes worn by nobles and important people like this? They look shiny and tight, which is a bit too much for an old man. I haven't had much interaction with such people, so I don't really have a standard. Alyssia and Hembritz's formal attire is armor, after all.

"...Hmm? How about this one?"

As I looked around the store, wondering what to do, a piece of clothing caught my eye. A jacket with a black base and a calm color scheme. It probably goes down to the waist. The neckline seemed slightly open, but the brown embroidery added a nice accent.

I thought it might not suit me as an old man, but compared to the other clothes, it caught my eye. It wasn't flashy but had a calm presence. At least compared to the poupoint Alyssia brought, it was more to my taste.

"Hmm... It might be a bit plain, but..."

"No, this is fine. I like this."

I'm not used to dressing up, so I think something that emphasizes cleanliness and has a moderate level of luxury is suitable for me.

"Understood. Can you hold onto this for a moment?"

"Of course."

Alyssia gave the attendant a quick instruction. Holding onto it doesn't mean it's decided, but I think it's good enough. From her perspective, it might not be the final choice.

"Let's go to other stores. Teacher, let's look around."

"Ah, sure."

It seems she didn't find what she was looking for here, so she suggested visiting other stores. But I don't want to be recommended something like the poupoint again.

"Hehehe... This is definitely a de---"

"Hmm? Did you say something?"

"No, nothing."

Alyssia's mutterings dissolved into the clear sky.

After that, we visited six stores, including a lunch break, and were recommended sixteen different outfits. In the end, I decided on the jacket from the first store. I felt a bit sorry for Alyssia, who had worked hard, but she seemed satisfied in her own way, so I didn't worry too much.

The next update is scheduled for the 17th (Wednesday).