Chapter 87

Since Gatoga and Rose visited the knight headquarters, time has passed quietly without any particular incidents.

Since coming to Bartrean, I haven't really been involved in any special events. My days have mostly been about knight training and adjusting to my new life with Mui, and I've finally started to get used to both.

Incidentally, for a few days after the opening ceremony, Mui came home looking utterly exhausted.

Apparently, there were so many people, and she was approached and dragged around by various people, which was quite tiring. She even muttered, "I don't want to do this anymore..." but I encouraged her, saying it was the first step toward a proper life and she should try her best.

However, there was something that gave Mui peace of mind.

It seems that the magic academy, like a regular school, has class divisions, and Mui's homeroom teacher is going to be Kinera.

I've explained the situation to her, and it's a relief that someone who understands Mui will be her teacher. Mui also seemed reassured.

I still vividly remember the way she spoke and the expression on her face when she mentioned this at the dinner table, somewhat shyly but happily. It's something to treasure forever.

"You two look good together."

"R-really...? Haha."

Now, what am I doing right now?

I'm trying on the new clothes that I picked out with Alyssia.

Honestly, even though I chose them myself, I can't help but feel out of place.

Compared to my usual clothes, the fit around the torso is a bit tight. If someone were to say, "This is the outfit for meeting important people, so it's only natural," I wouldn't be able to argue much, but still, isn't it a bit too tight?

Is this really adjusted to my size? This discomfort keeps nagging at me.

While being praised by the store clerk, I check my appearance in the mirror, wearing the jacket.

The jacket, which is primarily black, is a complete contrast to my usual style. The decorations on the shoulders and collar add a nice touch, I think.

However, to put it simply, the outfit feels very formal. While it certainly looks better than baggy clothes, it feels more like the clothes are wearing me rather than the other way around.

Incidentally, I also bought matching pants. They are black and plain, without any decorations. I thought it would look odd if I wore the fancy jacket but kept my usual pants.

Hmm, but this is something I can't really judge on my own. Alyssia and the others would probably unconditionally praise me, but I might as well get Mui's opinion, who can be quite blunt.

"The total comes to 65,000 dalcs."

"Ah, here you go."

I pay the amount, which includes the cost of the clothes and adjustments.

Hmm, I knew it would be expensive, but it's quite a hit. I've never spent more than 10,000 dalcs on a single piece of clothing, so it makes me feel a bit uneasy.

Thanks to my special instructor salary and the reward from Ibroi, my finances aren't bad. However, it's not good for my heart to spend such a large amount. If it were for Mui, I wouldn't hesitate, but spending money on myself makes me a bit hesitant. This time, it's important for the occasion, so I can't really help it.

"Thank you very much!"

Well, I've bought what I needed, so I'll head home.

Not that it's a special occasion, but I'll wear the new clothes to get used to them. They might be a bit eye-catching for walking around town, but I have to wear them for the main event anyway.

So, I stuff the clothes I wore today into a leather bag and head home.

The tight fit is noticeable, but the material seems good, and it doesn't seem to hinder my movement much. If something unexpected happens, I should be able to move without any problems, though I hope it doesn't.

"Sure is lively, isn't it?"

The central district is usually lively, but recently it's been even more so.

Apparently, the Sphendyard Vanian envoy visits every year, and there's a small festival in Bartrean around this time.

More precisely, a festival is held in Bartrean every year during this period, and the Sphendyard Vanian envoy started coming as a sign of friendship to coincide with it.

When I lived in a rural area, I never really had a chance to experience festivals.

However, there are plans for the envoy to tour the city, so I can't be too relaxed. I can't fully enjoy the festival.

But apparently, the annual visits have gone smoothly in the past, so there's no need to be overly cautious. With skilled people like Alyssia, Hembritz, Gatoga, and Rose gathered, it would be difficult for anyone to cause trouble.

Incidentally, the First Prince of Sphendyard Vanian is coming, and from our side, the Third Princess of Reberis Kingdom will be present.

I'm not very familiar with these details, but it's apparently customary to send someone of the same rank when welcoming a foreign envoy. That's why the princess is coming.

Alyssia and Hembritz, along with other members of the Reberio Knights, will mainly guard the princess. The Church Knights will guard the First Prince of Sphendyard Vanian.

My assignment hasn't been finalized yet. I think the upper management is divided on how to handle my position as a special instructor.

I'd prefer to be assigned to street patrol or something, but the fact that I had to prepare this outfit suggests that's unlikely.

"I'm home."

I hope I get assigned to a corner or something.

With that thought, I open the door to my new home, which I've become quite familiar with.

"Hmm, welcome back."

Mui greets me in a somewhat familiar manner.

"...What's with that outfit?"

Her face clearly showed her confusion.

"Well, the envoy is coming, right? I went to pick up the clothes today and decided to wear them home."

"...Hmm."

What's with her expression? It's like a "Whoa..." face. Does it look that bad? I'm a bit disappointed.

"...Do you think it doesn't suit me?"

"...Not really. It's not bad, I guess."

"...Really?"

I decided to ask, but her response was ambiguous and a bit vague. I'm a bit concerned.

I didn't expect her to say it suits me, but the negative feedback is a bit of a shock, considering how much I spent on the clothes.

"Anyway, dinner is ready."

"Ah, okay, thanks."

I was treated like this. It's sad.

I can't dirty these clothes, so I'll change before eating. I chose black in case they get dirty, but it's best to keep them clean.

"...Maybe my usual outfit is the best."

"Hmm? Did you say something?"

"Nothing. Never mind."

I thought I heard Mui say something softly as I took off the jacket, but I couldn't quite make it out.

Well, it's better than being told it doesn't suit me or to take it off. Alyssia said it was plain but didn't say it didn't suit me, so I'll have to trust her words.

"Well, let's eat. I kept you waiting."

"Hmm."

I change back into my usual clothes and head to the living room. No matter what, I feel most comfortable in these clothes.

Today's dinner is a stew, using the smoked meat I bought in the West District. It looks hearty and delicious.

However, I need to gradually increase the variety of Mui's cooking. Stews are easy, but if she only makes them, it won't help her improve.

Still, her cutting skills for vegetables and meat have improved a lot, which is a great sign.

"Itadakimasu."

"Hmm. Itadakimasu."

Under the same roof, I eat dinner with Mui again.

This was the day's event, with the Sphendyard Vanian envoy's visit just two days away.

Mui seems to think that as long as she cuts the ingredients and throws them into the pot, she can have a warm meal.