After finishing Kaori-san’s delicious stew, I spent some time enjoying post-meal tea and idle chatter with her and Akane-san before we eventually went our separate ways.
“Kaito, are you heading straight back to Symphonia?” Akane-san asked.
“Oh, no. I think I’ll stop by the capital of the Arclesia Empire first.”
“The Arclesia capital? Is there something special going on there today?” Kaori-san tilted her head curiously.
“No, it’s not really for an errand. Isis-san told me before that there’s a massive bookstore in the capital, and I’ve been wanting to check it out. Since I’m already out, I thought I’d take the opportunity to drop in. With my Teleportation Magic Tool, I can get there in no time.”
“Ah, that must be the ridiculously huge shop on Central Street. I’ve never been there myself, but I heard they’ve got everything from magazines to rare old books.”
“Exactly. I have plenty of time, so I figured I’d take it slow and explore for a bit.”
I suspected they’d carry books that the shops I usually visited didn't stock, so it seemed like a perfect way to spend the afternoon. I shared a brief farewell with Akane-san and Kaori-san, who both nodded in understanding, and then I activated the Teleportation Magic Tool to head for the Arclesia Empire’s capital.
The bookstore was just as gargantuan as Akane-san had suggested. I spotted it immediately once I reached the vicinity. It was several times larger than any bookstore I usually frequented. The interior was cavernous, with books packed into every available inch of shelf space. While it looked like a grand library at a glance, the atmosphere was distinctly that of a retail shop, with various sections clearly labeled and popular titles displayed in towering stacks.
I decided to start in the magazine corner. Even this section alone was remarkably broad, featuring a vast array of periodicals I had never seen before.
While searching for something that might catch my interest, I stumbled upon a section where several magazines featured actual photographs on their covers.
I see, fashion magazines. Photos and fashion certainly go hand in hand. Although they are still in the process of becoming widespread, it's clear that the introduction of photos via Recording Magic Tools has had a massive impact on the publishing industry.
However, even looking at these fashion magazines, I was reminded of the cultural gap between this world and my old one.
Monthly Undead.
I somehow managed to find a magazine featuring Zex-san on the cover, dressed in a stylish, formal suit. I knew Zex-san was considered a famous, handsome older man in Undead circles, so I suppose his appearance here shouldn't have surprised me, but it was still quite a sight to behold.
If the cover was anything to go by, it looked like Zex-san was featured in a fourteen-page special. The headline even boasted, "Because you're bone, have a rebellious spirit."
D-Damn it... I want to see it. I'm so curious about what's inside, but I shouldn't. That’s really not a good idea. Right now, I don't want to look at it as a fashion enthusiast; I want to see it for the comedy. That’s wrong of me.
Just because it’s a field I don't understand, it would be disrespectful to treat it as a joke. I was curious, truly, but I had to restrain myself.
“Oh, by the way, the spread inside includes the tagline, ‘Bone density is different from youngsters!’ I wonder if bone density is the standard for beauty in skeleton circles?”
“Pfft! Stop it, Alice! You idiot, don't give me weird details like that...”
“Apparently, this issue even features a sexy rib-peek cut.”
“A sexy rib-peek cut?! Are ribs considered sexy in Undead circles? Seriously, stop it. Don’t tell me anything else!”
Alice had chimed in with a completely unnecessary commentary, making me nearly burst out laughing. Seriously, stop it! I’m going to end up wanting to buy the thing!
No, Kaito Miyama, control yourself. Do not do something that will make it impossible to look Zex-san in the eye as a friend. Steeling my resolve, I moved on to the next magazine.
This Year’s Muscular-Cute Coord for Minotaurs.
What exactly was this corner? A demonic territory? Right next to the magazine for the Undead Race was one featuring three muscular Minotaurs with cow faces, dressed in rather revealing clothing and striking poses.
And what did they mean by "muscular-cute"? To my eyes, they just looked incredibly beefy and powerful. If there weren't any text, I would have mistaken it for a bodybuilding poster. Is the perception that different in Minotaur circles? I could really feel the divide between the races here.
Actually, I could understand the Undead because they’re such a broad group, but are there really enough Minotaurs out there to sustain a dedicated magazine?
Wait, looking closer at the cover, I saw mentions of the Cyclops Race and the Orc Race as well. It seemed to be a general fashion magazine catering to several different races.
That reminded me of a rumor I’d heard—that Minagard-san, Nia-san’s aide who goes by Mina-san, is regarded as a peerless beauty within Minotaur circles.
I understood that about as well as I understood the Undead standards, but with Mina-san, it actually made a bit of sense. Her voice is incredibly high and beautiful, and every one of her gestures is elegant and refined. When I looked at it that way, she certainly possessed a sense of nobility. I could see why she would be highly regarded.
I still didn't have a clue about Zex-san’s bone density or the shape of his bones, though.
Well, anyway, it was clear that a bookstore of this magnitude had all sorts of variety.
Monthly Maid Fashion.
As I thought... this corner really is a demonic territory.
Serious-senpai: "The existence of 'Maid Fashion' suggests there are likely several other maid-related magazines out there. And I can say with absolute certainty that Ein is behind this."
???: "Well, that's probably true... but Marie-san and the others are in the capital right now, aren't they?"
Serious-senpai: "...Ah. (I see where this is going.)"