It was a chance encounter, but I decided to approach Marie once I saw her standing there. Even to a casual observer, she looked blatantly overwhelmed, paralyzed by the prestigious aura of the high-end boutique before her. I hadn't really had anything specific in mind for the pet supplies shop anyway; I’d only planned to stop by because I had time to kill. Diverting from my original path was no trouble at all.
"Hello, Marie," I said.
"Oh! I—Lord Kaito?!" she gasped, spinning around. "What are you doing in a place like... My apologies. Good day, Lord Kaito."
"Sorry for startling you. I was just at the bookstore on the Main Street, and since I had some free time after finishing my shopping, I thought I'd wander around. Then I happened to spot you... Are you here to buy clothes?"
As I spoke, I glanced at the shop. It was clearly a clothier for the aristocracy, which prompted my question. Marie took a deep breath, trying to steady herself before answering.
"Yes. My father was originally meant to accompany me, but he had a sudden engagement elsewhere, leaving me on my own. It's quite embarrassing to admit, but until now, my wardrobe has consisted almost entirely of hand-me-downs from my older sisters. I've rarely had the chance to buy anything new. High-end stores like this don't exist in our territory, so even though I made it this far... I simply couldn't bring myself to step inside."
"Ah, I know the feeling. Before I came to this world, I was just an ordinary commoner. I had no connection to luxury shops whatsoever. When a place has an atmosphere that screams 'exclusive,' it takes a lot of courage to walk through the door. I've managed to get used to it by now, but still..."
"You too, Lord Kaito? Yes, I'm just plagued by so many anxieties... like whether I'll be able to speak properly if an assistant approaches me."
I truly understood how she felt. Those high-end stores had a unique, heavy atmosphere that made anyone nervous on their first visit. Fortunately, I was now incredibly wealthy in this world and had visited such places many times, so I had acclimated. But in the beginning, I’d always wanted someone to go with me. In fact, Lilia had often accompanied me when I went shopping back then.
"Anyway, if you've come all the way to the capital, you must be looking for something quite nice. Are you attending a party?"
"Oh, no, it's not that. While it's true I'm here for expensive attire, it isn't for a ball or a gala. I'm looking for something respectful to wear when I meet with individuals of high social standing."
"I see..."
Wait a minute. Was this my fault? I'd spoken with Akane recently and heard that the situation surrounding the Rich Baron House was becoming far more intense than I’d realized. For example, if someone introduced by Raz took an interest in the Baron's Riples, the first person they’d likely try to contact would be Marie. Raz would surely mention Marie—one of my friends—in such a conversation.
"Marie... this is just a guess, but is the need for these clothes related to the fact that I've been recommending your fruit to everyone?"
"Oh, no! I mean, yes, it is related, but it isn't a bad thing at all! As a family, we are overjoyed that the Riple sales are increasing. I gave you so many specifically with the hope that you would recommend them to your acquaintances. It's just that I was thoughtless... or perhaps naive. I didn't realize that as our business expanded, I would have to attend meetings alongside my father. That's why I need something appropriate."
It was completely my fault. Marie was too kind to say it, phrasing it so I wouldn't feel responsible, but this was a clear case of her needing expensive clothes because of my meddling. I doubted she was talking about teleport gates with the Lord Trading Company, so she was likely being brought along to meet high-ranking figures who knew Rasal or Raz.
"I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to cause you this kind of trouble."
"Please, don't apologize! Lord Kaito, you aren't at fault here. If anything, I'm the one benefiting. I'm getting the chance to buy high-quality clothes for myself. I’ve always admired the way other noble daughters dress, but with our family finances, we always had to prioritize my brothers and sisters. This is a stroke of unexpected luck."
"I see. Well, if you're happy, I suppose that's fine, but..."
I felt a lingering sense of guilt and wanted to make some kind of amends. Here we were, right in front of the boutique, I had time to spare, and Marie was clearly intimidated by the prospect of going in alone.
"Marie, if you're willing... as a small apology, would you let me buy your outfit for you? You said not to worry, but I still feel bad. Since we happened to run into each other today, let's call it fate."
"That is... far too much. But... well, your kindness makes me very happy. And if it would put your mind at ease, Lord Kaito... It's also true that I was terrified of going in there by myself. Would it really be alright if I took you up on that?"
"Of course."
Marie looked thoughtful for a moment before finally agreeing. For her, the prospect of entering the store with me as an escort was a tempting offer. It had been a spur-of-the-moment idea, but I felt it was a good one.
Serious-senpai: "Alright, let's look at the optics here. Regardless of the price of the clothes, a man and a noble lady walking into a boutique that serves the aristocracy with the man saying he wants to buy her an outfit... They're going to be pegged as lovers instantly. There's a high chance other nobles are already inside, too. Your name is about to become very famous in the social circle, Marie."
???: "Marie really is inexperienced. Unlike Elis or Cornelia, she’s spent very little time in high society, so she doesn't think about things like rumors or reputation. Her guard is wide open. Or maybe she's just so mentally drained that she doesn't have the energy to think that far ahead..."