The next morning, as I followed Licia while wondering exactly where we were headed, we arrived at a clothing store that practically radiated luxury. It was the kind of place I normally never would have set foot in.
The owner greeted Licia with the ease of a regular customer, and Weiss, who had come along, exchanged greetings with equal familiarity. Somehow, the shopkeeper already knew who I was, too.
"Your conduct that day was magnificent. It’s been the talk of the town among us commoners."
...Or so he claimed.
Essentially, the spectacle we’d caused at the city gates after arriving in Clausel had left quite an impression. Since we hadn't really tried to keep people away back then, plenty of locals had witnessed the whole thing. It seemed my reputation had preceded me.
"Th-thank you...?" I managed, scratching my cheek.
As I looked at the dark brown wood flooring and the pristine glass display cases, I was reminded once again that this was a very high-end establishment.
"Now then, Lady Saint. What can I do for you today?"
"I want to get some clothes for him. Could you help me pick out a few things?"
"Certainly. To begin, let’s start with the measurements—"
The conversation moved forward before I could even process it. I looked at Licia in a panic.
"Wh-why me!?"
"Well, most of the clothes you had at your manor were burned, weren't they?"
"They were, but still..."
"Then it’s fine. I just want to give you a gift."
With that, Licia turned away with a little huff. She crossed her arms behind her back and began browsing the store. Looking up through the open atrium to the second floor, I realized the first floor was for men’s fashion and the second for women’s. Despite that, Licia stayed on the first floor, scanning the menswear.
"Hah," Weiss chuckled.
Meanwhile, the shopkeeper had already begun taking my measurements.
"Weiss-sama, please help me. I feel terrible about being given such expensive things."
"Don't worry about it. It’s coming out of the Lady’s personal allowance, so there's no need to hold back."
"If that’s what she wants, I suppose... but this place is clearly very expensive."
Weiss nodded, while the shopkeeper gave a wry smile.
"This man is quite skilled," Weiss explained. "He trained in the Imperial Capital in his youth. Not only is he talented, but he uses the finest fabrics. They’re incredibly comfortable."
"I’m honored by your praise."
"...Um, the more I hear, the more this feels like a luxury boutique."
"Listen, Ren. The Young Lady has very few worldly desires. What I’m saying is that most of her allowance goes untouched and just keeps piling up."
Even so, I started to argue.
But being too persistent in my refusal would be rude, and I didn't want to trample on Licia’s kindness. Reaching that conclusion, I let out a soft sigh and nodded.
"Very well, that's the measurements finished."
As soon as the shopkeeper spoke, Licia came back from her browsing.
"Hey, Ren, what kind of clothes do you like?"
"...Just normal ones, I guess."
I couldn't think of anything specific, so I gave a hopelessly vague answer. But Licia just nodded, without a hint of laughter or annoyance.
"I see. So you don't like anything flashy and prefer things that are easy to move in."
"Wait, how did you know that?"
"Who knows? I’m not sure myself, I just have a feeling."
Licia turned away and took my hand, leading me through the store to look at things together.
"Licia-sama!?"
"Come on, let’s check over there!"
Weiss and the shopkeeper laughed as they watched us. They were about to follow, but—
"Weiss-sama."
Today was supposed to be just the three of us, but a knight of House Clausel had suddenly appeared in the shop. Weiss furrowed his brows. "Hmm?"
"My apologies, but there is a message for you."
"I understand," the shopkeeper said. "I shall guide the two of them in your stead."
"Ah, thank you."
Weiss stepped out of the shop to speak with the knight. The man was out of breath and took nearly a minute to compose himself before he could speak.
"Actually—"
As the report went on, Weiss nodded several times. It was clearly news that warranted a hurried delivery. Once the knight finished, Weiss crossed his arms and fell into thought.
"They arrive this evening, then?"
"Yes. That is the word."
"Understood. We'll head back after noon as planned. I know we should return quickly to prepare, but... the Lady looks like she's having so much fun. It’s hard to tell her we have to cut it short."
"Understood. I don't believe it will be an issue. I’ll relay that to the Lord."
The knight departed, and Weiss returned to the store.
I noticed then that there were no other customers in the shop; it seemed they’d cleared it out just for us. Perhaps that was why Licia was acting more like her usual self, her voice full of excitement.
"Next is this one—oh, I think that would look good on you too!"
"No, no, no, that’s way too flashy!"
"Don't knock it until you've tried it on. Look, the fitting room is right over there."
"W-well, if you say so..."
In the end, I was pushed toward the fitting room. Licia waited expectantly for me to finish changing, her face lit with a smile as she stood by the door.
Eventually, the door opened.
"This isn't exactly everyday wear, is it!?"
I emerged wearing a stylish suit that looked like it belonged at a party. It certainly wasn't suitable for a casual stroll. Weiss and the shopkeeper shared the sentiment, but Licia’s voice was full of delight.
"It suits you!" she chirped. "I want that one tailored for him."
"Yes, My Lady. Certainly."
The shopkeeper didn't even try to object.
"Licia-sama!? When exactly did you think I’d ever wear this!?"
I tried to protest, but the result was the same. Along with two sets of everyday clothes, I ended up being gifted a total of three outfits.
On the way back, I whispered to myself.
"...I really need to do something for her in return."
The problem was the funding. I wondered how I could manage it.
Unbeknownst to me, however, that problem would be solved very soon. Since I couldn't possibly imagine why or how, I spent the entire trip back to the manor racking my brain for a solution.
Early afternoon.
Upon our return, Licia went to Lezard’s office with Weiss. I parted from them at the entrance and headed toward the guest room alone.
"Welcome back, Ren-sama."
On the way, I was greeted by a young maid.
"Did you find any clothes to your liking?"
"Actually, Licia-sama picked everything out for me... wait, how did you know about the clothes?"
"The Young Lady was quite excited last night when she told me about today's plans."
(I see. No wonder.)
Apparently, it would take about a month for the clothes to be finished and delivered.
"What kind of outfits did you purchase?"
"Two casual sets and one formal suit. I heard they'd arrive by next week... I already feel bad about being given even one outfit, let alone a formal suit I have no reason to wear."
"Well, the Young Lady’s birthday is in the summer. Perhaps you could wear it then?"
She spoke as if it were a given that I’d still be here by summer. Since my future was still undecided, I couldn't give her a straight answer and just gave a noncommittal smile. The maid seemed to sense why I was being vague and didn't press the issue, though she looked a bit disappointed.
"Oh, by the way, I heard some guests are arriving this evening," I said. "Will I be in the way? I could head into town for a while if I'm a nuisance."
"Goodness, no! Please, Ren-sama, just relax and spend your time as you normally would!"
I nodded at her frantic denial and smiled, relieved.
Still, I wondered what kind of guests they were. Despite knowing it was none of my business, I felt a twinge of curiosity as I returned to the guest room.
(It doesn't involve me, anyway.)
I was just a temporary guest staying here for a specific reason. I decided to spend the afternoon reading books I’d borrowed from the manor's library.
Time flew by, and as the sun began to dip toward the horizon, the outside of the manor became noisy. I looked out the window to see Lezard and the others going out to greet the arrivals.
The guests were a group of men in fine knightly uniforms belonging to the Regular Knight Order. One man in particular, who looked like the commander, exuded a powerful presence as he exchanged greetings with Lezard. Licia stood quietly by her father's side.
(The Regular Knights...?)
That was the collective term for the knight orders serving the Empire. There were many divisions, but they were essentially the national army—a different entity from the private knights who served individual noble houses, like Weiss.
Why were the Regular Knights here in Clausel?
I tilted my head in confusion but quickly pulled back from the window. It wouldn't be polite to keep staring and risk offending them. Besides, there was no tension in the air between the visitors and Weiss's group, so I figured it wasn't anything like the incident with Viscount Given.
(This book is actually pretty good.)
It was a novel I’d picked up on a whim, but now I was dying to know what happened next. I decided to go look for the sequel.
I stood up and left the room, but then hesitated. I didn't want to run into the guests inside the manor and be an inconvenience.
"Hm?"
Just then, I happened to run into Weiss.
"What's wrong, boy?"
"I was going to find the next volume of my book in the library, but I was thinking of heading back to my room so I don't get in the way of the guests."
"Honestly... as considerate as ever, despite your age. However... hmmm..."
Weiss fell into thought for a moment. Just as I was wondering what he was thinking, he made a startling suggestion.
"Since you're here, why don't you come along, boy?"
"Huh?"
"The guests are here to evaluate the Young Lady’s swordsmanship. I thought it might be a good chance for them to take a look at your skills as well. What do you say?"
A startled squeak escaped me. The proposal was so unexpected that I was momentarily left speechless.