Chapter 137: Lingerie Shopping

Ｒ​ｅａｄ ｏｎ ＫａｔＲｅａｄｉｎｇＣａｆｅ

The next day, after school.

“Why Sky Island all of a sudden?”

Generally, Steele students had little reason to visit Sky Island. The shopping district around Steele was perfectly adequate. Unless one had graduated from the magic academy—required for conducting research, trade, or other ventures—it was merely a city overflowing with amusing and peculiar magical tools.

Under such circumstances, Sugar fidgeted with her fingers as she answered.

“…There’s something I want to buy.”

“Well, obviously. What is it?”

“…Do you really have to ask?”

“Huh?”

“It’s none of your business…”

“What’s with the attitude? Did someone say something?”

Riley flicked her forehead, Sugar yelped and rubbed the spot.

“So. Why do you want to go alone?”

“Men… aren’t allowed inside.”

That wasn’t strictly true—there was no actual rule barring men, and couples often visited together. But Sugar wanted to keep this trip secret, so she hesitated.

“Fine. Go ahead.”

The unexpectedly cool response made Sugar perk up. “I’ll be back soon!” she chirped, quickly leaving the Sugar Mill and rushing toward the Sky Island gate.

After she left, Riley unfolded a map of Steele and Sky Island. A shimmering pink dot moved across its surface—her location.

“Hmm.”

He sipped his tea leisurely, content to simply observe his partner’s movements.

****************

A city of scholars and commerce, brimming with all manner of fantastical wares.

[Magic-Nullifying Ring! (Latest Edition) Half Price!]

[Anti-Magic-Nullifying Ring! (This Year’s Newest) Half Price!]

[Anti-Anti-Magic-Nullifying Ring! (This Month’s Latest) Half Price!]

[Gender-Reversal Potion (Side Effects Included)]

[Glasses That Reveal Numbers]

Of course, their actual efficacy remained unknown until tested. If something seemed too fraudulent, the administrative officers would intervene and ban its sale—though the specifics were unclear.

After all, there was the famous tale of a mage who sold water while spouting nonsense like “Water knows the answer,” only for it to actually solve one of magic’s greatest mysteries.

They couldn’t just ban things outright.

Either way, Sugar ignored the other shops and headed straight for the southern shopping district. She wanted to save leisurely browsing for a future date with someone special—no spoilers.

It didn’t take long to find her destination. Beneath an elegant sign, mannequins clad in lingerie stood on display. She hesitated at the entrance, endlessly debating whether to grasp the handle.

Her thoughts had been restless since overhearing the senior girls’ conversation yesterday.

‘No, no, no. It’s not like I’m thinking anything weird.’

To clarify, she had no grand intentions. The items in her wardrobe were simply old, and she’d heard good things about this shop.

‘Old clothes should be replaced. That’s all… really.’

But no matter how much she repeated it, her heart pounded, making it hard to open the door.

Was it because this was her first time entering a lingerie store alone? Until now, Ian had always dragged her along, grumbling about it.

‘I-I’m too old to be this nervous about buying lingerie alone.’

If she counted her past life, she was quite mature. Though she’d assimilated so thoroughly into this life that it was almost embarrassing, she still clung to the pride of being the “older one.”

Yet, she still couldn’t bring herself to step inside.

‘Sugar! You’re not usually like this. Be confident. No one’s judging you.’

No friends were around, and passersby paid no mind. A pretty girl loitering outside a lingerie shop might earn a glance or two, but that was all.

Sugar clenched her fists. She couldn’t lose to something so trivial. Who was she? The childhood friend most precious to the master of the grimoire.

The one beloved by the Evil God.

The wielder of pure magical power!

Such a person lifted her chin, reached for the handle, and boldly pushed—

“Hello. Interested in our store?”

“Y-Yes…”

The owner stepped out first, and Sugar immediately deflated.

“Please, come in.”

“O-Okay…”

Inside, the pastel-themed boutique carried a faint, sweet fragrance. Unfamiliar with such places, Sugar wanted to hide in a corner, but she was pulled aside for measurements.

“No need to be shy. Arms out, please.”

“…”

The youthful owner measured her chest with a tape.

“Good. Any preferred designs?”

“I… um… this is my first time, so I don’t really know…”

“Oh my!”

The owner’s eyes sparkled as Sugar bowed her head—the gaze of someone who’d found fresh prey.

A first-time female student customer? Nothing could be more enticing.

“You chose us for your first consultation! Come, let’s pick something that suits you!”

“O-Okay…”

Guided by the owner’s hand, Sugar ventured deeper inside.

Delicate fabrics in white, black, red, and pink adorned the displays. Sugar’s eyes darted around in a daze.

“Any preferred colors? With your fair complexion, anything would look lovely. Don’t hesitate to say.”

“Well… I’m buying quite a few, so… could I try some on first?”

“Of course! I’ll prepare them. Feel free to browse.”

The owner disappeared into the back storage.

Sugar continued looking around.

The variety was staggering. Different lace patterns, padding sizes, glossy and matte materials. When she’d shopped with Ian before, she hadn’t paid much attention. Now, seeing it all anew, she was struck by the diversity. It was oddly fun to explore.

‘Inquire about bras that enhance/reduce bust appearance!’

‘Oh…’

Given this was a magic city, the effects were likely genuine. Just as Sugar stared in fascination, she turned her head—and froze.

‘What is this? The hook is in the front? And this one—everything’s sheer except the… essential parts!’

Her eyes widened at the array of unconventional lingerie. The latter, especially, was for adults.

Adult lingerie.

“Oh, that one’s easy to put on and take off thanks to the front hook. And the one beside it is sheer—pretty, right? I think it’d suit you.”

“Eek!”

Sugar jumped as the owner suddenly appeared behind her.

“Customers with partners especially love these. You have someone, don’t you? What do you think?”

“N-No! I don’t have a boyfriend!”

“Really?”

To the owner, who’d seen countless women, Sugar fit the profile of a shy student who’d never cared about lingerie before but was now buying pretty pieces for the first time because of a lover.

“And… those are for older, b-b-bustier women.”

“Hmm. As the owner, I disagree.”

“Huh?”

“Petite, delicate styles suit you, but girls like you also rock ‘those’ surprisingly well. It’s like… a contrast that enhances your charm.”

“…Really?”

“Yes. You’ve got just the right proportions for them.”

Sugar’s ears twitched.

“But it’s not like anyone’s going to see—”

“Are you sure about that?”

“…”

“Besides, lingerie isn’t just for others. Wearing something pretty makes you feel good, right? It’s about adorning your inner self. Just thinking, I’m wearing lovely lingerie today can boost your confidence. Like me right now.”

The owner tugged down her dress’s neckline to reveal what lay beneath.

Sugar’s face turned scarlet.

“Th-That’s—! Goodness, you wear that daily?!”

What the owner had on made the earlier sheer lingerie seem tame. Setting aside its provocative nature, it was beautiful.

“Of course. I wear pieces like this regularly, and this is actually quite modest.”

“…Is that so?”

“Indeed.”

The owner’s confident smile was too convincing. Sugar nodded slightly, lips parting.

What was her goal today? To replace her old lingerie with new pieces. Since she was buying new items anyway, a few unique ones wouldn’t hurt. Wearing the same thing every time would be boring.

She had a woman’s body now. Trying something like this might be a worthwhile experience.

‘The owner even said it’d suit me…’

It wasn’t about masking insecurities over her size with pretty packaging.

Nor was it about not wanting to show someone a plain, frill-less bra.

And it certainly wasn’t about regretting her lack of preparation last time.

Hesitantly, Sugar spoke.

“Then… I’ll try that one too.”

“I’ll prepare it right away!”

***************

Some time later…

Sugar stepped out of the store with a dazed expression.

Her arms were full of paper bags—the shopping trip had been quite satisfying.

‘We also have lingerie that becomes invisible to specific people.’

‘No thanks!’

She’d declined the questionable magical lingerie and was now on her way back.

“Whew…”

Staring blankly at the sunset, the afterimage of what she’d seen in the fitting room lingered, leaving her mouth agape.

She’d tried on so many things. No matter what she wore, a gasp of admiration escaped her. Even she could admit she took pride in her looks.

The quality played a part too. The weightless feel, the meticulous stitching—the materials were clearly premium.

Clutching the bags tightly, Sugar headed for the gate. Her pounding heart threatened to burst, so she hugged them even closer.

Her steps back to their shared clubroom were a mix of heaviness and lightness—but it wasn’t an unpleasant feeling.