episode_0155

Swish—

“Um, from here—”

From the cute styles adorned with delicate frills, to the sexy styles with a rather large amount of fabric.

Tracing one side of a clothing rack overflowing with women’s clothing.

“—to the very end, all of it please.” “Yes, ma’am.”

I delivered the line I’d been wanting to say sometime.

A line only the wealthy utter, who find buying everything en masse cheaper than taking the time to choose individual items: from here to there.

“Your Highness…!! Buying this much is a bit wasteful, don’t you think…?” “Tch—” “My, my lady…”

These aren’t cheap clothes.

The price tags clearly indicate these are designer labels shipped in from all over the world, and a glance alone confirms their quality.

Seeing those expensive clothes being swept into a basket like they’re discounted items from a supermarket clothing corner, Aspi’s eyes spun as her mind frantically calculated.

“What knight dares question their master’s decision? I simply can’t comprehend…” “No, it’s not that… I just…” “Just kidding, just kidding.”

I picked up one garment from the pile the clerk handed over and lightly held it near her chest.

“You can wear the ones you like or that suit you well, and I’ll take the rest for later use.”

The fabric’s texture, sewing method, and overall design style are completely unlike anything from the kingdom.

In other words, they’re foreign imports.

Conveniently, these foreign imports don’t threaten the domestic ones.

The port hasn’t been fully opened for very long, meaning there aren’t any big-shot businessmen who would bring these techniques to the Kingdom and monopolize them.

Thus, I could become, a businessperson of average intellect.

This means I can secure a solid foundation for business by obtaining samples before the Kingdom’s clothing industry is consumed by foreign technology.

“Well… actually, I’m not doing this with some grand plan. I just really like them all. Honestly, I don’t have that many clothes.”

The money that comes my way as a princess isn’t that much.

My adventurer activities earned me much more than what I spent living in the castle all my life.

Having adapted to rotating through only a few dresses, I never thought my sparsely stocked closet was unusual. But now, the need for more has arisen.

“You hate that I wear the same clothes, every day.” “N-not at all…! Your—I mean, my lady has no need to concern herself with what clothes you wear…” “So is it alright if I go out on a date naked?” “No way—!!”

Aspi fell for my wordplay taken in a strange direction, and immediately shouted.

I looked at her, holding different garments towards my shoulder.

“I just mean, please help me decide. Which one looks better on me?” “Oh—I… I think both look good on you…” “Choose one. What do you think is prettier?”

A form-fitting blouse in a unique color, and a simple, loose-fitting white blouse. I held each up to myself, and Aspi pointed to one.

“Th-this one…?” “Hmm—you like this style, huh.” “Ye- yes… You— my lady is much more beautiful without being overly adorned…” “Got it.”

I grabbed a wide black skirt near the white blouse and quickly went into the fitting room. I changed as swiftly and skillfully as shedding skin, and stood before Aspi again.

She looked at me with wide eyes and her mouth agape.

“It’s pretty… Really.” “Really?” “Yes… Really…” “Really really?”

Aspi nodded repeatedly, her hands clasped together. It was so cute that I asked the waiting clerk for a blouse of the same style, only a different color.

She immediately understood my intentions and brought a pink blouse and black skirt as a set. I handed it to Aspi and nudged her into the fitting room.

Swish—Rustle— Zip—Thud—

The sounds of changing clothes, enough to satisfy my stomach with three bowls of rice, gave me plenty to listen to while I waited. Soon, the fitting room curtain opened, and Aspi emerged in her new clothes.

“Uh…” “How’s it? It’s a couple look.”

The term couple look doesn’t mean two identical outfits. It combines a matching theme or more. Each person wears outfits that flatter their respective styles.

Like matching T-shirts with a skirt for one and pants for the other, or similar items with colors that emphasize each person’s style. The latter was perfect for us.

White and light pink. They were in the same color family, yet subtly contrasting to highlight each person’s individuality.

“This outfit is too much for me…” “What do you mean, Aspi? I chose the one that suits you best, right, clerk?”

The clerk, suppressing a nosebleed, gave a thumbs-up and nodded vigorously. With a majority vote, Aspi’s Blackpink Coordination was passed.

“You just aren’t used to wearing these kinds of things. Are you wearing the ones I bought before?” “Ah, no… I was afraid they would get ruined—” “Hey, you idiot… Clothes are meant to be worn, stuffing them in a closet will only make them spoil!”

After I lightly scolded her, she shyly lowered her head, clasped her hands, and fidgeted.

“Next time I call you, come out in this outfit. If you don’t… then I’ll take off all my clothes in the street.” “Yes, so… Please don’t do that, really…!”

Seeing Aspi’s red face, I want to tease her. She’s just too innocent.

After “dressing Aspi” about ten more times, we linked arms and went to the counter,

Clang—

Writing the delivery address on the receipt, I placed the pouch of gold coins on top.

“Thank you for today. I’ll leave the rest as a tip.” “Have a pleasant evening.”

High-quality service deserves a generous tip— That’s a rich person’s duty!

I left the store, having said the two lines I’d wanted to say, feeling happy and satisfied.

. . .

It goes without saying that going out in the afternoon is always time-crunching. We hit a couple of clothing stores and that was it. The sunset hung on the horizon.

Walking through the harbor with Aspi by my side, snuggled close like a prized doll, felt different from the daytime. It was a unique experience unlike anything else.

That is the fun of having choices… Harem at its best!

“I think you just thought about something a little strange…” “Ah, right. I like Yuri and Nyx, and to the same level, I like Aspi.” “Is that… strange…?” “Generally speaking, yes? Even in the royal family, there is a difference between a wife and a concubine.”

It’s probably a problem Aspi cannot, nor needs to understand.

We’ll be together like this forever.

Wearing matching clothes, sharing drinks in hand; Walking together and looking at the same scenery.

“Should we head back?” “Yes let’s. I’m also a little worried about everyone else…” “Everyone will have finished their drinks by now. It’ll soon be dinner time, so let’s eat dinner immediately.” “Yes.”

We reserved a restaurant on our way back and once we got back to our room, we found that everyone was swaying around with drowsy eyes.

At least Yuri and Nyx were still somewhat conscious, but Tier was a sight to behold.

After downing bottles of alcohol she usually avoids, the side effects were inevitable. She’d been running back and forth to the bathroom so much that the others had to take care of her with water and medicine.

“Sorry… I’m okay now— Oof— Ugh—”

Yuri, already accustomed to treating intoxicated patients, didn’t even blink as she held a bucket to Tier’s mouth.

“She even vomited from her stomach.” “Must be very hungry too.”

I held the barely mobile Tier in my arms, gently stroking her back. I’m not trying to impersonate a doctor, but I should be putting my skills to the best use in times like these, shouldn’t I?

[All-Things Sensing]—

I infused her body with ether and slowly examined her, observing her various reactions. Her metabolism was working overtime due to excessive alcohol absorption.

In this case, first, I need to start with the circulatory system to break down the alcohol, then loosen this area here, gently stimulate that area there…

Whoosh—

“Okay, how are you? Feeling better?” “Y-yes… Much better…”

Regularly studying the information continuously flowing from my body has made even this possible. Color returned to Tier’s pale face, as she felt well again.

“Alright then… let’s go eat dinner. I’m starving.” “Heehee—I want lobster.” “I already made a reservation at a restaurant on the beach. They have expensive wine, and a singer will be performing soon.”

As I slightly turned my head, Yuri clasped her hands in awe.

“I did well, right?” “Yes…! You’re the best, Unni—!!”

I hadn’t seen that expression in a while.

. . .

It’s a summer vacation we’re all taking together. I want everyone to enjoy it.

“It’s not free. Yuri, think of it as part of your seafood cooking course and make sure to savor each delicious bite.”

Adding learning to eating delicious food makes Yuri even more enthusiastic. Nyx has always loved eating and there’s no way Lulu or Aspi would dislike a wonderful feast.

Just to be sure that the amount is sufficient for the group, I’ve also prepared plenty of carbohydrates for Tier, now that she’s on an empty stomach.

The warm orange light spreads softly, its warmth enveloping everyone gathered around the circular table.

“Open the window~♪ Shout it out~♬”

The unique melody that echoed in our hearts felt as sweet as it was regrettable that it would be consumed as part of the dinner.

But with the stunning night view, amazing music and the exquisite food all in one place…

Ultimately, it calls for more drinks.

Alcohol, it’s become so tiresome… yet, there it was again, the dreaded alcohol. Tonight, let’s just have a bit more wine, for a happy buzz…

To maintain the pleasant mood until the very end.

As I let the silky wine flow past my lips…

Suddenly, memories flooded back from this same time yesterday.

Clink—

I gently placed the glass on the table, and gave a bitter, wry smile.

‘We really did it with five people…’

I found myself sighing involuntarily.

When I slightly raised my head, the others seemed to be struck with the same memories.

Each of their faces flushed with warmth, their pupils twinkling with light pink hearts.