Chapter 25
Chapter 25
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 25
Chapter Title: Third Imperial Princess
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The capital was far more crowded with people than I had imagined.
"Hey, take a look at this before you go! New merchandise from the Red Mask Merchant Company! Perfect for charming the ladies!"
"Priod wolf meat for sale! So juicy, the juices just drip right out!"
"Moon-gazing flower wine from the Aonia Mountains! While you're in the capital, why not try something exotic?"
There was a market along the road to the imperial palace, and as we passed through, I heard hawkers calling out from every direction.
The locals in the capital mostly seemed uninterested. It must be a familiar sight to them.
But some groups were inevitably drawn in by the calls.
"Hey, can this really leave a good impression on women?"
"Of course, sir! Just one of these, and the young ladies will be swooning over you."
"Hmm... All right. I'll take one."
They were nobles who had come all the way to the capital for the Cluster of Stars gathering.
Nobles from all over were passing through the market just like me, and they seemed quite intrigued by the wares.
No matter how grand their estates, nothing could compare to the capital. They were all captivated by these novel goods.
And I could totally relate.
'This shit is fascinating as hell?'
I followed behind Alfred, craning my neck this way and that.
There was so much cool stuff.
What the hell was that thing supposedly great for picking up girls? How tasty was that Priod wolf meat? How sweet would that Aonia moon-gazing flower wine be...?
I was so busy gawking at everything that my head wouldn't stay still, enough to make Alfred chuckle.
"Heh heh. Young Master, you seem quite taken with it all."
"Yeah, of course. It's my first time in the capital. What about you, Alfred?"
"I've had occasion to come here now and then over the years. But everything must be new to you. Hmm, why don't we take a look around?"
"Oh, really? Can I?"
"Yes. These are all experiences, aren't they? We still have time before entering the palace, so feel free to browse."
"Thanks."
With Alfred's permission, I immediately started scouting out shops.
Where to start? What's the most fun?
Current options: girls, meat, booze.
For a teenage boy like me, the choice was obvious.
"Hey, sir. Is what you just said true?"
"Welcome! No need to call me 'sir,' young master."
"Come on, I'm younger, so I should use the honorific. Anyway, tell me—does this really help with women?"
"Absolutely. The Red Mask Merchant Company deals in all sorts of goods, but they specialize in accessories. These glasses in particular are hugely popular."
"Glasses?"
"Yes. They were originally made for people with poor eyesight, but apparently, they enhance your looks. So I stocked up right away."
"Fascinating. Glasses actually boosting your appearance."
"I thought the same at first, but since they're so rare, they add an air of mystery. Try them on, and you'll see."
How intriguing.
In my past life, glasses on a character were politely called 'hate-glasses' or bluntly 'fuck-glasses'—appearance sealers.
But in this world, glasses were treated like fashion items.
Probably because, as the merchant said, they're uncommon. People here rarely have vision problems.
So, wearing glasses creates an optical illusion of looking special and attractive.
For the record, I'm in the 'fuck-glasses' camp. My firm belief is that beautiful girls shouldn't wear them.
"What do you think, young master? At your age, one pair of these, and the young ladies will fall head over heels."
"Nah, I'm good. Anything else maybe, but not glasses. Pass."
"Understood. Shall I show you other items?"
"Sure. What've you got?"
"How about this mask? It covers up any flaws in your lower face. Perfect for conversations where you're face-to-face."
"I don't have any flaws, so no need."
"Heh heh. I don't mince words, and you really do look perfect. I don't even know what to recommend."
What kind of shop is this, selling only appearance-boosting accessories?
Even with all the nobles in town for the social gathering, isn't this a bit much?
"By the way, do you guys only sell accessories? The selection seems awfully uniform."
"Ah, not originally. But we're targeting nobles like you headed to the social, and the Red Mask Merchant Company is all the rage right now."
"What's the Red Mask Merchant Company all about?"
"A massive firm that's risen lately. They distribute goods across the continent, mostly accessories. Especially ones that enhance facial appeal, like glasses and masks."
"Unique. Focusing solely on face-related accessories out of all jewelry."
Interesting info—I made a mental note of the Red Mask Merchant Company.
Dominating the continent with mostly accessories, especially face-focused ones.
I wonder why.
"Well, nothing for it then. I'm not looking to spend on my face. See you."
"Yes, young master. Pleasure meeting you. You're the first noble to call a commoner like me 'sir.'"
"No big deal."
I waved casually and returned to Alfred and Cobson.
Alfred smiled faintly and resumed walking.
"How was it? Lots of interesting items, right?"
"Must've been like that in your day, Alfred. Not anymore—everything was Red Mask stuff."
"Red Mask, you say? Hmm, I've heard of them. A major merchant company on the rise lately."
"Oh, you know them too? What's their deal?"
"From what I hear, they focus on accessories. Their leader, the proprietress 'Bloodied,' is very keen on expanding into the capital."
"So the owner's a woman. Most merchant heads are men. Interesting."
"I agree. Climbing to the top of a giant firm as a woman isn't easy. That might be why all the capital's merchants are stocking their goods."
"Makes sense."
I shrugged and followed Alfred.
The scenery was much the same all the way to the palace.
Merchants hawking mostly Red Mask accessories, nobles getting lured in and buying them one by one.
It was so uniform that even I started feeling rebellious.
"Alfred."
"Yes."
"Mind if I pop into a shop real quick? Need to buy something."
"Hm? Weren't you uninterested in Red Mask goods?"
"Exactly. That's why I'm looking elsewhere."
"Very well. Plenty of time left. Cobson, if you want to browse, go ahead."
"Yes, sir!"
I wandered off to find something not from Red Mask.
The talk of accessories reminded me of something.
'Gotta get something for Ariel.'
She's probably waiting anxiously.
I chat with her via magic letters every night, but that's probably not enough.
To soothe a sulky little sister when I get back, a gift is best.
"Hey, sir. What's the prettiest accessory here?"
"Ah! Welcome."
I stopped at a suitable shop and asked.
A young woman in the bloom of youth jumped up from her seat and hurried over.
"A gift for a young lady? Then this jeweled necklace would suit her perfectly."
"That's nice too, but something more appropriate for a younger girl would be ideal."
"Oh my! For your little sister?"
"Yeah."
"How wonderful. Your sister must be so happy to have a brother like you, young master."
"I think so too."
"Oh! Hee hee hee."
The proprietress giggled and rummaged through her display.
She pulled out a ring.
Nothing flashy about it.
Simple silver band with a lily flower carved on top.
"Then I recommend this! It's not too gaudy, not too plain. Perfect for a young girl to show off."
"I like it. My sister would love it. Not from Red Mask, right?"
"Of course not! Everything here is handmade."
"Impressive. You could pass for a master jeweler."
"Oh, no need to flatter a commoner like me. Hee hee hee."
I chatted with the proprietress and bought the ring.
Perfect fit for Ariel's finger.
I'll give it to her when I return to the ducal estate.
Then, as if struck by a sudden thought, she said playfully,
"Though, your sister might get the wrong idea."
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"You're so handsome, young master. She might think this is an engagement ring. Hee hee."
"Hmm."
I looked down at the ring for a moment.
Ariel mistaking this for an engagement ring?
'Haha.'
Imagining her face, I couldn't help but laugh.
"That could be fun. Maybe I'll tease her with it later."
"Eh? Y-Young master, I was just joking. No need to..."
"Nah, no worries. My sister's so literal, she needs to get used to jokes like this anyway."
"Uh, umm... Why do I feel like I just did something terrible...?"
The proprietress looked utterly flustered, but I ignored it.
I knew exactly how pure, gullible Ariel would react.
When I reveal it's a joke, she'll just pout at worst.
Then I can sweet-talk her out of it.
Yeah. Perfect plan.