The Empire's Greatest Boutique

Franche and I left the mansion. This time, it was an official outing—no sneaking out through dog flaps or jumping out of windows.

"Leaving like this feels a bit awkward."

"This is how it's supposed to be."

We boarded the carriage waiting at the mansion's entrance. The ducal driver spoke.

"Where may I take you, My Lady?"

"To the Frida Clothing Store."

"Understood. We shall depart immediately."

With a gentle rattle, the carriage set off.

"How long will it take to reach the Frida boutique from here?"

"It won't take long. There is a direct route from the duchy to the Imperial Capital."

Is it like a highway? How convenient. But I felt like I was forgetting something.

Ah. I was supposed to bring Kazar. She needed to see the inside of the factory with her own eyes. I turned to Franche.

"We need to bring Kazar along."

"Why?"

"I could describe the layout of the factory to her, but seeing it firsthand will be much faster and more accurate."

"Hmm." Tap, tap. Franche tapped her index finger against the carriage's leather seat.

"Very well. Let us pick her up on the way."

"I will let the driver know." I slid open the front window of the carriage and gave the driver the address. "The Lady wishes to make a brief stop here."

"Yes, sir. Understood."

After traveling for a short while, the carriage pulled up in front of a familiar residence.

"We have arrived, sir."

"Wait here a moment." I stepped down from the carriage and knocked on Kazar's door. "Kazar, it's me. Open up."

The door swung open, revealing a flurry of long black hair. It was Kazar.

"Oh, what brings you here? Is it time for the Lady's tutoring session?"

"Not quite. It's about the task I mentioned before."

"Ah, right." Kazar said, "Just a moment," and slipped back inside. She emerged shortly after, fully prepared to head out. "Let's go."

Once Kazar boarded, Franche sat alone on one side, while Kazar and I sat side-by-side opposite her. Seeing this arrangement, Franche's eyebrow twitched.

"Must the two of you sit so closely together?"

"I can stand if you prefer."

"That is not what I meant..." Franche shook her head and let out a soft sigh. "Never mind."

"What was that about? Now I'm curious." Kazar tilted her head, clearly baffled by Franche's reaction. Wait, was Kazar always this expressive? I decided to ask her.

"Kazar, does using gender-reversal magic alter one's personality ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠as well?"

"Yes. The sudden hormonal shift can sometimes result in a completely opposite personality."

So that's why she was such a stiff, blunt character in the game. Right now, she just seemed like a cheeky young girl.

"But why do you ask?"

"No reason. Just curious."

"You've seemed rather interested in gender-swapping magic lately. Don't tell me you...?"

What kind of crazy nonsense was she spouting?

"It's nothing like that, so don't worry."

"A pity. I really wanted to try casting it on someone else."

What a terrifying thought. Though, to be fair, some people might actually welcome it. Back on Earth, there were surprisingly many who would jump at the chance...

As Kazar and I chatted amicably, Franche's brow furrowed, and she spoke up.

"You two seem to be getting along quite well."

"Pardon? We are just talking normally."

"Hmm." Franche shot me an icy glare. Had I done something wrong?

"If you have time for idle chatter, you might as well teach me some magic."

"Ah, shall we? I didn't have much else to do anyway." Kazar slid over to sit next to Franche. "Alright, let's begin today's magic lesson."

Kazar began her tutoring session, guiding Franche through various concepts. Since Franche was an incredibly fast learner who absorbed information like a sponge, Kazar seemed to genuinely enjoy teaching her.

They look like they're having fun.

Once Franche mastered magic, she would not only elevate her own standing but also play a pivotal role in our future plans.

Well, that's a distant dream that hinges entirely on the success of our business ventures. Still, since I had set my mind to it, that day would surely come.

During the brief carriage ride, Franche understood and absorbed almost everything Kazar taught her. Kazar couldn't hide her sheer astonishment.

"My Lady, are you sure you haven't studied magic before?"

"This is my first time. Even the mathematics I know was taught to me by Jin."

Kazar's eyes widened. "Wait, he taught you math? I thought he was just a muscle-brained brute who lived with a sword in his hand."

What on earth did she take me for?

"I may look like this now, but I was once royalty. This level of education is basic for a prince."

"Ah, right. I keep forgetting you were a prince."

Seriously, what did she think of me? But then again, I was essentially pulling off a massive fraud. The original Jin Barenberg was the royal prince; the soul inside was Kim Gongryak, a gaming YouTuber with a million subscribers.

I looked at Franche and said, "My Lady, why don't you try casting the magic you just learned?"

"Is there any spell suitable to cast inside a carriage?"

"What about the one I just showed you?" Kazar suggested.

"Ah, that one."

What was "that"? They were having a grand old time leaving me out of the loop. Franche offered me a sweet smile.

"I will show you. Though it is still incomplete, so I am not sure if it will work properly."

Mana began to coalesce at Franche's fingertips, causing the surrounding air to shimmer. Soon, a dark, black mist began to ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠rise. Just as I thought—Franche's affinity was darkness.

"Look at this! I actually cast magic for the first time!" Franche beamed with the pure, unadulterated joy of a child. Watching her, a proud smile naturally formed on my face. But just as I was about to speak—

Damn it. I thought I was being careful.

Throb! A splitting headache, as if my skull were cracking open, struck me once again. Forcing myself to keep my expression from twisting in pain, I pressed two fingers firmly against my temple.

Another fragment of Jin Barenberg's memory seeped into my mind. Just like last time, I had no idea what these memories were trying to tell me.

Fortunately, neither of them noticed my brief lapse. Kazar quietly observed the dark mist swirling around Franche's hand before clapping her hands in admiration.

"Oh, it really is darkness! You possess an incredibly rare affinity, My Lady."

"Is that so?"

"Yes! Holy and dark affinities are exceptionally rare and hard to come by. Though, to be fair, mages themselves are rare enough as it is."

I already knew Franche was a dark mage. But ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠what about Kazar? Was she holy? Curiously, I asked.

"Kazar, is holy magic your primary affinity?"

"No? I can use every single affinity except for darkness and earth."

What kind of broken, overpowered character was she? If she could do that in the game, I could have cleared the final chapter with my eyes closed.

To think she lost such an incredible ability just because she turned into a man in the original timeline. It didn't matter anymore, but it was still a shame.

Kazar smirked. "Why the long face? Are you shocked to find out I'm a much greater mage than you thought?"

"Indeed. Having such a talented mage in our France Corporation is incredibly reassuring."

At my words, both Kazar and Franche grimaced.

"You keep mentioning that strange name. It has my name in it, which makes me feel rather uncomfortable."

Hey, what's wrong with France Corporation?

"I agree. It sounds like some cheap, sketchy merchant guild."

"..." No matter what they said, I was not giving up on France Corporation. I remained silent. Once France Corporation grew to dominate every single merchant guild in the Empire, they would sing a different tune...

Just then, the carriage ground to a halt.

"We have arrived, My Lady."

At the driver's announcement, I stepped down first and offered my hand to ensure the ladies, both wearing high-heeled shoes, could alight safely.

Kazar looked at me with a peculiar, surprised expression.

"Oh, you're even showing consideration for me."

"I can hardly leave you hanging."

Watching this exchange, Franche spoke up. Her voice was sharp, laced with thorns.

"How long do the two of you plan on flirting?"

"Ah, my apologies."

"There is no need to apologize. Let us go."

Kazar and I followed Franche, taking in the sights of the Imperial Capital. Walking through the streets made it truly sink in that I was inside a game. After all, the Imperial Capital was the area I had frequented the most while playing Rofanso.

Seeing this scenery in real life feels incredibly surreal.

Kazar craned her neck to look around, wide-eyed.

"This is my first time in the capital, and wow, it really is spectacular."

"Indeed. Everywhere you look, it's nothing but luxury."

"What do you think allowed the Empire to prosper to this extent?"

"Good land."

Kazar shook her head. "No, not just that. I want to know the detailed reason. Everyone knows the Empire has vast and fertile land."

A detailed reason... I recalled reading about it in a book once. The secret behind the rise of great empires. While "fertile land" was the standard textbook answer, there was actually a surprisingly simple truth behind it. I explained it to Kazar.

"Food."

"Food?" Kazar tilted her head, utterly confused.

"Because their food supply was secured, they could afford to invest in other things. For humanity, the greatest hurdle among food, clothing, and shelter is food. As long as there is food, the population grows. And as the population grows, clothing and shelter naturally resolve themselves."

"Ah, I see," Kazar nodded in understanding. "So once those basic needs were met, they could invest in other areas? Like military power, culture, ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠and technology."

"Exactly," I nodded. "But you're a noble. How did you not know this?"

"I skipped all my classes to focus on magic. I'm a complete ignoramus when it comes to anything else."

A textbook magic geek. Yes, those types definitely existed. People who hyper-focused on what they loved and became the absolute best in their field. The only issue was that they remained completely clueless about everything else.

Just then, Franche, who was leading the way, came to a stop. "We have arrived. The Frida Clothing Store."

It was a building taller and grander than almost any other in the capital. Knights exuding an imposing aura stood guard at the entrance, and extravagant dresses were displayed behind the glass windows. Glittering jewels were also on display, indicating they sold accessories as well.

"It certainly doesn't look like an ordinary boutique."

"Most noble ladies and high-society matrons shop here. They have a complete monopoly on fashion and jewelry."

Franche tapped her fan against her palm as she continued, "Frida boutiques are spread all across the Empire. There isn't a single luxury item they don't carry. That is why breaking into the apparel industry is so difficult."

So it's a franchise model. I had planned on utilizing that concept first, but someone had already beaten me to the punch. Whoever ran this place was a true business genius.

"Let us head inside. I will show you the details."

I nodded. Kazar swallowed hard, overwhelmed by the sheer scale of the boutique.

Chime— A bell rang as the door to the Frida boutique swung open. A waiting employee rushed over immediately.

"Welcome, valued guests."

"It is an honor to have you."

Perfect posture. Polite greetings. Matching uniforms. This really was a franchise.

Franche gave a slight nod, her eyes sharp and commanding. "I am Lady Descartes. I have come without a reservation today. I trust that won't be an issue?"

At the mention of the name Descartes, the employees' eyes went wide. "P-please wait just a moment! I will fetch the Madame immediately!"

The receptionists scurried into the back. We passed the time browsing the displayed dresses.

"As expected of the top boutique, even their basic dresses are of exceptional quality."

"Can you tell?"

"Of course! I may not look it, but I am still Lady Uplain."

Ah, right. I had completely forgotten she was a noble. Her behavior lacked any semblance of elegance, so it had slipped my mind.

Franche chuckled softly. "The dresses on the upper floors are even more magnificent. The custom-made ones are on another level entirely."

"Ooh... There are dresses even better than these?"

"Yes. From the design to the texture, many of them are absolutely flawless."

That was because they were all the result of exploiting a tragic, once-in-a-generation genius. It would be faster for them to see the reality of the factory with their own eyes.

Just then, a voice rang out. "Lady Descartes! It has been far too long since you last graced us with your presence!"

The Madame of Frida, the greatest boutique in the Empire, had finally made her appearance. Now, it was time to tear her business apart.