Chapter 155
Chapter 155
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: crow
Chapter Title: Ivana's Summer Wardrobe
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Even calling it the central region, it was never anywhere near as brutally cold as the Northern Region.
In fact, it had perfectly ordinary weather.
It was just a place where the four seasons arrived at just the right times.
Unlike the south, where even winter never really felt like winter, the seasons here—spring, summer, autumn, winter—were clearly distinct.
"Hmm..."
Was that why?
The weather didn't seem to shift as abruptly as I'd thought.
Where I lived in the south, I could wander around in short-sleeved shirts all year long... and in winter, just slipping on a light coat was plenty.
"Everyone's in short sleeves."
"Yeah. The weather's heating up faster than expected."
"Yeah."
It really had gotten hot.
It hadn't been that long since I first switched to summer uniform, but it felt hotter than anticipated.
"Well, it's not as bad as the south."
"Yeah."
"When are you switching, Ella?"
"Not sure. It doesn't feel scorching yet. It's way milder than the summers back south."
"That's true."
Most students had switched to summer uniforms, but Ella was still in her spring-and-fall outfit.
She wore a long-sleeved shirt, looking no different from before.
Honestly, even though I was already in summer gear, it didn't feel truly hot to me either.
If I were in the south right now, I'd be shoveling down shaved ice already... but I hadn't craved it that much yet?
Even though the temperature had risen, it wasn't oppressively hot.
"Hmm..."
"What's up? Something weird ahead?"
"Oh, just watching Ivana."
"Huh...?"
As if answering Ella's question, I was staring at Ivana's back, seated at the front of our row.
Not for any special reason—just because she was right at the front of the desk I'd chosen.
That's why she caught my eye, and I'd kept looking.
"Why Ivana...?"
"We agreed to shop for summer clothes together, right? Just checking her out for that."
"...Oh."
"It's getting hotter faster than expected... so maybe we should go sooner."
"Yeah... that makes sense..."
The days were warming up quicker than anticipated.
It felt like we'd need to follow through on our promise ahead of schedule.
Putting it off longer might make things tough for Ivana in all sorts of ways.
"Why?"
"Just curious."
"Ella and I have summer clothes from the south that wouldn't feel hot... but Ivana clearly doesn't."
"......"
"I've seen her fanning herself in class a lot lately."
"You've... been watching closely, huh?"
"She's right up front."
"......"
She really was at the very front of our row.
I couldn't miss her actions.
I could even notice if Ella next to me fanned herself, so no way I'd overlook Ivana up ahead.
"Hmm... Should we try sleeveless shirts on Ivana?"
"Hah?"
"It's a bit unusual, but it might suit her surprisingly well. She's tall, and her figure's great."
"........"
"Doesn't it?"
"Well... what you want might not match what Ivana thinks...?"
"Ah."
Fair point.
My ideas might not align with Ivana's tastes.
It felt off to decide on sleeveless shirts by myself.
Ella had the right take this time.
"Hmm... Can't exactly put her in a miniskirt, though?"
"...Hah."
"Or maybe, since it's hot, she'd say it's fine..."
I'd only ever seen Ivana in uniforms or plain clothes.
She didn't have that standout signature style that screamed "her."
Like how Karen looked perfect in a sweater, or Lize in a long skirt.
Ivana didn't have that strong vibe.
"Hmm..."
We could decide after academy today, but for now, I'd mull it over.
I wasn't paying close attention in class anyway.
I could just keep brainstorming outfits for Ivana in my head.
"...Tch."
Was Ella struggling with the lesson?
She kept clicking her tongue in frustration every so often, but since it was all in my head, it wasn't hard.
*
"Does Ivana have any favorite styles normally?"
"Hmm..."
"If not, I'll look for cool fabrics. Nothing fancy, just stuff that seems decent."
We'd arrived at the clothing store with Ivana.
Unlike the low-key place for Karen's clothes, this one was popular—decent crowd, well-known spot.
For Karen, I'd picked high-quality but obscure, so selection was limited.
That left me wanting more, so this time I chose a famous place with guaranteed quality and tons of options.
"How do you want to do this?"
"...I'll try whatever you pick, Camellia."
"Sounds good? The clothes here are mostly pretty anyway, and they've got summer stock ready."
We headed inside and started browsing together.
If Ella had come, she'd have pitched in recommendations... but today it was just Ivana.
I'd come to help the northern-born Ivana, who suffered extra in the heat.
"First off... any preferences?"
"Huh?"
"Like shirts, dresses—sweaters are out in this heat. What do you usually like?"
"Hmm..."
Ivana pondered my question.
I left her to it and scanned the store's offerings.
Mostly light, breezy clothes.
Coats were plentiful, but we didn't need those urgently.
"Back north, I wore uniforms."
"Uniforms?"
"Just what northern knights or house members wear daily."
"Hmm...?"
That was unexpected.
I'd figured shirts, dresses, sweaters—normal stuff.
Uniforms, huh.
"I see... alright then..."
Hearing that, I started eyeing the racks.
Uniforms were a vague answer, but it gave direction.
Uniforms usually meant neat, crisp styles.
Imperial military uniforms, or others—mostly tidy and proper.
"Pants like these, and for the top..."
Ivana waited quietly behind me.
Watching her like that might've been fun, but we'd made a promise.
Clothes first, quick.
"You've got a great figure, Ivana. Tight pants, and a thin shirt on top. Safest bet."
"I'll try it."
"Thinner material than your usual uniform."
"Better than sweltering."
With that, she headed to change.
A simple coord for starters.
Nothing fancy, so it barely felt like real styling.
But it suited her, right?
"The clothes are lighter than I thought."
I waited by the fitting room, and out came Ivana, changed.
Tight pants and a flowy shirt I'd handed her.
Her figure was undeniably good, and her limbs were long and lean.
"Looks great."
No surprise.
I'd picked casually but was sure it'd work.
Just lighter and thinner than her old stuff.
"Really suits you."
"Does it? Never worn anything this light, so it feels off."
"Your legs look amazing, and the shirt's cut is solid—it just looks pretty."
"Hmm..."
At my praise, Ivana checked herself in the mirror.
It really suited her perfectly.
The shirt was fine, but her legs stole the show.
I'd seen them in uniform skirts before, but these pants highlighted them beautifully.
Bare legs were pretty too, but the tight pants...
Kinda sexy.
Never thought legs could spark that thought.
Way better than expected.
"You look stunning."
"Do I."
"I love it personally. Want to try more?"
As I said it, I pulled out a jacket.
She'd mentioned uniforms often, and this was a shirt.
A simple blazer.
No oversized for her height and figure—I went fitted.
"Heh..."
Of course it suited her.
Her looks were top-tier.
"Good?"
"You look gorgeous. Step out like this, and students will stare nonstop."
"Ah..."
Different from shy Karen—this model, this vibe.
Picking for Ivana was even more fun than I'd imagined.
Karen was great, and this too... Dressing pretty models in pretty clothes was endlessly entertaining.