Chapter 57: What's the Point of Fancy Clothes? Do They Make You Money or Something? (2)
Chapter 57: What's the Point of Fancy Clothes? Do They Make You Money or Something? (2)
Seriously, what am I even doing?
A place where soft music flows and bright lights stream in from every direction.
A bustling, luminous shopping mall.
A building overflowing with goods—living proof that society has been reconstructed.
Perhaps because it was a weekday morning, the mall was relatively quiet. There were people wandering about, of course, but most were either housewives out for groceries or people shopping on their day off.
In other words, the place I was in wasn't exactly a high-end boutique where women went specifically for fashion; it was more like one of those massive suburban malls you find in every district.
While there were several clothing stores inside, I had no idea if they carried the kind of pretty clothes women actually liked.
She must have a decent amount of money saved up from her work as a Hero; couldn't she go somewhere more expensive to shop?
I didn't know where women’s clothes were sold, but Han A-bin surely would.
Actually, maybe it was a relief we didn't go to a place like that.
I was already slumped on this sofa, unable to stomach the atmosphere of even a mainstream mall like this. If I’d been dragged to a high-end place, I might have died of sheer embarrassment.
A local supermarket or a mid-sized mart would have been more than enough for me…
As that thought crossed my mind, my body slumped even further.
Why are the sofas in places like this always so hard?
As I sat there dazed, my head drooping, the light reflecting off the store’s glass wall stabbed at my eyes.
Averting my gaze, I turned toward my disciples.
Two women were chatting noisily, holding up a pink one-piece dress that looked tight enough to choke someone, measuring it against each other.
“How about this one?”
“The waist looks tight. It seems uncomfortable.”
“Isn't the Magical Girl outfit you usually wear even more uncomfortable?”
A grey military-style outfit, a navy coat, and a white cape, was it? Overall, it was a bizarre costume—a tailcoat-style garment draped with a cape.
That, too, was likely a product of Baek Si-hyun’s peculiar fashion sense.
Even what she was wearing now was disastrous.
A T-shirt so oversized the shoulder seams hung down to her elbows.
Black pants that puffed out at the thighs, perhaps because they were so baggy.
And a belt cinched over the T-shirt, presumably to keep it from sliding off.
Of course, she hadn't done the normal thing and tucked the tattered hem of the shirt into her pants.
Consequently, the shredded ends of the shirt fluttered like a skirt, catching my eye.
Just looking at her, she looked like some strange person dressed in rags.
And I’m on the same level as that?
No matter how carelessly I dressed, I couldn't allow myself to be compared to Si-hyun. I looked down at my own attire.
A custom-made white shirt, cotton trousers, and a thin grey coat worn over them.
Sturdy brown leather boots that were part of my Magical Girl attire.
Nothing particularly strange.
Hyun-seok had used his own money to get these clothes made for me, telling me to dress properly for once, so there shouldn't be a problem.
Though, thanks to wearing it for so long, the coat had started pilling, and the color had faded from black to grey.
…I could just insist it’s "vintage."
Was washing it in the machine the problem after all?
As I spent my time idling with such thoughts, Si-hyun was grabbed by the hand and dragged away by A-bin.
The sight of A-bin holding a mountain of clothes in both hands, restraining Si-hyun so she couldn't escape, and dragging her toward the fitting room was impressively wordless.
Si-hyun flailed her arms and legs, clearly unhappy about being turned into a dress-up doll, but right now, she was just an ordinary woman, not transformed into a Magical Girl.
Perhaps A-bin was stronger when they weren't transformed, because the struggling Si-hyun was hauled away and vanished from sight.
I hope they don't ruin the clothes.
While my two disciples were making such a fuss, my body began to merge with the hard sofa.
Following the pull of Earth’s gravity, avoiding the glaring lights, and seeking even a modicum of softness, my body slid downward.
I want to go home.
“Are you bored because your big sisters left you behind?”
Was she the shop owner?
A woman dressed in ordinary clothes spoke to me.
“You’ll understand when you’re a bit older. Picking out clothes might look tedious, but it’s actually quite fun.”
I’m this old and I still don't get it.
Aren't clothes fine as long as they’re sturdy and fit well?
“They aren't my sisters.”
“Then? Don't tell me you’re their mother?”
Do they look like they’re at an age where I could be their mother?
Middle-aged women sure have a bold way of speaking.
“I’m their guardian. I’m quite a bit older than I look.”
“….”
The shop owner’s face contorted as her smile crumbled.
Was it because she’d heard an answer she never could have anticipated?
“Kids these days are so precocious. You shouldn't tease adults like that.”
The owner managed to reconstruct her professional smile and spoke again, but it was painfully obvious she was forcing the expression.
Distorted wrinkles, eyes slightly squinted.
“I’m older than both of those two combined, so don't worry about me and just go back to what you were doing.”
As I closed my eyes to end the conversation, she moved away, having somehow convinced herself of something.
This really is uncomfortable.
People acting kindly based solely on my appearance.
The gazes of people watching me.
Bright places where crowds gather.
All of it.
At least if I didn't have to make eye contact, it would be fine.
I wonder when those two will be back.
How long had I been waiting for the two children with my eyes closed?
“Senior. Did we keep you waiting long?”
“Not really.”
I opened my eyes at the sound of A-bin’s voice.
An unexpected sight met my eyes. My disciple had been transformed.
I think I understood what A-bin had been trying to say.
“A-bin, this is suffocating…”
“Be quiet. Suffocating, my foot. Your shoestring belt was cinched tighter than this.”
Thwack.
A-bin smacked the whining Baek Si-hyun on the back as she spoke.
“Senior. What do you think of her outfit?”
“Not bad.”
Short words.
I lacked the eloquence to express it any other way.
Baek Si-hyun had literally changed into a different person.
It wasn't the feminine clothing A-bin had first picked out.
How should I put it? It was an outfit with a touch of androgynous charm.
The top was a white blouse that covered up to her neck, accented with what looked like gold accessories.
The bottom was a pair of wide-legged, high-waisted black pleated culottes that looked like a skirt.
“Si-hyun has good natural features. Besides, solid colors that cover the body suit her well. An androgynous look works for her, too. It looks unique when paired with her long hair.”
“Then wouldn't pants be better? This flutters too much.”
“You wear plenty of those when you’re a Magical Girl, don't you? This is better for everyday wear.”
I might have to admit it.
Just as Han A-bin said, attire is a fairly important element.
Even though Baek Si-hyun was grumbling, seeing her stand in front of the mirror and straighten the lines of her culottes, she didn't seem to think it was too bad either.
I hope this sparks some interest in clothes for Si-hyun.
At least enough so she doesn't walk around in dinosaur onesies or rags.
“Han A-bin. What about your clothes? You’re wearing the same thing you had on earlier.”
“I’m going to go buy mine now.”
…You’re going to start picking now?
After we’ve been rolling around here for hours?
Ignoring my bewilderment, A-bin handed her card to the woman at the counter.
“I’ll take these.”
“Oh my, you bought quite a lot.”
“The results were worth it. Look at her. She’s completely different.”
Perhaps because she’d sold a lot of clothes, the shop owner was all smiles as she chatted with A-bin.
Suggestions that a simple brooch would suit that outfit because of the accessories.
An exchange of compliments about how well she’d styled her friend.
Does paying for things have to take this long, too?
What is the point of all that talk?
“Master. What do you think of this outfit? I feel like it’ll be uncomfortable if I have to fight.”
Si-hyun, seemingly finding it difficult to join that conversation, sat down next to me and spoke.
“Your clothes change automatically when you transform anyway.”
“Still, there are times when I’m not transformed. Won't it be inconvenient if something happens then…?”
The clothes you were wearing earlier were probably more inconvenient.
Could you even run in those ridiculously baggy pants?
I wanted to say that, but I knew I shouldn't.
“Didn't you say you wanted to be a relatable Hero? Then that attire isn't a bad choice.”
“It’s not that I specifically wanted to be a relatable Hero.”
One way or another.
“Even if that’s not the case, taking care of your appearance isn't a bad choice. If you’re exposed to the media, having a good appearance acts as a bonus.”
“Hmm. Is there really that much of a difference between this and what I usually wear?”
“A massive difference.”
There would likely be a huge gap starting from the first impression.
If you compared a Hero dressed in rags to one who was neatly dressed.
By the way, first impressions and relatability.
Something came to mind.
Something that could be used as a massive boulder to shake the world.
“Payment’s done! Let’s go!”
My train of thought was briefly interrupted by Han A-bin’s reappearance.
It was fine. If we were going to keep roaming this mall, I’d have plenty of opportunities to think.
Asked by Han A-bin to help carry the bags, I took one small paper bag in my hand.
She wasn't so thoughtless as to make me carry everything; Han A-bin and Baek Si-hyun each held two paper bags.
What were they planning to do with all this when we went home?
Following slowly behind Han A-bin, I continued my thoughts.
The Black Marauder cannot shake society alone.
Even if he wields immense power, he must not cause harm to civilians.
Then what about forming a group?
Using a Mutant Society to attack society as a whole?
That was also rejected.
Even if he used a Society to attack society, it wouldn't shake its foundations.
Instead, Heroes would unite against a single, powerful group.
There would be no gain compared to the risk of putting The Society in danger.
Then… a rift?
Using the Black Marauder to cause a rift within the Management Bureau?
The point is to shake society.
To shake the Management Bureau and let the ripples spread.
Like Danger Rifle, gather those who are dissatisfied with current society and have them stand against the massive organization that is the Management Bureau.
Let’s gather nations and Heroes who are dissatisfied with the Management Bureau and create a massive organization. Not an enemy of humanity, but an antagonistic organization born from within humanity.
An organization that the Management Bureau cannot crush under the pretext of preserving humanity, and one that is difficult to keep in check.
Not evil, but a new justice that clashes with the Management Bureau’s justice.
However, the current Black Marauder cannot achieve this.
His current reputation is that of a mere raving lunatic.
Not a person enduring hardship for the sake of another justice, but a beast running wild. An entity unsuitable to be an icon.
That was the result of my own actions.
I don't regret it. That was all I could do.
In that case, let’s use Yumil.
Let Yumil capture the hearts of others.
Let her use her appearance and words to persuade them.
It is enough for her to handle the work on that bright side.
I will walk the dark path I have always trodden. Running through the dark night, as if hiding my body in Black Particles.
I will threaten some, eliminate obstacles, and expand the size of the organization.
This is good.
A clash between justice and justice.
It doesn't matter which justice wins.
The important thing is the social chaos that arises from it.
If they clash with a new justice, the Management Bureau will focus its attention there.
Then Heroes won't be able to rely entirely on the Management Bureau’s support for everything.
They won't be able to request support just because a slightly strong enemy of the Story appears, like they do now.
Now that it’s decided, I’ll discuss it with Yumil and draft a detailed strategy.
Having organized my thoughts to some extent, I looked up.
I felt glad I’d come to pick out clothes today.
The different kind of stimulation had sparked new ideas in me.
As I basked in that satisfaction and looked around, a foreboding feeling surged.
Before I knew it, the surrounding stores had changed from women’s wear to student wear.
Clothes for children with small frames.
Something felt wrong.
“Han A-bin. Didn't you say you were going to pick out your clothes?”
“I thought about it, and I think Senior’s clothes are more important than mine.”
…Wait?
“I… I have clothes. Look. I’m well-dressed, aren't I?”
“No matter how you look at it, those are worn-out rags that can't be worn anymore. How have you been taking care of them?”
As if I ever did.
Aren't clothes just something you throw in the washing machine and spin?
I think Un-ho said that was enough, too?
“I don't really care. A-bin, you go first…”
“No. We came out today for Si-hyun and you, Senior. Even if I don't get mine, we have to get yours tailored.”
Tailor my clothes?
With a sense of dread, I turned toward Si-hyun.
She was wearing clothes that were androgynous but had a slightly feminine touch.
I turned my head toward the surrounding shops.
Perhaps because it was a student and children’s wear section, there was a mix of male and female clothes, but the atmosphere was overwhelmingly feminine.
Pink, red, white. Skirts.
“It’s not… girl’s clothes, is it?”
“I’ll try to pick something that suits you as much as possible.”
That wasn't an answer to my question, was it?
Thud.
The paper bag fell from my hand.
I quickly turned my body and kicked off the ground.
“Senior!”
“Master?!”
Time to run.