Chapter 35
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 35
Chapter Title: WWE (2)
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...Meanwhile, Asha's situation.
In the morning, Asha had handled her personal errands separately, but she joined up with Elysia in the afternoon.
After filling up on some light snacks, they stopped by the shopping district as promised and browsed around.
They wandered busily for quite a while like that.
"Welcome!"
"What brings you in today?"
Finally, Asha stepped into a clothing boutique specializing in women's apparel.
She followed close behind Elysia, peeking her head out just a bit.
"Oh my."
"Oh dear?"
An elf customer has arrived?
The two female employees exchanged glances.
'A noble young lady?'
'She's with Lady Valtline, so probably.'
They communicated their thoughts with just a look.
The two women eyed Asha with curious gazes.
Even a boutique catering to high-class ladies rarely welcomed elf women.
The only elf woman residing in Hiragart was Madam Letia.
And she seldom left home; if she needed custom tailoring, she'd summon the seamstress to her estate.
So this reaction was only natural.
The employees' eyes simultaneously scanned Asha from head to toe.
Her outfit was a plain shirt and pants like any common man's, but her features and complexion were so exquisitely refined they were almost dazzling.
She looked just like a porcelain doll. Their fingers twitched with excitement.
While the employees racked their brains eagerly like that...
Asha, who had been glancing around anxiously, finally fixed her gaze on Elysia.
Just then, Elysia turned, and their eyes met perfectly.
Elysia gave a faint smile and said,
"Asha, this is my regular spot. Make yourself at home."
She shot the employees a look that said, 'Right?'
The two women nodded vigorously at once.
Perhaps thanks to their enthusiastic reception, Asha honestly shared her feelings.
"Um... I've never really paid much attention to my clothes before. So I could use some recommendations."
Asha fidgeted with her index fingers, twiddling them up and down.
"First, something comfortable for when I'm active, and... um, everyday wear? And a dress for banquets."
Dress. Asha's cheeks flushed pink as she bowed her head.
This time, it was custom-made. A dress made just for her.
Honestly, it felt less exciting and more awkward and ticklish.
All the more so since it was her first time experiencing anything like it.
The watching employees exclaimed, "I see!" and guided Asha to a chair.
After a quick Q&A, they brought over a catalog and handed it to her.
Asha's eyes widened as she looked through it.
A wave of dizziness hit her.
'I don't understand any of this?!'
Fabrics, colors—everything was unfamiliar, and the options were overwhelmingly abundant.
And that wasn't all.
'Whenever something looks pretty, the price skyrockets...'
It was a realization that shouldn't have been surprising, but her eyelids still trembled.
Deep down, she just wanted to bolt. Why not just wear comfy stuff forever? This might be knowledge she'd never need...
And yet.
Squeeze—
She clenched her hands tightly on her lap and endured.
'...Might as well dress well while I'm at it.'
First impressions were all about appearances, after all.
In this world, your treatment could change based on your outfit alone.
Asha took a long, deep breath and said,
"Um, could you help me pick? I think I need recommendations first."
"Yes, of course!"
"How about this one?"
The employees' enthusiastic suggestions poured in.
They spoke so fluidly—it really showed they were pros.
And so the process began: taking measurements, selecting fabrics and designs.
Asha chatted with Elysia whenever the employees stepped away.
She kept thinking how glad she was to come together.
"I stopped by the mercenary guild early this morning, but it was harder than I thought to find something that felt just right."
"That's typical in peacetime. Even more so with restrictions on duration or location."
"Right? Maybe I should head out for a big score somewhere."
Asha let out a small sigh.
It was about the lining for the Void Jaguar leather.
Before coming to the boutique that afternoon, they'd visited various shops.
And with her current funds, satisfying results were out of reach.
"It's a happy problem in a way, but every time I see leather, I just crave that cloak sooner."
"I get it. When I order good gear, I can't wait to get it."
Elysia covered her mouth with her fist, chuckling.
As their conversation continued...
Asha recalled the lining and processing method that had caught her eye most that day and said,
"It had this refined elegance without being over the top. Like—"
Just then, a female employee emerging from the storeroom froze in place.
A flash of inspiration struck her mind.
Refined elegance without excess!
The employee glanced at Asha and nodded instinctively.
This customer was already stunning from the start. Flashy clothes might just distract from her perfect beauty.
Clothes should highlight the wearer, after all!
Impressed by the elf girl's discerning taste, the employee turned around.
She planned to recommend something new.
Her eyes briefly met those of another employee coming from the storeroom.
They passed naturally.
Soon, the conversation reached the other employee's ears.
"You know how it is? Once you look, she sticks in your mind—beautiful enough to linger."
The employee stopped dead, covering her mouth with her fingertips.
She quietly raised her hand to eye the garment she'd planned to recommend.
'She seemed hesitant, so I picked something light...'
An intense beauty that captures attention at a glance!
Not just anyone could pull it off, but this elf girl surely could.
Thrilled by the girl's bold challenge, she headed back to the storeroom.
Meanwhile, their chat had shifted from cloak linings and outer layers to making money.
"In that case, Asha. Want me to check with the Knight Order for any good requests?"
"Would that be okay?"
"Important commissions usually run through connections. I'll need approval from above, but it should be fine."
Asha nodded, and they discussed commission details—what difficulty or deadlines would work.
Then, the two employees emerged from the storeroom simultaneously and stood before Asha in perfect sync.
They unfurled their garments competitively, staring intently at her. Invisible sparks flew between them.
"Customer, how about this one?"
"No, customer! This one's definitely more suited to you."
The two narrowed their eyes at each other, then turned back to Asha and shouted.
"See the elegant lines and colors that preserve your innate grace!"
"A splendor that seizes everyone's gaze! We wouldn't recommend it to just anyone! Only because it's you!"
"...???"
Asha's head tilted in confusion.
The left one was a blindingly pure white silk dress, utterly devoid of any decoration.
'What, is it a wedding dress or something...?'
And the other side was equally overwhelming.
Intricate embroidery covered in dense adornments created a ferocious opulence that threatened to blind her.
'Why are they all so extreme...?'
No middle ground!
Asha spoke firmly without thinking.
"Sorry, neither suits my taste. Nothing too much, please."
"......"
"......"
Even Elysia chimed in.
"You two. Consider my reputation as the one who introduced the shop."
The employees straightened up at once.
Only then did they realize they'd gotten carried away.
They bowed politely and returned to the storeroom. The same process repeated.
It was better than before, but the contrasting recommendations persisted...
The next day.
As soon as dawn broke, Asha finished getting ready and headed to the mercenary guild.
Wanting to try various experiences, she tackled several routine requests in a row.
Delivering letters, hauling cargo for merchant caravans, warehouse sorting—menial tasks.
All minor jobs, but they let her feel the pulse of city life in this era up close.
By the time the sun set and she returned home...
Elysia, who arrived just a bit later, unpacked in the living room and said,
"Asha, a perfect request just came in."
"Whoa! Already?"
Asha jumped up from her chair excitedly and peered at Elysia's gear.
A balaclava that covered everything but the eyes. Pitch-black clothes ideal for melting into shadows. Even a choker that looked like a magic tool.
It screamed "thief."
"??"
Was it telling her to commit a crime?