Chapter 8: Velmyra, the City of Fashion (3)

Part 3

The group continued strolling through the streets of Velmyra, now dressed in their new outfits.

The warm atmosphere and the steady bustle of the city made everything feel more relaxed.

—These crepes are amazing! —exclaimed Kizuna, fluttering near Haruto as she held one in her hands—. Look, Kizu, it has strawberries and cream!

—You're right, the strawberries are delicious —Yuna added with a smile.

—Though all this sweetness is making me crave something salty —Simmone commented, taking a bite with her usual serenity.

Haruto nodded after trying his.

—I've got to admit, these are really good. Didn't expect to find something like this here.

—Well, I've been out in the world a bit more than Yuna, but this is still my first time seeing food like this —said Melodia, dabbing her lips with a napkin with elegance.

Thalindra, who was biting into her crepe far less delicately, glanced curiously down the street.

—It's my first time trying this too. From what I've heard, the company behind these treats is called "Satori."

—The one from the Kingdom of Estelaris? —Melodia asked, raising an eyebrow.

—That's the one —Thalindra nodded—. People say they sell things that are completely new, things no one's ever seen before.

Haruto stared at his crepe more closely. It was identical to the ones he used to buy in Japan, and the name "Satori" sounded way too familiar. The coincidences were starting to pile up.

—For example, that store over there is one of theirs —Thalindra said, pointing to a beachwear shop—. See the fox symbol on the sign?

The group looked toward the storefront, where a stylized fox was carved into the sign.

—Then that's our next stop —Melodia said decisively, wiping her hands.

In the display window, swimsuits of all kinds were showcased alongside sunhats and beach accessories. Haruto gave them a glance. They looked totally normal—exactly like something he'd find in any shop in Japan.

The girls, on the other hand, gathered around the glass like they'd found hidden treasure.

—Some of these outfits are really... bold —Yuna murmured, stepping back with flushed cheeks.

—They look more like lingerie than swimsuits —Melodia added, intrigued by the designs.

—I don't get how anyone would go to the beach dressed like that —Thalindra said, crossing her arms, her ears twitching with discomfort.

Haruto, who had remained silent until now, simply shrugged.

—Isn't it normal for swimsuits to look like that? It's pretty common in Japan, especially in summer.

The girls turned to him in unison, expressions of pure disbelief on their faces.

—Common? —Melodia repeated—. Do women in your world actually wear... that?

—Yeah. —Haruto kept his tone casual—. It's totally normal.

Melodia placed a hand on her chin, thoughtful.

—I see... so humans are shameless. Well, let's go take a look.

As they stepped into the shop, a young woman with chestnut hair and fox ears greeted them with a smile. She wore a maid-style outfit, and her fluffy tail swayed gracefully behind her.

—Welcome to "Sea Fox" boutique! My name is Lidia. How can I help you?

Haruto stared at her. For a moment, he wasn't sure if he was looking at an incredibly well-done cosplay... or something real.

—Yes, I'd like to take a look at some swimsuits. They seemed quite... interesting —Melodia said, approaching the clerk with enthusiasm.

While Melodia began chatting with Lidia, Yuna stepped up beside Haruto, who was still watching the girl with evident confusion.

—Now that I think about it... this is your first time seeing a demi-human, isn't it? —she said softly, her tone warm.

Simmone, who had been listening nearby, gently tugged on Yuna's dress.

—Sister Yuna, what are demi-humans? I've never seen anything like that before.

Yuna smiled.

—They're people with human features but animal traits. That's why she has ears and a tail. Lidia seems to be a fox —Yuna explained.

Haruto, still processing the situation, murmured:

—So... it's not a cosplay. Those features are real.

—There you go again with your weird words —Yuna sighed, half amused, half resigned.

Meanwhile, Thalindra stood in front of a mannequin wearing a striking swimsuit. Her interest didn't go unnoticed.

—Looks like someone's already made a choice —Melodia said, appearing behind her.

—I-It's not like that! I was just...! —Thalindra tried to defend herself, but her expression gave her away.

—There's no escape now... ju ju ju —Melodia grabbed her arm and mercilessly dragged her into the fitting room.

—Save me! —Thalindra cried out like she was being led to her doom.

Haruto crossed his arms with mock solemnity.

—We'll always remember you as the greatest artisan in the world.

With a sigh, he sat down near the fitting room.

—Alright, Haruto, brace yourself —Melodia announced with dramatic flair—. It's time for a fashion show.

The first to come out was Yuna. She wore a dark green swimsuit with frills and a light pareo. Simple, but elegant.

—How do I look? —she asked without looking directly at him, playing with the edge of her wrap.

—You look perfect. Elegant and natural… just like you —Haruto replied sincerely.

—Thank you —Yuna murmured, with a soft smile and a faint blush on her cheeks.

Melodia followed next, strutting out like she was on a runway. She wore a sky-blue bikini with golden trim and the kind of confidence that said it all.

—Well? Doesn't this scream elegance?

—Yeah, it's very... you —Haruto nodded, trying to sound casual.

—I know, right? —she replied, topping it off with a wide-brimmed sunhat.

Then came Thalindra. She stepped out in a dark red one-piece suit. Her ears were slightly drooped.

—Before you say anything, this wasn't my idea —she grumbled, crossing her arms.

—It looks great. Strong and refined—just like you —Haruto said.

She looked at him for a second... then huffed. But she didn't seem angry.

Last came Simmone. She wore a white suit with blue frills and ribbons, along with matching floaties.

—Functional and comfortable. Does it meet expectations? —she asked, turning slightly.

—You look adorable —Haruto said with a smile.

—Absolutely! —Kizuna added, spinning mid-air—. Simmone looks ready to conquer the sea!

Just when it seemed the show was over, Melodia turned to Haruto with a sly smile.

—Round one is over, but for the next one... I'll need you to step out.

—What? Why? —Haruto asked, raising an eyebrow.

—Because surprise swimsuits wouldn't be surprising if you're here —Melodia replied, firmly pointing to the door.

—You'd better listen. You can't win against Melodia —Yuna added, gently taking his arm with a knowing smile.

—Don't worry, you mess —Melodia added with a wink—. Once you see them, you'll know it was worth it.

She shut the door behind him.

A moment later, it opened abruptly again.

Melodia peeked her head out, unfazed, and handed him a Golden Yue.

—Buy yourself something while you're out. See you later. Bye bye —she said, closing the door once more.

Haruto stood staring at the street, arms crossed.

A resigned sigh escaped his lips—just as, for the second time, a tumbleweed rolled by in front of him.

—Enough with the jokes... —he muttered, half in disbelief, half annoyed—. What's a tumbleweed doing in a fancy city like this? This isn't some comedy manga!

Frustrated, he started following it with the intent to kick it, his expression caught somewhere between serious and ridiculous.

—Come here, I just wanna show you some love —he muttered through clenched teeth.

That's when something caught his eye—a shop with a striking display window.

The tumbleweed rolled on undisturbed as Haruto turned toward the storefront.

The outfit on display immediately captured his attention. It wasn't just the design—it was the style... one that reminded him of his lifelong hero.

—That outfit looks fantastic. I just hope I don't end up looking like some NPC from Netheria —he murmured before pushing open the door and stepping inside.

The shop interior was carved from dark wood, with elegant details and a refined atmosphere.

For a moment, Haruto felt out of place—until a distinguished-looking dwarf approached him with a polished smile.

—Welcome to Style and Adventure. My name is Atios. What kind of outfit are you looking for?

Haruto gave a slight nod.

—Good morning, Mr. Atios. I was wondering... how good is your gear for adventurers?

The dwarf let out a light chuckle as he adjusted his monocle.

—I'd say it's excellent, but I'm no adventurer myself, so I rely on our customers' feedback. So far, no complaints. Every piece is enchanted with resistance magic.

—I see... —Haruto replied, scanning the racks with growing interest.

Atios continued with the confidence of someone who knew his craft.

—Here, we believe elegance doesn't have to compromise functionality. After all, a stylish hero always leaves a better impression.

Haruto pointed to the outfit he'd seen in the window.

—I'm interested in that one. Is it available?

The dwarf removed his monocle, wiped it with a silk cloth, and smiled.

—Excellent choice. It's one of our signature models. If you'll allow me, I'll find your size.

—You've got a good eye —he added, putting the monocle back on—. I was going to offer you something more typical, maybe a corsair set—pretty popular among humans around here. But you don't seem like the seafaring type.

Atios gestured elegantly toward the outfit and began describing it with precision.

—This set includes a red coat with black detailing, a form-fitting navy vest, a fine white shirt, matching dark blue trousers, reinforced leather shoes, and a belt that ties the whole look together.

—Every piece is designed to be functional, comfortable, and of course, durable.

He paused, giving Haruto a small smile.

—The price is 11 Golden Yues.

Haruto hesitated. His money wasn't unlimited, and this was a major purchase. But something about the outfit spoke directly to his soul—it reminded him of his childhood hero, the kind of person he'd always dreamed of becoming.

He pushed aside his doubts and smiled with determination.

—It's perfect. I'll take it —he said, placing the 11 Golden Yues on the counter.

Atios nodded, clearly pleased.

—An excellent choice, young man. I'm sure you won't regret it. Please, step into this room and I'll perform a custom fitting spell.

Haruto followed him into a small fitting room, elegantly decorated and surrounded by mirrors reflecting every angle.

As Atios worked, infusing the clothing with magic, Haruto stared at his reflection. He still wore his usual clothes, but he could already imagine the transformation.

For the first time in a long while, he felt like he was finding his own style—something that defined him beyond just being another adventurer.

The bold red coat seemed to symbolize the courage and commitment he'd made to protect his friends.

The blue vest and white shirt evoked his roots, his old world... his true self.

—I've kept moving forward, adapting to this strange new world... —he thought, watching the dwarf's expert hands shape his new image—. But maybe now, I'm finally building something that's truly mine.

—All done, young man. What do you think? —Atios asked, stepping back.

Haruto looked in the mirror. The outfit fit perfectly—not just in size, but in spirit.

—It's exactly what I was looking for —he said, a small, satisfied smile on his lips.

As he stepped out of the shop, coat in hand, he felt like he'd taken a small step toward the person he wanted to become.

And even though the path ahead remained uncertain, one thing was clear...

He was finally walking it as himself.