chapter 6

"Young master, how about this one?"

"No, that one doesn't suit my taste."

"Then how about this one?"

"No, that one isn't long enough."

"How about this one?"

"No, it's too bright. I need something dark and mysterious."

Aizer sighed, standing up as he continued his search. He and Mary were in a shop, scouring through the various cloaks for something that would suit him. After leaving the mansion, Aizer had decided to take a carriage to Flisp, a renowned store that catered to the nobility. He hoped to find something worthy of filling up his now-empty wardrobe.

The shop they were currently in was a well-known establishment, famous for its meticulous attention to detail in crafting custom garments for the noble class. The fabric was always exquisite, and the designs was nothig never less than magnificent.

"Found it," Aizer said as his eyes fixed on a cloak, sizing it up.

[This is the one.]

The cloak he was eyeing was a deep hooded design, a striking mix of dark gold and black. Intricate patterns ran across it, connected by winding threads of embroidery that gave the fabric an almost otherworldly elegance. The dark gold trim adorned the hood, the shoulder straps, and the belt, which spiralled like an ancient sigil. The back of the cloak looked like the dark feathers of a crow, designed with such precision that it almost seemed alive.

"Will you be taking this one, Your Highness?" The shopkeeper's voice was careful, betraying no hint of excitement as he waited for Aizer's decision.

"Yes, pack it with the others," Aizer said, his tone firm.

"Of course, Your Highness. But before you buy this, I'd like to mention that this cloak comes as part of a set, if you'd be willing to pay extra."

[Extra, huh?]

Aizer thought for a moment before nodding. "What does the other one look like?"

The shopkeeper's smile widened, his eyes gleaming as he eagerly presented the second item.

"OK, I'll take them as a set," Aizer said, already imagining how the pair would complement each other.

"Excellent choice, Your Highness. Would you like us to send them to your mansion, or would you prefer to take them with you today?"

"How long will it take to get them to the mansion?" Aizer asked, eyes narrowing slightly.

"Only a few hours, Your Highness."

"OK, then send them there."

"Very well. Your total will be 154 gold w—"

"Wait," Aizer interrupted.

"Mary," he called without turning around.

"Yes, young master?" Mary answered, still standing nearby.

"Go pick out something for yourself. The price doesn't matter."

"W-what, young master? How could I dare—"

"You don't get the option to refuse," Aizer cut in sharply, turning to face her. "Hurry up and pick something you like."

"B-but young master—"

"Now, Mary."

His tone brooked no argument. With a resigned sigh, Mary scurried off to find something for herself.

Moments later, she returned, holding a beautifully embroidered cloak. The colour was a mix of red, black, and gold, its intricate design immediately drawing Aizer's gaze.

"I-I would like this one, young master," she said, offering it up shyly.

"Just that one? You know you can pick another if you want," Aizer said, his voice tinged with a hint of amusement.

"N-no, just this one is enough. I'm very grateful for your kindness, young master," Mary replied, bowing her head, a flush colouring her cheeks.

[Tsk, this girl...]

"Oi, you there. Yes, you," Aizer called to one of the attendants. "Go get me a hairpin and necklace that would suit her."

The worker immediately went to fetch the items, not wasting a single moment.

"Y-young master, I'm really fine with just this," Mary panicked, instinctively grabbing Aizer's arm in a bid to stop him.

"Ah, apologies for touching you like that, young master. Please forgive me," she stammered, quickly retracting her hand.

"It's fine," Aizer replied nonchalantly. "And just so we're clear, I'm getting those things for you whether you like it or not. No back talk about this."

"Th-thank you, young master," Mary whispered, her voice full of gratitude as she bowed deeply.

Just as she straightened, the shop attendant returned, holding two small boxes.

"Great, pack it with the rest and send it to my home," Aizer ordered, already moving toward the counter.

"Certainly, Your Highness. That will be 233 gold."

"Mary, pay the man."

"Yes, young master," Mary said, quickly pulling out her bag of coins and counting the gold with precise diligence before handing it over.

"Alright, Your Highness, your orders should be delivered in a few hours."

"OK."

Clang Clang Clang

Aizer dropped three gold coins onto the counter.

"Also, convert these into copper and silver coins," he added, watching the shopkeeper's eyes widen ever so slightly.

"It would be my pleasure, Your Highness."

"Alright, Mary, get ready. We're leaving," Aizer said, his voice upbeat as he turned to the door.

"OK, young master."

"We've spent enough time picking out clothes. Now that the shopping's done, let's actually have some fun," Aizer declared with a grin.

"But before that, let's get some commoner clothes so we don't stand out."

With a final nod, he strode out of the store, Mary in tow, as they made their way through the bustling streets of the city.