Chapter 13: Tailor and a merchant

Later that day, a tailor dropped by to take Théoden's measurements. A slightly short man stood in front of Théoden. They were in a spacious meeting room where Théoden sat on a chair scanning the man. He had a neat clean look mainly his attire with an eye-catching golden pocket watch. He looked like a refined butler. He was aged as some grey hair stripes were styled to suit his overall style. Nothing about him seemed out of place.

"This is Yvain Perrin. Despite being a commoner, he is the most famous tailor and talented designer in the capital. His works are used as a reference in the Imperial family's dress code. He will take your measures today as well as your preferred designs which will be delivered in due date."

Mer did the introductions not overpraising nor undermining the recipient. There were little details as well but Théoden understood this was just a briefing.

'Hmm? He doesn't look like a commoner.'

Something about Yvain Perrin screamed noble. Maybe his formal attire or the calm demeanor he carried himself with. However, Mer said he was a commoner thus there was no way to confirm. The truth was Théoden had only met one noble. His adoptive mother Marrianne.

"I understand. So I just have to comply, right?"

"Yes, young master."

Mer was always reliable in explaining things when needed. She had all the necessary information available to her at all times but she chose to filter only what was necessary at a particular moment.

"I greet his highness. My name is Yvain Perrin. I will serve his highness with the utmost sincerity. "

As Yvain said, he quickly and skillfully took Théoden's measures. Afterward, he showed multiple catalogs from which Théoden could choose his clothes design.

"Mer, what do you think?"

Théoden asked as he showed Mer the catalogs. He made her sit beside him to explain things more comfortably. It was a rare sight. A maid seated beside a noble.

"Picking the popular ones which you fancy could be a good start. However, remember as a noble you need enough attires so pick as many as possible considering different occasions, seasons, and activities. Sleeping wear as well, young master."

"I know that already, Mer. I need specifics. Which occasions, what seasons, and what is worn at various activities? I need more detail."

Théoden listened to Mer as she explained several things to him. She went into more detail while pointing out ideal choices. However, the ultimate choice was Théoden's pick. That would be the case if he followed Mer's advice or not.

Yvain silently listened to the exchange for he couldn't understand why Théoden was acting so ignorant of the social trends despite being a noble. He was the heir of the Astalles Dukedom no less. Théoden's mannerisms were good but his speech was something else. He showed a degree of respect to the maid and even took her advice in certain instances.

He didn't hide his lack of knowledge nor did he act arrogant and prideful. Yvain's very presence in the room was evidence of this. Being a commoner came with shortcomings when serving noble families and he didn't experience any of them in Théoden's presence.

Yvain was confident in his skill of creating clothes and working on fabrics. Some materials were rare to come across but that didn't stop him from his ambition of being the best in his area. He persisted and over the years his presence was noticed in the upper-class society. Though they would never accept it, it was true he was good at his profession. He hated how society's class system limited his talent thus he never had any hope of gaining acknowledgement from the nobles. No aristocrat would proudly acknowledge wearing an article of commoner-made clothing thus they resulted in stealing his designs or trying to mimic them. Yvain's only sin was been born in the lower class. The sight he was seeing in from of him was unfamiliar but it made him more envious.

'What a peculiar kid.'

With Mer's help, Théoden navigated different catalogs successfully. There were different categories for this. Casual wear which was for normal days, official attires for when there were events or when he would go out, and nightwear. There was also summer and winter wear. With Mer's help, he could identify which was trending and what was best for each occasion. As the clothes came in sets, that meant they came with matching handkerchiefs, shoes, and ties.

"This is all Mr. Yvain Perrin."

Yvain Perrin's work was done for the day.

"Thank you, Mr. Perrin. I wish you a safe trip back."

Théoden forced a smile on his tired face and wished farewell to the tailor.

"I am honored to be of service, your highness."

After a day of acting as a noble, Théoden was overwhelmed. Not because of the duties he had to do but because of the knowledge he got to learn on the same day. Mer was more of a tutor than any maid he had seen. His posture, mannerisms, and habits were heavily criticized by Mer but she corrected them with her simple effective explanations. By the end of the day, Théoden had gained stat points.

[Gained Intelligence +3]

'So this is considered knowledge.'

The system message popped out at unpredictable times.

The next day started early.

"Young master, you also have a long day scheduled for today. First of all after breakfast, you will meet a merchant. They sell accessories, jewelry, ornaments, and imported fabrics and tools. Anything you find useful is yours. Get as many accessories to match your clothes and attire."

Théoden sipped on some tea while listening. From what he had learned from life, if you got a high position, you had to act upon it to maintain its prestige. A rich man would not wear rags similarly to how a poor person would not wear fancy. If they did, then there would be consequences. He didn't need to be reminded of this as Mer kept emphasizing the fact.

"Mn...I understand. What else for today, Mer?"

"Just that."

"Just that?"

'What about the bust day?'

His arched brow gave away his curiosity. Mer responded to dispel his doubt.

"It may be simple to say but it takes a lot of time to go through the merchant's items and decide on the best ones. Everything you get will be appraised before being bought. That in itself takes a lot of time."

"Haah! I'm already tired of hearing about it."

Théoden muttered under his breath but it didn't go unheard from Mer.

"It is what it is, young master."

Surely, they got to meet the merchant. A familiar face he had met before.

"Greetings, your highness...Theo?"

Oman's eyes widened in surprise then curled in understanding. He had heard the rumors going around in the capital about the betrothed of Princess Alling from the Astalles Duchy but never could he guess he was an acquittance. He knew for a fact that this was not rumors but truth being an insider in the aristocrat's activities. A merchant thrived with information as the key. He was called to service the young master of the mansion but instead, he met an acquittance.

'What are the chances?'

"We meet again Oman. How have you been?"

Though Théoden spoke formally, he was still friendly. This didn't go unnoticed by Mer's sharp gaze.

"I have been good, but you seem even better."

Oman had thought about it at the moment when they first met, but Théoden was much more special than he had expected. His merchant instincts thought led him astray a few times it was always accurate. That is both in fortune and misfortune. However, this time it was nothing but a great fortune.

"You could say that. Anyways, back to business. You already know why you are here, right? Recommend me your best."

"Certainly, your highness."

"You know him, young master?"

Mer who couldn't contain her curiosity asked. She knew it was out of her boundaries to ask her master about their personal relationship but she was perplexed given the identity of the thus simple-looking merchant.

Oman was secretively known to be the best and most resourceful merchant. He had all there was in the market. He always procured rare and extraordinary goods as well. This made him a person very coveted by higher-class people. Not many knew of him since his conditions were always ridiculous. He chose his clients and not the other way around. So simply knowing his real name was an achievement of high merit.

"Yes. I met him on my way to the capital. Don't mind him. He was nothing but helpful."

Théoden's answer was short and precise but that only built more curiosity in Mer. Her stoic face remained as she faced forward and stood beside Théoden.

Despite knowing how young masters worked, Théoden couldn't blindly buy things without confirming their quality. The system was ever so helpful. Despite the assurance that the Astalles Duchy would cover all the costs. He had to buy something worth the price. For his benefit at least.

'Activate mind's eye.'

Théoden learned from practice that he could think consciously to activate a skill. Instead of staring his thoughts in picking one by one he could directly order the system to his bidding.

There were several artifacts laid down in front of him. His eyes scanned each one only to be left perplexed.

THE OMNIPOTENCE SYSTEM

[Name: Théoden Andras][Race: Human][Age : 16 years]

[Authority: Novice - Low]

[Attributes: Strength:5 Dexterity:7 Stamina:4 Mana/Magic:9 Intelligence:9]

[Luck:???][Locked]

[Skills: Devour. Mind's eye.]

[Status: Normal]

[System Storage][Unlocked]