Chapter 135.2
Volume 3 Chapter 135: Even in Another World It’s Busy near the End of the Year (2/2)
“So, this is the place.” [Ryouma]
I took Carm-san’s info and visited a tailor. There were various clothings on display that could be seen from outside the window. These are probably samples.
The store wasn’t that big, but there was a warm aura about it what with the flowerbeds by the entrance, and there was also a sense of luxury from the balcony looking down from the second floor. Everything seemed well maintained. It seems this store is fairly expensive.
I suppose at a place like this, made-to-order is a given.
“Welcome!” [Clerk]
When I entered, a refined man called out to me.
His outer garment was long and somewhat resembled a tuxedo.
“You are Takebayashi-sama of the Bamboo Forest, yes? We’ve been waiting for you.” [Clerk]
“You know me?” [Ryouma]
“Your assistant-manager, Carm-sama, inquired with us some time ago. He said that you will be needing some formal clothing to meet with some nobles. Congratulations, Takebayashi-sama.” [Clerk]
I see, so he spoke to them when he was checking out the stores. He works fast. I suppose that just goes to show how spirited he is regarding this matter…
“Thank you very much. I would like to order some formal clothing, but I don’t which style to pick. Can I consult you about that.” [Ryouma]
“Of course. Please take a look.” [Clerk]
The surface of the wall in the store was like a closet and several sets of clothes could be seen hanging above and below. There were some clothes other than formal wear too, but every one of them seemed to be made of either expensive cloth or leather. There were so many different types.
“Everything prepared here is a sample, so you can pick out which shape, material, and color you like. Let’s start with the shape. For formal wear, these are the standard types.” [Clerk]
The place he pointed to only covered a small part of the whole display, but there were still so many clothes that I wouldn’t be able to carry them all. I looked through them one by one, and they all reminded me of the clothes on the textbooks. I saw back in my previous life. Unfortunately, because of the difference in era, everything appears so crazy to me… Uwaa. That’s a really gaudy erm… lace necklace? Its radius is about 1m.
“Do you like that ruff (ruffled collar)?” [Clerk]
“I suppose. It’s big and it catches attention. Is this popular among nobles?” [Ryouma]
“Right. Noble customers love big and gaudy ruffs. There are many who show off their wealth through such small details. That’s why there are some who get angry when a merchant is wearing a ruff more extravagant than theirs. Takebayashi-sama, given your youth, I believe a more reserved style would suit you. Of course, some decorations will still be needed.” [Clerk]
“Oh, that’s good to hear. I’m not that fond of gaudy things.” [Ryouma]
It would have been a disaster if he recommended this.
“In that case, what about this one?” [Clerk]
“This…” [Ryouma]
Ah, the princely fashion I never once saw outside of plays…
“Its haut-de-chausses (padded breeches) and bas-de-chausses (stockings) are made with high-quality silk. Not only does it look good, it is also comfortable to wear. The quilting carefully made by the artisans for the doublet and the slash (tear) in the arms show a little of the strength of an adventurer…” [Clerk]
There was no end to his sales talk.
He could tell I wasn’t that interested in this set, so he moved on to the next one. But I just couldn’t find something that gave me a ‘This could work!’ impression.
I understood the things he was telling me, but my sense of aesthetics is from my previous life. So, no matter how much he tried to make me understand how amazing these clothes are, I just could not understand it…?
“Excuse me. Is that set formal wear too?” [Ryouma]
“This one. Yes, this is still a part of the formal wear section, but…” [Clerk]
“Please show me that one!” [Ryouma]
He had to pull it out since It was buried under the clothes covered in laces and was actually hard to see.
“As expected…” [Ryouma]
There was no way I could’ve been mistaken. The clothes closest to my past life, the business suit! …Actually, business suits and formal wears are different, but if it passes as formal wear in this world, then that’s good enough!
“This is a traditional formal clothing that was said to have been preferred and popularized by His Majesty the King some hundred years ago, and is still popular among nobles that put much emphasis on tradition. Wearing this won’t be a problem wherever you go, but it doesn’t adhere to the current fashion trend. Is that fine?” [Clerk]
“Perfectly fine. I’ll take it!” [Ryouma]
The best clothes are the ones you’re used to! Actually, this is the only set of clothes I can wear from this store!
“Of course. Then we’ll set this ‘suit’ as the shape. You seem to have taken a liking to this, but what shall we do about the color? Will the current white do?” [Clerk]
“Let’s make it black or dark blue.” [Ryouma]
White suits remind me of comedians and male hosts.
“Black or navy blue. That certainly matches your hair and eyes. What about the embroidery?” [Clerk]
“Let’s make it plain if possible.” [Ryouma]
“But in that case, you will be needing some accessories. Let’s add some glamor to it.” [Clerk]
“What kind of accessories?” [Ryouma]
“A lot of men wear rings or bracelets. Necklaces and earrings work too, but since you’re wearing a suit, you could also attach a jewel to the suit’s ‘necktie pin’ that’s attached to the chest.” [Clerk]
After that I still had to choose the material of the accessory as well as the jewel to be used. There was a lot of choices left to be made.
Although I wasn’t familiar with this world’s standards regarding the selection of formal clothes, the clerk was thorough in helping me make my decisions.
Also, thanks to finding a suit from the heaps of extravagant clothing, I found myself strangely relieved.