Chapter 50 Taking Measurements
Princess Ellen, who forced the meeting with a stiff smile, reluctantly left the cool shop behind──still clutching her lingering doubts.
She seems desperate for air conditioning──like, really craving it.
Is it that hot in the royal palace?
After the bells quieted, Yuruyana spun around with a rumble, like a force about to burst out.
"I got dragged into this too! What the heck do I wear to a palace?! A dress!?"
"Why's it gotta be assumed you'll wear women's clothes?"
Still, I don't have any fancy outfits that match the dress code either.
Back in military days, I had a formal uniform that worked anywhere──that's long gone now.
"And it's not even an official audience..."
Formal wear would be awkward for inspecting room size or materials.
Maybe I'd end up sneaking around again──like usual.
"Luka could probably tell me what to do."
"Yeah, that's probably the best plan."
So I reached out to the source of all our problems──
"You don't have to be so formal. But since we're going at least twice, maybe you could get something a little nicer made?"
That was the casual reply I got.
Along with a tip on a good shop.
The tailor shop, nestled roughly halfway between the noble district and the commoner town, looked modest but elegant──way too refined for us kids from the lower town.
"First time I've ever been to a place like this. It's gotta be insanely expensive."
Yuruyana, unusually tense, promised to wear his most pristine clothes──settling on a simple, elegant dress in the end.
Is he really thinking of having a dress made?
"Everything's an experience, right..."
I muttered that under my breath, nervously tugging the sturdy golden doorknob.
Inside, all sleek and muted, was a single man in a tailored vest, impeccably groomed, with a calm, commanding presence that radiated pride.
He stepped out of the shadows and bowed swiftly, professionalism in every gesture.
"Welcome. Sir Tsukumo, Sir Yuruyana, I am Joel──the one in charge of your tailoring."
He's gotta be in his late forties, but he could easily pass for 50──guess he looks younger than he really is.
"Sir Luka has instructed me to assist you to the best of my abilities. I've been compensated, so please, don't hesitate to consult me about anything."
"Huh? Luka?"
True, his connection with the princess is priceless, but it's odd for the usually stern Luka to be so generous.
But if he's offering to treat us, might as well enjoy it.
Yuruyana and I exchanged glances before nodding in agreement to Mr. Joel.
"Then, we're in your care..."
We started with measurements, each of us called into the back room alone to have our necks, arms, and inseams measured from head to toe.
While Yuruyana took his turn, I relaxed on a comfortable sofa, sipping tea that was far too elegant to compare to my usual drink, and enjoyed the moderately sweet confections.
It'd been a while since I'd had such a leisurely moment.
I could pass the time reading, like I usually do with my bag, but who knows when I'll get another chance to step into such a high-end place?
Peering around the room, I noticed an ice-based air conditioning unit sitting quietly in the corner.
It was covered with a lid that blended seamlessly with the decor, a testament to the artisan's meticulous craftsmanship.
"Ah, so this is how they do it..."
Involuntarily, I leaned in closer, bending down to inspect the backside.
The main structure was an older design, but the cover was made to be easily removed, minimizing the effort needed to replace the ice.
I couldn't take it apart, though, which was a shame because I couldn't see the circuit board.
"Sorry to keep you waiting! Ah, you're peeking at the machinery again."
Lost in my observations, I hadn't noticed Yuruyana returning from his fitting.
"My apologies, I'll be right back."
Whether Mr. Joel had heard about my fascination with Arcane Machinery from Luka or was simply tolerant of his clients' quirks, he looked at me with a guardian's warm, forgiving eyes.
"That air conditioning unit was custom-made for us by a skilled technician I know."
"Hm... He must be quite the craftsman."
"Yes, it's been trouble-free for years──thanks to you, we've really come to rely on it. ──And the technician's name was Mr. Momota."
"Huh!?"
Seeing my sudden surprise at my grandfather's name popping up, Mr. Joel just smiles warmly.
His grin's easy, almost mischievous.
At first glance, I thought he was a strict, dignified gentleman.
But now I see he's got a playful side I didn't expect.
"That sewing machine? That's also Mr. Momota's work. Want to see it?"
With a graceful wave, he shows me the workshop tucked behind a door I couldn't see from outside.
A whole wall lined with fabric and ribbons, and a smooth, foot-pedal sewing machine quietly waiting.
I swallow hard──can't help but feel a little nervous.
"Is it... alright?"
"Tsukumo, what brings you here today?"
I hear about the custom-made, professional-grade gear my grandfather's been keeping active.
Of course I want to see it──who wouldn't?
"Please just be careful not to touch anything. And first, let's check what Sir Yuruyana is wearing."
While I appreciate the considerate way they keep guests entertained, showing me the backroom feels like overkill.
But honestly, I'm glad──this kind of access?
Perfect.
As I peek through the partitioned door, I see a room filled with shelves of cloth and ribbons, and right there──quietly standing──my grandfather's intricate foot-pedal sewing machine.
"Please, take your time."
"Thank you..."
I carefully examine the structure, trying not to break anything, when Yuruyana's voice reaches my ears.
It's almost comforting──like I'm sharing a secret.
"Huh! My arm really is about this long..."
Mr. Joel leans over his notes, and I catch a strange flicker of shock on my face.
Is it just me, or is this a rare moment of surprise for him?
"Most people don't know their exact measurements, you know. Want to try on this sleeve?"
"Okay!"
"Sir Luka has asked that your formal outfit and a casual one, both tailored to your taste, be prepared for your trips to the castle. What shall we do?"
"Let's just make one pair of pants and one skirt──both stylish enough for the castle, no matter which I choose."
"Understood. As for the latest trends, this is what's in style now──"
While I tune out the formal talk, I fully immerse myself in examining the sleek, streamlined sewing machine that's fused with the desk.
Its design──fluid and modern──captivates me.
The fact that Mr. Joel keeps it so well-maintained, not just because it's his grandfather's work but because he clearly cares, makes me feel oddly happy.
"Come on, how long are you gonna stand there? It's Tsukumo's turn."
Yuruyana snapped out of it, his voice tinged with annoyance, before quickly returning to normal.
"My apologies."
"No, it just brought back memories. ...You really do resemble him."
Mr. Joel's expression, narrowing his eyes in nostalgia for an old friend, was incredibly gentle.
"You were close with your grandfather?"
"Yes, we were classmates at the Arcane Art Academy. He was in the Arcane Engineer department, and I was in the Arcanist department. Unfortunately, I ended up inheriting the family business without using my qualifications..."
It was clear from their conversation that they had been good friends for decades, which meant Yuruyana was even older than I had estimated.
"So the Arcane Art Academy has been around that long."
"It's been around for about 3 centuries if you count its predecessor. The professors were always boasting about it."
"They were saying the same thing back in my day."
"Huh, that's suspicious..."
Mr. Joel let out a light chuckle at Yuruyana's words.
Suddenly, I couldn't help but wonder if he was also in that photo Mr. Junce had shown me once.
"My apologies, I've digressed. Regarding Sir Tsukumo, I've received further instructions from Sir Luka, and I'd like to confirm if it's alright to proceed as planned."
"Instructions?"
What's he planning now?
Mr. Joel then put on a mischievous expression once more.
"Shall I give you an overview, or would you prefer I pass it on as is?"
"...Pass it on as is."
"'The captain probably has no idea what clothes suit him, so pick out a few for him. Once that's done, leave the rest to Joel,' he said."
"..."
The moment I heard that, his voice played back in my mind.
Sounded just like him, word for word.
"Got yourself a reliable subordinate, huh?"
"You're impossible..."
I was shown the designs Luka had chosen from the catalog, and Yuruyana confirmed the one that stood out to him as well.
"Indeed, I'd say that one suits him best. It's a bit too spot-on, almost creepy."
"Yes, I agree."
So... does that mean I have to include the part about 'it being disgusting' too?
Well, either way, I've got the official approval now ── no more holding back.
I can finally head to the castle without worries.
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