Going Out
“I’ve decided I want to go into town!”
Right after finishing breakfast, Phil shouted loudly in his office.
“What’s with the sudden idea? I’m not letting you go to the brothel.”
“That’s definitely up for discussion─shall we have a positive talk about ‘wanting to go’ instead?”
“Then I’ll start by laying down my stance of ‘not letting you go’.”
“Alright, let’s end the debate here. I’m suddenly getting the vision of sore eyes for some reason. Peaceful compromise is best.”
Seeing no chance of winning the argument, Phil quickly backed down to preserve his remaining eye lifespan.
After their long relationship, he had learned to judge the timing well for retreating.
“Going into town…? Oh, me too, me too! I want to go!”
Sitting on the sofa snacking, Milis eagerly raised her hand.
Sunlight shone upon her gold-trimmed vestments, making them glitter radiantly.
“Of course, by all means. The whole point of this outing is for Lady Milis after all.”
“Huhhh? Really?”
“Yes. You’ll be attending a birthday party soon, right? So I thought we could go find you a dress.”
As the Saint, dress code still mattered even for her at a formal party.
Clothing indicates one’s standing and purpose, needing to fit the occasion at times.
Wearing an oversized coat to the beach alone makes one stick out and appear a fool unaware of their surroundings.
Moreover, even if everyone else dresses properly, that one oddball drags the whole group’s image down.
Such impressions are further amplified in noble society.
No matter her title, the Saint alone in vestments could jeopardize how the church and even Phil were perceived.
“It’s true, I don’t have any dresses…I only came here to meet Sir Phil after all.”
“Exactly why I suggested it. I’ll have any dress we pick properly delivered to Her Holiness later, so no need to worry about luggage either.”
“But that would only further impose upon you! When you’re already helping me so much…”
“It’s fine, I made a promise too.”
Though the results were less than ideal, he did promise to “go out together” as thanks for her lying favor long ago.
Might as well keep his word now. That was Phil’s rationale for the proposal.
Milis seemed about to protest further, but after thinking a moment smiled radiantly and bowed her head.
“Th-thank you Sir Phil! I’ll be sure to repay you properly later!”
“Please, allow me to cover it. Despite appearances I’m quite wealthy being a Count’ son. Since visiting the brothel is─”
“??”
“Becoming unlikely I’d love to splurge my savings from childhood here while I can…! Surely you understand my plight…!”
Feeling the pressure from beside him, Phil instinctively bowed his head to the floor.
Biting his lip as if barely holding back tears, he cut a truly pathetic figure.
“Saintess, while we’re here go ahead and order something really extravagant. Maybe some diamond encrusting befitting of you?”
“Is that really alright…? Seems like it’d be terribly expensive.”
“Not a problem. Phil’s still a noble son so he has money put away.”
“U-umm, Miss Kahlua…? Technically it’s from savings I pinched penny by penny imagining the toys I wanted as a kid but…won’t that tap out my funds for the upcoming brothel promotional ‘Free Designation Event’…?”
“I’ve been wanting some new dresses lately too. It’s fine, right~?”
“Y-yes, ma’am…I’ll gift them gladly.”
Faced with the bewitching smile, Phil sat himself firmly down on the floor.
Muttering about the “5x point day” coming up as he sniffled bitterly.
“(Seriously, why’s he so dead set on going…? Am I not good enough…?)”
Kahlua scowled, but sadly her murmurs didn’t reach the hapless boy’s ears.
What a helpless boy.
“No, get a grip…! Can’t be getting cold feet about dressing up cute girls just cause I can’t visit whores…! Endure…! Rejoice in providing gifts befitting a manly, romantic scene…! Giving presents is a privilege only guys can enjoy…!”
Regaining composure, Phil pumped himself back up thinking positive.
Seeing that, Milis’ cheeks flushed slightly.
“S-so cool…Sir Phil.”
“Haahh…part of me is happy but also conflicted. It’s complicated.”
“Alright! Let’s head out into the open while the zoo sightseers are scarce, likely thanks to ms Privacy-chan guarding us! Maybe she bought us a window!”
And so to gift dresses to the two girls,
sacrificing his visiting colorful “ufufu♡” big sis funds,
Phil set out into the streets.
P.S. Today’s the last day of Phil’s favorite brothel’s “Free Designation Event”.
[This way Sir Phil─!]
[We can see your face!]
[Gonna brag to my family I saw the Hero of Shadows in person!]
Clang, clang, clang, clang!
Having believed ms Privacy-chan returned, the group took a carriage from the estate into town.
Alighting at the town entrance, they proceeded on foot to peruse the lively streets.
As the largest settlement in the entire Salemabart domain, shops and stalls crowded every which way as far as the eye could see.
Matching the bustling economy, citizens’ lively chatter echoed from all around.
Even more people than usual packed the commercial district.
Brimming with energy and activity, Administrator Phil was quite satisfied to see it.
At first that is─
“Urghh…what’s with all the shrieking! This isn’t some hero’s triumphant return parade! Cut it out alreadyyy!!!”
Phil almost shout, barely keeping his true feelings bottled up.
Simply walking brought endless cheers, either yellow or pink if colorized. Just like some mega celebrity’s public appearance, attention centered a wide radius on Phil.
“Wow, more popular than the Saintess. Hey, mind walking a bit further? Preferably out of sight so I’m not associated.”
“What’re you saying partner? Get over here and share the spotlight☆”
“I’ll pass on mass attention when there’s no event, thanks. You soak up that stage alone.”
“UWAAAH so many people! As expected of you, Sir Phil!”
“I’M NOT HAPPY ONE BIIIIT!!!!!”
Where was ms. Privacy-chan went?
Eyes followed him no matter how far he walked like rabbits awaiting feed, drawing more onlookers to the commotion.
Driven into a corner by his loving fans, Phil broke down crying.
Milis and Kahlua gently patted the pitiful boy’s head to console him.
Never had the two seen a sorrier sight in either hand.
“Just where in life did I screw up…? How can I go back to how things were? Should I write the gods requesting aid? Divine paperwork?” Phil muttered as he wept.
“Start by dropping the brothels and alcohol.” Kahlua said.
“And doting on your partner so─”
“Let me consider half of that…sorry, booze and sex are necessary nutrients for human life.”
“Baka. “
If those were truly vital, mankind would’ve gone extinct long ago.
“Can’t be helped…taking drastic measures, I’ll strip to quell their ardor! Getting cursed out by the ladies should steer us clear of this hero thing! Reclass: from hero to pervert!”
Driven into desperation from the endless crowd, such words tumbled out of Phil’s mouth.
Surely baring himself would shatter his sterling image, relegating him once more to [Good-for-nothing] and newly [Deviant] status.
But─
“Master Phil, what is…sutori-ppushoo?”
“Ah, stripping refers to…ummm…”
“Yes!? What is it!?”
“…………”
─Such fiery impulse was swiftly extinguished faced with wide, innocent eyes full of pure curiosity.
“Calmed down now?”
“Using cute girls is cheating…but yeah, guess I have.”
“Um, what exactly is sutori-ppushoo?”
Giving up, Phil fed the innocent maiden some nonsense about it being “a beautiful dance”.
Thus the unsullied Saintess would remain untainted for another peaceful day.
“So, where’s the dress shop?”
“Hmm? I’ve got a rec but…anywhere specific you girls wanna hit up?”
“I haven’t really been to this town much so I’d like to leave it to you, Sir Phil!”
“Roger that─Kahlua?”
“I’ll leave it to your taste too.”
“Alright alright, thanks for putting that pressure right on this trashy boy.”
Muttering about not expecting fashion sense from good-for-nothing trash.
Meanwhile Kahlua sighed a little watching his back.
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“That was poorly phrased…”
“Huh? What do you mean?”
“I said that because I wanted him to pick something for me. I’m not very familiar with shops here either, so I was hoping to wear something he knew about and would recommend.”
“I see. While you may have misspoken this time, I understand your feelings! I’d also like Sir Phil to choose my dress!” However…”It seems he took offense.”
“You’re right…maybe I just don’t have that feminine charm.”
Dejected, Kahlua watched Phil’s back.
Just then, warmth enveloped Kahlua’s hand.
“There’s no need to worry Miss Kahlua. I can feel your feminine charms clearly even as a stranger.”
“You think so…?”
“Yes. If you truly lacked femininity Sir Phil would not refer to you affectionately as a girl.”
“I suppose not…”
“Chin up, Miss Kahlua. If you doubt your own womanhood then please allow me to prop up your back. Feminine wiles aren’t everything─he surely appreciates all your other fine qualities from your time together. So there’s no need to feel discouraged, alright?”
” …… I see. “
“We mustn’t walk around hanging our heads or we’ll miss what we seek.”
Milis speaks softly.
Soft eyes full of tender compassion.
“Amazing…you really are the Saintess.”
“Oh? You think so too?”
“I do─your words just now were so warm.”
“I’m happy to be helpful. Saving even one troubled soul brings me joy.”
Seeing the smiling Milis, Kahlua thought “Incredible” to herself.
Simply receiving those words lifted her sunken spirits.
Was it because Milis was the Saint? She couldn’t help but think so.
“Say, Miss Kahlua.”
“Yes?”
“Um…is it true you harbor feelings for Sir Phil?”
Milis timidly flushed as she nervously posed the question.
Faced with such, newly invigorated Kahlua staunchly gave her answer.
“Yes, of course I do─the one I wish to stand beside now and forever is Phil alone.”
Ever since that day.
Kahlua walked behind Phil, face as brightly red as Milis’ beside her.
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Phil Salemabert is troubled.
One young man, who believed in (self-proclaimed) instant decision-making in everything, growled a rare little groan.
“Hmmm…should I play it safe with white, or shake it up with black?”
The group had arrived, hounded by the Gallery, at the Count Family tailor shop.
Likely wishing to avoid obstructing business, the onlookers kept their yellow cheers outside the windows.
Some mild discomfort from the focused attention aside, Phil inspected the fabric unbothered trying to choose dresses.
“You’re surprisingly serious about this.”
“Well duh, conventional wisdom says girls shine brightest dressed to the nines. Can’t let shoddy picks tarnish such cute material…gotta go hard here.”
“I-is that so…”
Kahlua flushed slightly hearing his dead serious take involving [cute material].
Those keywords from the [serious+cute material] formula excited maiden hearts to display [flushed cheeks] across her face.
“Woow…so many pretty fabrics!”
Eyes sparkling at the unfamiliar cloths, Milis admired them alongside Phil.
This shop focused solely on dressmaking. Essentially all dresses were made-to-order.
Picking fabrics and conveying design hopes to craftsmen leveraging their skill.
Reputedly oft-visited by Phil’s mother,
he selected this shop trusting their ability.
“But these possibilities also seem appealing…Arrghh, if only I had fashionable aesthetic sense! The woes of mediocrity huh! Now I get artists’ feelings!!”
“You don’t need artistic sense, Phil? As long as you pick something I’m happ─”
“Hey hey, like I said I wanna choose what makes you shine the most! You left it to me remember─then as a man I gotta deliver! Cute as is, beside others you’re a black swan among chicks! So here I’ve gotta─”
“Please, say no more…!”
Frantic, Kahlua muffled Phil’s mouth.
Bright red faced, she kept eyes downturned to hide her expression.
“Whelp, guess I’ll shut up if you tell me. Hey, Lady Milis!”
“Yes, what is it?”
“Stand right there for a moment!”
“Understood!”
Milis, who had somehow distanced herself, returned like a puppy, obediently standing in front of Phil.
Phil then placed several pieces of fabric against Milis’s body.
“Indeed, if we go for the classic approach, white is the way to go. Lady Milis is pure and kind… to emphasize that, pure and innocent white is the best. If we design a long dress for her small figure, it will enhance her cuteness like that of a little animal. An angel appearing at the venue, or an elderly person appearing to be summoned to the heavens, wouldn’t be surprising either.”
“Um, Sir Phil?”
“On the contrary, how about this deep black for contrast? With a little decoration, this black can shine like the night sky. Targeting the gap between the adorable face and a somewhat devilish look, we can evoke a transition from childlike innocence to a mature atmosphere. As an image, would it be like a little devil? I’m worried it might summon an elderly person too.”
“Ahh…!”
Murmuring while imagining the scene of placing the fabric, Phil unintentionally revealed his thoughts.
On the other hand, Milis, whose whispers were unintentionally heard up close, blushed to an extreme degree.
“Alright, next is Kahlua───Come on, Kammon, Kahlua!”
“I feel conflicted about being told that… sigh, I’ve fallen for such a weird person, haven’t I?”
Feeling both anticipation and apprehension due to the influence of the unconscious Phil, Kahlua sighed and stood beside him.
And───
“If Kahlua were to choose conventionally, it would probably be red. The beautiful red hair that captivates the eyes would be just right. Moreover, Kahlua retains a sense of innocence but is a beautiful type with a mature atmosphere. With a red dress, we can fully bring out her inherent maturity. Considering the quality of the material, there’s no other color besides this. Surely, any man of my age would be completely captivated.”
“…………!”
“On the other hand, the white we tried on Lady Milis earlier is also compelling. By making the dress look bright, it should sparkle in conjunction with the venue’s chandeliers. If so, we can turn the beautiful Kahlua into the highlight of the venue. At first glance, it might seem mismatched with her red hair, but Kahlua has the skill and appearance to pull off any outfit… so, in that case, prioritizing standing out in the venue and showcasing her beauty to the surroundings might be a good idea.”
“Ugh!”
Once again, a critical hit to Kahlua’s maiden heart.
The color below her neck and above her neck clearly created a color difference with a vivid red and a pale orange.
“Alright! Lady Milis in black, Kahlua in white! Is that okay with both of you!?”
“Y-Yes, do as you like!”
“I-I’m fine with that too…!”
“Hmm? Are both of you feeling a bit feverish?”
“It’s not like we caught a cold or anything! You’re just hopeless in that regard! You wouldn’t even notice if you were stabbed in the back someday!”
“Well… if someone were to stab me, it would probably be Kahlua, right? My eyes are already stabbed.”
“Just go already!!!”
“Roger that, ma’am!”
Under the tremendous pressure, Phil instinctively saluted.
And immediately, he headed towards the back of the shop to settle the bill and other matters.
Watching his back, Kahlua muttered───
“Really, he’s such an idiot…”
Holding her reddened cheeks, she pouted as if in a sulk.
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