Chapter 19
It was a sheer, airy skirt with fine pleats above the knee. I chose an elegant violet pattern for it.
"And this one. A garment full of vertical lines. Seriously, who looks good in this? I've only ever seen it on vases or furnishings."
"It's a stripe pattern."
"Stro...?"
"I named it. Stripe."
This one is for Amy. Since a skirt above the knee would be too embarrassing, I plan to make it a long one-piece dress that goes below the knee, using cotton fabric that completely ignores defense. Apparently, Misa will ask an artisan she knows to handle the dyeing. The colors will be navy stripes on a white base, giving it a calm, "young lady" vibe.
"And why tie the cardigan around the neck? Isn't it in the way?"
"It adds an accent. It's playful, you know."
It's that trend in Japan—draping a cardigan over the shoulders and tying it at the chest.
The fabric is light and pale yellow in color. It's sure to suit Amy perfectly.
"Hey, Ellie. Why are the shoes sandals?"
Amy pointed at the feet in the rough sketch.
"Sandals have the lowest defense rating, you know?"
Clarice tilted her head dramatically.
How muscle-brained can you get!?
"Hey, is defense really that important?"
"Absolutely! In emergencies, it's all about defense! And attack magic! It's the tradition of the martial Kingdom of Greifner!"
"And how many emergencies like that happen a year, Clarice?"
"Umm... lately it's been peaceful, so... none in decades, really."
"Exactly!?"
"But my lady! I truly cannot believe this kind of design will ever become popular..."
"You won't know until you try."
As a result of the negotiation, we got them to do the custom work for just the cost of materials, so it didn't hurt the budget much. Even if it doesn't catch on, it's fine if Amy and I like it. The culture and values are different, so there's no guarantee it'll trend. But if it does, it'll be awesome!
Truly a low-risk, high-reward move.
"Ellie's a genius, so it'll be fine! Eii eii ohh!"
Amy's usage of the cheer was slightly off.
"With sandals, the feet look neat and fresh, right? Plus, it's been getting hotter lately, so they're more comfortable."
"Now that you mention it, maybe so..."
"I always thought sandals were just for indoor use."
Joe clamped a pencil between his lips and folded his arms, while Misa groaned over the rough sketch.
The sandals had wooden soles with slightly lifted heels, fastened with thin leather straps.
"Hey, is it okay for Ellie's outfit to be this simple?"
"Sister, I'm fat, so only one-piece dresses suit me."
"I don't think that's true, though."
Amy seemed genuinely puzzled, her face practically covered in question marks.
"It's true! If it's black, it gives a slimming effect, so it'll be somewhat better."
"Color can have that kind of effect?"
Joe leaned forward to ask, his curiosity overtaking any memory of the slap.
"Black, navy, and other deep colors make things look smaller. Pink, red, and pastels make them look bigger. For example, the uniform I'm wearing now—it's navy, right? If I take it off..."
She took off the blazer and wrapped a piece of light pink fabric nearby around her body.
"See?"
"Now that you mention it..."
This time, she wrapped a black lap blanket that had been draped over a chair.
"There."
"Yeah, you might be right..."
Joe, genuinely surprised, took off his flat cap and scratched his head vigorously.
"Oh dear, my lady. It's already this late."
"Barry, you were here?"
Barry, who had been in the corner of the room, pulled out a pocket watch.
"I am here, my lady! I have been by your side all along!"
"Oh no—! Let's go home quickly! Mother will scold me!"
As Amy began to panic, I hurried to get ready to leave.
Eating dinner late is bad for beauty.
I can't afford to get more pimples.
Being a maiden is tough. So painful.
"Let me know when the prototype is done."
With that, we left the workshop littered with fabric and sewing tools and opened the door to Mirrors. A burly doorman standing outside gave a slight bow while carrying a sword. He kept sneaking glances at Amy's profile.
"Ellie...!"
Joe came running after us, pencil still in hand.
Everyone turned to see what the commotion was about.
With a serious expression, he bit his lip and stared into my eyes as if glaring.
"I'm really sorry about earlier!"
He bowed his head deeply and fervently. He seemed truly remorseful.
"Make sure not to say mean things to other girls, okay?"
I gave him a little scolding with a gentle smile.
"Y-yeah, I get it!"
Joe looked sheepish, then hesitantly took off his flat cap like he wanted to say something.
"I... I've never seen such an awesome design before. Ellie, you're amazing!"
"Hehe, right?"
After all, I've got the inner workings of a super handsome elite.
Even if I look like a fat one on the outside!
"Next time, check out a design I came up with!"
"Sure, I'd love to."
The carriage began to move and we headed home.
Joe kept watching the carriage until it turned the corner. He's a good young man.
"I'm glad we made up."
Amy murmured as she looked at Joe from the rear seat of the carriage.
"Hehe, yeah."
"I was surprised—I've never seen Ellie get that angry before."
"Ever since getting struck by lightning, I decided to speak my mind."
"Why is that...?"
"Because people can't understand you unless you say things out loud. Thinking that I might've died back then... I have to live without regrets."
"Ellie..."
Amy, with a look like she was about to cry, pulled me close and gently stroked my head.
Even when you think they get it, they probably only understand about thirty percent. That's why everyone tries so hard to express their thoughts and feelings. No, we have to try. Ellie should've been more assertive. So I'll do it in her place.
I don't know what kind of coincidence it was, but I became Ellie while retaining my memories of Japan. I have to live in a way I won't be ashamed of—for her sake too. I mustn't compromise on anything. Man, I really am a great guy and a genius.
"I can't wait for the new clothes!"
"Yeah."
Alright, once the clothes sell, I'll rake in the design fees as the original creator.
I plan to have Clarice draft a contract. Looks like they have proper contracts in this world too.
"Miladyyy!"
"Mibabyyy!"
We ignored the sobbing Clarice and Barry, and I fully enjoyed the warmth of Amy's embrace.
Seriously though, Barry—steering a horse while crying is really dangerous, so cut it out.