The 21st day of the month of light. The Sixth King Festival is fast approaching, and today I'm supposed to go shopping for clothes with Lilia-san.
　Come to think of it, I've gone out with Lilia-san many times before, but this is the first time I've gone out alone with her under the guise of a date.
　When I stayed at a summer resort before, it was like I was half set up.......


Oh, no... that outfit looks great on you.
'Oh, oh, thank you.'

　Lilia emphasized the ease of movement in her everyday life and wore a long skirt rather than clothes that were slightly open at the legs.
　However, it wasn't fluffy, but rather a gently fitting design, making it look more like a slightly stylish private outfit than a dress. The cream color also matches Lilia's blonde hair and looks great on her.

''Well, let's go then.''
Yes!
Do you want to hold hands or something?
'Te, te, te!　No, no, yeah, yeah, that's a little too difficult for me....I'll get to that in a little while...

　.........Lilia-san is too nervous.
　It's easy to see even from here that she's so flabbergasted, and although it's rude, it's a bit amusing to watch.

　

''Lilia-san, let's calm down a little more and.......take it easy and have some fun.
'Ugh ... yes. The embarrassing part....
No, let's just take it slow. All right, then. Shall we go?
Yes, sir.

　After following up with a bitter smile, I went out shopping with Lilia-san.
　
　No, but I think we held hands at a summer resort before..........................maybe I shouldn't be aware of it?　Well, I'll let you get used to that part of the process.






　Even if we say we're going to buy clothes, it doesn't mean we're going to visit too many stores. Lilia-san is a duke, and of course the clothes she wears to the Sixth King's Festival are expected to have a certain degree of class.
　Naturally, the number of shops that sell suitable clothes for the female head of the duke's family is narrowed down.

　

Welcome.........This is Duke Albert. Welcome to your home.
I'd like something a little rougher than formal wear.
All right. I'll be with you in a moment.

　The clothes I'm buying this time are the clothes I'll wear when I go around the Sixth King Festival.
　You will attend the party on the last day of the festival in ceremonial dress, but it's too tight to wear ceremonial dress for the next six days. On the other hand, it's not a good idea to wear casual clothes that are too casual, as it would not look good on a nobleman's face.
　That's why I came to buy clothes that are about halfway between plain clothes and formal wear.

　When Lilia-san announced her request in a familiar manner, the clerk politely thanked her before moving to the back of the store and returning with a few items of clothing.

'This one, for example, is the latest in design and upscale. It's a very beautiful white color, so I thought it would be easy to match with the accessories...''
''Hmmm. But this one looks like it's hard to move to 'swing a sword'.

　That's the criterion for selection!　No, no, no, no, no, no, why are you assuming to swing a sword at the Sixth King Festival, Lilia?　

For ease of movement, how about this one?　It's very light and stretches well, so I can confidently recommend it for ease of movement.
"...but pink is the word...
Well, well, then, I'll tell you what...

　Yeah. I'm embarrassed ... I can't follow the story at all.
　I don't know much about women's clothes, and even more so, I have no idea when it comes to clothes worn by noble people.

　As I was looking at the scene, wondering what to do, Lilia-san turned to me and smiled bitterly.

''This one will take a little time, so if you don't mind, how about Kite-san take a look at the clothes too?　And we carry men's clothing here, too.
'Well let's do that.

　I nodded at Lilia-san's suggestion and I moved my gaze to select my own clothes, and the shopkeeper asked Lilia-san at just the right time.

''Duke Alberto-sama, with all due respect, but.......who is this man?''
Oh, yeah, uh, well, I mean, here's my boyfriend.
'My God!　

　...noble?　Who?

I apologize. I don't often have the opportunity to see the 'nobleman's' face, and I beg your pardon for not thinking of it as soon as I saw your face, my dear sir.
....

　...Aristocrat?　 Even if I did, it would only prolong the conversation, so I just nodded appropriately and started picking out clothes.

　A different clerk than the one I'm talking to Lilia-san comes in and explains the clothes to me.......but honestly, nothing really struck me.
　Maybe that's just as well in a way.......the clothes I'm wearing now are the ones Alice made for me. To be honest, Alice's taste and skills are top-notch, and moreover, they are tailored to my tastes, so it's hard to find anything that exceeds them.

　In fact, ever since I started buying clothes at Alice's grocery store, I don't remember buying clothes at any other store.

　As I was thinking about this, out of nowhere, a familiar masked girl.......Alice appeared in front of me.
　Alice has a big smile on her face, and in her hand she is holding a small wooden board of 30cm square. And on it was written, 'Alice's Special Handmade Clothes - Sixth Festival Specification - 3-Piece Set - 1 White Gold Coin'.

　 He's targeted me.
　
　Platinum gold coins.........but this guy will certainly make an item that is more than its value.......and when you think about it, is it cheap?

　After thinking for a moment, I silently let Alice hold the white gold coin.
　 I know Alice has good taste and I can expect it.
　I feel like I'm losing a lot, but........

''........Um, I still like the clothes.
Yes, the Phantom King sends word. Please make yourself at home while I serve tea here.

　You're one of Alice's men, aren't you? Could it be that this whole thing is just as Alice calculated?

　Dear Mom, Dad - I've started my shopping date with Lilia, but I can say that it's standard for men to be left out of women's clothing choices. Well, that's okay, but really, Alice's guy - he's figured out how to make a good profit.