Kays Translations

Chapter 4: Shopping and the Imperial Knights

The next morning, Ren followed Licia into town without knowing their destination.

They entered an elegant clothing shop that Ren would never have visited on his own. Licia and Weiss exchanged familiar greetings with the owner.

To Ren’s surprise, the man already knew who he was.

“Your conduct when you returned to Clausel was magnificent. The story is famous among us commoners.”

Many townspeople had witnessed Ren and Licia outside the gate after their escape. No effort had been made to clear the area, and their desperate exchange had left a strong impression.

“Thank you… I think.”

Ren scratched his cheek and looked around. Dark polished floors and spotless glass cases confirmed that the shop was expensive.

“What may I prepare for you today, my lady?” the owner asked.

“Clothes for him. Please select several suitable outfits.”

“Certainly. We shall begin with his measurements.”

The discussion advanced before Ren could object.

“Why are you buying clothes for me?”

“Most of yours burned with the manor.”

“That’s true, but—”

“It’s fine. I want to give them to you.”

The first floor displayed men’s clothing, while the second held women’s items. Licia remained downstairs and began examining fabrics and finished pieces with her hands clasped behind her back.

The owner measured Ren.

“Weiss, please help me. Receiving anything this expensive makes me uncomfortable.”

“The cost will come from the young lady’s personal allowance, not the baron’s treasury. You need not hesitate on that account.”

“That’s reassuring, but this is clearly a luxury shop.”

“The owner is highly skilled. He trained in the Imperial Capital when he was young, and his fabrics are durable and comfortable.”

The owner bowed at the praise.

Weiss added that Licia had little interest in luxury and had allowed most of her allowance to accumulate. Ren realized that refusing too forcefully would insult her goodwill.

When the measurements were complete, Licia returned.

“What kind of fabric do you like?”

“Something ordinary.”

The answer was hopelessly vague, but Licia nodded seriously.

“You don’t want anything showy, and you prefer clothes that allow easy movement.”

“How did you know?”

“I’m not sure. That simply seemed right for you.”

She took his hand and led him through the store.

“Licia?”

“Come. Let us begin over there.”

Weiss and the owner laughed as they followed.

A Clausel knight suddenly appeared at the entrance and called Weiss aside. The messenger was out of breath and needed several moments before speaking.

The news was important: a party of Imperial Knights would arrive in Clausel that afternoon.

“Their arrival is expected toward evening?” Weiss confirmed.

“Yes, sir.”

“Then we’ll return shortly after noon as planned. Preparing early would be sensible, but the young lady is enjoying herself. I find it difficult to tell her we must leave at once.”

The knight agreed to inform Lessard and departed.

Inside, the shop had been reserved entirely for Licia’s visit. Without other customers present, she behaved more freely than usual.

“Try this one next. Oh, and that would suit you too.”

“That’s far too flashy.”

“You may decide after trying it on. The fitting room is there.”

Ren eventually surrendered and allowed her to push him toward the room.

When he emerged, he wore a finely tailored suit suitable for a formal party.

“This isn’t everyday clothing!”

Weiss and the shopkeeper silently agreed.

Licia’s face brightened. “It suits you. Please tailor that design to his measurements.”

“Of course.”

“When would I ever wear this?” Ren protested.

The decision didn’t change.

By the time they left, Licia had chosen two practical everyday outfits and one formal suit. Ren resolved to repay her somehow, although he didn’t yet possess enough money. He expected that problem to be resolved soon and spent the journey back considering an appropriate gift.

◇ ◇ ◇ ◇

Late that afternoon, Licia and Weiss went directly to Lessard’s office. Ren headed toward the guest room.

“Welcome back, Ren.”

A young maid greeted him in the corridor.

“Did you find clothes you liked?”

“Licia chose everything for me. How did you know we were shopping for my clothes?”

“The young lady happily told me about today’s plans last night.”

That explained her excitement.

Tailored clothing could ordinarily require several weeks, even around a month. The maid nevertheless said she had heard that the order would begin arriving the following week.

“What did you purchase?”

“Two everyday outfits and one formal suit. Receiving one set would already have been too much, and I don’t know when I would use formal clothing.”

“The young lady’s birthday is in summer. You could wear it then.”

The suggestion assumed Ren would remain until summer. Since he had made no firm decision, he responded with an awkward smile. The maid understood and didn’t press him.

“I heard guests will arrive this evening,” Ren said. “Is it all right for me to remain here? If I would interfere, I can spend some time in town.”

“There’s no need. Please stay as usual.”

Ren returned to his room, wondering who the visitors might be. He decided the matter didn’t concern a guest like him and borrowed another book from the Clausel library.

Time passed quickly. As the sun began to set, activity filled the grounds below his window.

Lessard and members of his household went outside to receive a group of knights in formal armor. Licia stood beside her father while the apparent commander exchanged greetings with him.

(Imperial Knights?)

The Imperial Knight Order was part of the empire’s national military. Its members served the state rather than one noble family, unlike the household knights commanded by Weiss. The institution included several branches and assignments, but all possessed authority and training beyond that of ordinary retainers.

Ren couldn’t imagine why they had come to Clausel. They showed none of the arrogance associated with Given’s men, however, so he turned from the window rather than stare.

The novel in his hands was unexpectedly interesting. He wanted the next volume and left the room to search the library.

He quickly reconsidered. The visitors were entering the mansion, and wandering the halls might disturb them.

As he turned back, he encountered Weiss.

“What is it, boy?”

“I was going to find the next book in a series, but I thought I should return to my room so I wouldn’t interfere with the guests.”

“You remain remarkably considerate for your age. Still…”

Weiss folded his arms and considered something.

“Since you’re here, why not accompany me?”

“Me?”

“The Imperial Knights have come to evaluate the young lady’s swordsmanship. If you have no objection, I would like them to examine yours as well.”

Ren could only stare at him, speechless at the unexpected proposal.

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