First Time
Lux’s Side
Remina-san and I stepped into the clothing store and looked around together.
It seemed like they had all kinds of clothes, from men’s to women’s.
“Remina-san, what kind of clothes are you looking for today?”
“Not formalwear, but something I can use for everyday wear.”
“Everyday wear… in that case…”
When I started walking in a certain direction, Remina-san followed behind me.
Then, once we arrived at the spot, I looked around and said,
“I think the clothes around here might be a good fit.”
This section was full of women’s clothes. Formalwear was sold in another area, so for casual wear, this area with cute or pretty women’s clothing should be just right.
That’s what I thought when I brought Remina-san here, but…
“…”
Remina-san simply crossed her arms and stared at the women’s clothes in front of her, without making any other movements or saying anything.
“Um… Remina-san?”
Maybe I’d done something wrong and made her angry… Wondering that, I cautiously asked, watching her expression, and Remina-san spoke.
“…Clothes like these, the feminine kind, don’t suit me.”
“Why not?”
“…Rodwell, before I answer your question, I’d like you to answer something first. Do you really think I would look good in clothes that are generally considered cute?”
“Yes.”
“…!”
Since it wasn’t something I had to hesitate over, I answered immediately and clearly. At that, Remina-san turned her face away from me and said,
“T-To think you can say something like that without even blushing… Besides, there’s no way clothes like this would suit me.”
“That’s not true. For example… I think this white one-piece would be perfect for you, Remina-san.”
“I told you, that kind of clothing doesn’t suit me…”
As if to object to my opinion, Remina-san turned to look at me, making eye contact. The moment she did, she stopped mid-sentence, left a short pause, and then spoke again.
“Do you… really think it would suit me?”
“I do.”
“…”
When I said that, Remina-san picked up the white one-piece in front of her and said,
“If you insist that much, I’ll try it on. But… don’t be disappointed if it doesn’t look good. It might make my chest ache a bit, knowing I let you down.”
“There’s no need to be disappointed. Even if it doesn’t suit you, we can just keep trying different clothes until we find something that does.”
“…That’s true. I should learn from your mindset.”
Remina-san said with a small smile.
After that, the two of us headed to the fitting rooms, and I waited while Remina-san changed into the one-piece.
…Several minutes later, a voice came from inside the fitting room.
“Rodwell… I tried it on, just in case, but I still don’t think it suits me.”
“…If it’s alright, could you open the curtain and let me see?”
When I said that, Remina-san replied, “…Very well,” and right after, the curtain to her fitting room opened.
And there stood Remina-san in the white one-piece, just as expected. The beautiful white dress and Remina-san’s stunning wine-red hair complemented each other beautifully, and the white dress brought out the overall beauty of her figure remarkably well.
“It looks absolutely amazing on you! As I thought, a beautiful person like you really suits a beautiful white one-piece!”
“…! Getting praised that much… makes me feel a bit embarrassed… This is a first for me.”
As she said that, Remina-san’s cheeks flushed red.
Then, she turned toward the mirror behind her and said,
“Whether or not it suits me, I can’t say for myself… But if you, even just you, in this world, feel that it does… then that’s not bad.”
Then she turned to me and said,
“I’ll buy this outfit.”
“Yes! I think that’s a great idea!”
When I said that, Remina-san came closer, gently placed her right hand on my cheek, and said,
“Fufu… If you were a citizen of my country, I’d want to continue building a friendly relationship with you from now on. But, I suppose there’s no such coincidence. And if there were, it wouldn’t be mere coincidence anymore. It would be fate.”
“Your country… Fate?”
Not understanding what she meant, I asked, and Remina-san took her hand away from my face and said,
“Don’t worry about it. It’s just something on my mind.”
I didn’t really get it, but since Remina-san told me not to worry, I decided not to.
After that, Remina-san changed out of the white one-piece and back into her usual overcoat, purchased the dress, and exited the store, so I followed her out.
Then, Remina-san said,
“You’ve done a lot for me today, but this is as far as we go… Rodwell, may I visit you again sometime?”
“Yes, of course! Let’s talk again!”
When I said that, Remina-san slightly raised the corner of her lips and walked away from the spot.
Once her figure disappeared from view, I too, feeling quite satisfied with today, headed back to the mansion where I was staying. I truly look forward to the day I’ll meet Remina-san again.
Siana’s Side
…At the same time.
“What do you mean, Lux-kun’s wife!? Are you not aware that there are things you shouldn’t say, even as a joke!?”
“It’s no joke. One day, I’ll truly become Lux-sama’s wife, stay by his side, and support him.”
“You have no right to do that!”
“That applies more to you, Third Princess…!”
Siana and Floria continued to cross swords as they argued with each other… until, after a while.
“Florence-san, may I have a word?”
“L-Lux-sama…!?”
“Lux-kun…!?”
Hearing Lux’s voice from outside the room, the two of them stopped clashing swords and turned their attention toward him.