A Gentle Noble's Vacation Recommendation

"Welcome to the casino 'Masquerade Party.'"

Although it was a casino, Rizel nodded once thoughtfully. In other words, this was a casino themed around a masquerade ball.

As proof, the huge ship’s interior was carpeted in wine red, with flowers in red and black decorating it seductively. A man dressed as if he were attending a masquerade stood before a door at the bottom of the stairs, his face hidden behind a flamboyant mask.

As expected of Astarnia, not only was the atmosphere lively, but there was no compromise on the events either. The man, taking a courteous bow like a gentleman inviting a lady to dance, looked up at Rizel and the others. His face twitched in surprise but he quickly regained his composure.

"From here on, there is a dress code. Costumes are available for rent starting at ten silver coins. Please choose whichever you like and proceed."

"What a hassle..."

"Eh, it’s fun!"

The masked man opened the door behind him to reveal several costume rooms.

Unlike the outfits from the Founding Festival, these were all dazzling costumes fit for nobles attending a party. A couple was currently picking their attire, happily walking deeper inside wearing what they had just tried on behind the curtain-divided fitting rooms.

The high rental price suggested this ship was among the more prestigious vessels gathering at sea today. Between the gold coins they paid on entry and this, it was clear they expected only guests who could afford such luxuries—or perhaps they just charged money to create an atmosphere.

"So this is the kind of casino it is. Seems like many respectable people come here."

"If you lose, playing low-stakes gambling or small money games is not something I want the leader to do. I figured this would suit him perfectly."

Eleven smiled with squinted eyes, and Rizel returned the smile, reaching out his hand. As he gently stroked Eleven’s cheek with the back of his hand, Eleven pressed closer, deepening his smile.

Then Rizel’s gaze shifted to the spacious room filled with costumes. Not just clothes, but accessories and everything needed for preparation were all provided. He tilted his head in thought.

"I have the clothes I wore when I came here, so maybe I’ll just wear those... Ah, but they don’t really give off a ball vibe, do they?"

"That’s too serious for this."

"Huh? Oh, right. Well, I want to see them though."

Rizel considered the ball theme and thought his usual attire was a bit plain, yet it was tailored by a top-class craftsman. Since it was the outfit he wore to the royal court, it looked decent enough, and those who knew would recognize the materials and workmanship as top quality.

To Rizel, it was almost like everyday wear, but others would see it differently. If he entered dressed like that, his credibility as an adventurer—already rare—would vanish entirely.

"Compared to the costumes here, mine is plain. Since I can borrow one, I might as well."

"Eh, but I want to see it."

"I’ll show you next time."

Smiling gently at Eleven’s complaints, Rizel paid the silver coins to the man and stepped into the room. Watching his back, Jill sighed, thinking that only this adventurer would call those clothes plain.

Though not flashy in color, the intricate decorations and delicate embroidery conveyed no lack of elegance—it was a well-thought-out design that subtly highlighted a pure atmosphere. It seemed to suit him well, but if he wanted to fully embrace the noble look and enjoy gambling properly, it was best to avoid wearing it.

"Borrowing is probably about the same anyway."

"Jill, which one do you like?"

"Anything as long as it’s not weird."

Muttering to himself, Jill approached as they were called to examine the costumes.

"There are so many choices it's hard to decide. Oh, the fabrics are fairly average."

"They’re like playful stuff, you know."

Not bad, but not made of luxurious materials, Rizel smiled as he held an outfit. In his previous world, even at a party or a ball, he entrusted everything to professional craftsmen and rarely chose items himself.