By the Grace of the Gods

Today, three chapters are updated simultaneously.

This story is chapter two.

The next day

A little after noon, I was swaying in a horse-drawn carriage.

"I never thought we’d be able to meet the Duke’s household just the day after yesterday."

"After Lord Ryoma left Gimul, Calm sent me a message saying he had set out. The message included the schedule and expected arrival date, so when I relayed that to the Duke’s household, they replied that if it was convenient for us, today would be fine... I was a bit surprised myself."

"Normally, I guess like Ryoma thinks, they wouldn’t just clear their schedules so easily."

"Exactly..."

I had promised Mr. Serge to meet up by ‘within three days’, so I thought I came a bit early to avoid being late...

"They must really want to see Ryoma."

"I can only think that too."

"Haha..."

Those kind people might really feel that way.

Even though I left them, I feel happy that they still worry about me.

"By the way, the town's scenery is changing."

The carriage has been slowly climbing a slope for a while now. From the window, the view has shifted from a lively street of small shops and houses clustered together, to one lined with large stores and restaurants.

"We’re almost at the Noble District. The number of people will start to thin out soon."

“The Noble District... is that what's ahead?”

"Yes. Think of this town as being made up of a small hill surrounded by flat land. As you climb the hill, you'll see more high-end residences and luxury shops.

But you don't need to be overly cautious. Although it’s called the Noble District, there are also relatively wealthy common citizens living there, and there are no entry restrictions in the area."

"Well, it’s not really a place to wander around without reason. We’re heading straight to the Duke’s household, so there’s nothing to worry about.

By the way, the Duke’s mansion is at the top of the hill — the highest spot in the Noble District."

"That’s easy to imagine."

I wonder what kind of mansion it is? Considering status, it probably isn’t small. Could it be like the castle in that certain dream country?

"No need to rush, we’ll be there soon."

"I’ll look forward to seeing the mansion then."

“By the way—”

Both voices overlapped. Neither intended to speak at the same time, and after they politely let the other go first, Mr. Serge spoke.

"Lord Ryoma, about your outfit..."

Talking about clothes!

...Today’s attire is a navy blue suit custom-made at a tailor in Gimul. It was tailored exactly as ordered, so personally, I'm very satisfied. But...

"Is it too plain after all?"

The reactions from the tailor’s staff and my own employees when they saw me in a suit were subtle.

"It’s plain. Not rude, but plain."

"You could have been a bit less reserved."

Compared to them, their clothes are super flashy from my perspective.

Mr. Pioro wears a shirt with frilly lace piled on and a coat with brightly colored cloth peeking from slits here and there.

Mr. Serge’s is made from what looks like high-quality fabric, but the design is fairly ordinary. However, he has that pleated collar at the neck and a large beret with a feather ornament on top, which one would probably wear when going outside.

Now that I think about it, of course. Since the staff highly recommended those, it means they’re popular with the majority. It’s not strange at all for these two to wear such clothes.

But I’m fine with what I have.

"I like this design. It’s also easy to move in."

"I see. It’s good to have a preference, especially about clothes."

"Just following trends doesn’t mean you have good taste."

"Haha... I’m not confident about my fashion sense."

"Not at all. That refined form, the materials used are top-notch, and the tailoring is meticulous. I’d want one myself. Which shop did you buy it from?"

"It’s a store in the west district of Gimul. It’s five corners down the main street, then turn right."

"West district, fifth corner, so that shop? I heard it’s a new store... You found a good one."