Published: September 9, 2025
Satou here. There are countless manga set in the Heian period, which is why there are so many masterpieces. For example, I read the entire series of "How Wonderful Heian-kyo Is," recommended by my childhood friend.
Every time, I wondered: if you went hunting wearing a hunting robe (kariginu), wouldn’t your clothes or sleeves get caught on branches? Did people really hunt wearing those clothes?
â—‡
“Woooaah! Heian romance is here!”
Arisa’s strange shout seems to be because of my outfit.
It’s the training outfit gifted by Lady Aarize, but it seems the taste of hero Daisaku has seeped through, or maybe influenced by other Japanese people, because it was a kariginu—or maybe it’s easier to say it’s an Onmyoji’s attire.
The inner hitoe (lined garment) is white, but the upper jacket and the sashinuki (hakama-style trousers) are different shades of green. Luckily, there was no eboshi hat.
“Master, you look wonderful.”
“The robe form and armor look dignified, but the Elf ethnic costume suits you well.”
“This is a great outfit with high magical defense.”
Lulu seems to approve too. Maybe next time I’ll make a junihitoe (twelve-layered ceremonial kimono).
Nana even used “sense magic” to examine this outfit. As Nana said, this outfit is made from Yuriha Fiber, the same fiber used for Arisa’s and Mia’s robes. This fiber, combined with a special weaving method, forms magical defense circuits on the fabric surface, like a protective membrane.
It’s a similar function to the defensive membrane found on a black dragon’s body surface. While some monsters of a certain level usually have this built-in, this outfit forms it with a small amount of magic power.
“Pochi will train too!”
“Tama will do it too~?”
I thought I heard some rustling, and out came the two who changed into Shinsengumi uniforms bought previously in the Duke’s Capital. This training apparently doesn’t go well with many people around, so I thought to ask them not to join, but it seems their idea of training is a little different.
“Shaggnig invited us.”
“A treasure hunt~”
“Shaggnig is a friendly old leprechaun who invited us to the Elves’ children’s playground.”
“It’s a facility with safe simulated traps and moving dolls (Living Dolls) that imitate monsters.”
“I propose to participate in the exercise.”
Arisa wiped her drool and added to Pochi and the others’ words. Since Riza and Nana were joining too, I gave permission. If it’s a place where caring Elves let their children play, it should be safe.
The facility was designed by an Elf who was the master of Shaggnig’s master, but the actual construction was done by Rereck, a spriggan who was Shaggnig’s master. Currently, he is inspecting the Saga Empire’s labyrinth to gain new ideas. The designer left the Elf Village over 100 years ago, so it’s impossible to meet him.
â—‡
Together with Lady Lua, who came to pick me up in her shrine maiden outfit, we arrived at a rocky area overlooking a waterfall about 30 kilometers from the World Tree. We relocated using the dryad’s “relocation (teleportation).” Though it’s limited to the Forest of Boruenan, it’s convenient enough.
At the back of the rocky area was a huge stone platform made by laying a giant rock flat.
In the center of this platform stood Lady Aarize.
Well, it’s fine that she’s here.
But what’s with that outfit?
White shirt and tight skirt, plus glasses with triangular lenses. Her hair was tied in a bun at the back, but two strands of bangs were left on each side. That short staff must be a pointer.
She looks like a stereotypical female teacher.
Hero Daisaku... cultural hazard is enough already.
Well, it’s nice eye candy, so I’ll let it slide.
“Satou-kun, you’re late.”
If you turn red, you shouldn’t cosplay.
I wanted to give her a sharp look, but that wouldn’t move the story forward, so I relied on my poker face skill.
“Sorry for being late.”
“Lady Aze, you should change into the master’s outfit instead of playing around.”