Galen Vesa

My hearts thumped a steady thum, thum as I sank to the bottom of the bathing pool and sat there hugging my knees. Warmth of hot water seeping into my bones, my hair a floating mess. And try as I might, I could not stop my thoughts from racing.

Has it been already a full year? Earth’s year at least. I’ve been living in this place for the past glorious three hundred and seventy-five days. Give or take a month or two since I still had some holes in my memory. Not that it mattered. If I would count all these times, I went somewhere else, presumably in time, that would sum up to quit a few years.

Although, for the first time in my life I felt lonely. Or so the Logic named my current state. Not that I can tell. Much in this body still seems alien to me. Four annoying perverts running around me and messing up my life did not help it either.

At least here, under four feet of hot water, the world appeared to leave me alone. For the time being.

Resting my head on my knees I submerged myself into my inner world and walked over to the snoring mountain of flesh. Whatever magic bound her, Erta slept oblivious of what happened outside and… I think I do miss her voice. Though, none of that can erase the fact of how bothersome this whole thing became. We have found her daughter and yet, there is nothing I can do with this information. Worse still, I got myself involved in some grander mess, not to mention the whole island fiasco. Then there were those cultists, the lantern thingy, the guild idea those perverts pitched to my wolf, the artefacts I’ve taken with me before Libhro went bye-bye, the mystery surrounding Dorothy, my on and off relationship with Al, the madly in love Vittoria that wants to kill me and starts crying whenever she sees me, the catgirl swordswoman that is another mess altogether, the serpent’s machinations, the odd one that swindled me into even more mess, Rooth’s mysterious patron entity that may or may not be a god and probably his or her blessing of tongues gave me this ridiculous name, and gods know what else that undying wanted. Ah, yes, I was also supposed to pass on a message to that snake, whatever the heck that meant. Why does it seem like my plate suddenly have too much on it?

I climbed over Erta’s arm and slide into the familiar spot between her cheek and her forearm, resting there with my hands entwined behind my head

“You better wake up soon you lump of snoring dragon meat cause your dolt needs you and most of all, I can’t guarantee that your daughter won’t move away from here at some point while you laze away.”

Not that my coaxing could dispel the seal used on her.

“I believe you have omitted the deed the earth queen asked of us, will you not honor her wish, my useless master?”

Also, like a cherry on top, there was my very own, personal dryad with attitude issues.

“How could I forget when I have you? Besides, what she asked falls more withing your domain than mine. In case of that request, I am just a delivery boy and you would do all the work. “

Earth said something about planting several trees. Wandering oaks, she called them. Supposedly, they were essential for the working of the new guild. Whatever they were for.

“Indeed, my useless master.”

Cora acknowledged without batting an eye. For some reason she kept on staring at me, her emotions a tangled mess, no less twisted than my thoughts.

“Just come here already.”

I pat the space beside me and oddly enough, she accepted that invitation and laid beside me, her head resting on my shoulder.

“I thought you hate dragons and, well, me.”

“I do.”

Resting on her side, she placed her arm and leg over me, her fingers hooking into my hoodie.

“Did something happen?”

Tears were gathering in her eyes.

“Cora?”

“Be silent useless master. I do not wish to speak of it.”

So she said but at the same time, I heard her voice once again after a pause she used to calm herself.

“…Today would be his birthday. On such day we would…”

She dried her eyes against my blouse.

“Useless human, answer me, why does it burn so much? Why every heartbeat without him tears my mind as if an ax would cut through my tree? Why does this body trembles when I think of him? Why does my heart miss him so?”

“I don’t think I’m competent enough to answer such questions although, I’d say it’s probably natural to feel such things. It means you care. It means you love him. It means a part of him lives within you but at the same time, a part of you died along with him. That is bound to bring pain. The stronger the bond the greater the pain will be.“

“Then how do humans deal with this pain?”

“We are not perfect. Sometimes we forget and move on. Sometimes it stays with us. Sometimes we become too broken to feel anything again. You should ask the sleeping beauty when she wakes up. You two have more in common than you think. “

Her grip tightened yet her lips remained sealed. I did not pursue the subject. What could I tell her anyway? None of my relationships held enough significance to come close to what they felt. I let her stay there, hugging her with my arm. It seemed to have some effect as her mind calmed. Or maybe that was the work of hot water surrounding my body?

As usual in such cases I dozed off without realizing. When I came to, somebody was frantically trying to yank my arms away. Or rather, trying to lift my body out of water. Oh. Perhaps sleeping in the bathtub wasn’t the best idea.

I straighten myself and got up, my head poking out of water and my pillows floating on the surface.

“Yes? Did something happen?”

What else could I ask?

“I, I thought you have drowned… Karin, what in the world are you?”

Soaked and still dressed in her uniform, Vittoria took a step away from me. I could sense fear surrounding her body. My beastly eyes showed its aura oozing from her body.

“At this point I think it would be easier to say what I’m not. Either way, you have ruined your clothes because of me. I apologize for causing you even more concerns.”

Her blouse became see through and clung to her body, exposing quite lovely shapes. She too noticed that and tried to shield herself with her arm. Between her hair plastered all over her face I could clearly see her reddish cheeks. An interesting reaction given there was nothing I have not seen before.

“Earlier, you were upset with me. I’m sorry.”

I said it, hoping it was something she wished to hear. Perhaps I should read some of local romance novels because I have no idea what to do with her. That Witch designed this body of mine to become a drug for whoever would use it. I’m sure whatever she thought she felt could not be natural.

“Upset?!”

Water around her rippled, spreading tiny waves, so much her whole body trembled. She raised her arm ready to slap me but stopped herself, the memory of what happened last time still fresh in her mind.

“Do you have any idea what you have done to me?! What I went through?! You, you… Monster! You are nothing but a monster!”

Well, that could have gone better. Reminded of what she went through, Vi launched herself into a monologue of bitterness and accusations. She had this image of me, a person that never existed, betray her feelings in the most painful way possible. The perfect companion she thought of turned out to be a monster. Perhaps I should show her a monster.

“Yes I am.”

I fired at her to stop her tirade then forced my body into that of a mermaid. Water danced around me for a moment creating a curtain of droplets over my naked flesh. When it fell off, I no longer had my pale skin and unruly pillows. New, streamlined body replaced my flesh and my tail splashed beneath me. Water played along and added some bubbles and steam to magnify the effect. That sudden change silenced Vi instantly.

“As you can see, I am a monster and I have no idea what a proper way is to interact with people. If I have hurt you in any way, that was not my intention. I do not wish for blood or tears of those around me. Also, have I not warned you when I met you? Do I need to remind you of the nine golden coins you paid to get yourself into this mess? Did I not made myself clear that I can offer you the warmth of my body if I’ll find it pleasing but you should not expect any love from me? I do believe I have repeated that countless times.”

Master, I think you broke her.

Eh? What do you mean?

Vittoria’s Eyes weren’t focusing for all I could see. Even the aura of fear that surrounded her body vanished, erased alongside her consciousness. Oops.

I did manage to catch her before she sank. Fainting inside a bath is not exactly healthy.

And now I have two people to wash up and dry out.

Woe my is my life.

“Cora, come help me and grab some towels along the way.”

As you wish, useless master.

Oddly enough, Vi slept through all of that. She didn’t even budge when I carried her back to her room and put her in her bed. Perhaps she was too tired and the shock I gave her burned through any reserves she had? Maybe. Deep dark circles hung beneath her eyes and even after a bath her body had hardly any warmth left in it. She must have burned herself out on something.

I asked Spirits to keep an eye on her for me. Just in case. It cost me nothing since there was still that tiny wind spirit sticking close to her.

“Don’t worry, this is pretty mild when it comes to her affliction. I’ve seen her in much worse state.”

So this could get even worse? Perhaps I should ask Water to investigate. Whatever caused her to suffer such burnouts, my water ring did not react to it. Perhaps the cause was her own body? Regardless, best if I go now. The evening bell had rung already, the curfew will start any moment.

“I should go now. Please look after her.”

“You sure you don’t want to stay? Our room got kind of empty without you. Your bed is still as you left it.”

Zee offered me a warm smile. Even after a while I couldn’t quite get used to her smiling face. It felt, odd. As if she became a different person. Creepy almost. I kept on expecting one of her snarky remarks. Any moment now.

“I don’t think Vittoria would approve of me staying here and that bed belongs to your sister now.”

“As if that shrimp would sleep anywhere else than with me. “

A pair of shy eyes peeked at me from under a blanket in Zee’s bed. They were just like Zee’s.

“And if you’re worried about Vi giving you an earful, don’t. Judging by the shadows under her eyes, she’ll be out for a day or two. Besides, it’s way past curfew and the dorm is locked. You really want to sleep on the floor by the entrance?”

Well, I’ve slept in worst places. A stone floor wasn’t so bad since I would be having a roof over my head.

“Just what is wrong with you, pointy ears? You weren’t considering that? Were you? Gods, gimmie that, I’m confiscating that towel until… holly cow, you are humongous.”

Freed from the confines of the towel I wrapped so meticulously around myself, my pillows appeared in their full glory, prompting my body to put my arms beneath them. Note to self, buy some damn underwear.

“Anywaaay, off to bed you go.”

Zee smacked my bum then turned around and went to assault the little shrimp hiding under her blanket. As it turned out, it was a very ticklish shrimp and even their voice sounded similar as they giggled together.

I on the other hand, fixed the blanket around Vi for one more time and climbed into my old bed. Yep, I need underwear and possibly some nighties if I were to play along with rest of the society.

And a plan for my future. Yep, I need to think of something. Although not now. My mana was acting up again, ready for another stretch so I cast a blanket over myself as not to flash naked butt at whoever might enter this room. Strangely, I dozed off the moment my head sunk into my old pillow.

I don’t think I dreamt of anything or at least I don’t remember whatever the night brought me. Warm sun tickled my face and for the first time in a while, my body felt content. Perhaps the fact I have not had to satisfy anyone last night, had something to do with it? That or maybe because no one tried to kill me within the last few hours seemed kind of refreshing.

Stretching, I confirmed that my butt still occupied the bed I fell asleep in. Which was nice. Quite an improvement over the past few months. Even birds chirping happily outside the window seemed to have a similar opinion. Who knows, mayhap this will be a nice day? Better not to jinx it. Especially with all that commotion suddenly playing outside the window.

Commencing my useless skill number, whatever, I improvised myself a dress from my bedsheet and sneaked out of the room. Zee never been a morning person and Vi indeed still happened to be unconscious so, nobody complained.

I passed several maids along the way out of the dormitory, none of which I knew but they appeared to know me and greeted me with a smile and polite head bob. An interesting thing in itself.

This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

Answering their greetings in similar fashion I reached the plaza between the dorms and the main building where the root of the commotion appeared to be unfolding.

Some people I never seen before kept on unloading stacks upon stacks of chest and boxes before moving them indoors. Several guild guards standing here or there watched the newcomers while Beatrice scrutinized everything and directed whichever way, they should carry this or that.

“Karin, what... is that a bedsheet?”

Her keen eyes found me within the staring crowd, prompting others to look my way.

“Yes.”

There were so many whispers going on about me. One more would not make a difference.

“I see. Go to the great hall. Master is awaiting you there.”

Did she just say I am the source of this commotion? Either way, I acknowledged her with a nod and pass through the gaping crowd. The outsiders, as it was with anyone unfamiliar with me, stared at me and my pointy ears before giving me a wide berth while they pass me by. Some smiled, some whistled, some could not keep their eyes off me and my pillows. Most put on a grimace, one people made after stepping into something, putrid. Good. At least they moved out of the way for the walking poo. Eh, after what I went through, it is no wonder people hate tree humpers. The feeling’s mutual for all that I know. Elves have no love for humans.

Being stuck in the middle appears to do you no favors, useless master of mine.

Cora joined me in the corridor, already groomed and dressed in her maid outfit although, there was something missing. Grabbing the hem of her skirt I lift it up and confirmed my guess.

“Aren’t you too breezy down there?”

She turned to look me in the eyes, fake smile plastered on her face.

“Master is one to talk.”

“Touché. Well, fate hates me anyway so let us be done with whatever this is.”

The great hall greeted us with a flurry of activity. Porters and maids cleared the space and busied themselves with setting up tables and racks displaying a magnitude of wares. Pearls and gems gleamed at me from luxurious jewelry displayed on one table while right next to it an assortment of fancy silverware shined under the bright morning sun. Then there were teacups, pots, plates, combs, brushers, mirrors, and many other personal effects, some of which were of dubious nature. I also spotted an assortment of shields, weapons and armors. Of course, there were boots of many varieties, most I would not touch with a ten-foot pole but assuming my luck they were bound to end up in my possession. This world needs a revolution in footwear. Maybe I should pitch the concept of sneakers to a prospective merchant?

Beyond the dreaded torture heels, ones perhaps only my heavily enchanted ass could manage, I found a sea of fancy dresses, no more practical than the boots displayed right before them. An artful waste of a good fabric if someone would ask me but, who was I to challenge the entire world sense of fashion. Next to all that chiffon mess I could see a section we were destined to start with. Lingerie.

I shouldn’t set myself up for a disappointment given the abundance of silk and frills I saw there but, most of the designs visible from here could be sum up as one of two words. Either thongs or strings. Well, I hope those are just the eye candy to draw in customers and that beneath that mountain of wet dreams there is at least one of knickers that would agree with my shapes and at least try to cover something.

As for a bra, I haven’t had any hopes. Unless this merchant catered to some well-endowed ferru clientele, I will have to get something custom made. Well, the wolf did organize this so, maybe there’ll be something?

Oh, they also brought coats and cloaks. I should probably get a new fur coat. I have no idea what happened to the last one but having one can always come in handy. I might as well get some gloves for us. On second thought, I think I should take double or triple of everything. With the speed I misplace my wardrobe, getting four or five of the same thing also sounded reasonable.

Last but also quite diverse part of the merchandise contained a mixed assortment of clothing. Pants, skirts, blouses, pullovers, hats, entire uniforms and every in between. A section I will certainly scrutinize. Just in case this world had its version of a hoodie and baggy cargo pants. I may suck when it comes to style, but life taught me a simple lesson, cargo pants are damn awesome and practical. Plus, they make a good combo with a hoodie.

Anyway, I’ve been putting this away for far too long. Time to splurge some gold.

“A, here you are.”

Familiar voice made us turn. Brimming with some unexplained joy, Altina fished us out of the crowd and came with a stranger in tow. Dressed in a creation straight from a video game, a glittering, strapless mermaid dress with a long-sleeved bolero and a v-cut reaching her navel, the woman greeted us with a polite bow, her face a mixture of fear and anticipation. An almost human face. Had her irises not turn into vertical slits while they passed through a spot bathed in direct sunlight, I would not notice. Her tail puffing out behind her confirmed my discovery. A ferru.

“Indeed, you weren’t jesting. They look just like the real thing. So real that were it not for my nose I wouldn’t be standing here but running away, gold be damned. ”

You don’t say? My “dolt is being insulted” sense was tingling. Well, whatever. I moved my eyes back to the wolf and waited for an explanation.

“Karin, this is Garla ai Fal, one of the most successful merchants in this part of the empire, a procurer of wondrous wares and a dear friend of mine. She had agreed to come on such short notice…”

“Why wouldn’t I? After receiving such a polite letter from my senior, something about you begging me to come here.”

Her long, fox tail slapped the wolf’s ass in a playful manner. Confirming I was indeed not an elf, Garla relaxed, her aura no longer teaming with fear. Realizing she would not have to deal with nobility or some unknown threat, her demeanor also changed.

“So, did anything catch your eyes, my dear customers?”

“Oh, no you don’t. I won’t let you ruin this lovely day by haggling first thing in the morning. Breakfast is almost ready and… Karin, is that a bedsheet?”

The wolf frown at me and I offered them a shrug.

“My wardrobe is lacking.”

“A. That I see.”

“It was either a bedsheet or nothing at all.”

“Merciful Shamuu… Cora, please take this socially inept numnum and help her pick up something. We will wait.”

“Right away, guild master.”

Following Cora’s example, I made a polite bow towards the foxy merchant and we excused ourselves, leaving the two to their own biddings. And people stared.

“We have arrived at the handkerchief section. Please select one and cover your nether regions, master.”

“Very funny. A napkin can cover much more than any of those would ever do. Does the wolf also pay you for being sarcastic?”

“No, my useless master, that I include for free. How about these?”

She stretched between her fingers something that would look quite good on a cover of a fetish magazine and probably nowhere else. I may be socially inept but even I have standards. And those beads do not inspire any feeling of comfort within me.

“Nice. Why don’t you try them yourself?”

“I’d rather not.”

“Well anyway, put that thing somewhere we can find it later. I’m sure whoever did my shopping earlier will enjoy those horrors riding up their ass.”

“As you wish, my sadistic master.”

“Cora?”

“Yes master?”

“Either drop your attitude or buckle up those beauties. That’s an order but the choice is yours.”

She measured me in silence, at the same time checking if the fabric would stretch over her hips.

“As you wish master.”

And up they went to disappear underneath her skirt.

“You know twiggy, I don’t think you have your priorities straight.”

“And I don’t think you are the one to talk, my useless, perverted master.”

Why do I even try? I left her alone to stew in her finest undergarments and fished through the displayed items. Pretty much everything I saw laid out could in theory fit me and I’m sure my ass would look good but, come on, they have to have some normal undies. I usually tend to be wrong on most subjects but, undies? I enquired a maid unpacking a chest and laying out the underwear on display, whether they had something different, something, well something that wouldn’t make me pluck them out of myself every so often.

I shocked the poor girl. These were the newest, the most expensive, the most comfortable and most desirable models up to date. Unless I wanted a loincloth, some ancient, open crotch drawers or grandma bloomers, this was it. Plus, her face twisted into the go away crazy elf grimace.

Defeated, I went back and picked up a pair of white, tied at the hip, bikini thongs that offered the most coverage in key areas and probably had the biggest amount of fabric involved from all the exhibits.

“Master, you sure you don’t want that crimson pair? It had such interesting cut in the middle.”

“You are enjoying yourself, aren’t you?”

“Immensely.”

“Then make yourself useful and hold this.”

I tossed her several other pairs that looked promising in case the white one wouldn’t work for one reason or another.

The bra section turned out pretty much as I imagined, so instead of wasting my time there I grabbed a cotton corset that looked up to the task and went on. It seems I’ll have to get something custom made to accommodate my pillows. That or I’m stuck with corsets or worse yet, magic.

Bypassing the dreadful dress exposition, I lunged in between the uniforms. Aside from military alike dress uniforms, it held mostly maid and butler outfits. Something Cora spent glossing over. I have no idea why she took such a liking to the maid dress she wore but I could see her eyes darting over each one even a bit similar to hers.

The pants selection brought me a total disappointment. None of the available ones would fit me and the only pair I found that had a chance against my hips, looked awkward. In the end, I resigned myself to a long, graphite, sheath skirt and white silk blouse with a turtleneck and long puffy sleeves made of sheer. Coupled with the most normal looking heels I have seen ever since I came to this world, the heel had only one and a half inch, today’s getup would made me look elegant instead of slutty. A welcome change.

While we were browsing through the wares, servants came and set up a screen and partitioned away a portion of the hall. A place I gladly used to surrender my bedsheet and get dressed. As befitting a maid of her caliber, no idea where she learned it, Cora made some improvements over my selection by including a garter belt, some stockings and an asymmetric, wide, leather belt that went atop the skirt. It kind of fit so I didn’t complain. The corset did creak and groaned in the seams but managed to do its job with relative success. The bikini tongs were unfortunately too visible under the skirt, so I had to swap it for a pair made of thin, translucent sheer. It didn’t cover anything but at least gave me the illusion of actually wearing something. The effect was mostly psychological but still, a welcome change. The skirt and the blouse fit nicely together so, all in all, it turned out quite good.

“Indeed. Now, my useless master, you look quite presentable and only slightly slutty.”

“Such prize from your lips. Perhaps I should reward you with something else to complement your lingerie?”

“Such generosity, but I must refuse. “

I tossed her one of the spare undies I brought for myself. One of the translucent variety, like the ones I wore although these had fancy ribbon tail at the back. Not the best yet still better than the contraption she had on right now.

“Well? What are you waiting for?”

“Do I have to? These are… interesting.”

And she calls me a pervert?

“You know what? I don’t care. Your butt not mine. If you want to display that to everyone anytime you climb stairs or bend over, then that’s your cookie.”

She considered it and, probably just to mess with me, pulled one over the others. Ignoring that provocation, I just left her there to contemplate her choices and went to find the wolf. A company of someone sane should be a nice change.

I found them sitting by a table set for breakfast in one of the corners of the great hall, chatting and laughing. It was one of those rare occasions Altina looked relaxed, as if she enjoyed herself.

“Apologies. I hope I have not kept you waiting for long.”

“A. I believe it was worthwhile.”

The wolf scrutinized my choices and gave me a nod of approval.

“Have you eaten yet? No? Good, sit with us. “

So I did and instantly realized what a mistake I made. The skirt I wore had a long cut on a side, reaching two thirds of my tights. It made walking much easier but the moment I sat down, well, let’s just admit that I might have put it on the wrong way since I had no idea how to stop it from sliding off and exposing my legs. And probably more. Oh, well. Could’ve been worse.

I put some garlic bread on my plate and spread some butter over it. Altina preferred to eat it while dipping in olive oil but I went with butter, large slice of cooked ham, a slice of yellow cheese and a piece of something that looked like a green apple but tasted akin to a tomato. Then I stuffed that into my mouth and began chewing. Not exactly refined nor very lady like behavior but I would lie if I said I cared. It’s been gods know how long since I actually ate something so my stomach growled with anticipation. It would finally have something to do after such a long while.

“We’ve been discussing a purchase of new equipment for the guild and Garla also agreed to fulfill your request. Feel free to order whatever you need, the guild will cover it. “

“That is generous of you, guild master.”

Something told me a certain spirit have made a substantial investment to facilitate today’s spending. As with the wolf, the newcomer had golden coins shining in her eyes. Whatever business they were doing meant lots of gold would change hands.

“Thank you for coming on such a short notice.”

“As much as I respect my senior, I would lie if I told you, I haven’t come here chasing profit. Some interesting promises has been made.”

She cast a telling glance at the wolf.

“So, please tell me, were the samples up to your satisfaction?”

Samples? I took a sip of my tea.

“Yes, there are items I am interested in, but none would fit me.”

Garla’s eyes hovered over my pillows

“My deepest apologies lady Karin, that is an oversight on my part. I will send for my tailor right away to take proper measurements. We can adjust whatever is necessary.”

“If that’s possible, would it be a trouble if I were to request several custom items as well?”

“If it is within my ability, I would be delighted to provide them. What manner of items interest you?”

“A bra. In truth, lots of them.”

Again, her eyes went below my neckline.

“Ah, yes… of course we can adjust…”

“No. I don’t want any of those. They are all cumbersome and unpractical. If I am to wear any of that,”

I nudged my head at the display with the offending articles.

“I’d rather just go with a corset. Same hassle, much better results. What I have in mind is a slightly different design.”

Altina’s ears perked up as if sniffing out a new opportunity.

“A different design?”

Her friend thoughtfully sipped on her tea.

“Yes. If I can have a piece of paper and something to draw, it might be easier to explain.”

“Leane, go bring a pen and some paper.”

“Right away, guild master.”

One of the maids serving our tea, bowed away, and left. A moment later she came back holding an entire set for contract making. I took a single sheet of the pearly white, expensive parchment and dipping a glass pen inside the provided ink I began to commit the greatest blasphemy this pen ever saw. I doodled on a paper worth at least half a gold coin.

“I hope this will be clear enough, unfortunately drawing is not my forte.”

Scratching up a female torso, not the best anatomically correct one but passable enough, I began to draw what I hoped would solve at least one of my concerns.

“…This part will need some reinforcement. Perhaps a wire from a light metal that won’t rust? One that won’t deform easily.”

Plastic was out question and wood just wouldn’t be practical.

“And about the straps, this can be done in several ways. Either like this, over shoulders or connected with a collar or it can be made without any straps at all but then it would require a stiffer frame and usually this part would be wider to carry the load. If you add a ring and a slider here, you can regulate the length of the straps.”

“Also, about the fastenings, instead of lacing or buttons, can you make one with hook and eye fastening?”

“Hook and eye?”

“Yes. It may not provide as perfect fit as lacing but it is much more convenient and if you add several rows of eyes spaced from each other, it can allow the wearer to adjust the size to a certain degree.”

I handed them the finished design. I’m no Picasso but I can confidently say my stick figures at least look like stick figures and not some badly placed squiggly lines. Garla contemplated it for a moment then took the pen herself and began to draw, from time to time consulting my doodles.

“Is this perhaps something you were thinking of?”

She pushed her picture towards me. It looked as if taken straight from a lingerie catalogue. She even added subtle ornaments to it. As far as my knowledge of that part of female wardrobe went, her design looked legit.

“Yes, much so.”

“Hmm, I certainly can see some appeal in that idea. It will require some research on the material parts, but I think it is doable. We could try to make a sample in a week or so.”

“Sah, a week? That is good. We will have ample time to discuss Karin’s commission for the idea.”

The wolf smiled over her cup as if stating something obvious.

“Ah, yes. I would not dare… Lady Karin, are there any other items you would require?”

She said that with a shine in her eyes. Like a miner that found a gold vein.

“Yes, if possible, I would also like several pairs of cargo pants.”

“Cargo pants? That is an odd name.”

I again busied myself sketching and handed her a finished design.

“That’s… If I may ask, what is the purpose of this design?”

“Comfort and convenience. It can be worn by anyone. A Man, a woman, or a child. The abundance of pockets makes carrying small things easier and if made of sturdier material it is perfect for workers. Especially if you reinforce certain areas, like knees.”

“Is that all? I’m sure a military would find use in this design and, what is that zipper thing you marked here. Is that how you read this? A zipper?”

Oops. Well, what happened, happened.

“Just an idea. Another way of fastening seams. I am not sure if it would be possible since it would require a very tiny and precise parts. Manufacturing that may not be viable as well.”

I described to them whatever I remembered about how zippers were made. Years watching junk on tv and my mobile did not go waste.

“Ah, that indeed sounds burdensome…”

“Guild master, an urgent message arrived, bearing imperial insignia.”

Beatrice came to announce the news, holding out a tray with a fat leather envelope secured by a dozen of wax seals.

“The messenger is awaiting your response. I told them it may take a while. They insisted to wait.”

The wolf gave me a questioning look then reached for the package. It contained an excessively expensive stationary with gold lettering and inlaid imperial crest and two similarly lustrous invitations.

She read it once, then read it again. The folded it and sat silent, massaging her temple. It took her a moment, but she managed to compose herself.

“Child, I’m afraid you will need a new dress. Regardless how much you may despise it, you will need that kind of dress where we’re going.”

So, it happened like the odd one said.

“When are we going?”

“By the next moon.”

“Master, should I pass on a message to the…”

“No. The Emperor himself invited us both to his upcoming birthday party. I must write him back a proper response. Come, I’ll need you in my office.”

She folded the message and got up.

“Forgive me, I must excuse myself. Garla may I count on you in finding a proper dress for Karin and assisting her with anything else she may need?”

“Of course.”

“Thank you. Karin, please do as she says.”