The storefronts belonging to the Tarragon Family are very receptive to us. It seems even though the elders have not publicly declared their support for Eli, the word is already all but out. When the Exiled Prince walks into Tarragon Tailors and Fine Fittings, the proprietor, a middle-aged Nephilim in a dashing three-piece vest and suit ensemble immediately comes out to greet us. His violet hair is cut very short, and there’s a bald patch in the middle, but he makes it work.

“Ahh, Prince Eli! It is excellent to see you! I was preparing to receive you after tonight.” The man hurriedly bows to Eli who takes his hand and pulls him up.

“No need for that Mishaer. We’re all Nephilim here. Now I have something of a favor to ask you.” At this, the Nephilim tailor grows a bit distressed.

“Ahh…that’s a bit difficult, Prince Eli. You know once the elders declare their support, my shop is at your behest, but unfortunately at the moment we cannot…”

“It’s fine. We can pay.” Eli says and Mishaer’s expression brightens. Immediately, he turns his charm back up to a ten. No, even higher, an eleven!

“Ahh beautiful! Of course, of course, I knew our family would not back someone without manners! Excellent, I assume you’re looking for something for tonight then? I must warn you, my wares are a bit pricey, but then again…” He eyes Sophie and I swear I see System Coins reflected in his eyes. “Hehe, considering the status of your friends, I suppose nothing but the best will do?”

“Absolutely. I want your finest and nothing but. If the ladies here are not satisfied tonight, I’d be very disappointed. Not that Mishaer’s clothes would ever fail to impress.” Eli talks well. He instantly brings the tailor onto our side and gets us moving towards our goal with the least possible distraction. Within minutes, Sophie and Delphie are trying on dresses while a small Imp girl comes out to take our measurements.

“Hello Sirs, I am Issa. What would you like today?” She has a strange sort of tape measurer which she quickly stretches all over me, recording the width of my chest, the distance between my shoulders, and the circumference of my waist in rapid succession. “Of course, we already have Prince Eli’s measurements on file. However, as the offspring of the Overlord, your body is certainly growing splendidly. Will there be a need to remeasure today, Prince Eli?”

“Ahh…no, I think the measurements on file will do, Issa.” Eli’s face grimaces for a second. “Hei, what kind of dress clothes do you prefer?”

“I’m not familiar with the Underworld customs. On the surface, we don’t bother with such things anymore. It’s a bit…rough. Hopefully one day we can achieve the peace to restore order like down here.” I respond and Eli’s expression brightens a bit as if pleased by my praise for his country.

“Of course, of course. Then do you mind if I help you choose? I promise not to make you look silly.” He says and when I nod, he rapidly fires off fancy words. I’m not entirely sure what he promises at the time, but by the time we’re done, he seems very satisfied. “Alright, Mishaer, can you make it a rush order? We need it by tonight.”

“Of course, of course. I’ll make the adjustments immediately after this. It’s a shame you didn’t come earlier, I could have had some things made custom for the ladies. As it is, we’ll have to make do with tailoring off the rack. But don’t worry, I’ll make you all look splendid!” Mishaer responds. It’s not really in my nature to pay attention to clothes and such, so my mind has been wandering. Delphie and Sophie are still in the back working with Issa when Mishaer asks, “Ah, which of you are paying today?”

“That would be me. How much?” I have at least the bit of social knowledge as to draw Mishaer to the side so Delphie can’t hear. While Eli doesn’t seem to mind owing favors, and I’m fairly certain Sophie is about to take me for all I’ve got, I’m sure Delphie will feel bad if I let her know.

“Ah, since it’s for Prince Eli, why don’t we settle for a little less. After all, it will be an honor to say that the future Overlord shopped at my store. Let’s go with…this much.” I hurriedly lean in so Mishaer doesn’t have to speak loudly because the girls just came out the back and are looking over suspiciously. When he says the number, I smile. Ehh…things are kind of cheap in the Underworld. I guess because they don’t seem to fight in Dungeons, the economy has stabilized so there are less new System Coins coming into circulation maybe? Maybe the surface will be like this one day?

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“Here. I’ll throw in a bit extra, so make Sophie’s dress a bit tight.” Smirking, I hand over the coins out of sight and walk back to our friends. “Hey guys, all set, let’s go!”

That’s what you get for being bossy. Your dress cost twice as much as Delphie’s! Although you did help me check my room last night so maybe I shouldn’t be mean…

“Thank you! We’ll have everything ready for you tonight!” Mishaer and Issa wave to us as we leave.

Since we have some time before the Marsalle Perenze, we end up exploring the shops on the strip in Meteos City. It’s freaking weird, I’m not going to lie. Up on the surface, it will be several years before Hunters get to a high enough level to safely maintain large cities and trade organizations. The Guilds don’t really gain enough power to establish permanent storefronts and shops for a long time. However, down here in the Underworld, I think because it’s been a part of the System for so long, the economy has developed and there are a lot more non-combatants. The number of restaurants is astounding, and while most of them are vegetarian which is a shame, I greatly enjoy it when Sophie brings us to a fried dough stand the Rose Family owns.

“Heh, while killing people is still the best business, I’ve been working on promoting other sources of revenue. Diversifying you know?” She explains as we sample the tasty, crunchy circles of dough. She even has some dipping sauces, although what exactly is in them is a bit hard to tell. “One day, I want to show the elders that our family doesn’t have to be tied down in the old ways forever. Even if the Succession gives a lot of opportunity for business, I don’t think this kind of war is sustainable. Too bad my brother doesn’t feel the same way…”

Wow…when I hear Sophie talking about doing business, she’s like a totally different person. Damn, now I feel kind of bad about messing with her dress. Oh well…

Mentally smirking at the image of her face when she realizes it’s been altered, I suppress a smile. Delphie happily enjoys big bites of the fried dough and all the different sauces. There’s ones which resemble sweet mustard, tomato sauce, and even cheese. Sophie proudly talks about all the business deals she’s negotiated with the different races to get enough supplies to produce such a variety. Hey, isn’t this a bit much? If you were born in a different family, I feel like you would have made a great salary-woman…

“Alright, should we go to the Tarragon Residence?” Eli suggests as the “night” wears on. “I think our clothes are ready.” At this, Delphie reluctantly stares at the remaining sauces by the fried dough stand. Her kaleidoscope eyes are incredibly cute and sad. Fortunately, Sophie promises to let her come back and taste everything.

“Delph, why didn’t you tell me you liked surface people’s food? I could have hooked you up ages ago!” She proudly declares. To this, Delphie turns a bit shy.

“Well…I mean…this is kind of…expensive, you know?”

“Psh…please, you’re my girlfriend. It’s natural if I buy you some things sometime!”

“Girl…friend?”

“Errr friend that is a girl.”

“Right.”

Slightly amused by the rather awkward flirting going on behind me, I walk ahead with Eli towards the Tarragon Estate. He whispers to me so that the girls can’t hear.

“Hey Man, thanks for covering for me back there.” He says and I give him a confused look. “You know, buying us stuff and all? I mean, since you’re in my camp, that’s only normal and all, but to be honest, you’re not even from the Underworld. Spending your System Coins so I can look a bit better tonight, you really didn’t have to.”

“Don’t mention it.” I sigh. Seems like the Underworld economy really is depressed. On the surface, everything costs way more. If I was a business-minded kind of person I’d probably try to arbitrage this opportunity in some way. “Seriously, I have a ton of money. If you need any, just ask.”

“Absolutely not, that’s no way to treat one of my followers…errr…friends.” Eli hurriedly corrects himself and I consider it for a second before slapping his back. I haven’t acted so friendly with someone since my last life with the Five Death Gods, but it feels appropriate at the moment.

“Brothers, right?” I joke and he nods seriously as if I’ve just proposed a sacred vow.

“Brothers…” He agrees. After walking for some time, we find ourselves outside the Tarragon Family Estate. It’s…for lack of a better word…huge. Absolutely massive. Underneath the glowing mossy “stars”, a seemingly never-ending fence surrounds something that looks kind of like the White House, but with a much darker and gloomier façade. Silver-stone archways, and a manor which puts Delphie’s home to shame, clearly Eli’s backers are doing quite well for themselves. Outside the massive gateway, Eli greets some men who are dressed in black tuxedos, classic butler-looking fellows.

“Alright, right this way, Sirs!” One of them, a gray-bearded elderly gentleman leads us inside the gate. As it creaks shut behind us, Sophie snorts.