The next day... In front of Mateo's house in Grimael.

"Uhmm..."

Mateo is just looking on his friends with dissatisfied expression. Eyeing everyone from head to toe.

"What's the matter?" Beltrand's confused question.

"I should not expected something to be honest." Mateo's cryptic worss.

"Hey what do you mean by that?!" Beltrand is starting to get annoyed due to his confusion.

"He's probably talking about our clothes." Shirna's said while looking on his red shoulder cape.

"Ahmm... I think I wear approriately." Sophia's opinion while also looking on her outfit.

"Ha? If that's true, what's the problem then? You said that we should wear our formal attire." Beltrand's reasoning. Mateo just shake his head in disapproval.

"How should I say this... All of you looks like theatre actors straight out of fantasy books." Mateo's opinion.

"Huh?" Sophia said as she can't comprehend what Mateo said.

"That's in the context of our world. Beltrand looks like the Prince's bodyguard especially with your elaborate royal looking suit." Mateo said while pointing on her attire most importantly the frilly necktie with an embeded gem.

"Thanks, I guess." Beltrand's short and unsure answer.

"Sophia. Just wearing the priestess' dress would not cut it."

"But this is the least elaborate of my wardrobe!" Sophia protest.

"But you look like... Sorry for saying this, a member of some cult if viewed on my world."

"Tsk... Whatever." Sophia just said then pouts.

"And Shirna, your the most fantasy looking of all of them especially your shoulder cape."

"Sorry Mateo." Shirna just apologize.

"The only one that suitable is Clautrine's outfit."

Hearing Mateo's word. Sophia, Shirna and Beltrand looks to Claustrine who just give them a stare. In their mind, Claustrine's attire is truely different with her brown khaki pants with fancu belt, long sleeve tucked in white blouse and black heeled sandals. An outfit that they just see in the first time. They return their look to Mateo, now with a disgranted stare.

"Wow... Now I wish we got an early access to your world right?" Beltrand's words.

"You meanie." Sophia said followed by pouting.

"Bahala na. Just let deal with that later. Come in guys." Mateo just ignore their complaints and invites them inside.

Mateo's friends enters the home and then he proceeds to close all of the windows. The four just watch in awe as Mateo summons the door to his world.

Mateo opens the door and invites his friends to go inside. Sophia, Beltrand and Shirna are equally mesmerized and curious as Claustrine when she first visits Mateo's world.

The see all the unfamiliar things in Mateo's room like the computer, consoles, the different "Paintings" and many more.

"So this is Mateo's world huh?" Beltrand said.

"You barely scratched the surface. There more things to come." Claustrine said.

The party now exits Mateo's room and go downstairs. When they ready to reach the first floor, they stop walking as they got greeted by Ligaya who heared the foot steps.

"For god sake Mateo! It's already been a month and you don't even-"

Ligaya halts talking when she saw that Mateo is not alone and in fact brings all of his close friends.

"Rey! Come here quick!"

Hearing the call, Reymundo soon appears.

"What's wrong?"

Reymundo is confuses at the sudden call of his wife. But he soon see Grand Ecstasy looking at them with curious expression.

"We need to go to the palengke right now."

"Gonne get the Tricycle keys..." Reymundo short response than walks away.

30 minutes later...

"Woooo! So hot!" Beatrice screams as she enters the house. But she didn't expected the scene in the living room.

"Eh?" Beatrice is surprised to see unfamiliar faces casually sitting so close in front of the Smart TV.

"It looks like Mateo's pown and laptap..." Beltrand said while touching the screen. "Weird, it seems that it doesn't respond on touch unlike the Pown."

"We're in another world right? Why we understand what the people inside the rectangle says?" Shirna asked.

Everyone seems didn't notice Beatrice prescence so she decides to speak to get their attention.

"Hello? Who are you?"

Sophia, Beltrand and Shirna response to the unfamiliar voice. But they seems don't know what to say.

The two side just put in a short staring contest until Claustrine enters the scene holding a pitcher of juice and some glasses.

"Trinne long time no see!!!" Beatrice's excitement when she finally see a familiar face. She walks quickly and greet Claustrine.

"Hello Bea. Long time no see indeed..." Claustrine said then gives a sweet smile.

"Why you take so long to visit again? Did something happen?"

"It's a long story but we're fine now. Thanks for your worries."

Claustrine puts the pitcher and glasses in the table.

"Anyway... Who are these people?" Beatrice asked as she notices again that the the three are curious on their surroundings.

"They're our party members and friends. Hey guys. This is Mateo's sister. Please introduce yourselves."

After learning that Beatrice is their friend's sister. The three stand up and gives a proper introduction.

"I'm Beltrand Fischer... It's an honor to meet you." Beltrand said then gives a proper bow.

"Hello! My name is Sophia Amstrend! Nice to meet you!" Sophia gives a more ethusiatically introduction.

"Shirna Eaglesight, nice to meet you." Shirna gives it simple.

"I'm Beatrice Agbayani. Don't be shy and feel at home ok? It's my pleasure to meet my brother's friends."

Beatrice then shakes the hand of each of them.

"Anyway... Where's ma and pa?"

"They said they're going to a palingkey?" Claustrine said while unsure if she said palengke right.

"They must already see you then and rushing to buy a good lunch. Then how about my brother?"

"Ahhhmmm... Mateo said that he's going to visit an old friend."

"I see... Anyway, if you have any question. Don't feel shy to ask me ok?" Beatrice says then winks with a smile to the newcomers.

"Yes ma'am." The three answers politely.

.

.

.

.

Mateo is currently in the Naic town plaza, in front of an elaborated store named "Glimmer & Co". The store is decorated to be high class as possible with some jewelry displayed in front, protected by bullet proof glass.

Mateo parks his motorcycle in side and proceeds to go inside the store. He was greeted by a store and intimidating man acting as guard.

The guards stone cold expression is changed into a slight smile once he recognized the one the enters the shop.

"Oh... It's been a while sir." The guard's greetings.

"Long time no see Jack. Is Ailan here?"

"He is sir. You can proceed in his office. He also be glad to see you for sure."

"Thanks."

Mateo walks further inside while looking at the arrangement of jewelries made of gold, silver and expensive gems. He also see few people meticulously looking at the goods.

Mateo now reach the door to the backrooms where another guard stand by. This time he's smaller but Mateo knows he's hidding something on his waist. The guard didn't say anything, just smiles and opens the door.

Mateo now walks the hallway with numerous room with different machinery and personels until he reached his destination. Mateo knocks three times.

"Enter!"

"Mateo follows the voice and enters the room, he was greeted by a man that seems anticipated his arrival. Behind the man are numerous CCTV screens showing different parts of the shop from outside to inside.

If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

"Long time no see Pre."

"Yeah. It's been a while Pre."

Ailan is one of Mateo's old classmate and the owner of Glimmer & Co. He's slightly smaller to Mateo with a slender build and dark skin. But Ailan always wears a confident aura around him.

Mateo sits in the swivelling chair in front of Ailan's desk and place a pouch on the table. Ailan picks the pouch and opens it, Ailan is amazed.

"Pre... This is seems a lot more gold coins unlike the last time. Is there an emergency?" Ailan's concerned question. It's not the first time he recieves such amount of gold coins but when he do, it sometimes means either emergency or a huge buy on something.

Inside the pouch are 8 gold coins. Each weight 5 grams.

"It's not really an Emergency. I just have some guess that needs great accomedations."

"Guess you say?" At first, Ailan is confused and then he laughs when he realized what it means.

"So you finally bring an otherworlder in Earth?! Nice!"

"Yeah. To be honest, I messed up real bad."

"What do you mean?"

"One of my partymembers investigated me. Use a stealth spell, followed me and then we're here."

After hearing Mateo's explanation. Ailan laughs harder.

"You really fucked up good pre. So how many people you bring?"

"4 people."

"4? Isn't that too many?"

"At first, it supposed to be 1 but a series of unfortunate events happened."

Then Mateo proceeds to tell what happened to them in the Reverse Tower and his gamble that leads for the others to learn about his world. Ailan seems more serious as usual.

"I see... I'm glad you and your party managed to stay alive."

"Thanks. Anyway, how much I get for that?" Mateo asked.

"120,000 Pesos. Is that enough?"

Mateo as usual is not surprised on the lower price of gold coins. It's part of their agreement and in stricter terms, a contract.

And recieving lower price is better if the person is a trustworthy individual who truly respect his secrets and also a reliable source of cash. And there's an abundance of gold coins he can work his ass off in the Grimael anyway.

"Yes... That's enough."

Ailan picks the gold coins then he walks to the safe hidden behind one of the monitor. Ailan places the gold coins inside and takes a bundle of cash before closing the safe for good.

After seating down. Ailan counts and gives 120,000 Pesos to Mateo who gladly accepts the money.

"Thank you pre."

"Welcome pre. Anyway, how you planning to spend that money? Just curious."

"The usual. Shopping, eating on different restaurants and other fun activities. Also, I'm buying some expensive alcohols."

"Expensive alcohols? You're not the kind that spend money for such leisure."

"You know me very well. Yes. Those drinks are gifts."

"Are you planning on bringing an alcohol from Earth to another world? Isn't that too risky?" Ailan asked with a concerned look on his face. Mateo just smile.

"Don't worry. I have a plan. I also know the risk."

"Ok, if you say so. Who is the lucky one that gonna taste those alcohols anyway?"

"Ah. It's a man from a noble family who also saves us from the recent adventure I told earlier."

Hearing the word "Noble Family". Ailan is intrigued.

"Wait a minute pre."

Ailan walks to the door beside her and stays for a moment before leaving the room now bringing a paper bag.

"What is that?" Mateo asked.

"A gift."

Ailan then reveal the content of the paper bag and Mateo's eyes becomes wide open.

"Jenessie OX Cognac, 700ml. This is the thing you should gift to a nobleman."

"P-p-re... Isn't that... E-expensive?" Mateo is shocked.

"Yeah pre. 80,000 pesos."

"80K!? Sorry pre but I don't have the money to buy that."

"Who said that you're going to pay for this?" Ailan's confused question.

Ailan returns the Cognac inside the paper bag and push it towards Mateo.

"Here. Take it."

"B-but why? Isn't this remove the purpose of selling my gold coins earlier?" Mateo is dumbstruck.

"Naahh. I Don't mind it. Just treat it as some sort of investment in my part."

"Investment?"

"Yeah. You, having a closer friendship with a nobleman. You should use the opportunaty to get his favor. Trust me, it's going to be super beneficial for you later on."

"How so?"

"Because connections. It's better to have a connection in the high society."

Mateo thinks for a moment then smiles.

"I understand. But still, It's ok for you to send such expensive thing to me?"

Ailan pats Mateo in the shoulder.

"Of course. Compared to what you did in the past 2 years for me. Giving 80,000 pesos is nothing."

"I see... I glad you feel that way." Mateo's appreciation.

"Pre it's getting cheesy right now. Maybe you should go, your guests are waiting for your return."

Mateo laughs.

"Oh I almost forgot. Pre, do you know a shop that make tailored suits?"

"Ohhhh? Yes pre, I know someone. But why you suddenly wants a suit."

"As you said so. We're getting involved on a noble. So its better to show ourselves in presentable way right?"

Ailan nods, agreeing on Mateo's explanation.

"Very well. Just visit this shop and show them this card.

Ailan gives 2 business cards. One shows a "Del Paz suits and tailoring" and its address. While the other card is a business card for Ailan's jewelry business.

"Thanks a lot."

"No problem pre. Enjoy your vacation!"

"Of course. See you next time pre."

"See'ya."

Mateo leaves the Glimmer & Co. on a happy note. Now having the cash and a bonus expensive booze. Mateo travels back home with the motorcycle.

After some time, Mateo safely got home and sees that Claustrine is still teaching the other three about the basics but now Beatrice also helps. Claustrine notices Mateo.

"Oh Mateo. Welcome back. Where have you been?"

"I just get some funds. Anyway, how about mom?"

"She's in the kitchen, cooking." Claustrine says.

Mateo plays the paper bag containing the Jenessie. His friends notice it instantly.

"What is that?" Beltrand asked.

"That's a whiskey."

"Ohhh... Are we going to drink that?" Beltrand asked.

"No. That's a gift for Sir Gilmore. Let's save the drinking for the later days."

"If you say so."

Mateo notices again the outfit of his friends.

"Guys. We really need to change your clothes."

"Is our outfit really that eyecatching?" Sophia asked.

"Eyecatching to the point that people would see you as weird."

"To that extent!?" Sophia's shocked expression.

"Yup. Sis, can you lend your clothes to Sophia?"

"Leave it to me! But how about her?" Beatrice excitely points her finger to Shirna. Mateo just scratch his head.

"Sis. Shirna is a he."

"Eh?" Beatrice is shocked on the revelation.

"Hehehe~" Shirna just laugh out of embarassment.

"It's refreshing that I'm not the only one that have that expression." Beltrand said.

"Ahmm ok... I'm surprised. I mean, she- I mean, he's really look like a cute girl!"

"Really sis? Of all things, you didn't question Shirna's ears."

"Ah! That's right! Why her- his ears looks so long pointy?"

"Because I'm an Elf. A Moon Elf to be exact." Shirna's answer.

Beatrice moves closer to Shirna and touch Shirna's ears to his surprised.

"Ohhhh... It's amazing to see an Elf in real life. It feels real and not rubbery."

"Sis. You making Shirna uncomfortable."

Beatrice realized what she just done and quickly backs off.

"I'm sorry. I just get excited."

"I-It's ok." Shirna shyly said.

"Sis find a clothes for Sophia already."

"Ok fine. Sophia, Claustrine. Follow me." Beatrice invites the two. Claustrine gladly follows while Sophia is hesistant at first but she soon follows when Claustrine ensures her.

"Mateo? How about me? I'm too large for your clothes to fit. Even your father's clothes seems not suitable."

Mateo agrees on Beltrand. So he thinks for a while and then remembers something.

"I believe I still have my larger clothes. Maybe we can try that for you."

"Ohhhh... Now I'm intrigued." Beltran's curious reaction with anticipation.

"Mateo... Is there clothes that would fit in me?" Shirna asked.

"Ahh don't worry. I would ask my younger brother to lend you some clothes."

Jade enters the house and instantly recognized his brother.

"Oh big bro. It's been a while."

"Speaking of the devil. Jade."

"Yes?"

"Can you lend Shirna some of your clothes?" Mateo asked as he pats Shirna's head.

"Heyy stop patting my head pleaseee..." Shirna's soft protest.

Jade looks to Shirna with confusion.

"Well, It's fine for me to lend some clothes but are you sure? I mean, she's a girl."

"Ah don't worry. Shirna is a boy."

"For real?" Jade's question.

"Yes."

"Wow... By the way. Nice to meet you Shirna. And you brother? Who are you?" Jade asked Beltrand. He is looking up due to Beltrand's height.

"I'm Beltrand kiddo. Nice to meet you."

"But I'm not a kid though. Anyway, is Claustrine also here?"

"She's with Beatrice right now alongside Sophia." Mateo's answer.

"I see. It seems you really bring the whole party with you. Ok I have to go, gonna search for some clothes.

"Ok thanks bro. Shirna, you should go with him." Mateo's suggestion.

"Is that really ok?"

"Of course. It's better so you can try the clothes yourself."

"O-ok. Thanks a lot!"

Shirna follows Jade to his room. Mateo can hear that the two are talking about Shirna's ears.

"Ok Beltrand. Let's go to my room and find a clothes for you."

After some time, Mateo and Beltrand is looking on the clothes laying on the floor and the bed. They have a dissatisfied look on their eyes.

"Nothing really fit on you. Damn."

"It should really not a surprise. We have completely different size." Beltrand says while holding a shirt which too small for her.

Beltrand and Mateo slumps on the bed.

"We have no choice but to use those older clothes."

"What do you mean?"

"I have even larger clothes that I used to wear years ago. But those are not really good looking. We might use those for a moment before we visit a clothing store." Mateo explained.

"Ohhhh... You seems want to buy some clothes for us. Thanks a lot!" Beltrand gets excited.

"No problem. It's already a plan since I told you guys about my world. Also, I already bought clothes for Claustrine so all of you should also have the same."

"I appreciate it my friend."

Mateo sits down and look under his bed. He throw some of the clothes laying in the floor to the bed to make space for a sizable box he pulled under his bed.

"I just wondering Mateo."

"What is it?" Mateo asked while looking on the inside of the box.

"Why is that your family doesn't seem worried about you?"

"Dude. What a sad question. But don't worry, I understand and the truth is they really care for me."

"My apologies. But still, you went missing for a month. They should already question you once they see you fine and alive right?" Beltrand's honest question.

Mateo answer Beltrand's question while not looking at him as he was busy searching for clothes.

"Maybe because they're already expected it on my side. I guess?"

"What do you mean?"

"Just remember the 4 years of adventures we have. How many times we go on a quest that we spent weeks or months in the wilderness? The longest is that 2 months quest right? Me constantly now showing myself for a long time probably make them desensetized."

"That make sense." Beltrand remembers.

"But I can still feel that they care for me. And I cherish them as family."

"I guess you're right. They also willing help us and shows us great hospitality. Having someone waiting for you, it must be feel nice."

Mateo pause for a moment after hearing Beltrand's words. Mateo nods and smile.

"The first time they see me when I managed to return to Earth 2 years after I suddenly teleported to Grimael. Not gonna lie, their reaction is heartwrecking." Mateo's sudden story.

"How long do you live in our world?"

"5 years."

"But. Our party is founded 4 years ago. What happened to that 1 year?"

"I'm sorry. I don't want to recall it."

Beltrand just close his eyes and nods.

"Sorry for me asking."

"It's fine. It doesn't bother me that much anymore."

Mateo stands up and shows the clothes to Beltrand who shows a look of disbelief.

"I don't mind the fashion as I have no Idea on your world. But, is that really your clothes bro?" Beltrand asked.

"Of course."

"But... That clothes are too big for you."

Mateo gives an annoyed look to Beltrand then he opens his phone, goes to his Facebook profile, click a photo and show it to Beltrand.

"Who is that?" Beltrand asked.

"Thats me."

...

..

.

"NO WAAAAAYYYY!!! REALLY!?" Beltrand is shocked.

"MATEO! THE FOOD IS READY SO LET'S EAT!" Ligaya's call.

"COMING! Beltrand, wear those clothes and let's go to the kitchen. Lunch is ready."

"O-ok..." Beltrand short answer. Still surprised on what he see.

Going back in the living room. Mateo sees that his friends are now clothed approrietly.

Sophia wears an casual dress with little floral patterns and a comfortable flat sandals.

Beltrand wears a black below-the-knee cargo shorts and navy blue polo shirt that barely even fit to Beltrand that it shows his toned muscles. He still wears his brown leather shoes as there's no shoes that can fit on him.

Shirna wears a fit blue jeans, white T-shirt covered by an open dark summer flannel and black sneakers.

"You look so beautiful Sophia." Shirna's compliment.

"Thanks. You look stylish with your attire. I love it." Sophia compliments back.

"I feel so constrained." Beltrand's said while touching his chest.

"C'mon. It's not really that bad. Besides, you look cool unlike when I wear that." Mateo's compliment.

"Really?"

"Yes, besides your leather shoes which seems out-of-place. We need to find you a good shoes first."

"Nice. I want leather shoes the most."

"Got it."

"You guys look amazing." Claustrine commented.

"Look at us Claustrine. You're not the only one that wears unique outfit now." Shirna brags followed by a proud smug.

"Yeah yeah. We look so fabulous." Sophia's proud expression. Her shy demeanor earlier completely dissapeared.

Claustrine just chuckled.

"Fine fine I accept defeat. But I'm still the first though. Hehe."

"Hmph!" Sophia pouts.

"How about you Mateo?" Claustrine asked while looking at Mateo who wears a simple white T-Shirt with a small logo on its left chest, jean shorts and leather sandals.

"Yes."

"Are you going to eat or what?" Ligaya's call as she suddenly shows up while still holding a laddle.

Minutes later, everyone gathered on the large wooden table and Beltrand, Claustrine, Shirna and Sophia is excited to try the Kare-Kare which is a new food for them. The smell alone makes their appatite go haywire.

"Let's eat." Ligaya's invitation.

Everyone enjoys the wholesome lunch full of stories told by Grand Ecstasy. About their fantastic adventures in Grimael while Agbayani family listen with full ethusiasm.