Somehow this adventure turned into an outfit showcase. Yukina first walked out in something she usually wore.
A white dress shirt and a pair of black jeans— she looked like a receptionist.. But knowing women, girls, I can't say that out loud.
"You look cute in that…" I said, trying to hide my thoughts.
"Doesn't she?! I haven't seen anyone look better in that!" Lora exclaimed whilst clapping. "C'mon try on some more!"
Won't happen… I watched as Yukina stared at me; first her face turned pale, then a slight red came onto her face.
"I-I-I think I'll be fine—" Yukina stuttered and turned her face. That's a first.
"C'monn…" Lora got to her feet and grabbed Yukina's hands. "You're a perfect model for these outfits."
"..."
…
"Miss Lora, Yukina is only fourteen.."
There was an awkward silence and Lora looked at me with a very serious look.
"Age doesn't matter… Also how is this beauty only fourteen?!"
"I don't know."
One day, Yukina went from a small girl… to this. It was random, Shen told us it was due to being ready for evolution.
"C-can you let go?"
"Oh, sure."
After some time had passed, Yukina went back to the changing room.
Lora quickly ran to her chair and crossed her legs. She started humming in an up beat manner. She's really enjoying this.
It took some more time but Yukina came out in another but black dress shirt. Difference? She was wearing the same colored shorts and tights.
"Hm…"
"You look great."
"...Thank you-"
Looks like that made her happy. I thought when Yukina smiled.
"Mister Shaun, why don't you give a better compliment?"
"... The clothes really suit her."
"What a lame compliment!"
"What else am I supposed to say?" I retorted and leaned back. All the other compliments were for Vivienna. Not my niece.
Lora shrugged and turned towards Yukina. She sent Yukina back to get changed a third time.
How long will this be…? From what I saw in the pile… Yukina didn't get much clothes… well unique ones.
"You look bored."
"I was going to get something to eat…" I mumbled.
"Well… Just wait. Girl to girl, Miss Yukina is having fun. I know as a man you are bored."
"..."
"Cat got your tongue?"
"Are you this persistent to every customer?" I asked. I could feel my heart start to beat fast.
"Nope~ Only ones I find interesting."
I rolled my eyes at her and turned off my hearing. For a shop owner that would be a terrible idea. Every customer needs to be treated as interesting.
Lora tried to speak to me. Time passed by as I waited for Yukina to walk out. Is this the last outfit?
For some reason it felt like she took half an hour. She finally walked out wearing the pants before and a sweater It was big on her— the sleeves were over her hands.
"Honestly, that's very cute on you." I said without thinking. "This outfit looks the best on you."
"Eh-?" Yukina let out. Her mouth hung for a moment before her face turned redder. "T-Thank you."
"Se- AH!"
"Don't say anything."
"Fineee…"
I shrugged at Lora. Yukina didn't go back into the changing room. Instead, Lora ran back to her counter and pulled out a leather bag.
Turns out the amount of clothes was larger than I thought. There were at least four pairs of each shirt… and different sweaters Yukina got.
Heck… I felt my own coins shiver at this amount.
"Oookay… Miss Yukina, everything will be five silver." Lora pushed the leather bag towards Yukina. She had a rather bright smile, but there was a slight… Low tone with her voice.
It was as if she was giving something away she did not want.
"... Actually just… take them." She continued when Yukina was ready to pay. "You're the first customer willing to pay in… a while."
"E-Eh? I-"
"Please Miss Yukina."
Why is she acting differently?
"..."
"Just take care of them."
"Thank you…"
Lora's smile turned a bit forced. I felt that she didn't want to speak anymore. Yukina I think did too as she tried to take the bag.
James won't like that. I snatched the bag from Yukina's hands.
We thanked Lora despite the annoying issues she had. She seemed a little sad, she was quieter when we turned to leave.
She… walked with us. Her shoes slowly clacked as the front door opened.
"Have a great day." Lora called out to us.
"See you."
…
Before I left, Lora pulled onto my arm. I felt her slip something papery into my palm.
She thanked Yukina and I, and gave us a smile then closed the door behind us.
I'll read it later. I shoved the paper into my pocket and turned my body to Yukina. She was standing there with a smirk.
"Where do you want to go next?" I asked whilst shoving the bag's handles on my shoulders. Hopefully somewhere less time consuming.
I could feel my patience running thin. I want to go back to my room.
"Can we go there?" Yukina asked, pointing at a shop across the street. "When we go back to adventuring, I need new gear."
… That hurts. My heart ached, she sounds so cheery. She said…
"Let's just go…"
"Sh-Shaun?"
It hurts. Did she recover that quickly? Does she think I want to return to that? After Vivienna?
Why can everyone else laugh…?
"Sh-.. I'm sorry…" Yukina probably read how I'm feeling. Her happy demeanor changed— her ears flattened to the lowest they could. "We don't have to go."
"..."
"I'll go by myself."
"No, let's go."
I keep forgetting she's fourteen. Why am I blaming her? I shook my head. Why can't… Shaun, get yourself together.
Stop blaming everyone. I couldn't protect my wife. Yukina… Yukina brought her ashes back. That was more than good enough. If it wasn't for her, not even that was going to come back.
I need to make it up to her for that… Why do I have to be like this?! Actually, I have an idea to make it up for her…
"Yukina, pick whatever you want in there." I pointed at the shop and said. "I'll pay for it, okay?"
"We…" Yukina replied after a brief pause. "We don't have to— I'll…"
"No, we're going now." I said and grabbed her hand. "C'mon, let's go!"
"..."
Yukina stayed silent as I pulled her across the street. She kept her head down when we walked into this blacksmithing shop.