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Chapter 39 – Tailored Clothing
Wataru, who used to be a struggling web writer, has recently found himself encountering more and more top athletes and celebrities. In another world, he has also met wealthy merchants and nobles.
The more he meets individuals who are highly regarded by society, the more he notices how many of them have solid figures.
Ryota, his former ordinary childhood friend, has transformed into a very attractive man.
Even after his voice broke and his career declined, Mitsuru Wakai still maintained first-class charisma.
“Everyone’s so stylish, huh?”
“Yes, I felt like most people had established their own distinct style.”
“Baseball players are muscular, so a lot of clothes probably don’t fit them well, but they manage to pull it off.”
Perhaps there are individuals who specialize in that type of styling.
Having money is one reason, but being in a business where you’re constantly seen by others is probably a major factor.
Of course, there are IT CEOs who wear the same shirt year-round or show up to press events in T-shirts, but most people pay attention to their clothes.
Wataru wasn’t deeply interested in fashion. His stance was that as long as he wasn’t sloppy, it was fine. But lately, his perspective has shifted slightly.
Besides, it wasn’t just about himself. Mariel and Aire dressed in ways that highlighted their beauty and natural assets.
He hadn’t bought a full set of Cloche clothes yet, but he suspected they’d be on the same level.
When he thought about standing beside them, he wondered if he might look inferior.
Above all, after seeing Mariel’s behavior at the academy, he couldn’t help but feel that clothing held far more significance in the other world than he’d imagined.
“Mariel, will my current attire be acceptable when I handle business negotiations with nobles?”
“Some of the clothes you own are sufficient, but others are problematic.”
“Specifically?”
“Well, this product is new, and the fabric is sturdy.”
“That’s obvious, isn’t it?”
“No, the Welcome Trading Company didn’t discriminate against customers, from nobles to slaves. Many of them were probably dirty from doing day labor or similar work. Maintaining a clean appearance requires a certain level of wealth.”
“Ah, I see. Over there, even bathing daily is difficult.”
“Yes, your clean appearance alone is a significant advantage. However, many of the garments are overly simple in terms of decoration and stitching. It wouldn’t be surprising if they were perceived as lacking in status.”
“Decoration, huh? What I’m wearing now has no embroidery, and it’s just one color.”
It’s from UniWhite, a globally renowned apparel brand originating in Japan, yet it’s extremely simple. [T/N: Uniqlo reference.]
It’s a garment devoid of any decorative elements whatsoever.
However, wealthy individuals in other worlds often adorn themselves extensively, as exemplified by their enchanted accessories. Their clothing, like Mariel’s frilly dresses, places great importance on ornamentation.
Opulence over simplicity.
The attire of Meiji-era nobility or the bubble era might be a better reference point.
“Also, the fabrics are often vividly colored. As a merchant, wouldn’t you recognize that?”
“Are pale or dark colors not good?”
“Yes, fabrics with vivid colors that stand out at a glance are treasured even by nobles. Especially crimson and bright purple—those are colors reserved solely for royalty and the highest nobility.”
There’s a reason nobles and the wealthy wear such luxurious clothing.
The abundance of visual signals in their appearance clearly indicated the social hierarchy within a feudal society.
It was necessary to clearly show lower-ranking individuals so that they wouldn’t accidentally offend those above them.
Without this system, one might make a terrible mistake.
For example, you might mistake someone dressed shabbily for a hired janitor and treat them rudely, only to discover they were actually a high-ranking executive.
“Also, how well the clothes fit your body is important.”
“I do wear clothes that fit my build, right?”
“For ordinary business meetings, your regular clothes are perfectly fine. Nobles like Baron Moye, who understand commoners well, would also be fine.”
“So, there are nobles who aren’t like that?”
“Yes, but it’s best to avoid meeting them. However, given how active you are, Master, you might be suddenly summoned—perhaps to provide sugar or baking powder.”
“So, the problem is when that happens?”
“Yes, while sitting or standing properly is important, a well-made garment won’t restrict movement, and wrinkles will smooth out quickly. Without such quality, you might be looked down upon.”
Hearing Mariel’s prediction, Wataru felt uneasy.
Since even nobles are interested in sugar, they use the Welcome Trading Company as an intermediary.
If cross-cultural communication ended with, “You’re rude; you shall be beheaded,” it would be unbearable.
Still, if he continues selling primarily in the other world, it’s unavoidable.
This led to his decision to acquire a formal outfit.
“Materials from the other world, tailored on Earth. Materials from Earth tailored in the other world. This combination is recommended for you, Master.”
Chapter 40 – About Tailored Clothing
In early October, they decided to make clothes bold enough to impress royalty and wealthy merchants. Then came the tricky problem of where to source the materials and who to entrust with the tailoring.
Finding a tailor on Earth was a matter of research.
Overseas, however, they had more options: they could rely on Britain’s famous Savile Row, commission Neapolitan tailoring, or approach one of Japan’s renowned master tailors.
Rare or high-quality fabrics from Earth weren’t completely unobtainable.
What Wataru found unfamiliar was the situation in this other world.
Where should he source the fabric? Which artisans should he rely on?
Naturally, the first step was to consult Mariel and the others he trusted.
“If we’re having clothes made in Mariel’s world, is the royal capital still the best place?”
“There’s no doubt they have the greatest variety and quality. However, rumors spread quickly there. People would likely find out immediately where the fabric came from or who made it based on the tailoring style.”
“I see. That would be problematic.”
Since he sells goods from another world, wearing clothes made from exceptionally rare materials could be useful during business negotiations.
He only wears them at crucial moments to add prestige or spark conversation. Drawing unnecessary attention is not his intention.
Ideally, he would earn money without meeting nobles or wealthy merchants.
It’s probably best to avoid methods that draw attention to himself.
When Wataru agreed, Mariel smiled and shared her suggestion.
“Personally, I think it’s worth checking if there are any famous artisans in Southern Ship Town or Azure Stream Town. Another option is to use the gate to explore towns we haven’t visited yet and have clothes made there.”
“I see. By the way, where did you get yours made, Mariel?”
“We used the artisans in our own town. Keeping noble-level techniques alive and reinvesting money back into the community is part of the feudal lord’s family duties.”
“Hmm. If they’re skilled, relying on them could be an option.”
“I’m not sure. I wouldn’t say they’re unskilled, but compared to the top tailors in the capital, I’d say they’re a notch or two lower in caliber.”
It seems she doesn’t really recommend it.
Wataru’s brows furrowed in concern.
Are there skilled craftsmen in Southern Ship Town?
Perhaps he would have to ask William, the well-informed one, again.
“Do mercenaries like Aire or Cloche wear custom-made clothes?”
“Only the leaders or negotiators wear that sort of thing. The rest don’t. Besides, most of us don’t stay in one place long enough to commission custom clothes.”
“The Black Wolf Clan purchased ready-made clothes once they were finished.”
“Did the sizes fit? I mean, the proportions are different between beastfolk and humans, right?”
“Of course we had them altered on the spot. They’re used to it and finish within days! Master, I want spare clothes, too!”
“Oh, of course. I have business at the trading company today, so wait a bit. After I’m done, I’ll buy some clothes for Cloche too.”
“That’s wonderful, Cloche.”
“Yes, I’m looking forward to it!”
Unlike Mariel and Aire, who brought nothing with them, Cloche spent time in the capital, so she has the bare minimum.
Therefore, apart from consumables like toothbrushes, Wataru has not yet purchased daily necessities or clothing for her. However, since they will continue living together, it would be wise to prepare her belongings properly soon.
“Also, Master, I think it’s about time we checked if any slaves have been added.”
“The alchemist one, huh? Is the warehouse inventory still okay?
“There’s probably room to spare, but since we’re going anyway, why not take as much as we can carry?”
“Yeah, you’re right. We’re going through the gate anyway. Aire and Cloche, take the sugar and coffee to the warehouse later.”
“Got it!”
“Understood.”
Hearing their energetic replies, Wataru nodded in return.
He hoped to hear some good news.
〇〇〇
Since they left for the royal capital, the Welcome Trading Company had felt unusually hectic.
Employees were constantly coming and going, and the atmosphere inside felt unsettled.
Had something happened?
“…It feels different than usual.”
“Aire, have you noticed anything?”
“Hmm. Everyone seems kind of flustered.”
“Indeed. Even my nose can sense everyone’s agitation.”
If Aire and Cloche say so, it must be true.
Only a few things can deceive their ears or noses.
After waiting a little while inside the shop, William arrived hurriedly.
“Well, well, well! Wataru-sama, welcome to our trading company!”
“Hello, William-san. Is something the matter?”
“Indeed! It’s big news!”
William motioned for Wataru and the others to follow him inside.
Just what on earth happened?
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