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TL: ALT
Chapter 42 – Fabric Selection
As soon as the conversation turned to fabrics and tailoring, William’s demeanor became confident.
His calm demeanor suggested that he was pretty knowledgeable about the products.
“Our company has always counted members of the nobility among our clientele.”
“But… didn’t you say your focus was on commoners?”
“Mmm… Just because our company stocks goods hoping to trade with nobles doesn’t mean they’ll respond. However, we have always kept items on hand that would satisfy them in preparation for that day.”
So that’s it.
It would indeed be too late to scramble for goods only after a business opportunity arose.
It made perfect sense that they had stored rare items in preparation for that inevitable moment.
“If you can introduce me to Baron Moye, I have no hesitation about selling valuable goods.”
“Thank you. That’s a great help.”
Rare goods aren’t something you can simply buy with money.
They require intangible assets, such as connections and trust.
In retrospect, the meeting with William and the goods and connections they were able to offer each other had meshed together miraculously.
Had he not visited the Welcome Trading Company upon arriving in this other world, Wataru might have missed his chance early on.
“Do you have any preferred color tones?”
“Well, solid fabrics ranging from black to light gray would be helpful.”
“Is that really all right?”
“Yes, I don’t intend to tailor the fabric here. I’ll avoid naming specific countries, but in that region, more subdued colors are preferred.”
“I see. In that case, there seem to be more options than I expected.”
William flashed a look of disappointment.
His suspicion was understandable.
He’d probably assumed that Wataru wanted more vibrant colors.
Perhaps he was trying to show off some rare, flashy fabric. However, there was no way Wataru could wear a bright red suit to a business meeting.
He’d end up looking like a comedian.
While solid black and gray are considered less prestigious in this world, they are actually staple colors on Earth, suitable for everyday wear and various occasions, from weddings to funerals.
You could call it a cultural difference, but it was probably good that they were readily available.
William gave an order to an employee, who promptly left the room.
Their swift movements clearly showed the thorough training provided by the Welcome Trading Company.
Without much waiting, the employee returned with rolled-up fabrics.
“These are the ones. Since you probably want items for winter and spring, I recommend fabrics like these. Spun from silk by spider tribe maidens, Dryads, or Arlaune monsters, or woven from a sheep-like monster called a Barometz, these fabrics are favored by nobles.”
“Each has a subtly different feel.”
“How about this one for you, Master? It’s from a Barometz. It’s a sturdy fabric with a smooth texture. It’s very durable and should give an air of elegance when tailored.”
“I think the spider tribe’s would be good for spring wear. It’s incredibly strong, lightweight, and doesn’t wrinkle easily. It’s perfect for someone who moves around a lot, like you, Master.”
“Onee-sama, wouldn’t Dryad be better?”
The same material can exhibit different characteristics depending on the weave, such as plain weave, twill weave, and others.
As William laid the fabrics out on the table, Mariel, Aire, and Cloche instantly flushed and began to exchange opinions on which fabric would suit Wataru best.
Wataru lacked prior knowledge of these things, so he had no room to interject.
Of course, if the person had a preference, he wouldn’t insist. However, the fabrics all looked appealing at first glance.
Wataru decided he would make the final call on the fabric selection. Meeting William’s gaze, Wataru decided to ask about tailors instead.
“Regarding tailors, allow me to introduce the shop we use. It’s a skilled workshop. I’m sure you’ll be satisfied.”
“An artisan from this town?”
“Yes, they’re located in the craftsmen’s district, but the location might be tricky to find. If you’re heading there now, I’ll have the apprentice guide you.”
“Thank you. Then let’s get started right away.”
“That said, choosing the fabric might take a little longer.”
Seeing William glance sideways, Wataru nodded with a wry smile.
The discussion was heating up, and it was still unclear which fabric would be chosen.
“I think this one is—”
“For Master, it has to be this—!”
“No, no! The one I chose—!”
Wataru would have to wait a while for things to settle down.
He spent his time pondering what he should present to Baron Moye.
Author Note: When William said it would probably be winter or spring, he meant that the tailoring process takes at least three months and often takes six months.
(In this workshop, with its intricate embroidery and decorations, the effort required is multiplied many times over.)
Chapter 43 – Craftsmen’s Street
Ultimately, fabrics from the spider tribe and the Alraune were chosen.
The spider tribe’s silk was spun into a deep black cloth with a lustrous sheen. It was smooth and slippery to the touch yet terrifyingly resilient.
Ordinary scissors or needles couldn’t pierce it. Even when Wataru pulled with all his might, it wouldn’t tear.
Visually beautiful and comfortable to wear, it was also a material that professionals, such as nobles and politicians in need of protection, as well as motorcycle racers prone to terrifying crashes, would desperately covet.
The Alraune is a plant-type monster.
Its fibers didn’t hinder movement and seemed well-suited for protection against cold and heat.
The fibers remained incredibly strong with guaranteed bulletproof and cut-resistant properties.
This one was dyed a bright gray, seemingly perfect for a glamorous banquet.
“Master! We’ve decided on the fabric!”
“You all made excellent choices. Thank you.”
“Though it wasn’t chosen this time, the Barometz I recommended is also an excellent material.”
“We might use it for a banquet or something. I’ll consider whether we’ll need it next winter.”
Mariel, whose suggestion wasn’t chosen this time, sounded slightly displeased, so Wataru tried to cheer her up.
While the Barometz may lack toughness and durability, its smooth coat, luxurious feel, and high-quality sheen make it a first-class material.
While Aire and Cloche prioritized Wataru’s safety, followed by his appearance, Mariel prioritized social suitability.
The more famous Wataru becomes, the greater the potential danger to his life.
For that reason, a protective material was chosen this time.
If he could obtain a more resilient coat or superior protective accessories in the future, his attire would likely change again.
Ultimately, Wataru wanted a more casual approach to ensuring his safety, considering how his own input had been disregarded.
“So this fabric will be used for tailoring?”
“Ah, no. That’s not it. I plan to take this back with me.”
“Hmm, what could that mean?”
William was confused.
These fabrics were intended to be made into suits on Earth.
Even if they were made in this world, they’d be meaningless if they were incompatible with the culture.
“I intend to use this fabric in my homeland. I brought some rare fabric from my homeland to this country and thought I might have it made into something here.”
“Hoho… That sounds interesting. Might I have a look?”
“Hmm, that’s a surprise best saved for when it’s finished.”
“Well, now. You’re quite skilled at teasing! I can’t force you to show it to me, but you’ve certainly piqued my curiosity!”
William leaned forward, clearly intrigued. However, Wataru had no intention of expanding his business to include fabrics just yet.
If he showed it to William and piqued his interest, the merchant would surely start scheming about how to market it.
That was something he wanted to avoid if possible.
How would the tailor perceive this Earth-sourced fabric?
Expectation and anxiety mingled together. Meeting the tailor was both something he looked forward to and dreaded.
〇〇〇
As the name Black Wolf Clan suggests, Cloche has black eyes and hair.
While her pelvis and leg length are unusually long by Japanese standards, her distinctive coloring is familiar to Japanese people.
As previously arranged, she purchased personal items at the Welcome Trading Company.
On a side note, she purchased her undergarments in Japan, encouraged by Mariel and Aire.
She carried several bags stuffed to the brim with a cheerful smile.
She looked just like a woman who’d gone on a shopping spree during the New Year sales.
They must be pretty heavy, yet she doesn’t look the slightest bit burdened—it must be due to her exceptional physical abilities.
The other day, Wataru playfully challenged Cloche to an arm wrestling match and was soundly defeated.
He never felt he stood a chance.
After that, he suffered another crushing defeat at the hands of Aire.
He barely won against Mariel, who is human. Since then, Wataru has started weight training.
“This way, dear customer!”
“Thank you. It’s fine to go slowly.”
“Understood!”
The apprentice boy from the Welcome Trading Company led the way with brisk steps.
He was a short beastman from the Squirrel tribe who looked like an elementary school student.
His plump, rosy cheeks made him appear even more childlike.
The craftsmen’s district in Southern Ship Town was somewhat distant, and Craftsmen’s Street, with its narrow alleys, was densely packed with buildings. Some passages were so narrow that it was difficult to pass each other.
The area was filled with a different kind of clamor than the commercial district—the sounds of hammers, running water, and crackling fire as charcoal popped.
“Well now, what a cute little thing.”
“Master, could it be that you have a taste…?”
“Master… weren’t we enough to satisfy you?”
“How disgusting…! How filthy!”
“N-no, no! I’m an adult now. Seeing a child try so hard just makes me smile. Wait, what’s with that look? You don’t believe me?”
“…No, that’s not it.”
“I also believe Master.”
Wataru was offended by the slaves’ blatant distrust and flippant remarks.
He was determined to make them understand thoroughly tonight.
Wataru didn’t understand the appeal of childish things.
However, he was exceptionally sensitive to the slaves’ attitudes.
Veins bulging, he didn’t notice the glance exchanged between Aire and Cloche.
The two quietly shielded his figure, positioning themselves in front of and behind him to protect him from the leering eyes and ill will.
The craftsmen’s district was narrow, dim, and chaotic.
Behind the creation of wonderful goods, many forms of malice also took root there.
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Perhaps some bad guys are hiding and waiting for an opportunity?🤨
Thanks for the treat.
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