As it turns out, Elisa's dish might have just claimed its rightful place as my favorite. Her French Onion Soup approximation, inspired by the Earth recipe and modified by the local cuisine, is probably a touch too sweet for the average person. And the execution is not what I would call flawless. But I don't care. All these imperfections, and I still think this is the best thing I have ever eaten. Won't tell her that, tough. Maybe tease her a little.

"This is the best thing I have ever eaten," I say, failing my mission immediately. Good try, me.

Elisa puts her spoon down. "Thank you. But you don't have to exaggerate, I know you appreciate the gesture."

"I am not exaggerating."

"Oh. Thanks." The spoon is quickly engaged again, hoping to conceal a slight blush.

I pretend not to notice, returning to my meal, trying to savor it as much as possible.

We soon finish up, and I head home, letting Elisa have her sleep. After all, she has class the following morning. This is the first time she'll be running it since I got here actually. A small hiatus not at all connected with a certain AI. No siree. I should ask her if it's okay to peek. Or maybe not. Let her do her thing in peace, and I might just enroll in the next one.

Before going back to my apartment, I swing by the dedicated postage teleporter at the dorm, maintained in part by the Guild. This variation of the enchanted tool only has a receptacle for conventional letters and a few buttons with numbers and characters. An accompanying enchanted book has all the available postage boxes in the city and their associated codes.

I scribble a quick note, stick it in the slot, and input the beastfolk residence. Preceded by a weird whooshing sound, the note is gone.

While in the middle of the short ascent to my apartment, I've already received a reply. Once I'm inside, I pull out the much more put together letter and free its contents. Huh, Khi has really beautiful handwriting. How did she even manage to write a reply so fast and still make it look so neat...

Anyway, the dinner is scheduled. And the location is a proper fancy restaurant, not the half measure I took the beastfolk to. This can only mean one thing—my regular clothing will not suffice. That might be a big problem. Fortunately for me, I have the perfect solution.

***

Erysis purses her lips and regards me with utmost scrutiny. "Turn around," she commands.

I reluctantly comply. When I am facing her again, I say, "Can we just choose something, Mom. I'm bored."

"Shush." She rummages through a stack of dinner-appropriate attire, pulling out outfit number hell-if-I-know. "Try this one on."

Nexen is in a far-away corner of the shop, sitting in one of the obligatory chairs, and flipping through the latest issue of some dungeon journal. I can distinctly feel him try to not make eye contact. He was involved in the selection process in the beginning, but after we passed outfit number three, left matters to the professionals. Or so he said.

The proprietor of the shop is enabling Erysis by bringing over another bundle of clothing. He drops the newest addition over the growing pile and starts waiting for me to finish changing as well.

When I pull open the curtain and present myself, both he and Erysis shake their heads in unison.

Maybe outfit hell-if-I-know plus one will satisfy her. I won't hold my breath, though.

***

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

It did not. The proprietor even apologized to her for some reason. Not his fault Union and beastfolk fashion is somewhat different. And in the first place...

"Why do I have to follow beastfolk fashion?" I ask.

Erysis looks at me like I asked the silliest question in the world. "You don't. I just think it'll make a good impression. You want to make a good impression, right? Remember, you are a representative of the Guild."

"I guess..."

"Don't worry, Lucius, I know a few ateliers that take custom orders. We'll get you the perfect outfit." She adopts a sly smile. "Because the Princess isn't the only person you are trying to impress, right?" Curse you, and your impeccable intuition.

"I have a better idea," I say. "Follow me." Erysis and Nexen curiously do.

As our destination comes into view, Nexen asks, "The Guild?"

Erysis adds, "I don't know any tailors around here. Someone new?"

"Something like that," I say.

When we head directly for the Guild Hall, the two share a few confused looks. When we enter, they are split on whether I am trying to escape, or if the search for clothing finally got to me. At least that's what their hushed discussion reveals.

Attendant Ania notices our arrival and smiles at our group, waiting for us to approach the counter.

I greet her, "Hello, Attendant Ania."

"Hello, you three. What can I help you with today?"

I take a quick breath and reply, "So, Teacher Elisa and I got invited to dinner by Princess Khi'Na... And, uh, I was wondering if you could make a few parts of the outfit for me." I quickly add, "I'll pay you whatever you want, of course. And only if you have the time."

She is stunned for a few seconds, looking at me in surprise, unable to say anything. The other attendant on duty gets her attention and gives her an encouraging nod.

Attendant Ania appears to collect herself and rushes from behind the counter to join us. When she does, she hesitantly says, "We have to buy some fabric."

I just hand her my coin purse. Smile singularity achieved. Brace for impact.

As we start heading to our first stop of many, Erysis says, "I didn't know you could sew, Ania."

Attendant Ania replies, confidence trickling back in her voice, "Just for myself and close friends. Nothing proper."

"Don't say that, Attendant Ania," I interject. "You're very skilled."

She chuckles softly. "You can call me Ania when I'm not acting in a professional capacity, Lucius. And thank you."

***

We are in a textiles shop. Erysis and Ania are browsing, while Nexen and I are just standing around, chatting.

"What do you think about this one?" Erysis asks Ania, holding up a vibrant red spool of cloth.

Ania replies, "Too bold." Erysis nods in agreement and points at another. "Hmm. I like it. Shirt?"

"Definitely shirt," Erysis answers. She takes a few steps and pulls out another spool. "For the pants and vest?"

"Oh, yes," Ania confirms and approaches, feeling the fabric. "Archmage Elisa has ashy hair, so this will be a good match."

While the two are double-checking for any better picks, Erysis says, "I always thought your outfits were really cute. Did you make that coat you wore last week?"

"I did. Did you like it?"

"Loved it. I was going to ask where you bought it from but didn't want to impose."

Ania smiles at her. "You don't have to be so reserved, Erysis. Me, and the Guild, are always there for you. Even if it's for clothing recommendations."

Erysis asks, still a little awkwardly, "Then, would it be okay to commission something for myself later?"

"Let's just see if I muck up Lucius' clothes first, and then you can decide."

Erysis immediately rebukes, "No way. You'll do great."

Ania laughs. "I appreciate the confidence. And thank you for the compliments. I've noticed you always wear cute clothes yourself."

"Really? Thank you. I try."

Ania considers for a moment and then says, "Alright. Why not. We're already here, anyway. What did you have in mind?"

Erysis excitedly replies, "A thin jacket. Something I can wear indoors and under a thicker winter one."

"Any color preference?" Erysis shakes her head. "A dark gray or a dark blue would look good with your hair and skin tone. Or lighter colors for the contrast. Pure white would be really striking on you, too."

Erysis decides. "Maybe darker."

With the selection continuing, Ania shifts the discussion, "I don't know if you're aware, but there have been internal talks within the Guild."

"Oh?" Erysis asks, "What about?"

"The newly established Dwarven Republic contacted us for assistance. With their golems gone and slow to be replenished, and even with support from the Confederacy, they are having trouble managing dungeons. There could be a possibility for relief missions."

"Hmm... If something appropriate does come up, be sure to reach out," Erysis says. Ania nods in acknowledgement.

The fabric is soon secured and paid for. Time for the next stop.

Nexen senses the approaching storm in his bones and plasters on a most innocent expression, addressing Erysis, "Ery, I'll head on home. Don't think I'll be much help."

Erysis replies, "Okay, honey. I'll see you later."

As Erysis and Ania are dragging me away, I extend a pleading hand toward Nexen. He reaches for it. Our fingers barely brush past each other. A grasp missed. Goodbye, Brother. Remember me.

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