The champion of all thing clothing!

“Wow, so this is what the shop looks like?”

I finally made it to the clothing store Ms. Lute recommended to me. The store was awfully pink, the shop sign read “Roman’s land of beauty!”, and the shop sign even had a cute ribbon tied onto it. Well, I need clothes to replace these and Ms. Lute hasn’t led me astray just yet.

“Alright enough with these cold feet, time to head in.”

I entered through the front door, I was actually surprised by the clothes selection. There was such a vast array of clothing, and for all ages too. Ms. Lute was right to send me here, although now I have a question. Where is the shop keeper?

*Wheeze Wheeze*

...What the heck was that?

*Wheeze Wheeze…Sniff*

...Wait, did something just sniff the back of my neck. I turned around slowly, only to see what I can only describe as a mountain of a man. His face was covered in darkness, he had muscles that a gladiator would have, and surprisingly he wore a burgundy red apron as well as a pink and white striped shirt. I’m actually surprised seeing his uniform colors, he even wore khaki pants to go with-Wait a minute, that’s the store uniform isn’t it? Don’t tell me-

“Beautiful…”

“Huh?”

“The pockets, the seams, the well placed buttons and distance between each one.”

The man began entering a turtle like crouch, almost like that technique fighting gamers use. Why do I have a bad feeling about this? As I tried to back away, the man finally reached his limits.

“Your clothing, and the story they tell...IT’S ALL ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!”

“HHHHUUUUUHHHHHH!!!!??????!!!!!!”

The man immediately dashed towards me and picked me up with his burly hands. Am I in danger!?!

“YOU!”

“ME!”

“You’re the address up hero I’ve been waiting for! The one to save me from my slump! HOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHO!!!!!”

He began to twirl as he held me, I think I’m gonna be sick. What’s this about being a dress up hero? Shouldn’t it be the Hero of Rosaria or the Hero of Light? When has there ever been a dress up hero? This is so embarrassing, and so lame! At least I can finally make out the man’s face. He had silverish black eyes, and a mustache completely covering his upper lip. It fit naturally with his bowl haircut...Wait, since when did I know about fashion!?!

“You feel it don’t you?”

“Feel what?”

“THE FLOW OF CREATIVITY!!!!”

“HUH!?!?!?!?!”

Who is this man!?!

****

“Sorry again for that, your name is Sota, yes?”

“Yeah that’s right.”

The man finally put me down and introduced himself as Roman, the owner of this store. I must say it took some work to get to this point. Wait a moment, when did I tell him my name? Oh well, let’s get on with the business.

“Excuse me Mr. Roman-”

“Roman is just fine, and not to worry any friend of Phiphe is a friend of mine. I’ve already determined the perfect clothes just for you!”

“What!?!”

So I’m not crazy, I know I didn’t tell this man my name. It’s obvious why I’m here, I’ll give him that, but how does he know Ms. Lute sent me? Maybe she told him, yeah maybe that’s it.

“It was your clothes. They’re rather loose-lipped, luckily only someone like me can hear their voice.”

“My clothes?”

“Yes, it’s an ability I have. I can talk to clothing! However, don’t tell my secret to anyone. Especially if it’s one of those pesky knights.”

What a strange ability, and what does he mean by pesky knights? Roman then mentioned that people like Ms. Lute and Rowen know about his secret so it’s alright to share with them. No way, is there something going on here that I don’t know about. Before I could continue thinking, Roman brought over three sets of clothes. They were three shirts and pairs of pants, each with a different color. Not only that, they're all my type, how did Roman know my preference? I looked down at my tattered work uniform, you guys really are loose-lipped aren’t you. I was about to ask for the price, however Roman had different plans.

“You don’t have to worry about money, instead please let me have your clothes instead!”

“What!?!”

“As a tailor, I yearn to conquer the world of clothing. That includes clothing of all styles and countries, but your clothes are different. Right when I hit a creative wall, you appeared and with clothes that are out of this world!”

Out of this world, Crap! Does he know I’m not from here! As I thought that, Roman put his index finger to his lips and smiled. Looks like he does know, but he plans to keep it secret. Why though, what reason does he have to protect me?

“That’s just how we are around here, in our neighborhood we look out for one another. Especially since we’re in “this” neighborhood, the least we can do is watch out for each other."

“I see, you have my thanks Roman.”

There it is again, first Ms. lute and now Roman. What’s up with the unease the people have in this town? Oh well, for now let’s get dressed.

****

I took Roman’s deal for a trade, I also paid him two silver coins. The first reason for this was to secure some undergarments, and the second was for a custom order. I can’t wait to wear it once it’s made, until then I should prepare myself though.

I came out of the dressing room wearing the red plaid shirt and khaki pants I received from Roman. He seemed pleased that I appreciated his wares, he also offered me a side hustle if I decided to model his work for him. Since he’s my benefactor, the least I can do is model his work. After all, clothes are meant to be worn! …Dear god, I’m turning into one of them now aren’t I? Trembling from my fear of becoming a fashion lover, and happy with the clothes I’ve received, I made my way to the door. Of course, I didn’t leave without thanking Roman for his aid and for giving a confidant.

****

“To think I would meet one, one of those so-called otherworlders. However, Sota seems nice or should I call him Sota Shizuki.”

As I told him, I have the ability to speak to clothing. It’s mainly because of the powers granted to me because of my race, a power that I try to keep hidden because I’m in Rosaria. Still I wonder how poor Sota ended up here of all places, could it have something to do with the royal family’s panic. Based off what I overheard from knights patrol(at least what their armor was saying), the royal family did something. However, the results of what they did are missing. Could it be that they-No, that’s impossible! However, if what I’m thinking is true then that’s another reason to help the boy.

“Tell me, my new friends, what do you think?”

I began speaking to the clothes he gave me, they were hesitant at first but since they could trust me they gave a few words.

We just want him to live in peace, considering the life he’s had till now, it’s the least he deserves.

The words they spoke weren’t of tools serving their master, but of people who care deeply for someone. Tattered as they may be, Sota truly cared for these clothes. As an ally of clothing, I swear, even if this nation turns against you I will be your ally. I will protect you with my life, Sota.