Different Perspective (Part 1)

We trudged through the sea of people until we reached the clothes shop. As I step inside, a soft bell chimes, with a woman welcoming us. The air carries a faint hint of fresh fabric, followed by crisp and neatly organized racks that display a myriad of clothing options, ranging from flowing floral maxis, sheath dresses, blazers, and tailored jackets. There’s also an array of stylish jeans, tailored trousers, and skirts that offer a harmonious blend.

The walls are adorned with golden-yellow wood, followed by a clean, minimalist decor of flowers and plants to give off a homey atmosphere.

“This is a really nice place…” I muttered.

“I know right? It smells like my grandma’s place…” Celicia looks around with a fond look on her face.

“Thank you for the compliments, dear customers,” The woman from earlier approached us, a smile on her face, “Is there anything I could help?”

“Ohh… Do you have any recommendations on what suits him?” Celicia points towards me.

“Let’s see…”

The shopkeeper goes around the store collecting some clothes that would suit me. She picked up some shirts and trousers to suits and some pieces that I can’t really describe.

“So, what do you think?” The shopkeeper smiles brightly, a heave of clothes and trousers sitting at the counter table.

“Uhh… For now, can you give me three styles that you would recommend?” I awkwardly ask.

“Gladly!”

She gave me some patterned shirts, leather garments, and some base adventurer’s travel wear for a more accessible option to try out.

After trying on various outfits, the shop owner suggested different styles for us to consider. Celicia's reactions shifted between excitement, disappointment, and uncertainty as she tried them out. It almost seemed as if she was the one personally testing each outfit. In the end, we settled on a mix of choices. We picked out the leather garments for a bold look, the practical adventurer's travel set, and some patterned shirts and trousers for casual wear.

“Excuse me, ma’am, can he wear this now?” Celicia grabs the leather garment on the counter table.

“Oh, absolutely!” The woman ecstatically replied.

“Wait, really?” I blurted out.

“You seemed to like it, so go and wear it.” Celicia offered me the leather garment.

“T-Thanks…”

I grab the leather garment and go to the changing room.

---

“Thank you for your purchase! I hope you have a nice day.”

““Thanks for the help.”” Celicia and I replied in unison.

Celicia and I exited the store, each of us carrying a bag in hand. As we stepped outside, the once-dense crowd had somewhat dispersed, yet the village remained bustling with activity. The wooden stage at the village's heart still stood empty, devoid of the heroes who had previously occupied its space.

I don’t even think we’re in the shop for an hour, so how come they wrapped up everything so fast? Considering how big of a deal it is, I thought it’d at least last for a while…

“By the way, thank you so much for buying me these, Celicia.” I spread my arms and look at my clothes.

“No worries,” Celicia replied with a smile, “Although I want to go to the city market to get some fruits, so you’re going to come with me to help me carry it.”

“It’s the least I could do, so why not…” I replied in resignation.

“Yes!” Celicia muttered while pumping her fists.

“…?”

“Ahh, don’t worry about that. Let’s just head there for now…” Celicia took a few steps forward, leading me on.

---

“Come get this apple miss! It’s the freshest lineup we have and it only costs two bronze coins!” The shop vendor brings up an apple.

“Is that so? Then how about—”

“…”

I’m bored. Not only do I have to endure this heat, but I’ve been doing nothing except following Celicia around on her shopping spree. She’s apparently really particular when it comes to prices, which makes it even more annoying since we have to switch from one shop to another.

I take off my leather garment and put it in my bag. I looked around my surroundings for a bit and noticed a pleasant scent coming from a store.

Nestled within a picturesque cobblestone street, the store stands with an air of old-world charm, its wooden facade weathered by time and adorned with intricate carvings. A quaint, wrought iron sign sways gently in the breeze, bearing the name of the Itsuki’s Tea Shop in elegant calligraphy.

“Hey, Celicia,” I called to her back.

“Hm?” Celicia grabs some blueberries without looking back.

“There’s a tea shop behind us and I’m kind of curious, so I’ll be there,” I said as I pointed towards the shop.

Celicia looks to her back and gives me a nod before going back to the assortment of fruits lying before her.

Acknowledging that nod, I left her behind and walked towards the tea shop.

I stepped into the quaint tea store and was immediately greeted with a symphony of delightful aromas. The air is infused with the fragrant notes of various teas, each with its own distinct allure. The soft glow of vintage lanterns illuminates the space, casting a gentle ambiance over the store.

Wooden shelves line the walls, adorned with a mesmerizing array of tea canisters, their labels adorned with intricate calligraphy and vibrant colors. Each container has a different scent ranging from earthy and robust black teas to delicate and floral green teas, and everything in between. Glass jars filled with loose tea leaves and soothing blooming teas further adorn the display, adding to the visual feast of tea offerings.

“…”

As I was drowning in the pleasant aromas, a person appeared from below the counter. Their face looks kind of childish with medium-length hair and a fairly wide body. On the surface level, they can easily be mistaken for a girl, but that body is clearly that of a man.

“…”

“…”

We made eye contact that lasted for a few seconds, but to me, it felt like an entire hour had passed.

“…A customer?” The person asks, his voice high-pitched.

“Y-Yeah…?”

“You’re also an Otherworlder, aren’t you?” He asks.

“…” I gave a nod.

“I see! Thank God!” The boy lets his shoulders go limp, his face looking relieved.

“How do you know I’m an Otherworlder though?” I tilt my head.

“Because I’m an Otherworlder as well, and I also came from Japan.” The boy points at himself.

“Ehh really? Are you also a part of the failed summoning?” I ask.

“Don’t remind me about that…” The boy lowers his head, “Just remembering about it makes me depressed…”

“S-Sorry… Didn’t mean to do that…” I bowed my head slightly.

“It’s okay though!” The boy puffs his chest with a smile filled with confidence, “What’s real is the fact that we’re in a fantasy world! And here I thought light novel stories can’t become a reality…”

“I know right?!” I lean forward and continue, “It still feels surreal to see a bunch of elves, beastmen, and magics being used in this world!”

“I know! I’m from Arcadia and I just recently settled to make a living in Artevir.”

“Ohh… Why Artevir though?”

“I heard that Artevir is the ideal place where merchants can make a living out of, but as you can see…” The boy's gaze falls upon the shop, a lonely smile appears on his face.

“…”

“I am acquainted with a rich noble that loves to purchase my teas, so money isn’t an issue, but I’d like it if people can come over directly…” The boy added.

“I see…” I followed the boy’s gaze, “It really is a nice store…”

“Yeah…”

“By the way, what’s your name?” I ask, keeping my gaze on the store.

“I’m Itsuki Jun. You can call me Jun. What about you?”

“I’m Yuuma,” I look back towards him and stretch my right hand, “Nice to meet you, Jun.”

“Yeah. Nice to meet you.” Jun grabbed my outstretched hand, giving it a firm shake.