READ NOVEL ONLINE Chapter 100.1
The Adults Have A Hard Time Dealing With People
“…That’s amazing…”
The one who expressed admiration was Yuuri. In front of Yuuri were Ali and Brook, dressed entirely differently from their usual attire. From the way they appeared constrained, it was obvious they found these outfits cumbersome. However, regardless of their discomfort, the attire fit them perfectly, making them a feast for the eyes.
Yuuri adored cute and beautiful things, but he didn’t dislike stylish things either. Thus, seeing these two adults, dressed elegantly and different from usual, left him in awe. Ali and Brook, who had a lasting image as front-line adventurers, now appeared completely refined, void of any ruggedness.
“It seems the size is just fine.”
“I told you it’s fine, didn’t I?”
“Don’t be ridiculous. You two are active adventurers, aren’t you? The possibility of your size changing with muscle gain is a reality.”
The one rebutting Ali’s reluctant remark was Leopold. Today, this beautiful “onē” had come for a visit. In fact, the reason Ali and Brook were dressed so formally—so-called ceremonial attire—was all due to Leopold.
In reality, the three of them had regularly been invited to soirées held by a certain noble. Ali and Brook only attended about once every three invitations, but Leopold attended almost every time. When he was asked to bring the other two, he had confronted them with, “You two have your attire ready, don’t you?”—thus leading to their current predicament.
Ali and Brook’s attire, as well as Leopold’s, had been custom-made by the host. Normally, these outfits lay unused in a chest of drawers, but today they had been pulled out for a fitting, determined not to risk any mishaps on the day itself. Leopold was relentless about attire, never compromising—not one bit.
“I don’t like this outfit. It’s hard to move in.”
“Don’t be spoiled. This is top-quality, custom-made attire.”
“I didn’t ask for it.”
Ali grumbled in protest while wearing a tuxedo-like outfit, as Yuuri recognized. He sported a black jacket, vest, and suspenders holding up his trousers. However, instead of a bow tie, he wore a black tie. The tie seemed to add to his discomfort, as he tugged at its knot with his fingers. Watching him fidget, Leopold furrowed his brow.
“Stop that. We haven’t finished checking yet, so don’t loosen it.”
“It’s already on; isn’t that enough?”
“No, it’s not. The overall coordination must be checked. Now, swap out that eye patch for the decorative one!”
“Tch…”
Despite clicking his tongue in irritation, Ali complied without resisting. He knew better than to provoke Leopold’s intensity; opposing him would only lead to further hassle. Grumbling, he stood obediently as Leopold, with a disapproving “You troublesome man,” meticulously readjusted his tie, securing it tightly enough that Ali let out a small groan at the final moment.
Meanwhile, Brook, who had been similarly constrained, straightened the collar of his stiff, high-necked outfit just before Leopold’s gaze turned toward him. He seemed to be using the heightened awareness typical of a front-line role in combat, but now for entirely different purposes.
Brook’s attire contrasted with Ali’s, resembling that of a ceremonial guard. In Yuuri’s mind, it evoked a uniform akin to the Japanese Self-Defense Force’s ceremonial garb. It was a deep green color, matching Brook’s hair, with a high collar and a diagonally fastened jacket. Subtle gold cord decorations adorned it just enough to avoid excess ornamentation.
Apparently, there was no hat, but if there had been, it would have completed the look of ceremonial garb, Yuuri thought. Moreover, while Ali bore no weapons, Brook carried a slender saber at his waist—a departure from his usual preference for curved blades like scimitars or shamshirs, suggesting it was specifically for this outfit.
“…Brook-san, is that sword purely decorative?”
“It’s technically ornamental, but it’s functional.”
“Really?”
“Yes, because nominally, I’m attending as Ali’s guard.”
“…Guard?”
Yuuri tilted his head, pondering “Why Ali-san, of all people, needed a guard.”. While Ali was indeed a rear-line artisan, he prided himself on self-defense and boasted a combat prowess that surpassed novice adventurers. His every movement exuded the air of a seasoned front-line warrior, weapons or not.
“Were it not for that title, I wouldn’t even be required to attend.”
“Is that so?”
“Precisely. Ali is invited for his expertise as an artisan, but a mere swordsman like me…”
“Don’t be absurd.”
“That’s nonsense.”
“…Apparently so.”
“…”
Brook, having explained to Yuuri that he was essentially dragged along because of Ali, fell silent as the other two’s voices interrupted from behind. Ali and Leopold looked at him with exasperation while Brook averted his gaze.
The trio’s frankness and banter hinted at their strong camaraderie from their past party days. Seeing this, Yuuri thought absently, What an intense group.