Chapter 3

*Ding* *Dong*

And once again, the campus’ chime tells us that today’s classes are over.

But the only different today is…

“Be sure to study up on your basics in today’s lesson, alright class?”

Reshulla isn’t our Professor today.

A lot of things happened yesterday, that is why I was able to drive home with not only Reshulla but also with Robin.

While we made our way back home, Reshulla mention something about her taking care of the warehouse, which is secretly located under the campus.

Apparently, the old man asked her to do the inventory of the Artifacts.

Well, seeing as she is a witch and a powerful one to boot, I guess this job is somewhat suited for her.

While the professor is saying his goodbye to everyone, we students get ourselves ready to leave.

“Oh! Mr. Chairman, what a surprise. What are you doing here?”

When the professor was about to step out of the classroom, the old man or should I say, Ana’s grandfather stepped in.

“Keep up the good work professor.”

I can tell that the professor was in a panic, so he quickly greeted the old man and left.

My classmates in the other hand, started to whisper amongst themselves while taking small glances at the old man.

“Grandfather, what are you doing here?”

“”””Eh!?””””

The whole class gasped, but they quickly covered their mouths.

Guess they didn’t know about Ana’s family being important here in school.

The old man then walks closer to our table while still maintaining his usual go-lucky smile.

“Actually I have some business with not only you Ana but with Robin as well.”

“*Pop* hmm? Me to?”

Robin pointed at herself while doing her usual pop of her gum.

“Yes, but what I want to talk about is…”

The old man suddenly stopped and then pointed at the classroom door.

“Let’s not talk here. We should head outside first. Come on you three.”

Three? Wait…me included?

I didn’t really understand on why I had to come to, but I guess that’s fine.

With myself along with Ana and Robin, took our stuff on our table, put them on our bags and walk together with the old man to the exit.

But as soon as all 4 of us are out of my classmates’ sites, they started to talk out loud.

“Did you hear that? Douva is actually the chairman’s granddaughter.”

“Why did the chairman call for Altorez, is it something important?”

“More importantly, why did he call for Moriarty to?”

“Your right, why did he?”

“*Gasp* Could it be!?”

“What!? What is it!?”

“Could it be that Moriarty…got…got…”

“Spit it out already!”

“Could it be he got Altorez and Douva got knocked up!!?”

“What!!!?”

What kind of thought process do you have for thinking of something so stupid!? Go eat some healthier food so you can get smarter you idiot!!!

I can still hear their gasping and murmuring not only about me, but about the girls to.

That’s it; they can say whatever they want about me but not when it’s about Ana or Robin.

I was about to walk back inside the classroom, but I was stopped.

I turn my head and found Robin grabbing on to my right arm.

“It’s fine, just let them say what they want.”

“But—“

“It doesn’t bother us one bit, right Ana?”

“Yes, its fine James.”

*Sigh* If that’s what they want, I guess I can look away for now.

“And besides *Pop*”

It looks like Robin still has something to say, so I look at Robin who is still holding on to my arm.

“It will happen eventually.”

Say what? I think I just heard something outrageous from Robin.

“Hohohoho! I see, I see. So does that mean my little Ana might also have one?”

“Eh!? G—grandfather! What in the world are you saying!?”

“Hmm? What do you mean by that? All I’m saying is that I’ll be a great-grandfather soon.”

“”NO YOU WON’T!!!”

Both Ana and I we’re in that same wavelength that we denied the old man in the same time.

But our refusal didn’t work.

“I need to think of names right this very moment!”

“*Pop* You are right Mr. Chairman! *Gasp* What if…I thought of a name for a boy, but a girl came instead?”

“Y—your right…”

What is up with your reactions!? Why do both of you look so serious!? It’d be cool if it’s something to really be serious about, but not for something like this!

As I think of a way to make them stop, Ana quickly hug my arm and bury her face to keep it covered.

How lucky, I want to hide myself to.

In the end I wasn’t able to think of anything and just followed Robin and the old man, but Ana and I kept a 3 to 4 meter distance. It was the only way to keep ourselves getting even more embarrassed.

We eventually made it to a building I have never seen before.

I’ve seen the school’s pamphlet and memorized most of the buildings locations, but this one is new to me.

“Here you go Robin, your very own key card.”

“*Pop* Um…thanks?”

Even Robin is a little confused, but when she looks at the key card, she finally understood.

[4th Security Sect Chief. Robin Altorez]

Wow, Robin is a chief of her own section? That’s kind of cool.

I could easily tell that Robin was excited since she has those sparkling eyes like when she found out about my cars at the garage.

“Congratulations Robin.”

“Y—yeah, thanks Ana”

Her shaken state only lasted for a second and then is now about to open the door to her own building.

But then…

“Ah! James!”

From out of the blue, I was hugged from behind.

“James! I can’t believe we didn’t get a chance to be together for so long!”

Reshulla, our class advisor is now hanging on my neck from behind.

“Even if you say that, haven’t eaten breakfast together?”

“What? You mean it’s been that long?”

That was like 6 or 7 hours ago, it wasn’t that long.

Speaking of which, I’m supposed to meet the president at the front gate of the high school section.

“Here you go James. This is your key card.”

“Huh? Mine?”

He didn’t only give me a key card; the old man also gave one key card for Reshulla and Ana.

I then move my gaze from the key card in my hand to the old man.

“But you know old man, I didn’t even apply or planning to be a security staff member. So why give me this?”

The old man then gave me a care free smile and said…

“I know, but if the girls are in trouble or in need of help, you’ll be there for them, right?”

“Of course I will.”

I gave the old man a quick reply.

I don’t need to think twice or pounder about that. These girls gave me something I could only hope for back in the past, so repaying them is only natural, even if it takes me a life time.

As I give the old man a serious look, my body suddenly got covered by 3 female bodies. One at my back, another on my left and one more on my right side.

“Um…girls?”

“I—I’m sorry James, it’s just that when you said those words…right?”

“*Pop* I know what you mean Ana. I feel it to.”

“You really are the best James…*sniff* *sniff*…guhehe.”

Well, as long as their happy about it, I guess its fine. But more importantly, the one in the back! Stop sniffing the back of my neck, its ticklish!

But then again, I guess it could be worse.

It’s a good thing that no one is here to see this. I’m sure it’ll make more bad rumors about me.

“Hohohoho, must be hard to be popular. Hohohoho.”

“………………………...”

Like I said earlier, as long as their happy so let’s just leave it at that, shall we?

I only made a quick tour around Robin’s building, so I wasn’t able to see everything it has to offer.

When was about to ask them if they want to come along, but they reluctantly refused.

Ana has some sort of family clan meeting that she needs to attend to. While Robin wanting to stay and fix the internet connection and wiring inside the building.

Reshulla wanted to come with me but quickly reminded by the old man that she still has the Artifact inventory to do.

I wasn’t sure on what time I should meet up with the president, so I rushed towards the parking lot.

Since I’m not sure where they plan to go, I might as well bring my car just in case the location is far.

It didn’t take a lot of time for me to reach the front gate of the high school section.

I still can’t find the president so I just park in front of the gate.

By the way, the car I’m driving right now isn’t the one I used last week.

Robin was the one who asked me to drive a different car to campus, though I’m not really sure why, but I guess having a different feel to things is good.

I think Robin said this car is called a Jaguar XK Convertible, or something. Well, at least its name is easier to pronounce compared to the last one.

Since the president isn’t here yet, I turn of the car’s engine and got off the driver’s seat.

“Who is he?”

I’m an ordinary college student.

“No idea, he must be waiting for someone.”

Yes, I am waiting for someone.

“Doesn’t he look dangerous? His eyes look scary.”

I was born with these eyes, so deal with it.

“Should we call for security?”

Come on, do you people really have to go that far? I’m just minding my own business here.

After waiting here for only a few minutes, the students of the high school section that are now exiting from the gate are giving me wary stares while whispering to each other.

Oh man, this seriously getting more and more embarrassing…I wonder if it’s not too late to park somewhere else.

“M—Mr. Moriarty, s—sorry to make you wait.”

I was about to hop on my car and park somewhere close by, but I finally hear a voice of relief.

I turn my head and found the student council president walking towards me, but she isn’t alone.

“Hey, hope you don’t mind me coming along with you.”

She is walking with Folia beside her.

As they walk towards me, I noticed that they aren’t wearing their school uniforms.

The student president is now wearing a long sleeved white shirt with a long dark blue sleeveless jacket and a knee cut black pants.

Though I said that the president doesn’t have a chest to show off, her beauty covers for it.

As for Folia, she is wearing a fitted white T-shirt with black sleeves and black tight jeans and unlike yesterday, she has her hair tied up, which what people call a pony tail.

Even though she is a high schooler, her height completely compliments the way she’s dressed, making her look mature.

More mature looking that her older sister, but I think I have to keep that comment for myself.

“I don’t mind. The more the merrier.”

While the president and Folia walks closer towards me, I heard the surrounding students gasp in shock.

“Eh!? No way, he was waiting for the student council president and vice-president!?”

“How in the world is he able to meet up with those two?”

“Blackmail? Maybe he blackmailed them?”

Why would I do that!?

I really what to shout a back at these brats, but it’ll just make a scene.

“Are we riding this car?”

The president, who is a few steps in front of me, tilts her body and stares at the car.

“That’s right, since I drove here with this; I thought that maybe we can go somewhere farther than the usual shops

here.”

““……………………””

Both of them are quiet and didn’t make any sound for at least a minute and suddenly…

“”We’re going to another district?””

“Hmm? Well, yeah. That is if you girls don’t mind.”

Ah! Could it be that I’m too forceful? I mean I didn’t even talk things out before deciding where we are going.

I sure hope I didn’t offend them.

“If I have known that we are going to another district I would have gotten my savings.”

Oh, I guess Folia isn’t angry about it.

“I didn’t bring that much money ether, I thought we are going to shops we’re we usually go to.”

And so as the president.

“What do you think Ivana? Should we head home first?”

“I want to, but if we made Mr. Moriarty wait it’ll be rude.”

Huh? They are worried about me? I wouldn’t mind driving them home though.

But then again, if I asked for their home address, they might think I’m being too friendly. I did just meet them yesterday.

But if they really want to go shopping then…

“If you girls don’t mind, I’ll pay half of what you want.”

“”……………………””

Oh no, did that come out weird? Was I too forceful—

“”Really!?””

Never mind.

These two girls suddenly grab by the arms and drag me to the driver’s seat.

Now that I think about it, something like this happen after the golems attack.

Robin had no clothes because of the fire; I told her I would buy all her necessities and the result was that I spend all the money in my wallet; I even withdraw money at the ATM machine.

Not that it bothered me though; I only spend a few hundred thousand.

And what makes me happy about it is most of the money is my mother’s.

Hehehehe, take that mom.

When I entered the car, the president and Folia hesitated at first, but soon followed after.

“Um…is it really fine for us to ride your car?”

“Huh? Of course it is, we won’t be able to get to the other district if we don’t……why do you ask?”

I don’t really get why the president would ask something like that. This is the only car I’m driving today.

“Ah…actually, I think Ms. Presi—I mean, I think Ivana is worried if we can ride such an expensive looking car. Truth be told even I’m getting nervous. Aren’t you scared it might get damaged?”

And now it’s Folia is worried.

I once told this to Robin that all the cars in the garage are fortified so getting damaged by ordinary cars or cement, won’t make a single dent. But if I say that, they might think it’s weird, so I’ll not mention any of that.

“Its fine, I’ll just be careful driving on the road. Well then let’s get going.”

They then smiled and gave me a small nod.

That’s good; all the stares of the students are starting to feel like drills piercing me.

30 minutes as passed and we finally reached our destination, the west district’s Paragon shopping area.

Within the island of Noah, the west district is the main trading area for all merchants or other outer island things to be sold. So a lot of shops and malls built here. If one would like to buy hard to find things, the west area is the best place to go.

“Wow, even though it’s a school day, there are a lot of people here shopping.”

Is what the president says, as she looks at her surroundings.

She’s right; there are a lot of people here right now. Just to be safe, I’ll tell them to stay close…but then again…I think their relatively safe.

After all, on top of a building, is the vice-captain of a certain security unit that works behind the school I go to.

Sky Chilton is currently watching me like a hawk and when I say “watching me like a hawk” I mean by the use of the scope of a sniper rifle.

I know you love your sister, but do you really have to go that far!? You’re sniping on the rooftop of a 20 to 25 story building, but I can feel your malice all the way over here on the ground!

Unlike her younger sister, Folia has an innocent and pure admiration towards her. Chilton on the other hand is way beyond innocent and pure.

That’s right; Sky Chilton is what you call a……SISCON!

This is the first time I encountered someone like this, so the vibe is very new to me.

What should I do?

“Um…James? Is everything alright?”

“Huh? Oh, yeah. Don’t worry about it.”

Damn, I was so caught up with the siscon thing I blanked out for a while. I better not show it on my face.

“So, do you girls know any good shop around here?”

Hmm? Their reaction isn’t what I expected. They looked at each other and started to stutter their words.

“A—actually, I haven’t been here before. What about you Ivana?”

“I’ve only been here a few times with my family, so I don’t know anything about this area.”

To be honest, I don’t know any good places this area have ether. I’ve been here with Robin and the other girls when we bought the things she needed, but Robin said that when it comes to clothes, she prefers Quantity over Quality, so we only stayed in one shop.

Speaking of which, I recall that shop should be close by. I guess I could use that as our starting point.

“I’m not knowledgeable about this area myself, but there is a shop I know that’s close by. Want to head there first?”

Since the all three of us have no idea on what shop to go to, they decided and gave me a nod.

“Alright, I think it’s over…this way.”

By the way, as we make our way to the shop, the hawk is still watching us, or more accurate, still watching me.

It only took us 10 minutes to get to the front entrance of the shop.

The building in front of us is the very same shopping building that specialized in clothes where Robin bought her new

clothes.

The front entrance has a automatic sliding glass door, so even before we got in, we saw a shop female attendant in front of the counter, who seem to be waiting for a costumer to come in.

The president and Folia just stood on the spot, while looking at the 2 story building.

“Is this the shop you are talking about Mr. Moriarty?”

“Yup, I’ve only been here once though.”

With me noticing, I also stared at the build and my eyes eventually look at the glass entrance.

I noticed that the female attendant was looking at me and then started to panic for some reason.

She then talked to the register clerk and then ran deeper within the shop.

Could it be that I’ll experience something like what happened at the high school council? Hours full of misunderstandings?

I was about to tell the girls that we should head somewhere else, but…

“This shop looks nice, let’s go in Folia.”

“I sure hope they have something nice for sale.”

I was too late.

They made it to the entrance making the automatic door slide open, so telling them to go somewhere else might embarrass them.

Folia and the president stop and turn around to look at me, while having questioning looks.

“What’s wrong James? Aren’t you going in?”

Alright James, just suck in your gut and walk right in.

“I—I’ll be right there.”

The president who is on my left and Folia who is on my right looks a little excited, I on the other hand am nervous. Please don’t let another misunderstanding start here.

The three of us walk in at the same time and from the door that has a plate that says “Manager”, come a middle aged man with a big smile on his face.

“Welcome back dearest costumers! I hope you will be staying with us today as well young master!”

As soon as the middle aged man confronted us, the attendants all lined up on both sides and bow in unison.

“”””“Welcome dear costumers!!!”””””

“………………………………”

“………………………………”

“………………………………”

……………………………………………………………..Huh?

“Now then, please don’t hesitate and come right in young master, the same goes with your companions.”

This guy called me “young master” again…………………why? I don’t get it. What the hell is happening? Since when was I a “Young Master”?

And it would appear that the president and Folia are shocked as well, their frozen stiff while having the same questioning look I had.

But then the attendants walk beside them and held them by the arms while deeper inside the shop. I followed behind them.

“So, what would the young master and his companions like to get today?”

He called me young master again……

I still feel weird when I’m called like that, so the one who answered for me is Folia.

“Um…we would to get a man’s shirt please, a—are there any in this shop?”

Good job Folia! She was able to get back to reality quickly!

“Oh, I’m sorry ma’am, but we only sell female clo—“

So they don’t sell men’s clothes?

“Of course we have men’s clothes, please wait at the second floor until we get them ready for you! Please head to the staircase young master and his honored guest.”

You sell them or not, which is it? This manager is confusing. And stop calling me young master, your giving me the hives!

Since they manager himself said that we should wait at the 2nd floor, we made our way to the staircase.

Of course there are more clothes on the 2nd floor but I don’t see any guy clothes and even if some of these are for men, I would never wear a pink and frilly shirt.

“Um…dear costumers, the men’s clothes will take a while so please look around.”

Since she said it’ll take while, might as well.

“So how about it girls, want to go around and check out what they have to offer?”

They gave me a big smile and went to different directions…eh?

………………………...who should I follow?

While I stood where I stand pondering, the new attendant walked beside me holding a glass filled with wine.

“Please take it dear customer.”

“Eh? Um…uh…thanks?”

She then bowed and went down stairs.

Was there a service like this before?

……………………might as well drink it, I don’t want it to go to waste.

As I take small sips of the wine as I walking, I eventually found the president staring intensely at the displayed clothes.

“Hmmm…which of these should I pick…this one, or this one? Hmmm…”

Girls really take their time picking clothes no matter if they are college students or high schoolers.

I didn’t want to disturb her so I quietly walk closer to her.

“Hmm…this one piece dress looks nice, but this one looks good to…hmmm…what do you think?”

“Huh?”

“Hmm? Wha!? M—Mr. Moriarty? I—I’m sorry, I though you we’re Folia, so I just—”

“That’s Ok, but if you want, I could call her for you.”

I was about to head off to look for Folia but the president pinch the hem of my shirt.

“Y—you don’t really have to do that. I…instead, c—can you tell me… can you tell me what fits me more?”

“Are you sure? I’m a guy after all, you might not like the one choose.”

“Its fine, I…I think having a guy’s opinion will broaden my view on clothes…s—so…”

“Alright, if your fine with someone like me.”

Like I said, I’m a guy so a woman’s sense of style is something difficult for me to grasp, but I at least know if they look good in it or not.

That is why I’ll answer honestly if I think that it looks good on her.

“Um…Mr. Moriarty, what is that you are holding?”

“Huh? Oh this? Its wine.”

“Can you bring drinks in here?”

“I guess you can, the attendants are the one that gave it to me after all.”

“Um…excuse me Ms. Costumer, but do you also want a drink?”

The attendant who was following me from behind must have thought that the president also wanted one.

“Eh? Um…no, actually I’m still a minor, so…”

“Understood, I will get you something more appropriate.”

The president was about to refuse but she was too late, the attendant has already left to get her a drink.

“Is handing out drinks to the customer normal for this shop?”

“I've only been in this shop once, but the last time they never gave us drinks…a promo maybe?”

But then again, the best things in life are free, so you won’t hear me complaining.

“…A...anyway…I’ll change into one of these and…well…tell me which dress will fit me? That is if you don’t mind.”

“Sure thing president, I’ll be right here if you need anything.”

She then entered one of the changing stalls and closed the curtain.

“……………Ivana.”

“Huh?”

I was about to walk a few more distance away from the stall, so that I won’t be mistaken as a pervert.

But from the small gap of the curtain, the president’s face popped out.

“Ivana, please just call me Ivana.”

“…………Alright, can’t wait to see you in your new clothes Ivana, oh and you can call me James if you want to.”

“………….”

*Swish*

Huh? What’s up with that? She just quickly went back inside without saying anything. Did I say anything wrong? Sure hope not.

10 minutes later, the president…I mean Ivana came out of the curtain.

She is now wearing a small dark blue hoodie with its zipper open, a one piece dress that as a newspaper-like patterns and finally a 3 inch thick black belt.

After seriously looking at her wear…

“I think that looks great, I especially like the one piece dress.”

I gave her my honest answer.

“R—really? Do really think this looks good on me.”

“I honestly do, I sort of think that you didn’t evened my opinion for it.”

“Yes I do!”

“…………..Oh, Ok.”

Whoa, that surprised me. Could it be that Ivana likes to show her own styles? I better not talk about her fashion sense in a bad way, she might get angry.

“Her you are ma’am, a nice cold lemon soda.”

Right after Ivana came out of the changing booth, the attendant who left us came back with a drink for Ivana.

“And here is your refill sir.”

Oh, and I get a refill to.

Seriously the service here is really high class. Is this really a shop for clothes?

“Ah…um, yes well…thank you.”

Ivana reluctantly took the lemon soda off of the attendant’s hands.

By the way, the glasses we are using are the ones used for fancy parties, so holding on to this kind of makes me nervous.

“We CAN drink this, right?”

And apparently I wasn’t the only one.

“Um…should we go look for Folia? She should be close by.”

“Hmm? Are you sure, don’t you want to look for some more clothes?”

“N…no this is fine. I find it nice myself.”

Well, if she thinks its fine then that’s Ok, I guess. After all she does look great in it.

Ivana and I walk beside each other while looking for Folia and suddenly we heard her voice coming from one of the changing booths.

We both followed her voice and found her looking intently at the mirror.

“No, this color won’t do. Do you have anything with a lighter color?”

“We’ll go look at the storage at once ma’am.”

“Excuse me that attendant over there; can you look for a similar Jeans but with a size smaller?”

“We will go for look for one right away ma’am.”

“Can any of you find me that polo shirt with the checkered pattern on its folded sleeve? It has to be size small.”

“We’ll go search for them ma’am.”

“…………………………...”

Wow, for a second there I thought I was in a military gathering. All the attendants are following her orders like soldiers.

“Now you know why I picked her for the Vice-president position.

“Good call.”

Both Ivana and I continue to look at Folia, who right now looking like a general giving orders to her subordinates, notice us and walks closer while showing a wary smile.

“Hey guys, I wasn’t really sure what outfit to pick so I.........what’s with the fancy drinks?”

“We have no idea.”

“We have no idea.”

While Folia gives us a confused look, the attendant that gave Ivana her drink came closer to Folia and offered her some as well.

“Thanks, I guess.”

She first stared at the drink for a few seconds and then took a small sip. She then turns her head towards us.

“Seriously, what’s with the fancy drinks?”

“Even if you ask us again, our answer will still be the same.”

Ivana is right; I’m just as confused as you two are.

After talking for a few minutes while taking small sips from our drinks, Foila’s subordinates…ah, I mean the shop’s attendants came back with the clothes Folia requested.

“Here they are ma’am, all the clothes you ordered us to find.”

“Thanks, Ivana can you hold on to my glass for a sec?”

When Ivana took the glass from her hand, she grabbed the clothes and quickly entered the changing booth.

As I stand in front of the booth I suddenly felt some sort of malice directed towards me.

When I look outside the 2nd floor’s 8 to 9.ft glass window, I found the source of the malice.

A certain hawk is perched on the building beside this one and currently eyeing me.

I’m starting to get amazed by Chilton’s passion for her sister. She still has her sniper rifle pointed at me.

But I guess standing in front of a currently occupied changing booth is pretty sketchy, so I better move away.

I told Ivana that I’ll go and ask about the men’s clothes, but I actually want to get away from Chilton’s glare.

While waiting for the girls to finish, the shop’s manager noticed me and walks closer.

“It’s good that you are having fun young master, has your girlfriends found what they want?”

Again with the young master calling……

“Wait what? Who are my girlfriends?”

“Why, those two young beautiful women over there.”

He then points at Foila and Ivana’s direction.

“Wait wait wait, hold on for a minute there. Those two aren’t my girlfriends.”

“Ho? So the three that came here with you last week are your girlfriends then?”

“No…wait, I mean yes? I think… but I guess they kind of are my girls…”

Damn! I don’t know how to answer this question, or more like this manager is very nosey! Mind your own damn business!

I need to talk about something else; this geezer is giving me a weird look.

“Can I ask you a question?”

“Yes, anything you ask young master.”

“Yeah, that “young master” thing. Why are you calling me that?”

I’m glad that I was able to move to another topic. But to be honest, I’m getting creeped out for being called young master all the time, so asking this might give me relief.

“I guess I haven’t explained it to the young master yet, have I?”

His explanation goes like this.

Last week when Reshulla, Ana, Robin and I came to this area to buy clothes, their company was about to go bankrupted for not having enough customers, but luckily Robin picked this shop and started to buy what she needed.

Since all of Robin’s clothes are gone due to her apartment burning down, she needed more than a dozen set of clothes.

As I said before, Robin prefers quantity over quality so she bought about 20 or 30 sets and along with 6 pair of shoes and accessories.

But it didn’t only stop there, Reshulla and Ana we’re taking small peeks at the displayed clothes, so I told them that I would treat them as well.

Ana only choose 2 sets of clothes, but Reshulla got 15 or 20 sets.

Thought the price of clothes here in this shop are somewhat fair, the amount we bought exceeds it.

The amount I paid for the clothes was about a hundred thousand or higher, so the shop was saved from bankruptcy because of it.

But not only that, apparently when the surrounding people saw us leaving the shop with big amounts of bags and boxes at hand, the shop suddenly had more customers pouring in and continued to this day.

“That is why you, young master is our shop’s savior.”

After his explanation, he led me to a corner where a big red curtain is placed.

“And this is one of my thanks to you young master.”

*Swish*

He then pulls a rope that was hanging at a corner and the red curtain spread open.

“………………………!!!!!!!!!!!!!?”

Hidden within the curtain was a painting.

The painting portrays of a half naked man covered in a big white cloth while having roses and petals spreading all over him.

The man’s right arm goes around his waist while the other arm is raised inches towards his face while holding on to a lemon with his pinky up.

As for his expression, it would seem like he is about to kiss the lemon he is currently holding.

Finally, placed at the bottom of the wooden frame is a metal plate with words that reads “OUR SAVIOR”.

This picture really shocked me, but it’s not because they have a 10 foot painting placed on a wall.

But because the man on the painting is no other than……………………..

“…………………………………”

Myself.

What the fuck is this! Why am I lying down naked!? Why am I covered in roses and petals, why am I holding on to a lemon…and what’s with my pinky finger, why is it doing that, and that expression I’m making, why would I want to make out with a fruit!?

“So, what do you think young master?”

What do I think!? I think I want to tear thins thing right this very moment, but I’m so shocked right now that I couldn’t move!

And I honestly want to shout out complaints, but the weird feeling I’m getting is preventing me to say anything!

Speaking of feelings, my feelings of anger, confusion, surprised, embarrassment, and even depression got mixed together making me want to barf!

“………………………………!!!”

Damn it! Both my eyes really wants to kill my brain just for looking at this thing! Kill me, anyone please, just kill me right now!

……………………wait a minute.

I’m not alone right now, if Folia and Ivana see this…………Gyaaaaaaaaaa!!! I don’t even want to know!

I finally escaped my paralysis; I then told that manager to close the curtain and quickly ran towards Folia and Ivana.

They must never see that painting, EVER!

As I walk closer to them, Folia is now done changing to the clothes she picked.

Since that damn painting is here on the 2nd floor, maybe I can tell them that the men’s clothes are waiting for me at the 1st.

Yeah, I’ll just tell them that. Anything to get away from that cursed painting!

But before I tell them my excuse...ah, I mean my soon to be true information, I noticed that the supposed malice directing to me isn’t here.

Could it be that Chilton move somewhere else or gave up?

“…………………………!?”

I actually hope that she gave up, but she is still on the same spot a few minutes ago.

But the only difference is that she isn’t pointing her sniper rifle at me, she is laughing so hard that it seems to be making her grasping for more air.

“Could it be that……….”

No, with a reaction like that, there’s no doubt!

“She saw it…”

She saw the painting while she was monitoring me! Oh god, I want to bury myself and completely forget what happened!

“Saw what?”

Folia who heard my murmuring, asked me while giving me a curious look.

“Ah, what I mean by that is…is that the men’s clothes are here, so maybe we can go down stairs and help me look for a good shirt.”

“Y—yes, you can leave it to us, right Folia?”

Folia gave her a nod and we then made our way to the stairs leading to the 1st floor.

Good bye you stinking painting, I hope you burn down to ashes!

It only took us 10 minutes for choosing my shirt, especially with the help of Ivana and Folia.

The shirt they choose for me is a pure black shirt with white Japanese characters that goes vertically from the left shoulder that says “Light within Darkness” if translated.

I honestly thought that the shirt they chose for me is really cool and also, black is my favorite color.

When we paid for our clothes, the manager gave us discounts, so Folia and Ivana politely refused my offer for paying half for their clothes.

After paying, we then made our way to the exit, but as soon as we step out of the shop, my stomach grumbled.

It was embarrassing, but compared to the feeling I got after seeing the portrait of shame; this much of embarrassment is nothing.

The two girls who are beside me covered their mouth and made a small giggle.

I knew it, I’m still embarrassed. What’s embarrassing is still embarrassing after all. But the portrait of shame, that thing is a whole new level.

“I’m a little hungry myself, why don’t we eat before heading home?”

“That’s a good idea Folia. If you don’t mind James, there is a restaurant that I know of. I’ve only been there with my family though.”

I’m fine with that, but Folia held her hand on her chin and asked.

“Wont that be expensive, it’s a restaurant after all.”

“Don’t worry, one of my elder cousin runs the place, so could just put it on a tab I we go overboard.”

“Alright, but more importantly…hehehe.”

“Huh? Wh…what is it?”

Folia drew her smirking face closer to Ivana’s while maintaining her beauty.

“Since when have you been calling him “James”, hmm?”

“Wha!? Um…well…uh…”

Ivana’s face slowly getting redder by the cheeks and started to bite her words. I guess it’s understandable though, after all we just meet yesterday, and so calling each other by our first names is pretty embarrassing.

“I—it’s nothing! Just forget about it and let’s get to the restaurant!”

Ivana quickly turns around and walked in a fast pace, while Folia watched her back with a gentle smile.

hey there everyone its me ZYLOS10!!! sorry for not posing any chapters for a while, there's a big storm here where i live so i was to scared that it might suddenly black out and this and my other stories might get deleted. anyway i want to hear about your thought on the 2 new characters, Folia and Ivana. are they any good? anyway this is my last words for today. THE ANIME OF OVERLORD AND GATE IS FINALLY HERE!!!!! see you guys next chapter!!!!