Chapter 16 Making Waves

It's quite common that there are individuals that do not possess tell-tale signs of one's species. And without such distinct features, it's almost impossible to tell whether someone is of Fairfolk, Kindred, or Human heritage.

Though if I remember correctly, Leila mentioned how each race's fashion has its own distinctive style.

To generalize, Human nobles tend towards more gaudy and flashy designs in order to showcase one's wealth and standing.

Most Kindred aristocracy prefer shades of black, grey, or other such understated tones.

Whereas the Fairfolk are as myriad as a spectrum of color - so it's quite hard to pin down their fashion choices without taking into account their affinity, place of origin, and culture to name just a few factors.

Unexpectedly though, it seems high-fashion is the same everywhere. I think this while eyeing two girls wearing the same dress. They don't seem to see each other-- oh, I thought that too soon. They've both awkwardly stopped in front of one another, shock evident in their faces.

Dark mauve ringlets of hair, blood-red lips, porcelain skin. These features stand out to me as one of the girls goes red in the face with rage, “I can't believe a mere bloodbag would dare depreciate this brand's latest couture piece!”

Serpentine brown hair, pink cheeks, elegantly long limbs. The other girl indignantly places a hand to her mouth before snarling back, “Well, it's better than being a pig. The sight of such a masterpiece on that bulging body is offensive to the eyes!”

“What!? As if someone so flat-chested has any right to say that!”

Oh my. I expected discourse between differing races to occur during my studies here, but already? And about an article of clothing no less.

“How lovely!”

Hmn?

Waves of hickory-smoked hair lift a gentle scent of jasmine into the tense atmosphere. The newcomer naturally slides her fingers into theirs. “The hand stitched beading and careful dyeing process accentuates both the curve of your body as well as the color of your eyes!”

“H-Huh?” The Kindred with mauve twintails suddenly goes a different shade of red in the face. “I-I see you understand the beauty of such a piece and why I chose to wear this for my student-life debutante! But to wear the same thing as a Human…”

Without missing a beat, the mediator looks at the other girl. “The fit of this hemline perfectly emphasizes your delicate figure, and brings about a chic and elegant ambiance!”

The brunette Human brings her fingers to her mouth again, “You understand all that…? That was the image I had in mind when I waited whole moon-cycles for this artisan-crafted piece! But for me to wear the same thing as anyone else on the first day of school…”

“It doesn't matter!”

“Huh?” They both look at her in surprise.

“The detailing of such a piece brings out the best qualities of both of you, yet in completely different ways! Fashion is something where even the same piece can bring about a distinctive demeanor depending on who wears it and how!”

Oh my, isn't that wonderful? It looks like they're all friends now. Though at this rate, they'll both be completely enamored by you, Leila.