Bab 56: The Market Area
Thirty minutes later, Charlie, accompanied by Aishia and Aphrodite, entered the market area. It was still morning, and the place was filled with people and stalls.
"It's very crowded."
Charlie looked at the food stalls and exotic goods, some of which he had never seen before.
"It's normal for this place to be packed. The market area has the highest concentration of foreigners in all of Orario. You can buy anything here as long as you have the money."
Pausing for a moment, Aphrodite leaned close to Charlie's ear and whispered softly.
"There's also a black market that only a few people know about. There are many rare items usually banned from sale. For example, slaves. Are you interested?"
"Slaves..."
Hearing the term "slave", Charlie's eyes darkened, emotionless. He couldn't help but recall the state of the slaves he had rescued and the human traffickers, who turned out to be owned by a regional leader in a certain province of Indonesia.
What is a slave?
A slave is a person without rights. Legally, they are treated as objects. That's why stealing them is considered theft, committing fraud against them is fraud, and seizing them is robbery or extortion.
Simply put, they have no human rights.
"Forget what I said, it seems like I accidentally stepped on a landmine."
Sensing Charlie's change in expression, Aphrodite stopped bringing up the black market.
"So, what do you want to buy? I can recommend the best stores."
"Clothing and essentials for Aishia."
Calming his emotions, Charlie returned to normal.
Spirit Art is practical since it can create clothes, but he didn't want Aishia wearing Spirit Art clothes. So, he planned to head to the market area to buy daily necessities.
Knowing his plan, Aphrodite insisted on coming along, claiming she knew Orario better than a newcomer like Charlie.
"Then let's go to the women's clothing store that members of my Familia often visit. You'll definitely like it."
Aphrodite smiled and chuckled.
"I'll leave it to you, Goddess Aphrodite. I'm not really knowledgeable about this."
"Good, follow me."
Seeing no objection, Aphrodite walked cheerfully.
"Hold my hand so we don't get separated."
"Um."
While holding Charlie's hand out in front of her, Aishia looked around curiously.
The three of them walked without attracting attention thanks to the cloaks they wore.
Charlie kept holding Aishia's hand, following Aphrodite. The crowd soon thinned as they turned a corner and quickly found the store Aphrodite mentioned.
"This Is it. Come, Charlie, you'll love this place!" Said Aphrodite, gripping his wrist tightly and dragging Charlie into the shop.
The door opened with a soft bell chime, and Charlie was instantly greeted by the sweet scent of flowers and seductive perfume.
The shelves lined the walls, filled with clothes that stunned him. Gossamer-thin silk dresses, lace lingerie, and undergarments designed to reveal more than they covered. Each piece seemed more provocative than the last.
There were also mannequins dressed in costumes with delicate feathers and brightly colored undergarments, complete with accessories that seemed too intimate to discuss in public.
Charlie: "#@!%?"
If someone inexperienced like Bell Cranel had walked into this shop, he would have rushed out in a panic with face flushed.
Aside from the initial surprise, Charlie didn't overreact. To him, a mere clothing store wasn't enough to shake his composure. Next to him, Aishia also didn't seem embarrassed, staring at the lingerie without changing her expression.
"Sigh... I shouldn't have expected much. Aphrodite's taste doesn't suit an ordinary person like me."
"Are you gay? Your reaction is so dull! This is not what I expected. Normally, when men enter a store like this, they feel embarrassed or at least awkward."
"Sorry to disappoint you, Goddess Aphrodite. Aishia, let's find another clothing store."
Of course, Aishia was very obedient and would not oppose Charlie's decision. So, the two turned and left the clothing store.
"Hey, wait for me!"
Seeing them really leaving, Aphrodite hurried to catch up.
"Don't be mad, I just wanted to see your embarrassed reaction."
"..."
"Don't ignore me, I was wrong, okay? This time I'll show you a normal clothing store."
Feeling ignored was a new sensation for Aphrodite, who was used to men obeying her every word. Not only was she not angry at Charlie's indifferent attitude, but she also felt a little... pleased?
"What do you think, Aishia?" Charlie asked Aishia.
"Whatever Charlie decides, I'll follow." Aishia answered in a monotone voice.
"Alright, but no more playing around."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah, there should be a well-known women's clothing store nearby."
Not showing any regret, Aphrodite scanned the nearby buildings, then led the two to another clothing store.
After a few minutes, the three stopped in front of a store with a simple sign reading "Chiffon Dreams." From the outside, the store looked like a regular women's boutique, with large windows displaying elegant summer dresses and mannequins dressed in casual yet stylish outfits.
Charlie felt a bit more at ease. At least this store wasn't as strange as the previous one. He and Aishia followed Aphrodite inside.
The shop was bright and neatly arranged. The walls were lined with racks full of various women's clothing. There were pastel-colored summer dresses, elegant blouses, and neatly hung skirts in every corner. In the back, there were racks of light jackets and casual pants, perfect for cooler weather.
Sunlight streamed through the large windows, creating a comfortable and pleasant atmosphere.
Charlie glanced around, feeling a bit more relaxed now. The shop looked like the kind of place young women in Orario would visit to find comfortable and fashionable clothes. The mannequins around them wore elegant dresses, not something too flashy or excessive.
"Are you satisfied? Harmonia often comes to this store to order outfits for her concerts."
Hands on her hips, Aphrodite waited for Charlie's response.
"Not bad. This is much better than the previous store." Charlie nodded and gave his praise.
"Welcome, Aphrodite-sama, how can I assist you?"
After Aphrodite removed her cloak, a sales assistant came over to greet her warmly.
The Aphrodite Familia was a regular customer at Chiffon Dreams. For that reason, Aphrodite was treated as a VIP customer.
"Just ignore me, I'm not the one buying clothes. You can go, I'll call you if I need anything."
"Understood, Aphrodite-sama."
While Aphrodite and the sales assistant chatted, Charlie browsed the displayed clothes.
"Which clothes does Aishia like?"
"Not sure. Charlie, you pick for me."
"Sure."
Having accompanied his wife on many shopping trips in his previous life, Charlie was quite experienced in this area. He selected a few pieces of clothing and handed them to Aishia.
"Try these on."
"I'll put them on."
"Wait, Aishia, don't take your clothes off here. Use the fitting room."
Seeing Aishia about to dissolve her Spirit Art clothes, Charlie stopped her and pushed her towards the fitting room.
"Let's see your sense of fashion."
Standing next to him, Aphrodite looked forward to it.
Soon after, Aishia pulled back the curtain.
She was wearing a sleeveless white top paired with a mini skirt. Beautiful floral patterns were embroidered onto the shirt just above the hem as decoration.
Her feminine figure and beautiful face combined to give the impression of a flower not easily plucked.
"You look amazing, Aishia, you're beautiful."
Charlie didn't hold back his compliments.
"Your skin is so fair, and these clothes highlight your body... As expected from a Spirit, you're superior to 90% of mortal women."
Among the many beautiful women she had seen in the lower world, Aphrodite boldly declared Aishia to be in the top three.
"I'm glad Charlie likes it."
Although there was no change in her expression, her tone was clearly softer.
"Let's buy a few casual outfits for you."
Charlie bought clothes for Aishia and a set for Aphrodite as a thank you.
No matter the world, women's clothing is more expensive than men's. Fortunately, Charlie had plenty of money from selling magic stones.
Leaving the clothing store, Aphrodite was, as usual, mischievous and introduced stores according to Charlie's requests.
PERTIMBANGAN PENCIPTA 
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