Capítulo 486: Buying Clothes
Kaguya gave Yoshino an apologetic smile. "Give us a moment. We just need to discuss something." Then she gently nudged Origami Tobiichi outside the door, even as she looked somewhat reluctant.
"Oh…" Yoshino and Yoshinon glanced at each other, and Yoshinon remarked, "She seems like a good person."
"Mm." Yoshino nodded sweetly, her voice soft and gentle.
Meanwhile, completely unaware that she'd just earned herself a "good person" card, Kaguya found herself outside with Origami.
Once they were out the door, Origami turned to face her, her sharp eyes focusing on Kaguya. "Are you really planning on taking these two in? You realize they're Spirits and could bring unexpected trouble?"
"I can't just leave them on their own," Kaguya said helplessly. "Besides, if we're careful, I don't think it'll cause too many issues."
"Even if she's called the Hermit, that doesn't mean she's harmless," Origami said seriously. "She isn't an ordinary girl—she possesses powers that ordinary people don't, and that also means she comes with unpredictable risks."
"Don't worry so much," Kaguya replied with a reassuring smile. "I'm certain Yoshino isn't the type to attack people without reason. I can vouch for her."
"Yoshino?" Origami's eyebrows knitted slightly. "When did you two get so close? Are you actually… under her spell?" she asked, immediately reaching for her pistol.
"Hey, hey!" Kaguya quickly grabbed the gun from her, speechless. "Would you stop assuming I'm some kind of deviant? I wouldn't do anything to such a young girl."
"Are you sure you don't have those kinds of… preferences?" Origami eyed her with suspicion.
"No! Absolutely not!" Oddly, Kaguya felt a little nervous saying this, but she forced herself to appear calm.
"Really?" Origami gave her a skeptical look. "The AST headquarters has decided to officially partner with DEM (Deus Ex Machina Industries), and the advanced equipment you saw today came from them. I'm worried they've already noticed you. And if you're also sheltering her…" Her normally cold expression softened slightly with worry.
"Don't worry," Kaguya smiled, saying confidently, "I'm not so easy to take down. They're not up to the task yet."
"But they've started mass production of these new weapons. When it comes down to it, even someone like you might struggle to fend off an attack from so many people." Origami's tone became urgent. "That's why I'm asking you to let her go. If you're uncomfortable with it, I can tell her to leave for you."
Just then, the door opened slightly, and a small figure stepped outside. It was Yoshino, now dressed in her green bunny-themed coat once again.
"I… I've thought about it," Yoshino said softly, "and I'd rather not stay here. I'm not very comfortable here—I like the outside better."
"You're leaving?" Kaguya asked, surprised. "Is there something wrong with this place?"
"N-No," Yoshino quickly waved her hands, "it's a lovely place."
"Then why are you leaving?" Kaguya's eyes fixed on her.
"It's just that… I prefer being outside. I'm… not used to places like this." Yoshino twisted her fingers anxiously, speaking hesitantly.
Kaguya stepped closer, and under Yoshino's startled gaze, she patted her gently on the head, smiling. "Stay here."
"B-But…" Yoshino looked up, anxious.
"No 'buts'—stay here," Kaguya said, her eyes smiling. "I know what you're worried about, but don't. Everything will be fine."
Kaguya understood Yoshino's thoughts; it wasn't that she didn't like the place. As Origami had said, Yoshino was likely worried that staying would draw danger to Kaguya and cause her trouble. In Yoshino's mind, leaving would spare her any burden.
Yoshino seemed to want to say something more, but seeing Kaguya's reassuring smile, she felt a sudden calm. She nodded instinctively.
Origami looked like she wanted to object again, but Kaguya gently grabbed her hand, smiling as she said, "Since you're here, why don't we go shopping together? You haven't eaten yet, right? Let's pick up groceries—I still don't know where the supermarket is, so you can show me."
With that, Kaguya waved at Yoshino and Yoshinon, and with Origami reluctantly in tow, they headed out of the apartment.
Origami seemed to want to say something else, but as she felt Kaguya's hand holding hers, she froze, and a faint blush appeared on her usually composed face. The words she'd planned to say remained unspoken as she quietly followed behind Kaguya.
"I know what you're thinking," Kaguya said, glancing back with a serious expression. "You're worried about me. And I understand. But I can't just leave her on her own. I hope you understand."
To Kaguya's surprise, Origami didn't argue. Instead, she simply nodded.
Could it be my "kingly aura" is working? Kaguya wondered.
The two walked away together, and not long after they'd left, a dark circle appeared on the ground in front of the apartment door. From within it emerged a figure, a strange smile curling at her lips.
What surprised Kaguya next was the sheer size of the AST headquarters. Rather than just a base, it was almost like a small city. It reminded her of Cambridge University in England—a "university" that was really more like a town.
The supermarket wasn't far, just a ten-minute walk from where they'd started.
The supermarket itself was quite large, with an array of goods that nearly overwhelmed her senses. Luckily, Origami's guidance made the shopping much faster.
They picked up vegetables, eggs, chicken, beef, milk, flour, and other items. Compared to battle, Kaguya found herself far more interested in food ingredients and cooking. She loved the feeling of wielding a kitchen knife and had even once considered becoming a chef if not for all the recent events.
Suddenly, Kaguya remembered something—clothing. She didn't have many real clothes, and most of what she wore was created with her magic, but that just wasn't the same as the feel of actual fabric. Yoshino also didn't seem to have any extra clothes, so this would be a good chance to pick some out for her.
But when Kaguya turned around, she was nearly knocked off balance by what she saw Origami doing and holding in her hands.
Origami stood in the lingerie section, carefully holding a lace bra against herself, her brows furrowed as though deep in thought, apparently considering something seriously.
However, it was clear that the bra she had chosen was a bit large for her figure.
Kaguya cleared her throat with some embarrassment and said, "No need to focus on this right now—let's look at other clothes first."
Though she'd grown accustomed to having a woman's body, this particular situation felt awkward, especially since it was about such personal items. It didn't help that Origami, whom she hadn't known long, was picking out underwear in plain view.
Thankfully, this was the women's section, and men were prohibited, so it wasn't as mortifying.
Origami seemed to ignore Kaguya's suggestion, putting down the previous bra and picking up another. "How about this one?"
This one was a pink, smooth-textured bra with a playful design, decorated with a few smiley faces, brimming with youthful charm.
"Yeah, looks nice!" Kaguya replied with a slightly awkward laugh, turning her head.
"You're lying," Origami leaned closer and pointed out, "you didn't even look at it."
Caught off guard by her sharp eyes, Kaguya gave in and glanced at it briefly, muttering, "It's… alright, I suppose."
"Is it?" Origami seemed thoughtful, then picked up a different bra and asked, "How about this one?"
This one was much bolder, black lace with delicate trimming, featuring cutout edges that added an extra layer of allure.
Kaguya felt a twitch of irritation. Why was Origami so fixated on underwear?
"Also nice," Kaguya said quickly, trying to appease her. "It suits you."
Kaguya knew this was the worst time to say anything negative. If she criticized any of these choices, Origami's search might drag on indefinitely, potentially taking hours just to pick one.
"Really?" Origami scrutinized the bra for a moment before picking it up and heading toward the changing room.
But before Kaguya could finally breathe a sigh of relief, a slender, pale hand shot out, grabbed her, and pulled her inside as well.
"What are you…?" Kaguya asked, bewildered as she found herself face-to-face with Origami in the dressing room.
"Nothing," Origami replied calmly, lifting the bra in her hand. "I just want your opinion."
But did she really have to drag her inside for this? Kaguya thought to herself in frustration.
Before Kaguya could respond, Origami had already started undressing. She unbuttoned her shirt, letting the white blouse slide from her shoulders, then unzipped her skirt, letting the blue fabric fall to her ankles.
In the blink of an eye, Origami was down to just her undergarments, exuding a youthful charm.
"What are you doing?" Kaguya stammered, her eyes wide with shock.
"Changing, of course," Origami replied matter-of-factly as she reached back to unhook her bra.
But why bring her in for that? Whatever happened to modesty and restraint?
"Don't you feel embarrassed with someone here?" Kaguya asked.
"Embarrassed?" Origami blinked, looking puzzled. "Why would I be? Between girls, there's no reason to be embarrassed, right?"
She said it so confidently that Kaguya couldn't argue.
Lost in thought, Kaguya hadn't noticed that Origami had already removed her bra, letting it fall aside, revealing her flawless, delicate skin.
"What's wrong? Is there a problem?" Origami asked, seemingly noticing Kaguya's gaze.
"No—nothing," Kaguya replied, swallowing and feeling a bit flustered.
When they finally emerged from the lingerie section, Kaguya still looked a little dazed. The image of Origami in the fitting room lingered in her mind, that glimpse of skin imprinted in her thoughts. One thing was clear: Origami was seriously lacking any sense of modesty.
They'd managed to buy almost everything they needed, from food to clothing. Kaguya had picked up several extra sets of casual clothes—T-shirts, jeans, and some tight-fitting outfits—that would be convenient for combat if needed.
Just as they were about to leave, Kaguya remembered something. "Wait here, I'll be right back," she said, heading towards the hat section.
The hat section was brimming with pretty choices, their vibrant colors and patterns filling the racks.
Glancing around, Kaguya's eyes lit up as she spotted a particular hat. She walked over and picked it up. It was a white, wide-brimmed hat with a simple yet elegant look, adorned with a pink bow that added a touch of cuteness.
If she remembered correctly, Yoshino seemed to have a soft spot for hats like these.
"What are you doing?" Origami's voice suddenly appeared behind her, nearly startling Kaguya.
"Nothing," Kaguya replied with a smile. "I'm just getting a gift—for Yoshino."
Origami looked at the hat in her hands, then wrapped her arm around Kaguya's and said, "I want you to get me a gift, too."
"What?"
"Why, is that a problem?" Origami's large, piercing eyes stared at her intently.
"No, it's not… But, I don't know what you'd like," Kaguya said, placing the hat in her shopping basket.
It only made sense; if she was getting Yoshino a gift, it wouldn't feel right to leave Origami out. It was her first time meeting Origami, and giving her a gift seemed appropriate.
"I'll like anything you pick," Origami murmured, pressing her chest lightly against Kaguya's arm.
This is totally unfair…
Feeling the soft pressure against her arm, Kaguya couldn't help but think.
After some deliberation, Kaguya settled on a crystal bracelet for Origami. She'd chosen it with care—it was both elegant and distinct, with a clear, pure quality that perfectly suited her.
Origami seemed to love it, her expression one of admiration as she carefully inspected the bracelet, refusing to let go of it.
Suddenly, a deafening explosion sounded in the distance, followed by plumes of smoke and towering flames.
Kaguya glanced in the direction of the blast, her eyes narrowing. It was right where their apartment was. Exasperated, she wondered—why did trouble have to follow her everywhere? Can't we have a single day in peace?
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