บท 9: CHAPTER 9: Clothes Shopping
Inside a clothing store in the shopping district that prides itself on its diverse and high-quality selection of clothes of different styles for different occasions.
The numerous female employees that staffed the various sections began to tend to their duties whilst taking occasional glances at a single spot of their large store.
To these ladies, seeing beautiful people was a usual part of their workday, those people more often than not being women, with the occasional man every few days.
But today was special, as a young man whose looks naturally drew the eyes of others with his mere presence could now be seen looking through clothes while accompanied by two women.
Though the young man was the one who had led their group into the establishment, he quickly lost control of the initiative as his companions began to play dress-up with him as the model.
"Young Master Leon, this sweater would look absolutely good on you! It compliments your hair color, and it's quite soft and thick, making it perfect for wintertime!"
"I-Is that so?"
With a beige wool sweater pressed against his front by Anastasia who began to examine how it would fit on him, the maid quickly smiled with great joy as she felt her heart race with how well it had fit with Leon's looks.
'It makes it look like he's going out on a passionate winter date. Waiting beneath the snow for his partner to arrive'
'The small blush apparent on his face offsets the warm colors of his hair and attire. The beating of the heart fighting off the cold of the snow!'
'Miss maid! Nice job! Bravo! Magnifico! Your taste is absolutely superb!'
Following the examination of Anastasia, the nearby employees silently voiced their support for her coordinated outfit with small nods of approval. Their minds went as they imagined Leon in their fantasy-like scenario.
"Enough with the winter attire! We now need some formal clothes for Leon! Though I would prefer having one hand-made for him alone, this red button-up and back vest is simply too good on my son!"
"M-Mom, control your voice-"
As Ada switched places with Anastasia, the grown and mature woman began to smile like a fool as she observed how the button-up and vest made her child give off an alluring mature atmosphere that greatly differed from his usual gentle self.
'The gap between the young man's soft demeanor and the elegant and mature choice of attire is simply too good!"
'Walking into a bar, tired from work, you are approached by a cute young boy who is far too young to be in the world of adults! Driven by his allure and a desire to shelter him, a wildfire romance begins!'
'Mother! Allow me to follow you forever! For granting this sight to my eyes, this debt is one that can never truly be repaid in a single lifetime!'
As with Anastasia's coordination, the clothing store's employees were equally enthusiastic about Ada's choice of formal clothing. Some of them even struggled to stand upright as the blood fueled by their delusions began to rush straight to their head.
"Madame! We mustn't stop just here! We must also prepare at least five sets of outfits for each season and gathering occasion!"
"We are one in mind, Anastasia! Let's strike down a fit for spring next!"
Hearing the two women's plans and sharing in their enthusiasm to see Leon in a wider selection of outfits, countless employees offered their services to carry the clothes they had chosen in bags.
Too fueled by their emotions, Ada and Anastasia didn't sense that they were trying to enjoy a private fashion show with Leon but saw them as fellow sisters who shared their appreciation for handsome men in beautiful clothes.
"Let's go, Leon! To the next section, we go!"
"Allow me to join you, Madame!"
Caught up in the whirlwind of emotions and passion, Leon couldn't help but feel a bit tired of being compared in so many clothes.
But seeing the smiles on their faces, he simply couldn't bring himself to ruin their fun. If they were happy, he was happy as well.
'It's better this way anyway. I was worried they would be too caught up protecting me to even enjoy our outing… and I'm learning a lot from observing everyone in the store. I'm beginning to slowly form an idea of how things are run in this world'
Following the path the riled-up women took with steady steps, Leon leisurely strolled around the clothing store. His eyes examined which clothes fit his personal taste of fashion.
'I considered myself knowledgeable enough in fashion. You had to be in order to fit in with the wild nightlife that was essential to a criminal's career and display of splendor… let's try and get something that resembled my past life's wardrobe'
Recognizing a few pieces that would've belonged in his closet before, Leon slipped away from his mother and maid and began to test an attire he personally liked in a private dressing room reserved for men.
A place that was entirely self-service. Probably due to the men of this world being rather averse to contact with women while changing
…
..
.
"Hm? Where's Leon?"
Realizing she hadn't heard from her son in a while, Ada began to grow worried as she realized she left him behind somewhere.
Following not too long after Ada, Anastasia readied to utilize her tracking skills to their utmost limit to confirm her young master's locations, but it would not be needed as Leon called out to them both as he walked out of the dressing room for men.
"Mom! Anastasia! How do I look?"
"L-Leon?!"
"Young Master! That attire-"
Causing a sea of red to awaken on the faces of the women who laid their eyes on the young man, Leon smiled innocently as he spun around to further examine his attire.
A tiger-striped summer shirt with only the buttons on the middle fastened together, a white undershirt, a pair of white shorts that cut off just above his knees, and a pair of black sunglasses that hung casually on his nose bridge.
"Pretty cool, right?"
It was an attire that Leon was quite happy with. Though it lacked some accessories and the appropriate physique to fill it out, it was a coordination of clothes that reminded Leon of his days full of confidence and pride.
'Though I won't take pride in the criminal life I led, I have to admit that it did teach me some useful skills'
Remembering how he drew in countless ladies with his masculine charm and inspired envy among his rivals and enemies, Leon held an expression like an old man grinning as he looked back on the better days of life.
But rather than reciprocating his fondness for the attire, Ada and Anastasia simply dragged Leon by the arms to the male dressing room before telling him to change back into a pair of more conservative clothes.
Saying so with their heads turned away from him, he questioned what exactly he had done wrong this time around.
"What's wrong with what I wore, Mom? I don't think there is anything too bad about it?"
Remembering how his mother grew flustered at the smallest revealing of his chest, Leon opted to wear an undershirt when he would usually wear none whatsoever. His original attire was usually loose so as to show off his muscles.
But to his confusion, Anastasia took up the role of informing Leon this time around as she did her best to guide her young master in the sensibilities of this world.
"It isn't good to reveal too much of your legs, Young Master Leon. It would rile up women too much, endangering you greatly."
"My legs?"
Peering down at his legs, all Leon saw was a pair of scrawny and underdeveloped legs that ache after a basic session of jogging.
He failed to understand why such things would awaken desire among women, so he began to employ his method to understand the sensibilities of this reversed world. Imagine what it would be like if it were with a woman in his old world in the same situation.
'So if I imagined my current predicament right now with a woman in my old world… I suppose it would be like if some girl I knew was wearing some shorts that exposed her supple legs? I can sort of get it now'
Bringing his imagination to a halt, Leon eventually accepted that his old life's fashion choices would simply be too radical for this world.
'No wonder women in my old world felt so annoyed when people dictated what they were allowed to wear. It's annoying and constricting.'
Though he was not entirely happy with such a thing, he wasn't going to get into a fight with his mom and maid for simply wanting to wear some shorts.
He could live with it, though they would have to accept it when summertime came around. There was no way he would accept walking around the summer heat in baggy or constructive jeans.
…
..
.
As Leon changed clothes with Ada and Anastasia standing guard at the dressing room's entrance, the employees of the clothing store dispersed as they went back to tending to their duties.
But though they appeared to have returned to normal, their minds repeated a certain phrase that perfectly illustrated the unbelievable sight they just witnessed.
'Gyaru-o. Handsome and innocent teenage gyaru-o!'
(A/N: Gyaru-o is basically the male form of Gyaru/Gal culture in Japan)
It was a lineup of descriptors that most of them believed was only possible in the world of 2D works of fiction, and yet they witnessed such a blessed sight with their very own eyes.
The eroticism and naivety of an innocent teenage gyaru-o. Needless to say, they would be rather busy with themselves as soon as they entered the privacy of their room when their shifts ended.
…
..
.
"That would be the total bill for all the clothes, ma'am. Cash or credit?"
"Credit"
"Understood, ma'am. This will only take a minute"
Standing idly at the cash register as the payment for all the clothes was being processed, Leon felt his eyes twitch as he watched a large group of employees begin packaging their purchases together to be delivered to their estate.
The sheer diversity and quantity of clothes Ada and Anastasia chose for him was simply too much to carry around with them during the rest of their outing, so it was simply decided to have all the clothes delivered via a specialized van.
"Is all of this really necessary, Anastasia? I could make do with a quarter of all these… maybe even less…"
"Of course it's necessary, Young Master Leon. It is known that fashion is essential to a modern young man in the prime of his life. You needn't worry about the price as this would hardly make a dent in the madame's savings"
Replying bluntly to his question, Anastasia did her best to assuage her young master's worries about their large purchase.
"Is that so?"
Seeing some worry remain in his complexion, the snow-white maid smiled that he possessed such kindness to still trouble himself over such things even after being assured. It was simply a testament to his kind and gentle heart. The hallmark of a true prince-like young master.
"It is truly fine, Young Master Leon. If anything, it would be a crime against your fair complexion if you weren't able to showcase in resplendent clothing"
After gaining some courage, Anastasia did her best to speak out her true feelings on the matter. Hearing her trembling voice with her slightly flushed face, Leon simply smiled as he recognized what exactly his personal maid was trying to pull.
'Haa, young love, what a wonderful thing. But it's unfortunate it had to be me of all people you fell in love with, Anastasia.'
The young man's eyes grew gentle in recollection as he recalled his absolute mess of a love life in his past life. He was far too arrogant and prideful to ever healthily engage in romance with another partner.
And even after he reflected on the foolishness of his ways, he still wasn't sure if he was ready to take the leap then and there. But there was one thing he was certain of, he couldn't fully love someone back as he was now.
Only after he truly found peace by following his new path of kindness did he think he would find the confidence to properly love someone as his partner.
'And even then, my mind is mixed with one of an old man who had died of old age. If I was going to pursue someone, it would definitely be someone older. Anastasia is simply too young for my tastes right now'
Turning to the young maid with a gentle smile and confirming that no one around them would overhear their conversation, he began to gently place his hand on her head, whispering words of guidance for the woman high on her first love.
"I can't reciprocate your feelings of longing, Anastasia."
"!!"
Hearing his words, Anastasia felt a sudden heat rush to her head. Wishing to rectify her young master's conception of her words, she tried to speak, but she was cut off by Leon who simply continued to speak in a balanced cadence and tone.
"It's not that I don't find you worthy. You're extremely cute, and you would no doubt be an excellent partner… It's just… I don't feel confident that I can properly love you back, and you deserve someone who could at least do that much, Anastasia."
Meeting her young master's eyes, the young maid became surprised as she felt an overflowing sense of wisdom pouring forth from Leon. Despite being the same age as her, it was as if he lived through an entire lifetime of turbulent experiences.
"That's why I'm so eager to explore this world, Anastasia. To break free from simply wasting away in some constricting room. I want to help people, understand them, and connect with them."
"It hurts to be alone. No matter what path was taken, if the end result of it is being isolated from everyone else, I believe such a path isn't a good life."
"So, I thought maybe the answer lay somewhere else. Maybe it was waiting for me at the end of a life of kindness."
"One filled with good stuff like patience, understanding, and other virtues like that. Though I'm not really sure if I can call myself knowledgeable in such an area."
"Maybe it won't be there waiting for me. Maybe I'll have wasted my time yet again. But at least I won't be alone at the end of it all, so it shouldn't be all that bad… Well, that's just what I think."
Gazing off into the distance, through the glass windows of the clothing store, and into the vast boundless sky beyond, Leon let go of his hand on Anastasia's head and rested his vacant palm on his hips.
His mind grew busy as he articulated the finishing thoughts that would top off his introspection with the snow-white beauty. Wanting for her to understand what he desired to find, and for himself to understand more clearly his desires in this new life as well.
"I guess what I'm trying to say is, I want to better understand what it means to be a good person. I did a lot of bad things and I want to be better… but I'm honestly afraid and confused about where to start… if such a thing is even possible for someone like me."
Leon laughed at his pathetic display of vulnerability. If he showed such a thing to his enemies and rivals in the criminal underworld, he would no doubt be taken advantage of or have his insecurities used against him in some insane and twisted way.
But, as if she read his mind and wanted to chastise such self-deprecating thoughts, Anastasia took her young master's vacant hand and gazed back at him with a sincere gaze. His green eyes reflected majestically against her clear blue.
"It is absolutely possible for you, Young Master Leon. Even if others may say that it isn't right for you to pursue such a dream, this Anastasia will simply help you surpass all the pushback you face… every person deserves to search for their own happiness."
The young maid's hands trembled as she felt her heart resonate so violently with Leon's emotions.
Many people commented on her peculiar dream to live out a fairy tale despite the bloody life she led as a maid of the Continental Hotel.
But even if it went against all norms and conventions, it was a happiness that spoke to her heart, and so she would unashamedly claim such a dream for herself.
Just like Leon, she wasn't completely sure what constituted the fulfillment of her dream. Was it having her heart race upon meeting a young man of unparalleled beauty? Was it having her spirit empowered by serving someone who was pure of heart? Anastasia didn't know.
But she felt that she was at peace when she stood by Leon's side. Never before in her life had she felt such fulfillment in her heart, mind, and soul, even if they were only together for just a few days.
'I cannot explain why, but I have a feeling that Young Master Leon is the prince-like master I have always been searching for… and if he requires assistance to find his own happiness, even if it comes in the form that doesn't allow for me to share in it, I will absolutely support him whole-heartedly.'
For such a purpose, maids served. So that they may derive joy from the happiness of their master whom they served wholeheartedly.
"I am fine if you do not reciprocate my feelings, Young Master Leon. Even if they grow as our time together lengthens, I will be absolutely fine. Simply allow me to help you be happy. Allow my fate to intertwine with yours so that the end of your journey would be mine as well."
"I am the same as you. I am unsure of many things in life, but of this I am certain. So should you find certainty in being a kind person, then let us walk the path of kindness together."
Hearing Anastasia's voice grow silent as her words cease, Leon was left utterly shocked. He wasn't quite used to connecting with someone on such a vulnerable level.
But feeling the warmth that coursed through his body, and elicited the corners of his mouth to rise uncontrollably, he felt such a place was one he longed and desired to reside in.
"Though I have some reservations about your choosing to continue loving me despite all that I said… I would greatly appreciate the company. If you were by my side, Anastasia, I feel like I would be more confident to find the answer that I'm looking for."
Seeing him accept her proposal to allow her to serve by his side, Anastasia's already wide smile simply reached incomprehensible heights as her hands tightened around Leon's.
"Yes! Verily!"
While the two of them enjoyed the atmosphere that came about from their interpersonal sharing, they both didn't notice the presence of Ada who was closing in on their position with an aura of bloodlust emanating around her.
"Anastasia Romanov… are you making a move on my beloved and precious son?!"
There was a scary glint in Ada's eyes that terrified the nearby clothing shop employees, but to Anastasia who had dealt with criminals on a daily basis, and Leon who was once a criminal himself, it didn't intimidate them all that much.
But not wanting to see his mother fight with his maid whom he connected with so well just then, the young man began to take action to quell her anger. He used his newly gained knowledge of the world's societal norms as a basis for his attack.
𝙂𝙇𝙊𝙈𝙋
"Eh?!"
In an instant, Leon had let go of Anastasia's hands before suddenly wrapping his arms around his mom's body. Tightening the hold he had on her. Awakening Ada's maternal instincts severely.
"L-Leon?!"
"Mom, Anastasia didn't make any moves on me. We were simply bonding. Isn't it good that we were on good terms with one another?"
"Y-Yes, but there's a certain level of intimacy that should be avoided between men and women-"
"Even if she did make a move on me, I would reject her… because I want to focus on getting closer to Mom first"
"Huh?!"
Raising his head to meet Ada's eyes face-to-face, Leon did his best to emulate a naive and innocent atmosphere as he spoke his words. What he uttered was not the complete truth, but not being completely false either.
"I know Mom won't always be able to be with me with her work, so I wanted to be able to be friends with Anastasia so that I won't be lonely when you're gone…"
"M-Mom is not angry with you, Leon! It's my fault for misunderstanding, alright? So don't-"
"Mom isn't angry?"
"Yes! How could I ever get angry with the son I love so much?"
"Is that so?... Then… I love you too Mom!"
Complete and utter silence came forward as Leon unleashed the final blow of his combo attack. Something he based on how he observed some hardened criminals melt into a puddle as they dealt with their innocent and clingy daughters.
'Did I perhaps act too much and they're now reeling from cringe?'
Just as Leon began to worry about the effects of his performance, his fears were dissuaded as he opened his eyes to face his mother.
"Ehehe♪… Ehehehe♪…"
Ada's face was filled to the brim with red-hot embarrassment as she basked in the afterglow of her son being clingy with her. The fantasy of any mom who raised an adorably precious son.
"How envious…"
"Leon Greenfield, what a terrifying young man he is…"
"Oh no, boss, can I call in sick tomorrow? I think I just caught a fever…"
Even the clothing store employees who usually kept their thoughts to themselves, began to openly voice their desire to experience having a son cling to them desperately.
"Awawawawawa"
And Anastasia, who was the closest recipient of Leon's assault besides Ada, began to glitch out as steam seemed to begin fuming out of her beet-red ears.
Seeing the absolute mess he had created from a basic strategy implemented with surface-level knowledge of this world's societal norms, Leon only then realized just how much power he held over the women of this world.
'With great power comes great responsibility, Leon Greenfield! You already lived enough scummy scenarios in your past life, so you must be an upright and moral person in this life!'
Thus began our protagonist's lifelong struggle to not become lost in a manic desire to use his power for his own amusement.
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