Chapter 22 - Old Habits

A codpiece? Believe it or not, having an exaggerated *bump* in the male genital area was considered quite popular. It was an important fashion item of European clothing during the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries.

It rose to prominence during the 16th century, due to the growing importance of masculinity and other traits that were desired – notions of chivalry, honour, and romance. All these were characteristics that were widespread among those that are of knighthood.

So, when Kent realised that Baxter, this smithy, had the ingenuity to incorporate this idea into his armour was something truly unexpected. Because he realised that Baxter wasn't an ordinary shop owner/blacksmith, he had the creativity and artistic capabilities of a top fashion designer.

Baxter was someone that will very well revolutionise the fashion industry, flipping everything on its head. Of course, the rise of the codpiece's popularity isn't instantaneous. Something as unorthodox and outlandish as a codpiece wouldn't be easily accepted.

It takes time for such things to become popular among the masses. Bikinis didn't become popular overnight, you know…

So, towards this codpiece armour, Kent felt disgusted and delighted at its discovery. For one he has potentially unearthed a talented craftsman that could serve under him. And for the other, he has never found something that is this repulsive.

"So, what do you think?" The brawny shopkeeper asked eagerly.

"It's quite a controversial piece," Kent said mysteriously, whilst he tried to hold in his clear disgust.

"I already know that, but what about the design? What do you think of it?" Baxter inquired.

"To be honest, I believe the *package* could become extremely popular. But it takes time for such designs to become widely accepted among the masses."

"So, all in all, I believe what you have designed to be quite the masterpiece." Kent praised as he tapped Baxter's shoulders.

Harpooned by Kent's praise, the blacksmith was shocked as he didn't expect to be recognised for his ingenuity. Instead, Baxter prepared himself to hear a series of insults and ridicule.

The blacksmith revealed an awkward smile as he thanked the city lord.

In the end, Kent bought the armour for a total of 400 copper.

Baxter was stunned at Kent's high valuation of his craft. And he thanked him sincerely for his generosity. In this world, 300 copper could buy a healthy horse, 2400 copper could buy a modest house. As for 400 copper, that is roughly the annual income of labourers.

Baxter didn't think the armour was worth as much, but Kent could see so much more.

In his opinion, the 400 copper didn't just buy a piece of armour with a hideous codpiece, but also the loyalty of a valuable skilled worker – A fashion designer that could serve under his wing.

"Please visit again, milord!" Baxter said whilst he escorted Kent out of Hot Diggerty.

The guards stationed outside the blacksmith prepared to transport Kent back to the castle. However, they were taken aback when Kent returned not in his previous outfit, but instead in a majestic sky-blue armour.

But more importantly, they witness their lord wearing such an erotic outfit. 'Look at the size of that thing!' the knights all thought in their heads as they looked wild-eyed.

Kent gave a friendly wave to the blacksmith as he exited the small shop. But seeing all the strange looks these loyal guards were giving him; he couldn't help but get embarrassed.

"What are you looking at! Oi, focus on your jobs." Kent shouted pessimistically in a threatening tone, but deep down he was in such shame. He felt like he was a laughingstock in front of others.

As Kent made his way back to the castle. The guards all surrounded him focused on protecting their lord, but occasionally they would sneak subtle glances at Kent's crotch area when Kent wasn't looking.

🍆 <--- (゜- ゜)

Kent covered his head in shame when passerbys stared his way, even though the helmet concealed the young lord's flustered face.

But still, it was well worth it.

Kent's purpose in visiting the Hot Diggerty was to kickstart his new business venture – he wanted to tap into the unexplored fashion industry.

Currently, in the world of Monia, artistic beauty still hasn't reached a complex level in the later Elizabethan era. Even the wardrobe that Kent was so proud of only has a few truly complex clothes. Most garments are only of 1 or 2 colours, with no decorative patterns in sight.

If Kent had to describe luxury clothes, he would say they were quite simplistic, yet these garments also had a limited amount of colour options, making mix-and-match almost impossible.

If there's one thing that drives women crazy, it is the pursuit of beauty. And in its way, no matter how much they sacrifice to achieve that perfect look, they would do just about anything to achieve it.

The corset was just the start. Kent wanted to introduce more complex, luxurious goods to the high society; makeup, purses, bags, dresses, necklaces... you name them. He wanted these products to target those nobles that are in Tetbury, it would do him good if he earn more influence in the kingdom, whilst simultaneously vacuuming his fellow nobles' pockets.

Kent was certain he was the weakest of the bunch. It was only fair if he take some of their wealth to make the game more interesting.

The young lord could already imagine mountains of gold piled high in his castle chamber. A gluttonous smirk appeared as he pictured that moment.

However, as Kent progressed passed the market centre. His rather sexually arousing outfit attracted a lot of unwanted attention. Women shielded their eyes, whilst men stood dumbstruck in what they saw.

In their mind, even though they couldn't discern who was the mysterious person under that armour. The citizens instinctively knew only one character in the whole city would have the audacity of wearing such an outfit – The Lech of Hestanar.

When Kent walked into the castle bailey, he could see knights practising their swordsmanship as well as doing physical training.

Deryk was also there assisting some of the knights in their troubles. When the knight commander saw Kent in that glistening armour, he couldn't help but feel jealous. However, when he saw that gigantic manhood, Deryk couldn't help but feel in awe.

"Our lord is so manly!" Deryk thought.