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Syr led them to a large clothing store called Vespertine's Wardrobe, a popular spot among adventurers and residents of Orario. The store had two floors with large windows displaying some of the most attractive outfits for men and women. Inside, neatly arranged racks held clothing catalogs ranging from casual attire to elegant styles, along with complementary accessories.
As they entered, Syr, Anya, Chloe, and Ryuu began discussing the outfits they planned to buy. Ryuu, who had offered to treat them, listened patiently to their suggestions, while Shirou stood silently beside them, feeling a bit awkward as the conversation focused mainly on women's clothing.
After chatting briefly, they split up to select their clothes. Shirou headed to the men's section, choosing something simple and affordable to avoid burdening Ryuu. He settled on a soft gray, plain shirt. It wasn't flashy, but it looked comfortable.
In the fitting room, Shirou tried on the shirt and looked in the mirror. It fit well, and he was satisfied with its simplicity. Having decided, he placed the shirt in his shopping bag.
As Shirou exited the fitting room, he saw Syr, who had also just come out of another booth. She was wearing a knee-length, soft green dress with sheer long sleeves that added an elegant, feminine touch. The dress was simple yet beautiful, perfectly matching Syr's gentle personality.
Syr showed off her dress to Shirou with a hopeful smile. "What do you think? Does it suit me?"
Shirou smiled and nodded. "It suits you perfectly, Syr. You look very beautiful," he complimented sincerely, making Syr's smile even brighter.
However, Syr's smile changed when she glanced at Shirou's shopping bag and saw the plain shirt inside. "Shirou," she said with a hint of protest, "did you really just choose another plain shirt? Just like the tunic you wear every day. You should try something more interesting!"
Syr carefully picked out several outfits that would suit Shirou, matching her choices to his striking red hair and his lean yet athletic frame.
Shirou tried on one of the outfits Syr had chosen. He wore a dark blue shirt with an open collar and fitted black pants that highlighted his physique. The shirt fit him perfectly, showing off his strong shoulders and arms, while the color gave an impression of elegance with a touch of simplicity.
When Shirou stepped out of the fitting room, he looked striking and more impressive than usual. Syr smiled in satisfaction at the sight. "Wow, Shirou, you look amazing! I think you really need clothes like this, so your wardrobe isn't all plain stuff," she said happily.
Shirou smiled gratefully and, while adjusting the shirt on his shoulder, said, "Maybe I should look for a bigger size. This one feels a bit tight."
Syr frowned slightly, feeling confident she'd chosen the right size, and without thinking, she touched Shirou's arm, examining the shirt that seemed snug around his muscles. Her hand immediately felt Shirou's firm, slightly prominent bicep under the fabric. Surprised, Syr realized that Shirou, who usually wore loose clothes, had a far more muscular build than she had guessed.
Shirou, feeling awkward with Syr's touch, called her name softly. "Syr...?"
Still slightly mesmerized, Syr ignored Shirou's discomfort and began gently feeling his chest and stomach, sensing his well-toned and trained muscles, just as she'd suspected.
Unable to contain her curiosity, Syr asked, "Did you train hard after joining the Loki Familia to get a physique like this?"
Shirou replied calmly, though still a bit uneasy, "Actually, I was already used to exercising and training before I came to Orario."
Suddenly, Ryuu appeared from behind, carrying a bag of clothes she had just bought. She raised an eyebrow when she saw Syr busy feeling the shirt Shirou was wearing. "Syr, what are you doing to Shirou?" she asked, surprised.
Syr just chuckled in response to Ryuu's question. "Oh, Ryuu, it turns out Shirou has some hidden muscles under those loose clothes of his. You're welcome to feel them, too, if you're curious," she teased.
Both Shirou and Ryuu protested in unison. "Syr!" they exclaimed in a mix of embarrassment and irritation.
Syr only laughed harder, thoroughly entertained by their reactions. "Alright, alright," she said, finally walking away with a chuckle. "I'll find some better-fitting clothes so Shirou's physique can be showcased properly," she added, leaving to look for tighter outfits for Shirou.
Once Syr left to find other clothes, Ryuu turned to Shirou with a knowing smile. "You seem to have a hard time refusing anything Syr asks, don't you?" she said with a gentle, familiar tone.
Shirou smiled, nodding slightly. "Syr always has a reason behind her actions, and I know she does it for my own good," he replied with understanding. He then picked out a similar shirt in a larger size, making sure it was more comfortable to wear.
Ryuu listened with a nod of agreement. "That's true," she said with a soft smile. "I also, somehow, always find it hard to say no when Syr asks me for something," she added, feeling they shared a mutual understanding of Syr's personality.
Elsewhere in the store, Syr found a tank top that she thought would suit Shirou's build. She examined it with a satisfied smile, imagining Shirou wearing it.
At that moment, Chloe passed by and saw the tank top in Syr's hands. "Wow, Syr! Are you bold enough now to pick out something revealing?" she teased with amusement.
Syr, not expecting such teasing, blushed immediately. "Uh, it's not for me! It's for Shirou," she quickly replied, her cheeks slightly pink.
Lunoire, overhearing their conversation, glanced at Syr with a curious look. "Does Shirou really need an undershirt so much that you're picking it out for him?" she asked, intrigued.
Syr only gave a sly smile, then leaned closer to both of them and whispered, "Honestly, I just wanted… a little eye candy."
Chloe and Lunoire exchanged glances, looking confused, but their curiosity prompted them to follow Syr, eager to see what she was planning.
Shirou and Ryuu stood near the fitting rooms, chatting lightly while they waited for Syr to return from choosing clothes. They discussed their days working at the Hostess of Fertility and their plans for the next training session.
Before long, Syr appeared, followed by Lunoire and Chloe, each with an amused and curious smile. Chloe, eager to understand Syr's intentions, approached Ryuu and whispered, "What exactly is Syr planning by giving that outfit to Shirou?"
Ryuu gave a small, relaxed smile. "Just wait and see," she replied briefly, not wanting to spoil the surprise.
Moments later, Shirou emerged from the fitting room, now wearing a tight tank top that showed off his physique. His muscular shoulders, arms, and chest, usually hidden, were now clearly visible in the fitted clothing.
Lunoire and Chloe immediately understood why Syr had chosen that outfit. Syr's earlier remark about wanting "eye candy" made perfect sense as they looked at Shirou in a tank top that highlighted his build.
Feeling a bit awkward under his friends' amazed stares, Shirou scratched his neck with a shy smile. "Is… is this too tight?" he asked softly, though he already knew the answer.
Chloe stepped closer and examined him. "It fits perfectly," she commented enthusiastically. "You should consider wearing clothes like this more often," she added with an approving smile.
Lunoire chimed in with a different perspective. "Actually, because you rarely wear clothes that emphasize your build, it makes your appearance more appealing, Shirou," she said. "Not like some other adventurers who love to show off," she added with a small laugh.
Ryuu smiled slightly, considering her friends' suggestions. "In that case, maybe it's better if Shirou only wears something tight like this occasionally. No need to make it a habit," she commented, and Chloe and Lunoire nodded in agreement.
Shirou grinned sheepishly at their praise. Then he turned to Syr and asked, "What do you think, Syr? Does it really suit me?"
Syr simply looked at Shirou with narrowed eyes, as if weighing something. Her expression was a bit serious, as though she wasn't fully satisfied.
Seeing her look, Shirou felt a little concerned. "Syr?" he called again, slightly nervous. "Do you think it doesn't look good?"
Syr snapped out of her thoughts and quickly shook her head. "Oh, no, no! It looks great," she replied with a smile.
However, Shirou noticed her gaze change, and her smile slowly turned sly, as if a new idea had come to her mind. He began to feel a bit nervous about what she might be planning. He knew that smile often meant Syr was up to something mischievous.
Clapping her hands eagerly, Syr announced, "Alright! Casual clothes are done. Now, let's move on to another store to find formal wear!" she said enthusiastically.
Lunoire and Ryuu, who were enjoying this shopping outing, nodded in agreement. "Good idea," said Lunoire, while Ryuu nodded along.
"Yes, I've also picked out everything I need here," Chloe added, holding her shopping bag.
Shirou and Syr returned to their respective fitting rooms to change out of the clothes they tried on. Once they finished, they placed the selected items in their shopping bags.
They stepped out of the fitting rooms at the same time, exchanging smiles at the coincidence.
They then walked together, joining their friends who were already waiting in line at the cashier to pay for their chosen clothes. With their casual clothes in hand, they prepared to head to the next store, looking forward to the excitement of continuing their shopping trip.
After Ryuu completed the payment at the cashier, Syr led them to another store. "Now, let's head to the Elf clothing shop to find formal attire!" she said excitedly.
Walking beside her, Shirou looked a bit puzzled and asked, "Why are we going to look for formal clothes there?"
Syr turned and smiled, glancing at Ryuu, who was walking not far behind them. "Because Elves are known for their graceful and luxurious style," she replied, hinting at the natural elegance of Ryuu and other Elves.
Not long after, they arrived in front of an exclusive store specializing in Elf clothing, called The Sylvan Silks. The entrance was adorned with intricate carvings made from mahogany, featuring elegant swirling leaves and flowers. Inside, the store looked spacious, arranged with a clean, refined aesthetic. Mannequins stood dressed in various Elf formal attire, each looking beautiful and sophisticated.
In the store's corners, there were long robes and dresses made from soft, shimmering fabrics, with intricate designs like the elegant gowns Shirou often saw Riveria or Lefiya wear. These dresses had gentle colors like emerald green, sapphire blue, and pure white, with delicate gold embroidery around the neckline and cuffs. Even the men's robes were decorated with detailed stitching, creating a formal yet dignified look.
Shirou was captivated by the luxurious atmosphere of the store, realizing that the clothes here truly embodied the elegance of the Elves, as often seen on Riveria and Lefiya.
Anya's eyes sparkled as she gazed at a long purple dress adorned with gold lace at the sleeves and collar. "Wow, it looks like a princess gown from a fairy tale!" she exclaimed, admiring the dress.
Ryuu smiled at Anya's comment and, with a gentle nod, said, "If you're interested, go ahead. I'll buy it for you."
Seeing Anya so enthusiastic, Shirou glanced at the price tag hanging from the dress. It was significantly more expensive than the clothes from the previous store. Shirou realized that with each of his five friends selecting a formal outfit, the total would be considerable, and he worried Ryuu might be burdened by the expense.
Feeling uneasy, Shirou leaned closer to Ryuu and softly whispered in the Elf's ear, offering to help pay for their shopping this time.
The light touch of breath on her sensitive ear made Ryuu flinch slightly, but she quickly understood Shirou's intention and smiled, appreciating his concern. In a quiet but steady tone, Ryuu replied, "Don't worry, Shirou. I received a generous share from our victory in the War Game yesterday, even after buying clothes for all of you. It's better for you to save your money for important needs, like dungeon supplies, new weapons, or armor," she suggested, encouraging Shirou to invest in his own essentials.
Shirou fell silent, feeling a bit guilty after hearing Ryuu's advice. He knew that, unlike other adventurers, he rarely spent money on battle gear, as he could create the armor and weapons he needed with his magecraft. In fact, the money he'd earned from the Loki Familia expeditions was still untouched.
While Shirou and Ryuu were quietly whispering to each other, their other friends were busy choosing formal dresses they wanted to buy.
Suddenly, Syr approached them, holding two suits and giving them a playful smile. "Well, you two look cozy, whispering to each other," she said with a small laugh.
Ryuu and Shirou immediately froze, their faces turning red. "It's not like that, Syr!" they both protested in unison, feeling slightly awkward at her teasing.
Syr laughed in satisfaction, pleased at having caught them off guard. "Alright, alright," she said as she handed them the suits. "In that case, why don't you try these on?"
As Shirou and Ryuu accepted their suits, Syr watched them with a smile, momentarily lost in thought. "Ah, Ryuu wore a tux like this once before. I wore a purple dress myself, and we pretended to be a couple while sneaking into a casino," Syr said with a nostalgic smile.
Ryuu gave a small smile, also recalling the memory. "Yes, that wasn't too long ago," she said, looking at the suit in her hands.
Meanwhile, Shirou watched Ryuu as she examined the suit. He imagined that Ryuu would look quite dashing in it. But then he remembered their earlier conversation, where Ryuu mentioned that she preferred to be called "beautiful" rather than "handsome."
With a smile, Shirou turned to Syr and Ryuu. "In that case, why not let Ryuu try on a dress this time?" he joked, picking a dress from the rack and offering it to Ryuu with a broad grin.
The dress Shirou had unknowingly chosen was rather daring, with sheer short sleeves and a low neckline that elegantly revealed part of the chest.
Syr immediately seized the moment, smiling meaningfully as she teased Shirou, "Oh, so this is your taste, Shirou." Meanwhile, Ryuu stood there silently, her face beginning to turn red as she looked at the dress.
Feeling awkward, Shirou stammered, trying to explain. "I-I just grabbed one at random! I'm sure there are other dresses that would suit Ryuu better," he replied, slightly flustered, trying to defend himself.
But, unexpectedly, Ryuu quickly took the dress from Shirou's hands. She whispered softly, "Thank you, Shirou," giving him a small smile that hinted she knew he was just trying to help her try something different.
Syr couldn't contain her laughter as she watched Ryuu hurriedly take the dress to the fitting room. "So, Ryuu's brave enough now to wear something more feminine, huh?" she teased with a playful tone.
Inside the fitting room, Ryuu stood for a moment, staring at the dress in her hands. In a quiet voice, she whispered to herself, "This… it's only because Shirou picked it for me."
After Ryuu had put on the dress Shirou had chosen, she opened the fitting room curtain with a face full of shyness. Her pointed Elf ears were slightly red, showing her unease.
She crossed her arms in front of her chest, trying to cover the slightly open neckline. In a hesitant voice, Ryuu asked Syr and Shirou, "D-does this look alright?"
Syr, seizing the chance to tease, gently took Ryuu's hands away from her chest and said, "Don't hide it! Shirou chose this dress for you, so show it off."
Shirou looked at Ryuu, who usually appeared calm and serious, now showing a feminine and slightly bashful side. He was captivated, and with a sincere smile, he said, "Beautiful." He remembered Ryuu had mentioned she preferred to be praised as "beautiful."
Ryuu smiled softly at Shirou's compliment. With a flushed face, she thanked him in a small voice before pushing Syr out of the fitting room, trying to hide her embarrassment. She then began to change back into her regular clothes.
Syr chuckled at Ryuu's reaction, and as she walked out, she whispered to Shirou, "Ryuu really is adorable, isn't she?" she said, laughing.
Shirou nodded in agreement, still captivated by the different side of Ryuu he had just seen.