“Fina, do you already have a style of clothing you want?”
Not to mention the long lines outside those custom clothing stores, even the regular shops were crowded.
In this kind of situation, it certainly wouldn’t be easy to buy even one outfit.
“More or less. There are a few stores I frequent. If I really can’t find something suitable, I might have to ask my Mother to make a dress for me.”
“Fina’s Mother can make clothes too?”
Although making clothes itself wasn’t particularly difficult, creating a dress suitable for attending a noble social gathering was no easy feat.
Let alone when the one making the dress was a noble lady herself.
“Yes, the clothes Mother used to make were truly exceptional. Although she rarely makes them anymore as she’s gotten older, I think as long as I act a little spoiled, Mother would still be willing to make a dress for me.”
“Of course, if possible, it’s still best to buy something ready-made.”
Following Fina, Liuli entered another clothing store with her.
Unlike the shop selling JK uniforms she had visited before, this one exuded a mature and sensual atmosphere from the start.
“Fi, Fina, are you really going to buy clothes from this shop?”
Isn’t the Academy Festival supposed to be a place to showcase students’ youthful energy?
Are these mature outfits really appropriate?
“Of course. Princess, there’s no need to be shy either.”
“Though the Academy Festival is under the name of Saint Laia, in essence, it’s still a gathering for nobles to deepen their connections.”
“So, its standards aren’t much different from a noble Tea Party.”
“Is… is that so?”
Liuli was still a bit reluctant to believe it.
If what Fina said was true, wouldn’t she have to dress like this as well?
“Of course.”
“It’s also an important social event. Normally, there’s rarely an opportunity for all Saint Laia students to gather for such an event, so no one wants to miss the chance.”
“Chance? You mean a social opportunity?”
“Yes. In this setting, making friends, strengthening relationships, and even forming marriage contracts are all possible.”
“M-mar-marriage contract?”
Liuli, who had been glancing around, stared at Fina in shock after hearing her words.
“That’s right. A marriage contract.”
“There’s nothing more peaceful than binding two families together through marriage, is there?”
“But… Isn’t Saint Laia a girls’ school?”
Moreover, Liuli thought that even during the Academy Festival, Saint Laia probably wouldn’t allow men inside.
If that’s the case, does that mean the two parties forming a marriage contract are both female?
“It is a girls’ school, but for nobles, marriage often prioritizes family interests and alliances. Same-sex marriages aren’t uncommon.”
“As for offspring…”
Fina paused, as if considering her words.
“For human nobles, there are thousands of ways for two people to have children, both moral and immoral. The hardest part is probably the desire to have a child in the first place.”
“As for other races, many have the ability for same-sex reproduction, so it’s not particularly rare…”
Listening to Fina’s explanation, Liuli felt her worldview shatter.
Really?
Do nobles really play around like this?
“Princess, how about this dress?”
While Liuli was still spacing out, Fina had already chosen a gown and walked over to her.
In Fina’s hand was a long mermaid-tail dress, its body made of light blue, semi-transparent gauze, adorned with countless sparkling crystals.
“So… so beautiful…”
Liuli’s praise came from the heart.
She hadn’t expected to find such a dreamy piece in a ready-made shop, thinking that only custom orders could produce clothes like this.
“Right? I think it’s perfect too.”
Just by looking at Fina’s expression, Liuli could tell she loved the dress as well.
It was understandable; the design and first impression of the gown carried a deep-sea vibe, perfectly matching Fina’s mermaid identity.
“I’m just not sure if it’ll fit.”
“Princess, and the two young ladies—are you interested in our latest Siren’s Song Dress?”
Nearby, the Catfolk Saleslady seemed to notice our interest in the dress.
She approached us with her signature sales smile.
“Yes, I really like this dress, but I’m not sure if it fits…”
“Mmm, this beautiful mermaid lady doesn’t need to worry.”
“I can tell just by looking that it’ll mostly fit. As for the finer details, our shop offers custom tailoring services.”
“Of course, there’s an extra fee for that~”
The Catfolk Saleslady’s eyes sparkled as she rubbed her hands, looking eager to make a big sale.
Though she didn’t finish her sentence, the meaning was clear—there would be an additional charge for customization.
“I—”
“No problem, let’s take this one.”
“Alright, Princess, you’re so generous～”
While Fina was still hesitating, Liuli had already taken out the Shopping Card Serveyia had given her and handed it to the Saleslady.
Watching the Catfolk lady leave energetically with the dress, Fina looked a little helpless.
“Princess, there’s no need to be so extravagant.”
“I do love this dress, but from the Saleslady’s words, it was obvious there was room for negotiation.”
“Paying outright like this is, how should I say… a bit foolish.”
“Ugh…”
“But thank you, Princess, for thinking so much about me.”
“I truly love this dress, and I’m really grateful for your kindness.”
“I’m… really happy.”
As she spoke, Fina closed her eyes, walked over to Liuli, and gently hugged the little fox in front of her.
“!”
Because Fina was always sitting on her jellyfish, when she hugged Liuli, Liuli’s face was pressed right against Fina’s chest.
Feeling Fina’s soft embrace, Liuli’s tails instantly fluffed up, the nine tails standing tall behind her like a basket of carrots.
“Ugh~ I-I can’t breathe!”
Though the hug was soft, the feeling of suffocation was real.
Liuli waved her arms, struggling for Fina to let go.
“Ah! Sorry, I got a little carried away… Princess.”
Having escaped the sweet confinement, Liuli gasped for breath, as if celebrating her survival.
At that moment, the Catfolk Saleslady returned, handing a bill to Liuli.
On it was the price of the dress and the customization fee—a sum as stunning as the dress itself, as well as the equally beautiful balance remaining on the Shopping Card.