Chapter 475

Wandering Around the Port City
We headed out into the port city, and sure enough, most of the shops were selling something related to fish.
Not just raw fish—there were also dried goods, pickled items, and all sorts of other products.
They looked interesting, but since we’d just eaten breakfast, I figured I’d save the fish for later.
First, let’s check out a clothing store.

"Welcome. Verily, strangers are a rare sight here."

“Hello. Would it be alright if we had a look at your merchandise?”

"Indeed, proceed forthwith. If thou seest aught that pleaseth thee, be at liberty to purchase it."

Yep, the accent is really strong.
It’s not so thick that I can’t understand it, and though the speech is mixed with some old-fashioned words, it’s still manageable.
I think I’m doing okay so far.

As for the merchandise, the main items are definitely the type of clothing you wrap around your body.
Most of the fabrics are uncolored, with many in natural, off-white tones.
Apparently, some regions here get intense sunlight, and if the fabric is dyed in darker colors, it tends to absorb heat or fade quickly.
To avoid that, natural-colored cloth seems to be the standard.
Still, this particular garment is unusual.
How are you supposed to wear it?

“Excuse me, how do you wear this outfit?”

"For that one, take the cord that protrudeth on one side and bind it to thy left shoulder, wrap the cloth around thy body twice, then bind the other end's cord to thy right shoulder."

I see, so you wrap it around twice.
That would help conceal the shape of your body a bit, and it shouldn’t highlight anything too revealing.
It’s a well-thought-out design.

I bought a few samples in different sizes and moved on to the next store.
The next shop was a general goods store.
It had beautifully carved lamps and cups lined up, and when you light a flame or pour in water, the reflections cast intricate, beautiful shadows.
They had a kind of antique feel to them—might make nice room decorations.
I’ll buy some for myself, Amira, Young lady Kou, and Little Bern.

There were also shops that displayed traditional crafts from all over the Isles of the Eight Gods—just the kind of variety you’d expect from a trading port.
Even just browsing was a lot of fun.

“Miss Lily, it’s almost lunchtime.”

“Eh, already?”

“Lunchtime comes early here in the port. You can eat at the inn at more typical hours, but the local diners open early and usually close not long after noon. It’s a rhythm that’s been shaped around the lifestyle of the fishermen who go out to sea and return early.”

Of course, there are restaurants that cater to merchants from abroad.
But what I’m really after isn’t food aimed at outsiders—
I want seafood prepared with the Isles’ unique cooking styles.
That means fisherman-friendly diners are the way to go, and to eat there, we need to follow their schedule.

Alright, that’s enough wandering around the city for now. Let’s head to a diner.
I can’t wait to see what kind of fish dishes they’ll serve!

What do you think about this chapter?