Chapter 518

A New Kimono Design
Well, it’s been decided—I’m becoming the highest-ranked merchant.
That means there’s something I need to prepare: a brand-new kimono for the unveiling party.
I’ve already decided on the fabric, but… what about the pattern?

“Hmm… I don’t necessarily have to match this country’s style, but if I make it too much like my homeland, people will start wondering where I’m from…”

“What’s wrong, Big sis?”

As I was groaning in the design room, Amira showed up.
Looks like she just got back from school. She told me that my door was half open and she could hear me groaning, so she came to peek.
What a cute little sister.

“I’m struggling with the design for my new kimono. I can’t decide what to draw on it.”

“What do you want to draw, Big sis?”

“That’s the problem. Should I match the style of this country, or stick to something from my homeland?”

“I don’t really get it, but wouldn’t your homeland be fine?”

“The problem is, people won’t understand the symbols from there.”

Amira said, “Stop thinking so hard and just try drawing,” so I grabbed a sketchbook and started.
Famous motifs include flowers like cherry blossoms, peonies, chrysanthemums, objects like ox-drawn carts, handballs, and fans, and animals like cranes and butterflies.
After drawing out a bunch, I showed them to Amira, but… her reaction was lukewarm.

“Hmm… sorry, but none of these feel like you, Big sis. The flowers aren’t ones we see around here, I have no idea what a ‘gosho cart’ is, and the animals don’t really remind me of you.”

“Yeah… if that’s the case, it’d be Talat and the Kiblinki Saltas, but the patterns would end up looking too similar to what I’ve done before.”

“All your kimonos with long sleeves already feature Talat and the others, don’t they?”

All my long-sleeved kimonos have Talat and the Kiblinki Saltases as their main motifs.
I’m basically associated with spiders, so it’s not wrong.
I wouldn’t mind using Talat again this time, but it’d just be the same old thing.
This is a special occasion, so I feel like I need a special design.

“Hmm, this is tricky… if only there were some distinct characteristic.”

“What’s this weird noise you’re making?”

“Oh, Plum.”

Plum had gone to the Darshe embassy to contact the home country, and it seems she’s just returned.
I decided to ask her for her opinion.

“Hm, the pattern for the kimono you’ll wear at the unveiling, is it?”

“Plum, do you have any good ideas for a design?”

“If you ask me… that cherry blossom? I’ve seen that flower in the Darshe Principality.”

“Eh?”

I had no idea cherry blossoms existed in the Darshe Principality.
I listened carefully—apparently, there’s a similar flower blooming in part of the Dark Elf Autonomous Region, and it also blooms on trees.

“If you’re planning to form friendly ties with the Darshe Principality, I’d suggest including that flower in the design. And shouldn’t you also feature something representing the McFarlane Dukedom?”

“Something representing McFarlane…”

“You’re practically the highest-ranking noble now. That means even your clothing sends a political message.
If you feature your signature spider motif and the Darshe Principality’s flower but exclude anything from McFarlane, it’ll stir up needless speculation.”

“I see… so that’s a thing.”

“You’ll need to learn to think about these things from now on. As for this… hmm, you should consult Marquis Vardmoi.”

“Marquis Vardmoi?”

“Yes. He knows all about the political climate here. He’ll know how to convey only the necessary messages while avoiding unnecessary ones. Besides, he’s your senior among the highest nobles of this country.”

That makes sense.
Up until now, I’ve just done things as I pleased, but it’s going to get more complicated from here on out.
It’s annoying, but it’s probably best to do what I can in advance…
Even if it really is a pain.

What do you think about this chapter?