Meeting Joan — Side: Nikki
After that, I had tea while talking with the Countess.
The lord apparently has children: eldest son, second son, eldest daughter, and a pair of twins. The three older ones are away at the academy, except on weekends.
“I heard from Madam Goodman that the one who designed that bold new school uniform is…”
“The eldest daughter. That girl thinks a bit differently from others, you see. But that’s her individuality, so as parents we don’t say a thing. It’s just…”
“Just what?”
“She’s… outside the norm, in many ways.”
“Outside the norm?”
“You’ll meet her eventually. Best to judge for yourself then. If I tell you now, it’ll only give you the wrong impression.”
“… I see. Well then, I look forward to meeting her.”
After my introduction with the Countess, my shop finally started taking shape, and I began living again in my usual clothes and hairstyle.
At first, the townsfolk only watched me from a distance. No one talked to me, and no one came into my shop… except for two people.
Clink-clank.
“Nikkiiii, you in?”
“I’m here~ Oh, Grace, Michelle. What brings you?”
“Made too much dinner, so we brought some over. Fried chicken tonight.”
“Me too, I brought some rolled omelet.”
“Really~? You sure? You just gave me stew the other day.”
“It’s fine, don’t worry. Oh, and by the way, I tried that massage you taught us—the swelling in my legs went away!”
“And my double chin’s gotten smaller!”
“See? Nikki, you’re amazing.”
Those two—I’d only chatted with them briefly that first day at the Jo Company.
Grace, with her carpenter husband and son at the woodworking shop, and Michelle, the blacksmith’s wife—I’d run into both of them again when discussing my shop’s interior. Since then, they’d looked out for me.
They’d bring dinner, sometimes even these “lunchboxes” they called bentos. In return, I’d share what beauty tips I knew.
Within three days of opening, ladies who’d heard from Grace and Michelle started coming. A week later, men who’d heard from those ladies followed.
After closing one day—
Clink-clank.
“Oi, Nikki.”
“Oh? Steve, Daniel. What’s up?”
“You’re free, right? Let’s grab a drink.”
“Hey now, don’t just assume I’m free~… Well, I am.”
“Hahaha, figured.”
After getting their help with the shop, we started talking more. We were around the same age and had mutual friends, so now they’d drop by to invite me drinking.
“By the way, make more men’s clothes already.”
“Ehh, but they’re not cute.”
“You—! … Well, that shirt the other day was good.”
“Right? Light pink surprisingly suits men.”
“Alright, I’ll ask again sometime.”
“Leave it to me~”
Then, about ten days after opening—
Clink-clank. The doorbell rang. When I went to the entrance, there were two adorable young adventurer girls, with a white dog.
“Hello~. Umm… is this a clothing shop?”
Even her voice was cute. The other one stayed silent, maybe shy.
I wondered if they’d buy something, but they said except for their shoes, all their clothes were handmade by family. Just a glance told me they were stitched with near-professional skill. Even their leather waist pouch was handmade. I thought, I’ve got to scout this kid. But they said their mother wouldn’t allow it.
It crossed my mind—maybe the girl who made the clothes, or even this adventurer girl herself, was being mistreated by her mother. I was ready to barge in and tell her mother off. But the girl said I shouldn’t.
She must’ve been afraid of abuse. In that case, I thought I’d have to confront her mother directly.
I started pushing them toward the door, but they begged to talk a bit more, so I reluctantly sat back down.
And then—they said their mother was none other than the Countess herself! The rumored border count’s daughter. I felt the blood drain from my face. Who had I almost picked a fight with…?
And when they said their “family” made the clothes, I assumed it was the Countess—but no, they meant the servants. When I asked what they meant, they said:
“Servants and the private soldiers are family too, right? We all live together, don’t we?”
… She was more “outside the norm” than I’d ever imagined.
And that white dog they had—it was a Fenrir. A legendary beast, actually real, actually talking, and even drinking the milk I gave it…
And the girl with her was Young Lady Belle of House Burst…
So both of them—despite appearances—were noble ladies who could fight.
When they thanked me for supporting the Jo Company, I thought they were speaking as members of the lord’s household. But no—it turned out Joan herself was the owner! And she was the one who came up with those light meals and drinks too. My jaw nearly hit the floor.
But after talking with them, I realized—they really were good kids.
From the moment I saw the design of those uniforms, I’d wanted to make clothes together with Joan. The timing couldn’t have been better.
When Joan came home for summer break, I asked her advice about undergarments, and I learned firsthand just how “outside the norm” she really was.
Even though I dress like this, inside I’m a man. For business, I present myself as a woman in both body and manner. But women’s underwear? That, I couldn’t understand, so I asked Joan for ideas. And she started tossing out designs I never would’ve thought of. I honestly want to peek inside that head of hers.
She sketched in a flash—from everyday wear, to alternatives for baby dolls. She even suggested padding to reduce chafing pain.
But then she went on about using extra padding to make fake breasts (though it’d be obvious once they’re taken off), or adding lace to a slip to make it sexier… Why does she think like a man? She’s only ten, right? I wasn’t wrong to ask.
Still—Joan was right. Lace only at the chest? Sexy as hell. I don’t have anyone I like right now, but if I did, and they wore something like that… I’d definitely lose control. That’d be an all-night affair, no doubt.
And while I was thinking that, Joan said—
“Ah, Nikki, you’re drooling!”
“What!? Oh crap!!”
I scrambled to wipe my mouth.
“Just kidding! Hahaha.”
… In moments like that, she’s still her age.
But that design—there’s nothing like it in women’s lingerie so far.
It could even work as a man’s gift to a woman.
Yes… Joan might not just bring a new breeze to fashion, but a storm.
And if that’s the case—then I’ll be the one to protect her!
What do you think about this chapter?
