Goodman Trading Company
The year had turned, I had turned fifteen, and my life in the Knight Course, both at school and in private, hadn’t changed much.
The ones who were really busy were the seniors.
Fourth-year students in each course were frantically preparing for graduation. They had to decide their post-graduation paths and make up any missing credits. On top of that, there were exams for their future positions. In my previous life, this would be called job hunting.
Once they got through all those strict (and troublesome) steps, there was the graduation ceremony and the graduation dance party. The auditorium was transformed into a dance hall, where people could dance and celebrate while enjoying light drinks and delicious food. If they had a fiancé or boyfriend/girlfriend, external guests were allowed to attend.
“And that means you four are attending the dance party.”
““““……….””””
Sitting on the sofa in the corner of the faculty room, we were informed with a smile by Teacher Brian that our attendance was mandatory.
“Hahaha. Are you really that stiff?”
Teacher Hector and the teachers from Class 3-A laughed at our expressions.
“But… why us?”
“Yeah. Until now, underclassmen never participated, right?”
Senior Elena and Senior Chloe asked the teachers.
“Ah, well… this time it’s at the graduates’ request. You know the rule, right? In the Knight Course, each class can make one request to the teachers for the graduates.”
In the Knight Course, it’s tradition that as a gift from the teachers for graduating, each class can make one request.
In the past, requests had ranged from a weapon for each student, funding for graduation trips, to full-course meals at upscale restaurants in the capital.
“By the way, both classes requested your participation.”
““““Huh!? Why?””””
We exclaimed in unison at Teacher Hector’s words.
“They said they want to dance with you at the party.”
Said the Class 3-A homeroom teacher.
“But… there are prettier, cuter girls from other courses, aren’t there?”
“And there are lots of girls in the Civil Administration Course.”
“If they wear the Knight Course uniform, anyone looks 20% better, right? And people joining the Knight Corps will be promising and popular in the future.”
“If they don’t talk, everyone looks cool.”
From above, Senior Elena, Senior Chloe, and Belle said this. In our case, Belle and I were being lightly roasted.
“You really think those girls from the Civil Administration Course will talk to them? Sure, they have power, but they’re awkward in social situations.”
“Plus, most noble girls in the Civil Administration Course already have partners. Even commoners have boyfriends.”
“And you four don’t have fiancés, right?”
“Exactly. Heck, you could even pair up with a graduate if you want.”
The teachers began saying all sorts of things to the graduates, while nearby teachers listened with wry smiles.
The discussion didn’t resolve easily, but one remark from Teacher Brian changed the course of events.
“Alright! I’m a man. I’ll treat you to sweets at the waterside café.”
““““One more!””””
“Ugh… fine. All-you-can-eat sweets at the waterside café!”
““““We’re in!!””””
We high-fived, and the teachers hung their heads.
＊＊＊＊＊
Because of that, we came to the Goodman Trading Company in the center of the capital to get dresses made for the graduation party. My mother had contacted them in advance, so it should be a private, timed session.
“Young Lady Joan! Everyone! We’ve been expecting you!”
Leading a few women, a middle-aged woman with silver-gray hair tied up on top of her head, wearing a simple beige dress and a measuring tape around her neck, bowed deeply.
“Mrs. Goodman, staff—long time no see. Thank you for having us today.”
“Yes, young lady. Since these are for the graduation dance party, we recommend something glamorous yet easy to move in. Please, this way.”
The space was dazzling, lined with colorful dresses and accessories, overwhelming everyone except me. Even Senior Chloe, a commoner, was wide-eyed.
Next to the dresses were the pajamas and underwear I had designed.
“Are the pajamas and underwear selling well?”
“Yes, of course. At first, Queen and the First Prince’s fiancées tried them out of curiosity, liked the comfort, and became repeat customers. They recommended them to acquaintances, so sales went smoothly. Especially the sexy underwear—wives say they can charm their husbands, and it has become a popular gift for newlyweds.”
“Then, as thanks to the two of you, how about silk gowns? Of course, matching pairs in different colors.”
“A gown? Could you explain in detail?”
I explained with illustrations to the enterprising Mrs. Goodman.
“Umm…”
“Senior Chloe, have you decided?”
“Uhh… I was just thinking… maybe a more reasonably priced dress?”
When I looked at the lady, she nodded knowingly.
“I cannot agree to that. Young Lady Chloe must wear the finest dress in our store.”
“But… umm…”
“Moreover, there’s Lady Lindsay’s order. We also want Young Lady Chloe to act as our ambassador.”
“Ambassador…?”
“Yes. Young Lady Chloe, you don't seem to realize your own value. You and Young Lady Elena are the first Knight Course female students in years. Imagine how many admire your uniforms! Moreover, Young Lady Chloe, though you are a commoner, you are an excellent Knight Course student and very beautiful to boot. If you wear our dress, think of the economic impact! Everything worn by you and the others will bear the Goodman G embroidery.”
“Haah…”
“Therefore, as ambassador compensation, the dresses and accessories will be provided free of charge. Please, feel free to choose.”
“Eh… really?”
“Of course.”
Hearing that, Senior Chloe relaxed and began trying on dresses at the staff’s encouragement.
After all four finished selecting and being measured, Mrs. Goodman served tea and sweets. True to their reputation, both the tea and sweets were top-notch.
What do you think about this chapter?
