Chapter 10

When the contract was finalized, Natsuba returned home to get the car.

There's only a light truck at my place. It's for two people, so it's not suitable for a trip with three of us.

The Obata family's car can seat six people. It would be better to use their car for a long trip.

"Seram, we're going shopping now."

I inform Seram, who doesn't seem to understand the situation, about our plans.

I feel a bit guilty for telling her to take it easy, but getting Seram's clothes is urgent.

"That's fine, but what are we buying?"

"The main thing is Seram's clothes. It must be troublesome to only have men's clothes, right?"

"Lord Jin's clothes are of very good quality, so I'm fine with these..."

Seram answers while touching the tracksuit.

She seems to be the type who doesn't care much about clothes and really isn't bothered.

Still, if she keeps wearing men's clothes, people will look at her strangely.

"Even if Seram isn't bothered, I will be. Plus, I want to buy some necessities, so we're definitely going shopping."

"Understood."

When I tell her it's a decision, Seram nods in agreement.

After taking a quick shower to wash off the sweat, I move to the bedroom and change from my work clothes into casual wear.

When I return to the living room, Seram looks surprised.

"What's wrong?"

"...No, it's just that this is the first time I've seen Lord Jin's clothes for going out, so I was surprised."

"Yeah, I usually only wear work clothes or casual clothes."

That said, my current outfit is a navy top, chino pants, and sandals—a comfortable summer coordination.

If I were to say this simple outfit is stylish, I'd probably get scolded by someone who actually knows fashion.

Next, Seram takes a shower and puts on the tracksuit again. The sound of a car horn comes from outside. It seems Natsuba has brought the car.

"Alright! Let's get going!"

"Sure thing."

Although I was sitting in the driver's seat, I decided not to complain and let Natsuba drive since she's accompanying us for Seram's shopping.

"Lord Jin's car is quite different, isn't it?"

"That's a delivery van, not suitable for carrying people."

Despite being nervous about the different car, Seram sits in the back seat.

"Seram, you need to put on your seatbelt, it's dangerous otherwise."

"Seatbelt?"

"Here, pull this belt and secure it to your seat—oh, it's bigger than I thought."

When the seatbelt is fastened around Seram's body, her ample chest is emphasized. The lack of a bra makes the size and shape even more noticeable.

I avert my eyes from the scene I saw in the mirror and grip the steering wheel to calm myself down.

"Let's go."

The engine roars, and the car slowly moves forward.

Seram has ridden in the back of a light truck before, but not in the front or back seats.

I was worried about her reaction, but thanks to my frequent use of the light truck and her experience riding in the back, she doesn't seem too shaken.

She seems fascinated by the passing scenery, staring at it intently.

I operate a button on the driver's side to open the window next to Seram, and she looks surprised.

"The wind feels so good."

The wind blowing in from outside makes Seram's golden hair flutter.

Even this scene looks like a beautiful painting or a movie still.

"...Driver, keep your eyes on the road."

"I know."

Natsuba scolds me for looking at Seram in the mirror, so I focus on the road ahead.

Even on a straight, deserted road, I can't afford to be careless.

I need to drive safely.

●

About an hour's drive from home, we arrive at our destination, the shopping mall.

We could have bought some clothes closer to home, but we needed to get Seram a full wardrobe.

To get a complete set of clothes, we had to come this far. That's just how it is in the countryside.

"Lord Jin, there are so many people and large buildings! This must be the city, right!?"

As soon as we get out of the car, Seram exclaims with shining eyes.

It's a typical reaction from someone from a small town. It's embarrassing to see myself as a child.

"No, it's more like a suburb... or still the countryside. We are getting closer to the city center, though."

"Is this the countryside with so many people? How prosperous is this country...?"

When I firmly state this, Seram looks shocked.

The population of her world must be vastly different.

"Seram, you look like you've never been to a shopping mall before."

Natsuba's sharp comment makes my shoulders tremble.

"The Japanese scenery is new to her. She seems to have come from a very rural area."

"Hmm, I see."

"Please take care of her since she has a lot to learn."

"Understood."

Despite her initial reluctance, Natsuba nods. She's a good person, no matter what.

After laying the groundwork with Natsuba, I whisper to the excited Seram.

"I understand you're excited about a new place, but Natsuba is here today. Try not to say anything strange, okay?"

"Uh, got it. I'll be careful."

If she talks too much about the other world in front of Natsuba, she'll definitely be seen as strange.

I want her to avoid such remarks as much as possible.

We walk from the parking lot into the mall. On the left are cafes, and on the right are restaurants.

We ignore them for now and keep walking.

"Which floor has the women's clothing?"

I know where the men's fashion stores are, but I have no idea where to find women's fashion stores.

"It's in the back of the third floor. If we go there, we won't have to move around much to shop."

I was about to check the sign, but Natsuba tells me as she walks.

She's a woman, so she's reliable in situations like this.

Following Natsuba's advice, we head to the third floor.

We step on the white floor and find an escalator, so we decide to use it.

"...Lord Jin, what is that moving floor?"

While waiting in line, Seram asks in a hushed voice.

"It's an escalator. You just stand in the yellow frame, and it will take you up."

"Really? People are being carried up one after another. It's a strange sight."

Fortunately, the line allows us to observe the people in front of us.

Thanks to this, Seram can naturally follow Natsuba and me when we get on.

We arrive at the second floor without any issues.

Seram, with her good athletic ability, doesn't stumble or fall when getting off.

"It's like this."

"Yes, with this, how much easier it would have been to transport supplies..."

Using such modern conveniences, she seems to have many thoughts.

Considering a large building in another world where all floor transitions are by stairs, it must be quite a nightmare.

Without asking too many questions, we get on the escalator again.

【Author's Note】

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