Zevy doesn't appear to be in his shop today, and a young woman is running the shop instead. There are several other people in the store, and some of them give Zara a quick glance, but she isn't really drawing that much attention. Good.
I flag down the young woman running the shop for Zevy and explain our situation.
"Hey there, we're actually here to get several items for my friend. Could you help her pick out whatever clothes she wants, and then she'll also need two each of travel packs, canteens, coin purses, all the shoes of her liking, and cloaks for someone her size?" (Mizuki)
The shopkeeper nods politely and takes off with Zara, and Zara nods to me as she disappears. I smile over at Nina…she's just staring at me patiently.
[Thanks for helping me with all this, Nina, I hope you know that I appreciate it.] (Mizuki)
I sense surprise followed by affection from Nina and she smiles back at me.
[Fufufu…I'm glad to hear that you appreciate me, Mizuki. In that case, I think I've been very generous about your time with other women today, hmm? So, I'd like you to make up for it later. What do you think?] (Nina)
Nina looks at me with her eyebrows raised.
[Honestly, alone time with you sounds good to me. We'll make a night of it, just let me know if there's anything else you want to do together.] (Mizuki)
I sense surprise from Nina, followed by satisfaction. I roll my eyes internally at her confidence, though I don't think it's misplaced. Before she can do anything else, I follow up with her.
"Alright, today's business first, though. Can you help me get the clothes that Alto wanted, and her other…necessities?" (Mizuki)
"Fufufufu…are you embarrassed to shop for her clothes and undergarments, Mizuki?" (Nina)
What a ridiculous question.
"Of course, I am! There are other women in this shop, and they'd give me weird looks!" (Mizuki)
Nina shrugs and leads me off with a smirk to another area of the store. She's kind enough to pretty much handle everything, only confirming what kind of pants and top Alto wanted. After a few minutes, we've finished, and we make our way over to Zara. She looks mildly annoyed.
"Hey, Zara, you seem annoyed. Any particular reason?" (Mizuki)
Zara gives me a surprised glance, then nods and responds with a neutral expression.
"Yes, most of these clothes don't suit my needs. I have no interest in dresses, and shorts won't be practical in a fight. There are only two types of pants I'd use. I'll be taking those." (Zara)
So, she was hoping for more combat-oriented gear? That's not what this place is for.
Zara finishes up her shopping, and I hand over a few gold coins to the shopkeeper. We head back to the inn room where Alto is and bring her what she asked for.
"So, how do you feel, Alto?" (Mizuki)
I direct the question at Alto with my back turned. She'd bathed by the time we got back, but she needs to change into her new clothes. I hear a deep sigh of relief from Alto.
"I'm dressed now, Mizuki, you can turn around. To answer your question, I feel great, thanks! The clothes you got for me are perfect. Now that I'm free of the grime and clothes from my time as a slave, I feel like myself again." (Alto)
I turn to look at her, and I am surprised by how happy she looks. In her new outfit, she basically looks like a shorter, blonde version of Ilina.
She dons the cloak that we got her, and she takes some time to adjust it. I figure this is a good time to give everyone some basic reminders since we have weapons shopping and guild visits up next.
"Hey, Zara and Alto, I'd like to remind you that my abilities are a secret. As far as any humans or the guild are concerned, I don't even have magic. More importantly, your origins should remain a secret. If we need a backstory for you, just follow my lead if I'm around. If it's just the two of you, I trust Alto to make something up and update me later. Obviously, the rest of the freed slaves, the wolf-kin, and eventually the Elden Kingdom will know that I have a decent amount of power, but I intend to act like Nina's subordinate." (Mizuki)
Zara looks confused by this.
"Mizuki, what is the point of this deceit? Especially in the Elven Kingdom later? Between Ilina and the other elves, I doubt you'll be able to hide that you're strong." (Zara)
I nod at her, that's a fair question.
"The elves are going to barely tolerate my presence, if I'm lucky. They'll know I'm strong, though not how strong, and they may fear me and act irrationally. To address this, we'll say I'm subordinate to Nina. Ideally, they'll assume she's stronger and evaluate our group based on her, who they have less prejudice against. If they knew just how strong I was, and considered me the leader, it would likely cause greater issues. Alto, do you agree?" (Mizuki)
Alto nods solemnly, but she also has hints of surprise and respect in her expression. Zara looks briefly thoughtful, then nods as if accepting the explanation. Good. I smile at them warmly.
"Well then you two, let's go get your weapons! The dwarf you're going to meet is a good guy, truly, so please be nice." (Mizuki)
They both nod their assent, and we make our way towards Percivil's shop with Nina in tow.
When we arrive, his shop is once again empty and he's nowhere to be seen. However, after a moment he makes his way to the storefront. Seeing me, his eyes light up excitedly, then seeing Alto and Zara he raises an eyebrow.