Chapter 358: The Enslaved Witch, Satella
"You are truly stunning, my lady. Please try this dress—oh my, look at how perfectly it suits someone of your refined elegance and beauty!"
"...Now this one—yes, this is wonderful too. Look in the mirror—isn't it gorgeous?"
Inside a clothing boutique in the royal capital of Lugunica, the slightly plump shopkeeper fawned over Satella with an ingratiating smile, eagerly helping her try on outfit after outfit.
True nobility, like the royal family, typically had their garments custom-made by specialized departments. However, Roy had only recently arrived in this world and lacked the status and influence befitting his power. Thus, he had no choice but to take Satella to the largest, most luxurious boutique in the capital for new attire.
In the past, the shopkeeper would have scornfully chased away any mixed-blood who dared enter her store. But with a nobleman of obvious wealth and status accompanying her, she spared no effort in currying favor.
Moreover, this half-elf girl was indeed very beautiful. Seeing her worn-out clothes and curious gaze toward the big city, the shop owner had already effortlessly conjured up a scenario of a young noble forcibly taking a common girl—a tale so common that she felt no particular curiosity about it.
Satella was a girl, a sixteen or seventeen-year-old girl at that. Upon seeing the dazzling array of beautiful dresses displayed in the shop, her eyes had long betrayed an eager longing, her feet rooted to the spot. These were clothes she had never dared to imagine in her past life—perhaps only in her dreams could she have foolishly grinned while wearing such beautiful garments to preen herself.
Like a marionette, she was maneuvered by the shop owner, changing into one dress after another, occasionally stealing glances in Roy's direction. Then, much like a courtesan, she was stiffly pulled before Roy by the shop owner, who would sweetly ask whether the dress looked good on her.
The shop owner clearly understood the master-servant dynamic. She knew that whether she could sell the clothes didn't depend on whether the half-elf girl liked them, but on whether Roy would find her appealing in them. Thus, every time she dressed Satella in a new outfit, she would bring her before Roy for his appraisal.
Previously, because Satella's clothes were too shabby—oversized and ill-fitting—Roy hadn't paid much attention to her overall figure. But now, as she donned these corseted, form-fitting dresses, Roy was surprised to discover that Satella not only possessed a face that outshone all others in beauty, but also a pair of perky, ample breasts and a waist as slender as a willow—features that far surpassed those of ordinary girls.
This dress that revealed her collarbones was truly so white and so ample!
Meanwhile, Flügel was already drooling, his eyes gleaming as he stared at Satella, earning a displeased huff from Shaula beside him.
"Lord Roy, does this dress look good?"
Satella suppressed her shyness, clutching the hem of the dress with both hands, her little feet in leather shoes fidgeting awkwardly as she lowered her head and asked timidly.
"My lord, this dress—"
The shop owner spared no effort in extolling the quality of the dress to Roy—how much expensive fabric and leather had been used, how renowned the designer was. Indeed, no matter the world or era, merchants always had a silver tongue.
"Hmm, it looks nice. The previous one was good too. Satella looks beautiful in anything."
Roy's expression was slightly peculiar. Here he was, having picked up a pretty girl from the slums, adopted her, and brought her to a clothing store in the city to try on dress after dress for his appreciation—it gave him an uncanny sense of playing a real-life version of Slave Girl Sylvie. Though, in this case, the game should be renamed Slave Witch Satella.
Clearly, Flügel—a former otaku—had also thought of this. His gaze at Roy and Satella was filled with suggestive amusement, though buried deep within that amusement was profound exhaustion and heartache.
Hearing Roy's praise, the corners of Satella's lips curled up slightly. Girls always loved beauty, and Satella was no exception.
The Witch of Envy was a natural-born clotheshorse, looking stunning in anything she wore. Roy watched as she changed outfits one after another, his eyes nearly overwhelmed. In the past, he would have bought every single piece here, having Satella change into a new one for him each day. But now, Roy hadn't yet stabilized his footing in this world, and carrying too many clothes would be impractical. Besides, given Satella's personality, she probably wouldn't accept such extravagance anyway.
Thinking this, Roy simply picked two of his favorite dresses—one for Satella to wear now, and the other to take with them.
The shopkeeper happily went to pack the clothes. This luxurious store wasn't meant for commoners but catered exclusively to nobles, making it a purely high-profit business. Selling even one piece meant a hefty gain.
Frugel watched as Roy paid without a hint of hesitation and couldn't help but envy, "...Don't tell me you're one of those legendary soul transmigrators? Reborn into some powerful, high-ranking noble family?"
Now that's the dream protagonist template!!
Frugel thought enviously.
Roy glanced at him sidelong and chuckled, "...You're overthinking it. It's just that there are many kind people in this world. If you ask them, they'll happily give you money."
Frugel fell silent. He finally realized Roy's money was undoubtedly ill-gotten, acquired through shady means. But aside from envy, he had no other thoughts.
Though he was a mage with decent strength, he wasn't powerful enough to act as brazenly as Roy. If Frugel had to abide by this world's laws and customs, Roy seemed to trample over every rule without a care.
"Where are you headed next?"
While the shopkeeper packed the clothes, Roy turned to Frugel.
Frugel immediately grew wary. "...What do you want?"
He couldn't bring himself to trust or relax around this mysterious, overwhelmingly strong man. Roy gave off an eerie, contradictory vibe—so much so that Frugel couldn't even categorize him as simply good or evil.
"No need to be nervous. I mean you no harm. I just want to see if our destinations align."
"Then where are you planning to go?"
Frugel couldn't help but ask.
"You know about the Witches, right? I'm going to find them."
Roy smirked as he looked at Frugel, whose face had already paled with shock. Under Roy's gaze, Frugel felt a terrifying sensation, as if all his secrets had been laid bare.
"Heh, seems you're also looking for the Witches. Then we're headed the same way."
Roy chuckled lightly before turning away from Frugel and walking toward Satella.
The Witch of Envy was dressed in an extravagant gown, still without any flashy accessories. Yet, she retained an ethereal beauty—like a lotus rising from clear water, unadorned yet naturally radiant.
She stood there nervously, afraid to move lest she dirty her dress. When she saw Roy approaching, it was as if she had finally found her anchor. Timid and fearful, she asked, "...Lord Roy, c-can I really wear these clothes?"
"Clothes are meant to be worn. Unless, Satella, you don't want to wear any?"
"O-of course not!"
The girl's face flushed red, as if terrified Roy might misunderstand her. "...It's just that these clothes... aren't meant for someone like me."
"You, stop belittling yourself so much. Remember, now that you're by my side, you must learn to be proud!"
Roy said with a headache.
She was the most powerful witch, yet her personality was far too meek and self-deprecating!