"Breakfast is... ready. I made... madeleines and... tea today..."
The moment Kimberly carries a tray to the table, Puck, Yomogi, Chantal, Pinna, Salacia, Manas, and I immediately lean in.
"Kyuu!"
"Mmm... it smells so good already, Kimberly! Just the scent makes my stomach growl..."
"Whenever Kimberly cooks, it always feels so... classy. Like we're in a fancy tea party."
"Elegant, uniform coloring. No burn marks. Symmetry is near-perfect. The gloss indicates proper butter content and precise baking temperature. I already approve this breakfast based on visual appeal alone."
"Look~! They really do look like tiny shells~! So delicate, I love it already~..."
"Kimberly, thou dost spoil us so. Thine confections bear the shape of the sea's own treasures, yet surpass them in sweetness and grace."
Kimberly offers a modest, grateful smile.
"Thank you... everyone. I'm so... glad... you are... looking forward... to it..."
And I look up at her.
"I really can't wait to dig in, Kimberly."
"Then... let us begin, Motegi-sama..."
At her cue, we all take a madeleine and sip our tea together, and Puck also receives its own cookie. And the room instantly fills with soft, delighted hums.
Yomogi says between nibbles.
"Mmm... it's so crispy on the outside, but the inside's so soft and warm... it's perfect!"
Chantal's cheeks are full as she speaks.
"Even the crumb melts on my tongue. It's insane how tender it is!"
Salacia sighs contentedly.
"It pairs so perfectly with the tea~... I could eat five of these and still want more..."
Manas intones.
"Tis a humble form, yet so rich... so thoroughly addicting. A marvel born of simplicity."
Pinna nods as she finishes her bite.
"Textural contrast is exceptional... the crisp shell gives way to an airy, sponge-like interior. The browned butter provides a warm nuttiness, the orange zest lifts the profile subtly, and the ginger adds depth without overpowering. The result is as satisfying as its appearance promised."
Kimberly blushes lightly at the wave of praise.
"Thank you... truly. I'm... so happy... you're all... enjoying it..."
She takes her own bite with a quiet hum, then sips her tea and adds softly...
"Mmm... just as delicious... as I always... make it..."
Before she turns to me with warm eyes.
"Motegi-sama... is it... to your liking...?"
"Of course it is, Kimberly. This is absolutely delicious."
And then, Puck chirps and nibbles happily on its portion, so I gesture toward it with a chuckle.
"Kyuu!"
"See? Even Puck approves."
Kimberly chuckles softly.
"Fufufu~... then... thank you. And thank you... Puck..."
I lean back in my chair, taking another bite and slowly savoring the flavor. The rich browned butter, the gentle warmth of ginger, and that bright hint of orange zest. Paired with the warm Heiligeichen's tea, which is the best tea ever... it's just perfect.
"Yup, this really is the best breakfast..."
As we continue to enjoy our meals, Yomogi suddenly asks me something.
"Motegi-chan, how about I prepare a roast beef leg for the Day of Souls next week?"
"Hmm… let's think about that later..."
"Okay!"
Before we continue, let me tell you what Yomogi is talking about.
The Day of Souls is a tradition unique to Remantia, and it's only celebrated by humans. They believe that, for one night, the gates of the afterlife open, and the souls of the dead roam the living world freely. It's a sacred, quiet celebration that takes place exactly one week from today.
From what I know, the day begins with families visiting the graves of their departed relatives. They clean the stones and leave offerings, just like what Japanese people do during Obon.
But the night is where it gets unusual. Because instead of gathering in streets for festivals or parades, the celebration happens indoors. Behind closed doors, or open ones.
If you close your door, you leave your offerings outside — food, drink, even jewelry if you're wealthy enough — hoping your ancestors will accept the gift. But if you leave your door open, it means you're inviting those spirits inside. Some families serve them dinner. Nobles might go hosting tea parties or even private dance and music performances... all for the sake of the dead.
So, why go that far?
Because they believe that if you manage your own deceased relatives, they will escort you to the afterlife when your time comes. A reward, guided by the hands of those who loved you.
And there is also another belief: if you impress any soul roaming by, and not just the ones you were related to, the escort becomes grander. The more spirits who like you, the more prestigious your farewell to the next world.
But ironically, I just knew this because of the girls, who are actually not even from here. Yomogi and Chantal are from Misdaras, Kimberly and Pinna from Heiligeichen, Salacia from Oserin, and Manas from Nomah. None of those countries celebrate the Day of Souls. So this year's going to be a first for all of us.
And Yomogi is the most enthusiastic about it. She's been asking me what to cook, what to serve, and how to decorate. But I always give the same response as earlier because I have no idea how to answer.
However, I'm also intrigued.
First off, I have a feeling the store will get busy as the day approaches. So obviously, business will keep running.
But more than that, I'm curious to celebrate this too. Yomogi's idea of a feast makes sense, but I think it's too normal. As for tea parties or performances... yeah, just let the nobles do those things.
I mean, since Halloween doesn't exist in this world, maybe I can make one with this Day of Souls. Also, since I'm not from this world, I don't have any ancestors here and I'm not impressed by that whole "impressing ghost" thing.
Then, I ask the girls.
"Hey, do any of you know where I can find latex?"
And they blink at me before turning to one another, sharing the exact same puzzled look.
Chantal repeats the word, raising an eyebrow.
"Latex…?"
Kimberly tilts her head in confusion.
"What is... that, Motegi-sama...?"
"Yeah, well... it's a material. You know, like... glossy, black, and super skin-tight. Think of it like Pinna's battle suit... not exactly the same, but kinda similar in look."
Yomogi perks up.
"Do you mean… gloss silk, Motegi-chan?"
Now it's my turn to blink.
"Gloss... silk?"
"Yes, if you say it's glossy and skin-tight, then maybe that's what you're looking for, Motegi-chan."
"Oh! That sounds perfect. Where can I get it, Yomogi?"
"Qualtnok. They're the ones who make gloss silk."
"Qualtnok, huh?"
Just like how none of them knew what a pangolin was, but pilus follis was common knowledge here... latex and gloss silk might be the same kind of parallel. So if I really want that, it looks like I'll be heading overseas again, and it will be to Qualtnok this time. The subterranean country of demons and arachnes, and it's very interesting to see what kind of underground culture they have.
And then, Manas's tone cuts in sharply.
"Art thou certain of treading unto a demon country, mine king?"
"Yes, I do. Why?"
"I once faced a demon, millennia ago. 'Twas more vexing than man, ogre, or dragon alike. The creature dared command me to become its thrall… but I turned its flesh into soot. Should all demons carry themselves with such haughty wickedness, then mine hatred shall endure."
Hey, hey, look in a mirror, Manas.
"Hmm~... I've never met a demon before. Now I want to see what they look like~…"
Of course you do. You were holed up under the sea for four thousand years, Salacia.
Pinna speaks next.
"Correction, Master. My combat suit is not made of gloss silk. I engineered the material myself using refined carbon, compressed and synthesized into fiber through spatial-thread manipulation. It adapts to kinetic motion while maintaining its molecular structure."
"Ah, thanks for the correction… and sorry for the mistake."
"Acknowledged, Master."
Kimberly curiously looks at me.
"Why... do you want... gloss silk, Motegi-sama...?"
"Nothing. I just have an idea."
And she looks puzzled.
Honestly, I know what to do with that gloss silk. Since actual ghosts and skeleton monsters do exist in this world, cosplay is definitely out of the question. So does "trick or treat," because I think people here value peace during the night and wouldn't want to be interrupted by spooky knock-knock jokes for candy.
So that's why I'll go for the full-latex night style. And I can already imagine how sexy the girls will look like with shiny black bustiers and hugging their chests, halter tops with plunging necklines, blazers stretched taut over curves that paired with skintight leggings. Just the thought of each of them in different outfits is enough to make me excited.
With that, I turn to Yomogi.
"Yomogi, we won't be putting out any offerings for the Day of Souls."
And she's absolutely surprised.
"Ehh?? Why not, Motegi-chan?"
"It's a secret."
As Yomogi is still confused, I raise my voice a little to declare something.
"Also, on the Day of Souls later, we're holding a big sale at the store. Kitchenware, ceramics, and woodworks are all half off."
Yomogi lights up instantly.
"Oh, that's a really good idea, Motegi-chan! People'll definitely want fresh cookware for the celebration dinner."
Kimberly and Salacia also approve.
"Nobles… would surely... be delighted… with new teacups… especially... if they intend... to host… the departed… in elegance…"
"Yes, people are gonna be so happy, darling~!"
However, Manas, Pinna, and Chantal frown.
"But, mine king… why dost thou exclude weaponry? Might not some brave soul desire a sharpened blade, should unruly spirits wander?"
"Master, why are the toiletries not subject to price reduction mechanisms?"
"Yeah, and why is masonry off the list too, Motegi-kun?"
And I just give them a simple answer.
"Do you really think people need soaps, slabs, and swords for a quiet, indoor spirit party?"
The three of them share a look, then they murmur under their breaths:
"Fair one, mine king."
"Affirmative, Master."
"You're right, Motegi-kun..."
Then, I announce the final part.
"And one more. We're not opening the store today. We're going to Qualtnok, so let's get changed, shall we?"
And everyone's reaction is instant.
"Yes, Motegi-chan!"
"Coming right up, Motegi-kun!"
"Of course… Motegi-sama…"
"Understood, Master."
"I'll be quick, darling~…"
"As thou wilt, mine king."
As they rush into the wardrobe room, Puck lets out an excited chirp.
"Kyuu!"
"You're coming too, okay?"
"Kyuu!"
I activate [Storage] and take out my chosen clothes from my dimensional inventory, which are a simple black polo shirt and cream chinos. And yes, these are made with my [Tailoring] skill.
Once the girls emerge from the wardrobe room, their eyes fall on me all at once, and they're immediately swooning at me.
Chantal grins wide.
"Motegi-kun, seriously, why do you always look so damn cool?"
Kimberly's eyes glimmer.
"You… look very… relaxed, Motegi-sama…"
Yomogi clasps her hands under her chin.
"This might be the classiest outfit I've ever seen on you, Motegi-chan..."
Salacia sighs dreamily.
"Darling~… you make me fall in love with you all over again~…"
Even Pinna approves.
"This ensemble suits you perfectly, Master. The understated design, neutral tones, and clean silhouette project calm authority and subtle dominance. It accentuates your posture and complements your complexion with optimal contrast."
And so is Manas.
"Though thy garb be not that of a king, mine king still the finest presence in any hall."
I chuckle and praise the back, which makes their cheeks turn red.
"You both look amazing too. Beautiful, cute, and sexy as always."
"Motegi-chan…"
"Motegi-kun…"
"Motegi-sama..."
"Master..."
"Darling~..."
"M-Mine king..."
I take a moment to admire them back.
Manas, Yomogi, and Kimberly wear matching outfits — sleeveless, ribbed turtleneck crop tops with round keyhole cutouts that frame their cleavage, paired with high-waisted skirts. Manas in red, Yomogi in orange, and Kimberly in yellow... each color perfectly matched to their hair.
Meanwhile, Pinna, Salacia, and Chantal are in long, elegant dresses with high lace necklines with the same tasteful keyhole cutouts. Pinna in green, Salacia in deep ocean blue, and Chantal in regal purple. Again, all mirroring their hair colors.
And yes, all are custom-made with my [Tailoring] skill, obviously.
"Alright. Everyone ready?"
"Yes!"
"Puck?"
"Kyuu!"
Puck chirps gleefully, leaping up and landing on my shoulder with a proud little hop.
With that, we head downstairs together. And once I lock the doors behind us, we step outside into the street and head straight for the Griffin Express station.
Arriving here, I approach the uniformed chauffeur waiting beside the massive griffin, but first, I need to know if I need to pay for Puck too.
"Excuse me, do I need to pay for the pet as well?"
"Yes, sir. That will be one large silver coin extra."
"Okay, seven to Qualtnok with one pet, please."
"Well, one gold coin per person, and with one pet, it will be seven gold and one large silver coins, sir."
"Here you go."
"Thank you, sir. Please have a seat..."
"Thank you..."
After I hand him the payment, he bows politely and opens the carriage door for me, the girls, and Puck. We climb in, settling into the cushioned seats of the wooden cabin. And moments later, the griffin spread its wings and launched us into the sky.
Alright, now time to get that gloss silk...