Actually, deciding to go clothes shopping had been pretty impulsive. I was running low on outfits to wear out, and with Luce offering to drive, it made the trip easier. I figured I’d just take care of everything while I was out—a practical choice.

What I didn’t expect was the killer prices at department stores. I should’ve gone to an outlet. Even trying to buy a basic cotton T-shirt cost as much as dozens of packs of ramen. I could eat for a week at that rate!

The guardian of the department store dungeon. The presence of the shop assistant also made things a bit uncomfortable.

“I think brighter tones would really suit you...”

“Oh, really?”

“How about this one? Would you like to try it on in front of the mirror?”

I draped it over myself, and I had to admit, it didn’t look half bad. Maybe because of my petite frame, light and flowy clothes seemed to suit me. Ignoring my reluctance, I had to admit it looked nice.

But it was too expensive. It seemed like it used less fabric than the last one I looked at, yet it cost more. Why?

“Do you have anything else?”

“Oh! Are you looking for something in particular?”

“Well... I’d like pants, something plain that I can wear anywhere.”

I was aiming for something a bit formal, or at least something that would make me look presentable. And I needed long pants so I wouldn’t have to wear a skirt.

Explaining exactly what I was looking for was tricky. I struggled with my words until my savior appeared.

“Could you show us some slacks? It seems like she likes neutral colors—black or navy would be good.”

“Of course!”

Luce—well, Ga-yun—was shopping for herself but also occasionally helping me out. It felt like she was browsing around while tagging along with me. She could look at whatever she wanted, but it didn’t seem like she had any plans to do that.

Thankfully, the pants Ga-yun picked out were just right. The style had a subtle femininity, but overall, they were neat and clean. I could wear these without feeling too out of place.

The price, though... ouch. Still, I had to make a decision.

“I’ll take these, please!”

“Certainly! I’ll assist you with the checkout.”

At the department store, I ended up buying a few more items besides the pants. I needed outfits to go with the new pants, and—just in case—I might even bump into Eldarin. Ga-yun mentioned something like casual suits? Semi-formal, maybe? Something like that.

My extra funds took a hit, but for a significant occasion, I figured it was worth it. I’d have to put them away in my closet so they wouldn’t wear out from frequent use.

After swiping my card, the clerk went to wrap my clothes, and Ga-yun continued browsing the store. She had helped a lot with the measurements and selecting items. Not wanting to interrupt, I sat on a nearby chair.

I had imagined that shopping with another woman would involve trying on a bunch of outfits together, but maybe that was just a fantasy from TV. She’d glance over at me occasionally, but there was no pressure to try anything I didn’t want to.

I wondered if I should stand up—would that signal her to stop shopping? Maybe I’d just stay on my phone until she finished.

“Ma’am? Your clothes are all packed. Do you have a long trip back home?”

“Oh... with the bus, about an hour? Around that.”

“We can deliver them to your home. It usually takes a day or two, and there’s no extra charge.”

“That sounds great, let’s do that.”

I nodded, and the clerk smiled as she left.

Perfect timing. I was already wondering how I’d carry everything home. Maybe it’s thoughtful services like this that justify the high prices at department stores.

Though, next time, I’m just going to an outlet. It’s just too expensive.

While I was scrolling through the Invel community, Ga-yun was leading a clerk around, picking out clothes. I noticed there were more light and girly clothes around than I had expected.

Surprising. I never would’ve guessed that was her style, given how mature her usual outfits are. It felt like discovering something new about her as a fan.

“Sorry for the wait, Da-eun. Did I keep you long?”

“Don’t worry about it. Did you get everything you needed?”

“Hmm, for now. I looked at shoes too, but there wasn’t anything I liked here.”

She had bought quite a lot, though. I guess the shopping habits of the wealthy are beyond the comprehension of us regular folks. I couldn’t even imagine myself shopping with an assistant, saying, “I’ll take this, and this, and this one too.”

“We finished earlier than I expected. Are you hungry?”

I hesitated. This place looked pricey.

In a place like this, I wouldn’t even buy a kimbap roll. If we went somewhere that suited Ga-yun’s taste, I’d probably end up bankrupt. You know what they say: a crow trying to walk like a stork splits its legs…

“You’ve been keeping me company, so let me treat you to lunch.”

“Are you sure? I can eat a lot…”

“Of course.”

The high-rise dungeon—no, the mall—had a restaurant on the 44th floor. It was a bright place with glass walls offering a view of the city below.

Being in such a pristine restaurant for the first time left me a little dazed at first. Soon, though, uneasiness crept in.

‘What if I look like an idiot?’

I could barely recognize the name “Opulence” on the sign. The menu had eye-popping prices that sent a shiver down my spine.

I’m not entirely clueless—I knew that a place like this had its own etiquette, and failing to observe it would make you look ignorant or impolite. The problem was, I was that ignorant person.

My knowledge of meat was limited to pork belly and pork neck, maybe some beef from a barbecue. I didn’t even really know the difference between rare and well-done.

My life had been all about kendo. There was no time for other refined interests. Among the other athletes, I was known to be somewhat unpolished.

“What would you like? They have good pasta here.”

“I’ll take whatever you recommend.”

“Alright. I’ll order my favorite steak too, if that’s okay?”

I nodded, unable to muster any other response. While I sat there frozen, Ga-yun finished the order. She glanced at me with a soft smile, and I lowered my gaze.

After a brief silence, her gentle voice broke the quiet.

“Did I ever tell you that I used to ride horses?”

“Horseback riding? No, this is the first time I’m hearing about it.”

“I’ve been riding since I was really young. I think I really loved it. I’d even take care of the horses myself. If I was going through a rough time, I’d always go to the stable.”

I’m a fan of Luce. I thought I knew a lot about Ga-yun. But maybe I didn’t know as much as I thought.

“You know about my arm injury, right? It was from a fall. Bella—oh, that’s my horse—she must have been startled by a nearby accident. She fell, broke her leg, and I was badly hurt too. I lost a dear friend, and my left side was wrecked.”

I knew the story, except for the horseback riding part. Years of rehabilitation followed. Ga-yun managed to regain movement in her legs and eventually found her way to Invel.

A cripple who couldn’t even hold a shield. A no-name streamer grinding ranked matches every day. Now she’s a renowned paladin, recognized as the best in the country.

I wanted to follow in her footsteps. That’s why I became a fan of hers.

“I tried to take my own life five times. I felt like I’d lost everything. Like the world had thrown me away. I just couldn’t bear it.”

“…”

So, she struggled too. It wasn’t just me being weak and worthless.

Somehow, that was comforting to know.

“Nowadays, I play the piano. I’m not very good. My fingers still don’t move quite right.”

“You’re still not fully recovered? I thought you were.”

“Yeah, I can’t move them delicately. But I’ve come a long way. Someday, I believe you’ll get better, too, Da-eun.”

I must have looked really pitiful to her, but she added, “I really wanted to cheer you on.”

“Do you think if I try hard enough, I could become like you, Ga-yun?”

“Of course. If not today, then tomorrow. If not tomorrow, then the day after. We’re used to that, aren’t we?”

I nodded. It’s okay if it’s not today. As long as I can make even a little progress, that’s enough.

The food arrived. Mine was a creamy pasta, and I caught a whiff of garlic from Ga-yun’s dish. Trying to imitate her, I twirled my fork around the spoon.

It didn’t look too different from how she did it. I took my first bite as I listened to her talk. It was delicious, like a gift.

“Oh, by the way, you’re not thinking this meal is the gift, are you?”

“...Isn’t it?”

“Don’t be too surprised tomorrow.”

The next day, a huge pile of clothes arrived at my place. They were all the things Ga-yun had picked out at the mall.