“Mm-hmm. No matter how I look at it, I can’t see it as a mage’s clothing…”
So he’s confused about this too, huh?
“Haha. I’m not actually that fond of mage’s clothing, to be quite honest with you,” Suimei answered with an unfeigned smile.
Galeo again gave him an appraising look.
“Oh? Why’s that?”
“Let’s see, how do I put this… Mage clothing is so over-the-top, as if to rub how great we are in people’s faces. It’s totally putting on airs.”
This was indeed how Suimei truly felt after seeing the apparel of the mages of this world. These last few days, up until he’d managed to accept this commission, he’d often gone out for strolls on the town. He had thus seen more than a few magicians and staff members of the magician’s guild.
His impression at the time? How incredibly pompous.
Now, that wasn’t to say that all mages were thus attired, or even that clothing of this nature was inherently inappropriate. Nevertheless, for Suimei, new to this as he was, the mere thought of dressing in that manner filled him with embarrassment.
Additionally, Suimei had no particular desire to appear particularly mysterious, important, or superior.
Furthermore, the sight of their clothing brought to mind images of his own world, where he’d seen the ostentatious mage clothing of antiquity. Even if it meant creating unnecessary misunderstandings, he refused to look like that.
Finally, although his situation was indeed slightly special, the other magicians Suimei had met – his father and the Society head included – were similarly dressed in normal clothing.
“Oh, I see. …Well, if I have to be honest with you, I don’t really like that style of clothing either. Any time I have to interact with those types, they always give off the feeling that they’re superior to me.”
“Is that so? Yeah, I have to say I don’t feel like that suits me.”
“Yep, yep. I can totally understand that. I definitely prefer your type, who are more mild and polite in your dealings.”
“Oh, that reminds me. I’ve already prepared things like a magic staff, so you don’t need to worry about that.”
100% lie.
“Oh, okay. There’s nothing else on my mind then. We’ll be in your care for the duration of the trip.”
“Right.”
Suimei’s agreement marked the end of the conversation and Galeon returned to join the other merchants.
He definitely had other matters to take care of. They were about to set out, after all. It was natural that he’d be busy at this time as the one in charge of the caravan.
At that moment, a nostalgic voice called out to Suimei, instilling him with a sense of deja vu.
“…Excuse me, but is that you, Suimei-kun?”
“Huh? Oh, Gurakis-san?”
Suimei turned to see the figure of someone who shouldn’t have been there: Lefille Gurakis.
“What brings you here? I’m sure you said that you weren’t planning on leaving for a short while yet?” he asked, thoroughly nonplussed.
Because Suimei and Lefille had stayed at the same inn, they’d conversed several times. Through those conversations, he’d learned that Lefille had some things to take care of, and thus hadn’t planned on leaving for some time yet.
So why would she be here, looking like she’s ready to set out as well? Suimei was unable to come up with an explanation.
His question prompted a nod from Lefille.