Clothing Store

Finally, a customer!

Come on in.

Welcome to the Northern Closet.

Cool name!

Hey Commander,

fancy seeing you here.

You think so?

I'm glad you like it.

Are you looking for anything specific?

I wanted to find some clothing that I can give to children.

How old are they?

10 or 11, give or take.

I see.

You could try visiting some of the markets near Royal Road. You might find something there.

Royal Road?

You mean I can't just buy them here?

Of course not!

We do not sell clothing of any kind

here at Northern Closet.

Huh?

You don't?

No. You must realize closets are not merely for storing clothes.

Closets have long been a

kind of safe haven for children,

or even portals into new worlds.

I'm not sure how this place operates when Alice is here,

but since I'm here, it's tea time.

Well, how about it?

Would you like some tea?

Oh, well... erm...

Any specific tea that you enjoy?

I'm not really a big tea buff...

Is there a tea that smells... refreshing? Like orange or something?

Hmm, refreshing...

All right then, lemongrass tea it is.

Get to it, Servant.

Wow, the color sure looks nice.

Smells good, too!

Do you like it?

This is my first time having a proper cup of tea!

Ha, well I hope you enjoy it.

Hey there, Old-Timer. Did you bring anything to eat?

Rabbity!

Hey, good to see you!

Hey, check this out!

Belorta and Mica get them for me.

They're not supposed to look like that...

Aren't they great?

I knew you'd love them!

Huh? You don't think so?

Hey, look over here.

Hahaha! That's a good look for you!

If only you had a hat! Then you'd look just like the Mad Hatter from Alice in Wonderland!

Hahaha right?!

What should we do now?

Why don't we add a few more accessories?

Nice! That sounds fun!

Yeah! Time for some decoration!

Ta-da♡. You're a perfect Mad Hatter!

The spitting image!

How about a tea party, then?

What do you think?

This is so much fun!

I'm always cooped up in that boring old toy shop,

but this place is a blast! Isn't that right, Mica?

It sure is!

Aw c'mon, we put a lot of thought into this getup.

Don't be such a wet blanket!

But that hat suits you perfectly!

Geez, I'm starving! Coming here without a single thing to eat...

Who does that?

I'm hungry too.

Why not?

Yeah, why not?

I'm hungry too...

What? This place is immaculate!

Yeah! Clean as a whistle!

You don't actually think this is dirty, do you?

My Queen, you're back!

...

Look at this!

We turned Rabbity into the Mad Hatter!

Is this all a joke to you?

You look like a crazy person.

Alice.

Yes!

Did you enjoy yourself?

Absolutely! It's been a total blast.

Mmm, that's good then.

Anyone here?

Wow, Ultimate Villain?

Neato!

Well well, look who's here. You're too kind, hehehe!

What brings you two here?

You don't say...

I do say.

People have been getting a little too chummy with me.

How's that supposed to make a dastardly fiend like myself feel?

Why'd you called them fools?

You don't have to be so mean about it!

Please, no need to state the obvious!

When it comes to villainy, there is no other!

I need to strike fear in people's hearts the moment they see me.

That's why I came to see some clothes.

Mwahahahaha!

Hmm... in that case, this may not be the best store for you.

My Queen!

We don't have much clothing suited for villains.

!!!

You don't have anything for villains?

Umm... My Queen...

Perhaps we could use the clothes we do have

to fix something up for our fiendish friend?

!!!

I want you to make me into someone to be feared.

Alice, are you sure about this?

Why not? I'd love to cook something up for Madame Villainess.

I'd hate to have her leave empty-handed.

Very good!

I'm glad you can accommodate me.

I'll let you get to it.

Of course I am!

I could use a change.

Oh boy, I'm so excited!

Me too!

Alice seems happy enough. Let's see what happens.

Madame Villainess

Wah-lah!

With this, you can be the finest rabbit villain of them all!

R-rabbit villain?

Pfff...

Nobody laughs!

Isn't it adorable?

I'm allergic to rabbits...

Oh, really?

It looks like Alice is sad.

That's too bad.

I'd have liked to see a rabbit defeat the Queen of Hearts...

Don't you have anything else?

Hmm, let me think...

How about a cute puppy mask?

I kinda like dogs, so I'd rather not...

How about this then?

Aren't these frills just the cutest thing?

Umm... I'm also allergic to frills...

Or what about these suspenders?!

It's even got a Cheshire Cat pattern!

I have a phobia of cats.

This one's my favorite.

...

Madame Villainess, how about...

I-I think I should be going!

Huh?

But I haven't found anything for you yet.

I just remembered that I have an important meeting!

I absolutely have to attend.

If I leave now, I should still make it on time.

One day, I'll wear something you've recommended, promise.

Mwahahahaha!

Well, I'll be off then!

I'll have more prepared for your next time,

Madame Villainess!

Look how tiny this place is! There's no way they have what I'm looking for.

You never know. It's not the size of the store that determines the quality of the goods.

Whatever. If I don't like it, I can just lea...

Producer?

We're here to buy clothes, what else?

Why are you here? Do you work here?

The owner isn't here?

So you're here all alone, but the store is still open?

Sounds a little strange if you ask me.

All right, I believe you.

But isn't this a clothing store? Aren't you buying anything?

This is a clothing store, and you're telling me they don't sell clothes?

Then what is this place?

Come again?

She was so into her hobbies, that she opened up an entire store dedicated to them.

There are many things in this world

that I fail to comprehend.

Just some casual wear.

That's why I thought this place would have some, even if it's small.

I'm looking for something more punk rock.

I hope to find some gowns to wear on stage.

Don't act surprised.

One look at our music should tell you as much.

Or are you surprised that we're all hanging out together?

Oh, believe me, we fight.

Actually, we haven't had a big fight in a while...

I think we're cool with each other...right?

I think we're just fine.

No matter which genre we prefer, in the end we all do the same thing: music.

That's right. We also understand how much effort each of us puts into our music.

Y'know, mutual respect and all that.

Effort? I don't have to put any effort into my music.

Hah...right. Sure thing.

Sure. Something we discovered recently, as a matter of fact.

Something that has nothing to do with music.

Can you guess what it is?

Hmph...

... That's right.

Mhmm!

Who knew our tastes would align when it came to this sort of thing.

You, you big goober!

Bingo.

It means you are capable.

Manager, stop acting stupid and let's go.

Haha! Have you not been listening to this the whole time?

We're going shopping.

You should come too.

Because we said so.

It's not like you have anything else to do.

Wouldn't it be nice if we go together?

It'd certainly be better than

staying in this empty shop for no good reason

and having people think you're some kind of weirdo.

A wise choice.

Let's get this show on the road. I'm getting bored.

There's no need to be upset, Producer.

You're the only person our entire squad wants to be with.

You know what that means, don't you?

Good!

Oh, that's too bad...

Anyway, we should get going.

Anyone here?

!!

Oh, hey!

You were the one at the Sakura Ceremony!

I'm sorry, but the Snow Queen isn't here right now.

That's okay. I'm here for you, Alice.

Do you still remember the promise we made on the road where the ceremony would be held?

Oh sure, clear as day.

You said you'd bring a touch of spring to our clothing selection.

Right.

To be exact, I agreed to lend you some traditional costumes that you could wear to the ceremony.

I didn't know if there'd be any customers besides you, so I brought a lot of different options.

Wowee!

You've got some spring fashions for Rabbity, too?

Yes, I brought a few outfits fit for a commander as well. Just in case.

Would you like to try some of them on, Commander-kun?

!!

...

...

Haha, oh Rabbity! Aren't you embarrassed looking like that?

Commander-kun,

that costume isn't meant to be worn like a bathrobe.

And why are the ropes tied so...

haphazardly?

...

Come with me.

I'll show you how to wear this properly.

Go ahead and take off your clothes.

I'll turn around.

... That's not what I meant.

Your pants and underwear can stay on.

What we need is some gray fabric that doesn't have any patterns. Should be easy enough to find.

Are you ready?

Okay, looking good so far.

Now...

First, put your arms into the sleeves.

The right part of the neckline should be inside, with the left part overlapping it.

Now, about this rope.

Tie it around your waist, then take the ends and wrap them inside the hem of the outfit, neatly.

Then overlay this belt on the rope and tie it up...

Sure.

Put the belt around your stomach and tie it nice and tight.

Fold the rest of the fabric and tie it into a knot. It can be any kind of knot, whichever you prefer.

If you get confused trying to tie the knot,

just let me know, and I'll help.

...

Just let me do it for you.

With the way you're going, I'm afraid you're going to end up looking all disheveled again.

...

Whoops!

I can't believe I made a mistake like that. That's not like me at all.

I guess I am a little nervous.

Helping others get dressed isn't exactly a common thing for me, after all.

Don't worry, we're almost done.

...

... Done.

Handsome, just as expected.

It looks like it was tailor-made for you.

Don't mention it.

I was glad to help.

Although I must say, this is usually something reserved for spouses, so I do feel a bit strange...

...

Um... Anyway.

We should get going. Alice is waiting for us.

Wow! Looking good, Rabbity!

You look like a warrior from those legends!

Huh?

How come your face is so red, Pink Empress?

Wha... my face? It is?

...

I need a mirror.

!!

Commander-kun, why didn't you tell me I looked like this?!

!!

How... How could you say something like that to a gang leader?!

...

I need to get out of here.

I wouldn't have come if I knew I would be mocked like this...

So you soon... No, on second thought, see you in a while.

Hellooo, my lovely Lupins☆

Today I want to introduce a special guest.

She's one of the most powerful people, no, creatures, in the entire Ark,

with a smoldering and intense physicality that can't be beaten!

But, before I introduce the special guest,

I suppose I should introduce our regular guest, shouldn't I? Hehe.

Well, here he is, the one you all should be well acquainted with by now...

Actually, are humans okay with this amount of sunlight?

Anyway, say hello to the one and only Sweetie, who's always the life of the party!

You've become so much more confident, Sweetie!

Of course, you have every right to be self-assured, but this is all being recorded.

So don't forget that this is all being kept for posterity.

Sweetie, you're honestly far too modest. It's a bad habit that you really need to shake.

If I was you, I'd be proud and strut my stuff 24/7.

Anyhoo!

You all must be going mad wondering who our special guest is.

This person, or species, rather, is quite rare in the Ark.

However, due to her incredible power, you've probably seen her before.

Then, Nero, can you introduce yourself?

Meow, I'm Nero.

...

...

Er... is that all?

Meow.

... Hehe.

It appears our guest is a bit shy.

At any rate, let's proceed with the show.

In a nutshell,

today's show is centered around cats.

To be more precise, we'll be having a cat pick out what's the best look for a hot date.

Typically, cats aren't the most compassionate creatures and don't care too much about others,

what we have here today is essentially a cat capable of communication!

Then... Nero?

We'll have Sweetie try on a variety of stylish outfits,

and you can vote on which one is the best.

Meow.

I'll take that as a yes.

Today, we're going to have Sweetie acting as our very own supermodel,

strutting his stuff and showing off the hottest new styles perfect for that hot date you've been planning!

The outfits are on the hanger to your left,

so choose whichever one catches your eye.

Uh... I think it's Nero.

She's scratching at the changing room door,

but I have no idea why...

Scoops!

Come out!

Is something wrong?

It's dangerous in there.

It's dangerous wherever I can't see you.

Uh... Sweetie, are you done changing yet?

...

Are you coming out?

Then it's okay.

...

Hmmm.

She got awfully calm all of a sudden.

I'm not so sure. She was acting like the sky was falling.

...

Just to be sure, should we do a test?

...

What on earth?

What is it with cats?

Indeed...

But there's one thing I know for certain.

If we want her to choose an outfit for you,

you'll need to try on at least two sets.

Unfortunately, that seems almost impossible at the moment.

Sooo...

Master!

You're finally here!

That's great, hehe!

Hello, Master.

I know we called you over on short notice, so thanks for coming over to help.

We'll be hosting an event called 'Maids in Everyday Life' at the cafe next week.

On that day, we're expected to be dressed in casual outfits.

So, we've been trying to purchase suitable attire for the event.

Ta-da!

The top is loose-fitting, with just the right amount of skin peeking through.

As for the bottom half, I'm going with a skirt.

Do you think it'll look good on me?

Hehe. Really?

Ade picked them for me!

Actually, about that...

It's not that. Quite the opposite, in fact.

Personally, I found them quite similar,

but Soda opined that certain pieces complemented me exceptionally well, so I find myself in quite a dilemma.

So, I was hoping to seek your opinion on which one you think looks best.

It's true!

Anyways, I've somehow managed to narrow it down to two outfits...

but I just can't seem to decide between the two!

Help us take a look, Master!

The first outfit is a tight-fitting top with a short skirt

and knee-high boots.

Let me tell you something!

Ade looks totally different when she lets down her hair.

So, I thought it'd be fun to show everyone a new side of Ade...

The second option is a dress that shares a similar style with our current maid outfit.

But the main difference lies in its much lighter color and different material.

I believe sneakers would complement this beautifully.

What do you think about me tying up a ponytail?

Don't you think both suit her very well?

I'm getting so excited just thinking about it!

Hmm...

Well, Master,

which of these attires do you find more befitting for the occasion?

Sure.

It's quite the departure from my usual style. I believe our customers will find it quite refreshing.

Sure.

It's quite likely our customers will appreciate a more familiar appearance.

Pardon?

Why the sudden interest in my glasses?

We're right in the middle of picking out clothes, so why don't you choose your favorite, Master!

Sure.

It's quite the departure from my usual style. I believe our customers will find it quite refreshing.

Sure.

It's quite likely our customers will appreciate a more familiar appearance.

It appears we're settling on this attire. Would it be acceptable to you, Soda?

Aw man... I really had my eyes on the other one,

but hey, can't really help it, right?

Well, that's a shame...

What can we do about this?

!!

My goodness, you're right!

There's truly no need for me to be dressed in the same attire all day long.

I can wear one in the morning and the other in the afternoon.

Master,

you truly are a genius!

With that, our dilemma has been resolved.

Thank you, Master.

You'll be coming to the event, won't you?

We're both looking forward to seeing you there!

...

Welcome!

Oh, a student?

Ah, fancy meeting you here.

Hee hee.

I have to say, meeting you face-to-face kinda makes me nervous.

Why would you be nervous?

I've wanted to meet you for a long time.

Not just you,

but everyone from Unlimited.

It's too bad I won't get to see you together with your squadmates.

Yes, I'm on my own today.

Why are you so interested in meeting our squad anyway?

Because... I'm a fan.

You are?

Yeah! A big fan.

I've been an admirer of yours for a long time.

No matter how seemingly insurmountable the challenge, you guys always manage to rescue our fellow Nikkes.

I think that's super cool.

I...

...

I was in a similar situation once, but I wasn't able to save my friends.

I've never forgiven myself for that, so...

...

You can stop there.

Huh?

Say no more.

It couldn't have possibly been your fault.

Don't blame yourself.

Ludmilla...

You really are as cool as I imagined.

Actually, I made you a gift.

And I'm here to give it to you.

... A hair tie?

Yep! Just like the one I'm wearing.

If you look closely, there's a little Unlimited logo on it.

I hope that by wearing this, your courage and heroic spirit

will always be with me, hee hee.

It also commemorates my fallen friends...

and serves as a reminder that

I must never let anything like that happen ever again.

I would be honored if you would accept it.

I suggest you don't grip it so tightly. You put a lot of effort into it. We wouldn't want you to ruin it, would we?

...! Oh, right, sorry.

This snowflake-shaped ornament is very adorable.

Thank you. I'll take good care of it.

I wish all of you even greater success.

As for me,

I will keep looking up to you, and keep moving forward.

Welcome.

Oh, you are...

Hey there,

Ludmilla!

The Commander said I'd have an opportunity to meet you if I came here.

I'm quite flattered that you'd make a trip expressly to see me.

Of course.

Ludmilla, in a word...

Is a mountain to overcome.

Haha, such grandiose praise.

Then again, considering how all machines go haywire once I touch them, I can see how that would impress you.

I've been trying to wrap my head around it for ages, and all I can come up with is that it must be an electrical issue.

Could you try holding this for me?

All right.

What is it?

A mobile phone that only requires very small amounts of energy to operate.

It's a recent invention. Very innovative.

Hmm...

Well, it doesn't seem to have broken down yet.

I don't sense any electrical surges either.

Ooh! Is that right?

Did I finally find something Ludmilla-proof?

However...

the screen isn't turning on.

Huh? That can't be...

Holy crap.

It's completely shot.

There isn't a bit of juice left in it. It went kaput without a sound...

Hehe, seems like you haven't surmounted this body of mine just yet.

On another note, I wanted to thank you.

Thanks to that voice recognition device you installed,

I'm able to communicate with others relatively smoothly.

At first, I just wanted to help you,

but now it's become a point of pride!

I don't care how incompatible you are with electronics,

I will find a solution if it's the last thing I do!

You can count on that.

Hehe, I hope you succeed.

Whoa...

Hmm?

What the...

Wh-what just happened?

The instant you touched my hand,

I felt all the energy drain from my body. It felt amazing.

If you don't mind, could we do it again?

Sure.

Let's see...

Let's start by gently caressing the fingertips...

Oh yeah, that's the stuff...

Why is this happening?

I have no idea.

Whenever I hold your hand... how should I put it...

it feels like my whole body loosens.

Wait, that's it!

Maybe...

Did you figure something out?

Is this what machines feel when you touch them...?

If that's the case, it would make sense why they break down.

What?

This is uncharted territory.

A brand new feeling, wholly distinct from how you feel when electricity is coursing through you.

I have to look into this.

See you two next time.

...

Servant, is that what you feel when you touch me?

Really...?

Hmm, I really can't figure it out.

Oh my, someone's here?

I didn't expect that...

Are you...?

?!

Whew...

A-ahem! It's been a while.

The phantom thief has arrived!

I could ask you the same thing.

You did?

!!

Are you perhaps here to meet the owner of this establishment?

...

If you and the owner know each other, I can't tell you.

!!

H-how did you know?

Are you in cahoots with the villain

who owns this place?

That's right.

They're a very evil person indeed.

They steal precious and cherished items from the weak,

then hide them in their clothing store.

That's right.

??

No, they're human.

Of course!

We're in the Outpos...

?!

Y-you're right.

My mistake.

It's just that this place has a strong resemblance to the clothing store I'm thinking of.

Darn, I need to...

!!

Huh? Rabbity?

Hey!

What are you doing here?

...

And who's this?

I'm...

Wha...?

Ooh, a masquerade? Sounds cool!

...

I was wondering what was up with that nifty mask you're wearing.

That explains it!

Er... yes, that's right.

... You think this mask is cool?

Oh yeah! It's amazing!

Did you make it yourself?

... Yes, I did.

What should I call it?

You... you can call it a phantom thief mask.

A phantom thief mask?

So can I call you Miss Phantom Thief Mask?

... Sure.

But you can't tell anyone else about this.

??

Why not?

Why would you want to keep something so amazing a secret?

Um...

Precisely because it's so amazing!

Huh?

That's right. Since phantom thieves are so cool,

if other people knew about it, everyone would want to wear masks like this.

That's why I'm keeping it a secret.

I see!

You've got to keep it under wraps precisely because it's so cool.

Exactly.

So will you keep it a secret?

Sure, hehe!

Your secret is safe with me, Miss Phantom Thief Mask!

... Much appreciated.

Uh... Miss Phantom Thief Mask!

Can I go to the masquerade ball too?

I wanna wear a cool mask like yours and hang out with you!

!!

I'm sorry, but I don't think that's possible.

You need an invitation to attend.

I can't go with someone who wasn't invited.

Oh... I see.

That's too bad.

Next time, perhaps.

I'll come back and host a masquerade of my own.

We can go together then.

Really?

Promise.

Hehe. Okay!

We'll go together!

Sounds like a plan. Well, I better get going.

See you next time.

Take care!

Wow, did you see that, Rabbity? She disappeared straight into the ceiling!

She really is a phantom thief!

I wanna make a mask of my own,

so I can join her next time I see her.

Would you like to join?

Hmm...

Hmmmmm...

This one's not bad at all.

It's cute.

Huh?

On second thought, this one might be even better...

Mmm... what a dilemma.

Hmm?

You called, Commander?

There's a pajama party this weekend,

so I'm picking out some PJs to wear then.

I heard this place is having a special sale on pajamas, so I couldn't just sit back and do nothing!

I wanted to buy some as gifts to surprise Vesti and Eunhwa!

I've narrowed down the options somewhat.

Want to take a look?

Hehe, what do you think?

I thought one of these might suit Vesti.

Which one do you prefer?

Oh my! Commander, you and I think alike!

This color reminds me of a baby chick! It's so cute!

This pastel blue is just so pretty, isn't it?

I think it'll match Vesti's eyes wonderfully.

Hehe, I knew having you come along would make things go more smoothly.

If I'd come alone, I'd probably have wasted so much time trying to make a decision.

Yes, that's right.

I'm torn between these two.

Can you pick for me again?

Yeah, it's probably best to stick with the colors she usually wears.

Eunhwa likes what's familiar.

Okay, this one looks like a good choice.

Oh, what a bold choice!

I don't think I've ever seen Eunhwa wear pink before.

I think it might be good to try something new.

Hehe, that should cover the gifts for both of them!

I'm sure they will.

They'll like it even more when they hear that you helped pick them out.

Thanks for helping, Commander.

Oh, mine?

I'm not going to wear any pajamas.

Haha.

You should see your face, Commander. You're beet red.

Hehe, I'm just kidding!

You're really cute when you're like this, Commander.

Actually, I already bought my clothes, but thanks for worrying about me.

Hmm?

But I actually need to buy one more.

Hmm...

Commander, don't tell me you forgot!

If that's really the case, I might have to be a little disappointed in you.

We're planning on having a pajama party at the dorm soon.

Do you want to come too, Commander?

Oh my, really?

Then this time, we'll get you one as a gift.

Hehe, I wonder what kind of pajamas would suit you best, Commander?

We've scheduled it for this weekend.

That's great.

Vesti was suuuper excited about this.

If you don't show up, she probably will cry her eyes out!

Hehe, Commander,

then as a reward for letting you know,

can I pick out your pajamas?

Hehe, okay then!

No takebacks, all right?

Oh, Teacher?

What are you doing here?

... It's because of this.

Oh, so that's the problem.

Soline's sleeve got ripped?

Hehe, then you've come to the right person!

I've got an emergency kit stashed right here!

R-really?

Of course!

Hmm...

I think I can fix this.

Want me to fix it for you?

Totally!

When else would I ever get another chance to put what I learned from Rupee to good use?

Ta-da! All done!

Hehe, of course!

Wanna try it on?

Wow!

It's as good as new!

Hehe, don't forget to rock it nicely from now on!

... You're amazing, Ein!

I've never seen anyone with hands this skillful, let alone a student.

Oh, stop it with all the compliments, hehe!

Ah, so here's the deal...

Some of the clothes I made are gonna be in Rupee's upcoming photobook,

but I've got no one to model them, so yeah... I've been kinda stuck.

But being here actually helps me sort my head out a bit.

What kind of model do you need?

If you want someone mature and stylish... I could probably help.

Whoa, seriously?

You're actually gonna help?

Haha, of course!

Bring me any outfit you've got!

I can totally pull off all of them!

Whoa, lucky me!

Honestly, the second you walked in, I knew my designs would fit you perfectly!

Hang on a sec, I'll bring a few over!

...

W-wait, these?

You want me to put them on right now?!

Yeah, I just wanna snap a few reference pics.

Hmm...

Uh? You don't like them?

Oh... n-no, it's not like that!

It's just... don't these look kinda... you know, kiddy?

You know me,

I like stuff that's more adult and not all cute and fluffy.

Like this! See? Totally my style.

Wh-why not?

You won't know until I try it on!

Hmm... Well, can't hurt to try, right?

Try this one too!

Ah...

D-don't make fun of me!

... Oh?

Ooooh!

This isn't half bad!

R-really?

Yep!

You kinda look like a kid trying to act all grown-up, and it actually makes you even cuter.

Wh-what did you just say?

Uh... yeah, something like that.

Anyway, we gotta push this vibe more!

Hmm... really?

Then I'll take this one!

Ohh, nice! Wanna try this one on too?

Yeah!

This took forever to find.

Yep. I doubt I'll be able to find anything better.

I chose the best one I could...

... and you said it's nice, so now we just need to go back and see how it looks!

I bet you're dying to find out!

...

I feel bad for saying this after I dragged you all over...

but it must have been hard on you. Thanks for looking with me.

Guys usually get tired doing this sort of stuff.

Yeah, but still.

?

A-Arcana...

And Commander...

L-Label?!

What are you doing here?

You hardly ever go outside by yourself.

...

R-Recently, I've noticed...

that you're putting... more care into your appearance, Arcana...

S-so I got up the courage to buy you some clothes as a gift...

I'm sure... you won't like anything I pick out for you...

But I worked up the courage to go out anyway...!

A-and while I was picking out a gift for you,

I guess you and Commander... were having fun on a date.

I know it might look like we're on a date,

but I promise we're not!

Right...

It makes sense...

that you... would have more fun with someone like Arcana... than with someone like me.

All the interest you showed in me...

was probably just sympathy...

You d-don't have to pity me.

Instead of a gloomy... dark woman like me...

you'd... rather be around a cute, innocent woman like Arcana...

Even I know that much.

Ahh... Of course there's no room for me.

The trash is the perfect place for me, so why—

Label.

I'm serious. This is all a misunderstanding.

Hear me out.

But first, take this.

Wh-why are you giving this to me...?

I bought it as a present for you.

Open it.

It's a...

School... uniform?

I noticed you looked jealous when you saw me wearing mine.

I-it was that obvious...?

It was.

Did you think I wouldn't notice, given how close we are?

Anyway, I know you're not really into clothes, so I thought I'd give you some as a gift.

That's why I bought it.

He just helped me pick it out.

I wanted us to wear the same uniform and go to a cafe or something.

But I couldn't find the same one, so I bought something similar.

As for the size...

I had to eyeball it, but I think it'll fit.

I have a good eye for that sort of thing, you know.

A-Arcana... You got this for me...?

Ahh...

I had no idea... and I just jumped to conclusions about you and Commander...

I'm sorry...

I really should... go sit in the trash where I belong...!

You just said...

that you bought me some clothes as a gift, right?

Is this them?

Y-yeah...

Well, since we got each other gifts, let's write this off as a funny coincidence.

That way, you won't feel so bad about it.

Thank you... Arcana...

Can I see what you got me?

I-is this...?

Wow...!

I, uh, love it so much. It's, um, perfect for me.

Ehehe...

I-it's my favorite outfit, so I thought... you would like it too...

You should wear it... when we go to the cafe, like you said.

I'll... try to do the same...!

G-great!

You'll come with us, won't you?