Shopping Mall

I can't say I was expecting much,

but now that I'm here...

this shopping mall really is a dump!

Not a single pair of leather shoes or clutch bags. There aren't even any restaurants where you can grill Nutrium.

Compared to the malls in Royal Road, it's practically a hole in the ground.

You think so?

Yes! This place should be ashamed of calling itself a shopping mall... huh?!

How long have you been listening?

From the beginning.

As a member of Talentum, it is my job to take care of this mall.

That includes looking after any unsatisfied customers.

Allow me to take you

to the VIP shopping area.

The only one of its kind in the Outpost.

What? A VIP area in the Outpost? That's impossible!

What I mean is... even if there was such a place, surely it would be laughable.

The one you are with seems interested.

All right, then...

Is this the VIP manager?

Yes, this is the hotel manager, could you have the staff ready? I'm bringing two customers.

Also, prepare the following items...

Here in the VIP area, you'll not only find exclusive items,

but goods which cater exclusively to the customer's taste.

For example, here we have a Tiara made of silver and germanium ions, which works wonders for the skin.

Then there's this handkerchief with French embroidery featuring a floral pattern.

All of the items here are perfectly suited to match your own elegance.

...!!

Are you feeling a bit better about our establishment now?

Well, maybe a little...

Ah yes, I nearly forgot. This product is sold only at our mall.

Our line of very own fresh juice vitamins.

As you both know, there are many vitamins which prevent our skin from aging.

However, given that Splendamin is our main food staple, it's impossible for us to extract the necessary nutrients from fruits.

Inevitably, this will result in aged skin and pimples, even for typically ageless Nikkes.

Th-that can't be...!

... However! With these supplemental vitamins, you need not fear.

Just one pill a day is all it takes.

Of course, our unlimited life expectancy means you'll have to purchase quite a few of them!

Can't I just buy them as I need them?

Well, I'm not sure.

This is a popular item amongst female customers, so it's often out of stock.

But today's your lucky day!

We've just received a new shipment.

So if you see something you want, I suggest you buy it today. Otherwise, it'll be gone come tomorrow.

But I don't have that much money on me right now...

No need to worry!

We're offering a special 10 year installment plan for Nikke customers only!

Haha, thank you for the kind words!

So if we apply a 10 year installment plan,

the total amount of items here is only 30,000 credits.

If you eat 5 less pieces of Splendamin per month for the next 10 years, everything here is yours.

...

Eeeek...!

I can't believe I actually bought all of it...

I couldn't refuse. It was like I was possessed.

That place is terrifying. I need to stop going there.

What is this anyway?

You have spent 3.6 million credits. Spend another 400,000 credits to reach 4 million credits

and receive a limited-edition cosmetic set made using thermal spring water valued at 1 million credits.

I spent that much all in one day?

Oh no!

... I should go back.

No way!

I'm almost at 4 million credits!

If I spend just 400,000 more, I'll get that cosmetic set worth 1 million credits! This is my only chance!

Made using thermal spring water... you can't even find that on Royal Road. I've got to have it.

I've been so lethargic lately, and I don't know why...

I don't have any energy...

Well then, this supplement is perfect for depression!

Also, since I sweat so much, I sometimes feel like I don't have a lot of energy.

Apparently it's 'cause my body is lacking vitamins.

So if you're feeling lethargic, take some multi-vitamins.

Oh, Coach! Fancy seeing you here.

C-Commander.

Vesti hasn't been feeling too good lately.

I was recommended some supplements to her.

Multi-vitamins, to be specific.

What do you think, Vesti? Just for a month.

Do you really think these will give me more energy?

Oh, if it's the energy you want,

you should take some Energy Blast as well.

I just make some recommendations! I know a lot about supplements, that's all.

It's buy two, get one free for Energy Blast, so better pick up two.

All that for just 100,000 credits.

If you want the best effect, you've got to take these regularly for several months.

Really? Sounds kinda expensi...

You can't put a price on your own health!

I take Icy Blast all the time.

Having said that, how come it's so hot in here?

They don't seem very effective...

Commander, what do you think? Should I buy these?

See? Even the Commander agrees with me!

Take these babies for one month, and you'll notice the difference.

Really? Are you sure, Commander? I guess I'll buy...

Coach, there's no better supplements cocktail than this.

Yeah! Who can afford that?

Wait! I didn't know they had this supplement here!

This will give you even better results.

It's called Dynamo.

This is super hard to come by, and they're selling it in bulk here!

Vesti, you can't pass this stuff up!

But... this is all too much...

Trust me, this stuff has been impossible to find for the past few days.

But I don't think I need it...

Fine, fine. Then... holy moly, what's this doing here?!

Surely you know about Metablue?

What's that?

You don't know? Take just one of these in the morning, and you're set for the whole day.

It's head and shoulders above any other anti-fatigue supplement out there.

I'm not a big fan of liquid medicine... I-I don't think I need...

It also comes in a pill version for Nikkes.

Hey, what are you guys doing here?

So you're interested in buying something, Vesti?

If those dark circles under your eyes are any indication, what you have there isn't nearly enough.

Really? Then how much more do I have to buy?

As you know, you have to take supplements regularly.

Multi-vitamins and Energy Blast only cover the basics.

I get the sense that you're quite stressed, yes?

H-how did you know?

Even a blind man could see that.

It looks like you need Rocket Booster as well.

That all comes out to 150,000 credits,

but I'll give it to you for 130,000.

And, if you buy it right now, I'll toss in an extra Rocket Booster.

One sip of this and you'll feel your stress melt away.

I'm also sensing that you suffer from feelings of insecurity?

All the time! How did you know?

This here helps your mind settle down, but at the same time increases your strength.

After all, your mind has to be at ease in order to work and fight effectively, isn't that right?

Just take these, and I guarantee you'll see a difference.

That takes care of you. Now your turn.

Huh? Me?

Definitely water based... What kind of supplements are you taking now?

Icy Blast...

Is that it?

That's not going to cut it.

You're sensitive to heat, yes?

Um... yeah. I'm burning up right now, actually.

There's a new supplement you can take along with Icy Blast.

It's called Wintry Lady.

It hasn't hit the market just yet, but it'll go great with Icy Blast.

Typically it goes for 80,000 credits, but

we're all friends here, so how does 50,000 sound?

The way you describe it, I'm feeling cooler already!

But 50,000 credits...

Too expensive? I promise you it's cheaper than what you'll get online.

If you try to buy this later, you'll end up paying more.

Really? I feel like I'm burning up...

And see what it says here on the box? Improved circulation.

Better circulation is vital to avoid overheating.

Since you seem to run hot, this is a must for you.

For people like you that are quick to heat up, this is the perfect supplement.

You really think so?

Since you've got quite a few different supplements here,

I'll toss in a pill organizer for free. Sound good?

You look like you could use some supplements as well, Rookie.

You'll end up running your body ragged.

You should at least take Omega-3 and Speedboost.

Judging by your complexion, you must be under a lot of stress.

Omega-3 and Speedboost would work wonders for you.

I'll give you both for 50,000.

As you get on in years, your body won't seem like it used to. You know that right?

You've got to start taking care of it here and now.

I think you're wrong. Every morning you wake up, you'll feel death drawing ever nearer.

Taking supplements after you're already sick won't do a lick of good!

You may save money on supplements, but your future hospital bills will be through the roof.

You'd be a fool not to jump at these prices.

You see that price-tag? You won't find that anywhere else, not even online.

I'm giving you a discount, so take it!

...

?!

Oh! Hello there, Commander!

How long have you been standing there?

Really?

I didn't notice you, sorry.

As long as I didn't keep you waiting.

Are you here to buy something?

A pet supply shop.

I always see so many stray cats wandering the streets,

and if I want to catch them safely, I'll need some snacks to attract them.

According to my research, Splendamin isn't too healthy for our furry friends,

so I'm here to find some snacks that are okay for cats.

There are so many different kinds of treats, and I have no idea which is their favorite.

But I think I've made some progress. I've narrowed it down to these two.

I just don't know which one to pick.

I considered it,

but there's no guarantee when or where I'll actually run into any stray cats, so buying that many treats may not be a good idea.

Hmm...

How about you pick one for me, Commander?

Sure, just pick one and that's what I'll buy.

Otherwise, I'll be here all day hesitating.

Pleeeaaaase?

I've heard no cat

can resist the taste of tuna.

So this should be perfect!

All I'll have to do is squeeze a little bit out,

and they'll come right up to me.

Yeah, you can't go wrong with chicken.

An oldie, but a goodie.

Those little guys are gonna love it.

All I'll have to do is crack open the can, set it on the ground,

and they'll come right up to me.

...

All right, it's settled then. I'll get this one.

Yes, I'm sure.

Besides, I can always try the other one next time.

Do you think the cats will like it?

... All right!

I'll go to the counter.

Thanks for helping me make a decision, Commander.

If it hadn't been for you, I'd still be in there unable to decide.

Anyway, here's a little something for you.

I'm not sure if it's your style though...

Glad you like it!

If you're done here, do you want to head back together?

Hmmm...

This outfit looks nice,

but so does this one.

Hmmm... they're subtly different.

C-Commander?!

I'm just here to try on some clothes.

Yes,

but I can't seem to find what I'm looking for.

Well...

A long white coat that comes down to the knees. Something that makes you look like a skilled healer.

Boots that could handle rugged terrain on any adventure.

And...

Yes! Exactly!

Hey, Manager!

What are you doing here?

I'm here to shop, duh.

I heard they've got some killer deals going on.

Tell me, Manager, what are you doing here with another girl?

Hey, cool face mask!

Oh, me?

Very hip.

You think so?

What are you doing in this store?

If your chic clothes and mask are any indication,

I don't think you're gonna find anything up your alley here.

Well...

This place only sells casual wear.

The type of clothes you're wearing is on the floor above us.

Actually, I'm not looking for something like this...

Wait, you're not self-conscious, are you?

I don't believe it!

How can you be self-conscious when you're wearing such provocative clothes?

Have more faith in yourself!

No, what I mean is...

What are you looking for?

A fantasy character?

Is this for a movie or something?

Um...

I-it's nothing!!

What is this?

What was that all about?

When she's running around wearing something like that?

I don't think so.

Hey, check it out!

This place is famous for its Light Croquettes.

Is this the place you kept going on about in the center?

Smells▣※※good.

Sorry Sin, you can't have any because of your converter.

□▣It's okay, I can▣※blend it up later ※.

Are you sure it'll taste good that way?

Sure it will. The croquette here tastes great no matter how you eat it.

If it isn't□※▣tasty, then it'll cost them 10▣ points.

Hmm?

Oh, hey Counselor.

Fancy bumping into you here. Did you come for some croquettes too?

The Counselor likes croquettes too?

Me? To try croquettes like everybody else.

Why are you singling me out?

□▣Don't be so mean, Instructor□※.

▣※※Disadvantaged people like us should be looking out for each other, not▣□ questioning※□each other's motives.

Counselor, You didn't mean anything by what you said, did you?

Now I'm super bummed...

▣※※That's not good□▣~

Instructor,※▣□10 points deducted.

Oh boy, you look so sad...

It kinda makes me feel bad seeing you like that.

Fine, I'll let it slide just this once.

To make it up to us, you can buy us some croquettes.

Woohoo, Counselor is buying!

▣※□You're※□the best.

What should we get?

There's a new flavor out.

Really?

I wonder which flavor is the best?

Since▣□▣ we don't know※▣which flavors we'll like▣,

□▣you order for▣▣※us, Quency.

Sure thing.

Counselor, can we order as much as we want?

All right then... hmm, what should I get...

First things first: I'll take six regular croquettes.

Of course! We'll need at least two per person.

Then I'll have three spicy croquettes...

Here are the croquettes you ordered.

Wow, so fresh! You can still see the steam coming off them.

*Sniff sniff* They certainly look appetizing.

□※※I didn't bring□□my personal□▣blender.

If I want to ※□ eat anything while wearing this converter ※,

I've got to▣grind it up first※▣※with a blender.

It's a bit annoying,▣▣but※what can you do?

Quency※▣ says▣these are super good though, so※▣▣

I'm▣▣willing to go through the trouble.

Excuse me, could you※□grind▣this ※up for me?

Sorry?

※Grind▣ it up▣※ into mush▣!

I'm sorry, I don't quite understand...

Oh, certainly. Right away.

▣▣10▣※points deducted for you, Instructor.

All right Guilty, open up and say "ahhhh"...

Do I have to? It feels weird having you feed me.

Why? I fed you all the time while we were in the center.

Exactly, and I hated it then too.

You'd just keep staring at me... like you were looking through my soul...

You, Counselor? Sure, I guess.

Sin...?

Sin's busy enough trying to navigate these croquettes through her converter.

Why don't you feed me?

Ugh, I'm so full!

*Gasp* How many did we eat?

They were so delicious, I guess we got a little carried away.

Those really hit the spot.

□※▣▣Good enough for... 10 points※I'd say!

Thanks for treating, Counselor.

Somehow, I felt they tasted better since you got them for us. We'll have to do this again sometime soon!

All right, time to do some shopping. There are all sorts of things to see here.

We'll see you next time, Counselor.

We've got a busy schedule today, so we'll let you go.

Bye, Counselor.

□▣※See you.

Where are you headed, Commander?

I see. You're so hard-working!

Just a moment.

We've gotta wait for Brid.

Sorry.

I had to fetch something.

Everybody good to go?

Commander, you're gonna end up breaking the button if you keep pressing it so hard.

Whoo...

Excuse me.

You doofus!

Are you blind? How did you not see me coming?

... Fine.

Thanks.

Wait, is this going up?

Nuts!

Wrong elevator.

I'll get off on the next floor.

Wait, this elevator is going down?

I think we took the wrong one, Brid.

Let's get off with Drake, then.

See you, Commander. Good luck with your meeting!

Huh?

Master? How come you're kneeling down? Are you praying or something?

Don't push yourself too hard, now.

Let me help you...

Whoops! Sorry...

??

Hmm? Master, something touches my breasts... What is this?

Pit Boss?

Where are you going?

You don't look so good...

What happened?

When does the meeting start?

Yikes!

If you make a mad dash once you get off the elevator, you may still make it.

There's still some time.

If it helps, you can think of it as 180 seconds.

The elevators in the mall

are always so fast.

What do you mean?

Really?

That hasn't been my experience.

Actually, this is the first time I've ever had someone else in the elevator with me.

Sometimes I feel like

I've got the elevators all to myself!

See, wasn't that quick?

In fact,

this might just be one of the fastest elevators I've ever taken!

See you later, Pit Boss!

Hey, Teacher!

Hello, Commander.

What else can we do at a shopping mall?

Of course, it's shopping, silly!

I...

Miss Marciana came with me as my guardian, hehe.

Correct.

Since Tia's bag looks rather plain,

I'm thinking of sprucing it up with some cute accessories.

While we're at it, I also wanna check out things that'll suit my style.

What do you say? Care to join us, Teacher? I could really use a hand!

If it's something you handpicked, I'm sure she'll snap it on without a second thought!

Thanks, Teacher!

Thank you, Commander.

Whoa! Check this out, Teacher!

Isn't this purple lace key ring adorable?

And this red bowknot is to die for!

Omg, I can't decide between these two!

Which one should I get?

Hmm...

That sounds good,

but you know what, I think I'll buy them both!

Be right back!

... Wow.

She really...

...

...

Oh, this?

Oh, n-no.

I just thought this may be a good gift for Tia.

Tia is adorable,

so I thought this would be perfect for her.

But, if she doesn't like dolls, then never mind...

!

You think this doll suits Tia?

I do.

It's pretty cute, isn't it? Hehe.

All right, then. I'll grab this as well.

Hold on!

...

That's reassuring.

This nail polish would be perfect for Tia!

And this key ring is a limited edition, Teacher!

Oh my gosh! I've got to buy this!

Thanks for the help, Teacher.

I'll be sure to tell Tia that you chose it for her!

Goodbye, Commander.

Let's head back, Naga.

Here, Miss Marciana.

This is for you.

Why are you giving this to me?

Tia doesn't like dolls that much.

But neither do I.

I know,

but it's such a shame to just chuck it away.

Look at how cute it is!

Since you even took the time to go shopping with me today,

can't you accept it as a gift from your student?

...

Will you not accept it?

I...

You're gonna make the doll cry!

Just look at her, she's absolutely heartbroken.

...!

Would you look at that? Her smile has returned now that you've accepted her.

... That's great.

I'm glad to hear that.

You're just so adorable!

Huh? What was that?

Nothing. Let's go!

C'mon, everyone, put your hands together!

V-I-C-T-O-R-Y! What's that spell? Victory!

Get yourself a discount and buy, buy, buy!

Keep shopping!

Keep shopping!

Groceries on the left, go whooosh!

Whooosh!

Daily essentials on the right, go whooosh!

Whoooosh!

Hi, Coach!

Are you here for some shopping?

I'm practicing my routine for the Talentum Mall.

They're gonna have a mega sale event, so I've gotta prepare something awesome!

How about you, Coach?

What are you looking to buy?

If that's the case,

I recommend starting on the right side!

You've gotta keep shopping!

Everyone on the right, gimme a whoosh!

Hey there, Rookie. It's been a while.

That's quite a haul you've got there. I appreciate your business.

What do you mean?

Ah, you mean our hype woman?

That's right.

I'm sure you've heard we're gearing up for a mega sale, haven't you?

I'm not sure if it was 'cause of the promotion not being up to par,

but the customer turnout ain't been all that great.

Then, I just so happened to bump into that girl out there, who I'd seen on TV before.

I thought she'd be perfect for drumming up business, so I asked her if she wanted to work for me.

Of course not.

I'm not running some corner shop in a small village.

She signed the contract, fair and square.

If she cheers and takes photos in front of the shopping mall today,

I'm set to hook her up with some new outfits and a year's worth of ion supply drinks.

You sound tempted, Rookie. Want to join?

If you start now, I can't guarantee you any clothes,

but a half-year's supply of soda could certainly be arranged.

A wise decision.

All right then, sign right here. Then get out there and start practicing with her.

Oh my gosh, Coach! Are you joining in too?

That's fantastic! Let's give this cheer everything we've got!

C'mon, everyone, grab your carts!

Raise your heads and shout to the sky!

Keep shopping!

Woohooo!

Teacher, Hi!

Are you here to shop?

Same. Today is the day that

Rushae's new arrivals are being revealed!

One of them is something you can only purchase in person,

so I came to check it out.

Hold on, isn't that...

Naga and Tia?

Wow, a direct charge! Nicely done.

It's Teacher!

Tia, you startled them both.

You ought to give them a proper greeting first.

Oh, right, hehe. Sorry.

Hi, Teacher. Hi, Ein.

Did you both arrange to hang out here?

No, we ran into each other only a moment ago.

Teacher is here to shop,

and I'm here to see the new arrivals from Rushae.

Ha, what a coincidence!

We're here to see them as well.

No kidding!

Are you both fans of Rushae too?

We certainly are!

Well, actually, Naga is more of a fan than me.

I love how modern their designs are.

And don't get me started on their accessories, hehe.

This is incredible!

I didn't expect to find a fellow fashionista so close to home.

Really?

From the way I've seen you dress,

I always knew you were someone who had an interest in fashion.

Really?

Is it that obvious?

I don't usually go for clothes that stand out too much.

It's not that you stood out, necessarily, but simply that you clearly have a great fashion sense.

You're always so well-dressed, and your outfits are so well-coordinated.

The accessories on your bag are especially cute,

and I love the modern feel of your earrings and choker.

Can I ask where you got them?

Oh, these?

I found these in some hidden corner

in the Ark's shopping district.

Really?

Any chance you could tell me how to get there?

Teacher,

I feel like they're going to take a while.

Didn't you say you had to buy something?

Let's go shopping together.

Are you hungry?

Want to go grab some dessert?

Isn't this latest release simply superb?

There's one item I've really had my eye on...

Ah!

There it is!

Oh, right!

I absolutely adore this, too!

...

Hehe.

How about we head out, Teacher?

Sweetie! You're just in time!

Smell this.

Tell me what you think.

Come on, you've gotta give me more than that!

Tell me what it smells like!

Ugh. No, this just won't do.

Excuse me, ma'am?

I think this scent would be perfect for you. Are you interested?

Hold on... I feel like I've done this somewhere before...

Talk about déjà vu...

Hmm? Were you talking to me?

Hello, Blossom.

Hello, Miss Forsythia.

That's it!

You're the one who called me Forsythia last time.

I'm Flora, from Botanic Garden.

Nice to meet you.

Botanic Garden?

You must know a lot about flowers then.

Yes, I'm quite knowledgeable.

Do you have any questions?

I certainly do!

We're developing a new fragrance at Rushae,

and the theme we're going for this time is "Fresh & Floral".

Fresh and floral?

Sounds lovely.

Isn't it? Hehe.

Anyway...

How about you try this scent?

I'd love to hear your thoughts on it.

Hmm...

This is a rose-based perfume.

Yes, that's it!

I incorporated rose to give it some sweetness without being cloying.

It matches what you were going for.

However, if there's one thing I would like to call attention to,

it's that the freesia is a bit too prominent.

Oh my goodness, really?

I thought only having rose would be a bit dull,

so I added a small amount of freesia. Does it not work?

It's not that it's bad, but the freesia overshadows the other notes a little too much.

If you want to add something that complements the rose,

why not try using geranium instead?

Their profiles are a little more similar.

Okay, sure!

How do you spell that?

G-e-r-a-n-i-u-m.

Okay, great! Noted.

Then how about this scent?

Hmm...

... Is it lavender mixed with hyacinth?

That's right.

It's supposed to be more lavender-forward, but I thought this unusual combination actually blended quite well.

They're both so different... I don't think they're a particularly good match,

especially for a lavender-based perfume.

Then what do you think would go well with it?

Rosemary or peppermint would be nice.

They're in the same herb family and have a refreshing quality that would complement the lavender nicely.

Oh, okay!

You're really something, Flora.

You can tell what something is just by a quick sniff,

and you know right off the top of your head what to combine with what.

Well, I do spend much of my time around flowers and their fragrances.

I know which of them pair well with each other,

and which clash.

Okay, next I've got...

Oh darn.

I only brought these two perfume samples with me.

Flora.

Would it be okay if we continue this conversation somewhere else?

I'd love to get more of your advice on these perfumes.

Please? I'll compensate you for your time.

Hmm...

I'll go if Blossom comes with me.

I'm particularly fond of the scent you're wearing today.

I'd like the opportunity to enjoy it more up close, hehe.

Sweetie, come with us.

I'll make sure you're compensated too, okay?

Hmm...

Hmmmm...

*Sigh*... This isn't easy.

Hehe, hi there!

Well, what do we have here? Weakling

and that little kid from School Circle.

Whoa, you actually remembered me? Cool! How've you been?

Not bad.

Oh, I'm looking for something to give as a gift.

You mean... Emma and Vesti?

That's right.

?

What's with that look?

*Sigh* They say they want to do a gift exchange this time.

I'm not really into it, but I guess there's no helping it.

Uh... Sorry for butting in,

but have you figured out what you're gonna buy?

No, as you can see, I haven't the slightest clue.

*Sigh*...

I've always just been on the receiving end, so I'm not used to giving gifts.

... Makes me think I should reflect on that.

Hmm...

Hehe! All right, Eunhwa,

I'll help ya out!

You?

Yep! Believe it or not, I'm still in high school,

so I've done gift exchanges like a million times.

I'm counting on you.

Hmm, so to sum it up,

anything goes, as long as it can leave a memory for the three of you. Is that right?

Yeah, that's what they said.

Let's see... memory... memory... hmm.

Oh!

Hehe, of course!

C'mon, follow me for a sec! I just came up with the most brilliant idea!

Are you sure we can trust that kid, Weakling?

Here it is!

How's that? Pretty awesome, right?

What the...

Why don't you try making something here?

I come here all the time with my seniors, and everything always comes out super cute. The quality's really good too!

Hmm...

Not bad at all.

What do I need to do?

Okay... First!

Decide what item you want to make.

I'll go with the keychain.

Is there a design you want?

... Design?

Hmm...

Would a photo work?

Of course!

Okay... here you go.

Whoa, is that a pic of the Absolute Squad?

...

Stop talking nonsense.

Oh my gosh, that's way too cute!

...

!

Uh... yeah, sure.

I suppose it's not bad.

Right?

Hehe, it kind of makes me proud seeing how happy you are.

This really takes a load off my mind.

Weakling, you did well.

You, as well.

...

?

Oh! M-me?

Yes, you.

Thanks for today.

You really helped me out.

!!

W-wow!

Did I just get a compliment from Absolute Squad? I-incredible!

I'll be sure to return the favor if I ever get the chance.

Really? You mean it? No take backs!

Whoa, is this for real?

I'm not dreaming, right?

Ow, that hurts!

I gotta get back and brag to the seniors!

Teacher! I'm off now! See you next time!

Mmm, I think this scent is lovely too. What do you think?

I think it would suit you quite well.

Y-you think a sweet scent like this suits me...?

B-b-but if I wear something like this,

won't p-p-people whisper behind my back, saying some g-g-gloomy woman is... wearing a scent that doesn't suit her?

Oh, not at all!

No one would think that.

And besides, you should wear whatever you like.

Th-th-that's true, but...

I-I-I still don't think this scent... is really for me...

D-did you find anything else...?

Hmm... How about this one?

Commander!

I-I didn't think I would see you here...

Hehehe... Hehehe... T-today must be my lucky day...

Label has been trying to choose a perfume for the past few hours, so I was helping her.

Are you here to do some shopping, Commander?

Oh, perfect!

How about you recommend a perfume you think would suit Label?

I don't think I've done a very good job so far.

!!

N-no! I-I liked all the scents that you picked out for me...!

I-I just... d-don't think I can pull them off...

Really...?

What do you think, Commander? What kind of scent would suit Label?

Musk is c-c-considered to be a seductive scent, isn't it...?

Th-that would be a bit too much for me...

Wh-what if people think I'm just pretending to be clean?

Then how about something fresh, like citrus?

I-if I smell fresh, th-then I might stand out too much...

I-if it's too dry, doesn't it feel like I'll c-catch fire?

How about a spicy scent, then?

Th-that's a bit too stimulating...

I-I feel like I'll keep wanting to eat fruit...

...

!!

I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry for being so picky! I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry!

Right, there's nothing to be sorry about.

Perfume is a reflection of a person's individual tastes, so it's perfectly normal to take time finding a scent that's right for you.

B-but I'm making you both work so hard b-because of me...

I j-j-just won't buy perfume after all...!

It would be a waste to give up this far in!

Now then...

How about I personally blend some scents together to make something suitable for you?

Y-you'd do that for me...?

Of course. I can create a new scent by layering some aromas with similar notes.

Y-y-yeah, okay...!

No, not this... Not this, either...

Mmm! This is it.

How about we blend these two together?

*Sniff, sniff*

It's a... f-floral scent...!

Yeah, that's right.

The scent gives off a feeling of comfort, just like you.

Y-you th-think I smell comforting...?

Not g-g-gloomy...?

Y-yeah...

A... musty smell... like old... d-dust...

Th-that's actually what I think I smell like lately...

So I wanted to buy p-p-perfume... to cover it up.

Oh Label. You don't smell gloomy at all.

In fact...

In... f-f-fact...?

You smell rather comforting. It's charming.

Ch-charming?

Yeah! It's the kind of scent that makes you want to keep smelling it when you're close.

H-huh...? R-really...?!

Th-that's the first time... anyone's said that...! Hehe... Hehehe...

S-still...! For special days...!

I-I'd like to buy a couple scents...!

Then I think these are just what you're looking for.

The longer you smell them, the more comfortable and at ease you feel.

...

... All right! I've decided!

I-I'll buy the ones th-that you've chosen...!

What...? Y-you...?

Wow, that's so nice!

Th-thank you...!

Hehe... Hehehe... Th-then I'll wear one of these every time I see you...

*Huff... huff...* And since I'll be seeing you every day, this won't be enough... right?

I-I might run out quickly...

I-I better buy some extra...!

N-now let's go pay...!

Hmm...

Which one should I go for?

Oh, Muse.

Hey there.

Yeah,

I came to check out some headphones.

They broke.

I was pretty attached to them since I've used them for a long time.

Guess they finally died on me,

so I came to buy a new pair.

So what're you here to buy, Muse?

Noob.

It's been a while, Noob.

Of course I know them.

They're the hottest duo in the Ark right now,

and I know the person next to you is Prika, one half of the duo.

Are you looking for a pair of headphones, by any chance?

Yeah.

Would you like me to

recommend some headphones?

Since you make music,

you'll probably want a pair of studio headphones.

They're headphones designed to reproduce sound as-is.

These headphones keep the highs, mids, and lows balanced,

so you can hear the sound exactly as it's recorded.

If you do sound editing or mixing work, you pretty much need a pair like this.

In that case, the HQ 600 model would probably be the best fit.

It's optimized for use in private workspaces.

Oh, I've heard of those before.

I've never tried open-back headphones, so I'm a little hesitant.

You'd probably lose some bass impact, though...

There's actually a pair on display here.

Why not try them out for yourself?

Hmm...

Everything sounds really well-balanced.

No,

I want to check out a few other options first.

I might find something I like better.

That's a good approach.

You should be picky when it comes to electronics.

So this time, instead of recommending a specific model,

I'll recommend a brand,

and you can choose for yourself.

Oh, thanks.

What do you think of this model?

Performance-wise, it's on par with the HQ 600.

I don't think these are gonna work.

They're too small for my ears.

My ears would probably start hurting if I wore them too long.

!!

Considering physical comfort is pretty fundamental,

yet somehow, you caught something I missed.

Pop stars are impressive.

Then I'll go with this one.

Thanks for the help, Exia.

You're not even an audio expert, but you know a ton about headphones.

Guess you can't underestimate gamers after all, hehe.

I'm the one who's surprised by how thorough you are.

Noob,

why're you dozing off here of all places?

Yeah, Exia made it easy for me to decide.

Normally, I'd have spent days agonizing over something like this.

Exactly. If you're actually thinking it through properly, a few hours isn't nearly enough time.

I went with the first one Exia recommended. The HQ 600.

...

Oh right, Muse,

did you end up getting that shower filter?

Oh, uh... okay.

... I... I envy you, Mana...

Pardon? What do you mean?

We're both wearing a bunny girl outfit, but you have a jacket, so your armpits are all covered... Mine aren't...

And with these restraints leaving them completely exposed... Sin and the others keep poking me in the armpits...

Then why not simply change out of the bunny outfit and into something casual that doesn't expose your armpits?

Like I am now.

I woouuld... but Counselor really likes bunny girls...

... Well, you're not wrong.

Then why don't we get you a jacket? Wouldn't that solve the problem?

Are we going shopping?

W-wow... Back when I was locked up... I never even dreamed I'd get to do something like this...

I guess getting rehabilitated really was worth it...

...

Yes, rewarding yourself for making it through a difficult time is worthwhile.

Let's go, Commander, Guilty.

This brand has a good reputation among my co-workers. This one has some stretch to it, so it looks fairly comfortable to wear.

Thanks for the recommendation... Guess I'll try it on, then...

Counselor, help me put it on, okay?

... You're more high maintenance than I thought.

That looks good. This should provide enough coverage for your underarms. Move your arms around to make sure it fits properly.

Got it... *Swing*

Huh...?

Good grief...

*Sniff...* I'm soooorry... Counselor...

*Whimper...*

It's harder than I expected to find clothes in her size that can withstand her superhuman strength.

It might be easier to have something custom-made. Of course, that would be quite expensive...

C-Counselor...

Hehe, you're the best... Counselor...

Since we're here, let's get Guilty's measurements. There should be one around here somewhere... Ah, here it is.

This is a body-scanning device recently developed by Missilis. It's also used to make clothing for combat Nikkes, so it's far more accurate than a tape measure.

... Commander? When did you take that photo?

W-what the...?!

N-no...! Don't shine that light on my armpits...!

Ack!

...

Armpit humidity...? Why do you need to know that...?

I-I only wanted something to cover my armpits... *Sniff* But if I have to be this embarrassed just to do that...

Th-then what's even the point...?

Help me, Counselor!

H-huh?

... R-really? You really think I'm beautiful, Counselor?

...

Hehe... Then I guess I'll give up on the jacket... Counselor...

Sooo... you like me just the way I am now, right...? ♥

Looks like we've got everything sorted out, though there are still a few things that don't quite add up...

I'm not entirely convinced the Commander's suggestion about going without a jacket was made with entirely innocent intentions...

Still, it's my day off, so I won't dwell on it. I'll be heading back now.

... Well, I guess it's just the two of us now, Counselor... You're not gonna leave too... are you?

Okay! Hehe, I'm so happyyy!