Chapter 47 - A day on the Town

I squinted my eyes as I stepped out of the staff entrance. I’d almost forgotten how bright the sun actually was. I hadn’t left the dungeon for close to two months due to my prep work and prior to that I either lived underground or was nocturnal, so it took me several seconds to get used to the harsh bright orb in the sky.

While I was staggering about, Kass gently led me to the carriage and out of the bright light. “I almost forgot you lived most of your life underground. I should have planned for a nocturnal trip instead of midday.”

“It’s fine, I’ll handle it. Might need to get a hat or something though,” I replied. As soon as I stepped into the carriage I felt immediate relief. Dim light was the best light. “Where’s George?”

“I think he’s trying to exert his dominance,” Kass said, pointing at the two Mithril golems by the door. George was half-way up the left one, poking, prodding, and gnawing on the massive statue creature. Thankfully the machine didn’t see him as an actual threat, otherwise it probably could have crushed him in an instant.

“Get over here you troublemaker!” I shouted at him. “It’s time to go!”

The giant arachnid immediately dropped down. He took a couple steps towards the carriage, before turning towards the golem and huffing in frustration. After a few seconds, he turned back again and scrambled up the side of the carriage, laying on top. “What’s with you?” I asked loudly, but the only answer I got was a scraping against the roof.

“I’m sure he’ll be better once we’re around people,” Kass said as she knocked on the carriage roof. “To the shopping district please!” she shouted to the driver. A second later the carriage jolted forward, and we were off.

“So where are we going anyways?” I asked.

“Well, I thought we’d start at the shopping district, since you’ve been living in the same four outfits since you arrived,” Kass said with a disapproving frown. “After that, we can explore around a little. Adrence is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It would be a shame if you sat in the dungeon and never experienced the culture.” I nodded, non-committedly, as I looked out the window and watched the streets whizzed by. The city certainly was beautiful, in a way.

All the main roads appeared to be made of cobblestone magically flattened and maintained so there were very few bumps. Most of the buildings seemed to be made of white stone, or finished lumber, and decorated with splashes of blue. For the upper class buildings this meant marble, most with grand mosaics along the side. For the lower class buildings, they were made out of plank walls covered in faded paint.

“I don’t see many beggars around, or street kids. Do the guards arrest them?” I asked.

“What? No!” Kass blurted out. “The government sponsors a number of work programs. Those without jobs can go to work camps, get experience for a profession, get fed and have a place to stay. Kids are taken to orphanages, which provide schooling, no matter their background. Laniva invests a lot into the program, and over the years it’s proven to be quite good for the economy.”

“So, no forced labour camps? Huh.”

Kassandra shook her head. “Remind me to never visit your hometown. It sounds like a terrible place that’s screwed up your sense of what’s normal. Most places aren’t like that,” she said sternly.

“If you say so…” I replied.

“I do! And you’ll see that when we wander around today,” Kass declared. “Look, we’re almost at the shopping district,” she said, pointing at a large square just ahead. It was super busy, with dozens upon dozens of stalls and street performers spread about the area. Despite the relatively chaotic atmosphere, there was still a clear avenue for carriages to travel around the perimeter. At the very center of the area was an ornate fountain, which upon closer inspection seemed to be a replica of the Baths. Several tiers of basins, each with dozens of tiny figures sitting around the perimeter, and at the very top, a naga. I shot Kass an inquisitive look.

“What? I told you we were popular here,” Kass said defensively, a slight blush on her face. “Lanivia donates money to the city every year for maintenance and beautification, and one of the things they decided to build was this fountain. We had absolutely no input into what they made!” Kass declared. She went quiet for a moment, the blush growing deeper as we approached the area. “Do you like it?” she asked quietly.

“It’s beautiful,” I replied with a giggle. “I just didn’t expect it.”

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As soon as the carriage stopped George jumped down, causing the people nearby to gasp in surprise. Kass quickly opened the door and held out her hand to me. “We’ll start with the stores around the perimeter. There are quite a few well known clothing shops, a couple cafes and restaurants, and various other sundries. Our priority should be to get you set up with a hat or parasol though,” she said.

I gently took her hand and before my eyes had the chance to adapt to the light Kass swept into the nearest store.

“Good Afternoon Ladies!” the shopkeeper said as she slid out of the back room “Oh! Miss Kassandra, it’s nice to see you again! And this must be Miss Talia, you’ve been the talk of the town since that last match.” I was still blinking the spots out of my vision, but I did manage to make out a large gnomish woman in casual clothing. After I regained my vision I realized it wasn’t a gnome, but a dwarven woman, without a beard. I must have been staring slightly because the woman laughed. “What’s the matter? Never seen a dwarf without a beard before? It may be taboo to shave in some of the outlying areas, but it’s perfectly acceptable here,” she explained.

“Talia, this is Gurtrude, owner of the Stone Flower boutique; One of the best places to get casual clothing in the entire country!” Kass explained.

“Pshaw girl, don’t try and butter me up. We both know that most designers are still obsessed with fancy, upper class apparel. There are a couple that make mass produced apparel nowadays, but very few that make quality garments for everyday living,” she looked me up and down, then sighed. “You should have brought this one earlier,” she mumbled, “come into the back.”

It was my turn to blush, when I realized that I was wearing one of my very few casual outfits. It was a few years old, and a little worn, and probably didn’t look that great to a proper designer. While I stood there, mortified with my realization, Kass just gently grabbed my shoulders and directed me to follow Gurtrude.

The room we stepped into was unlike anything I’d seen before. Most places I shopped either had racks of badly fitting, but rugged adventuring gear, or had catalogs which you had to order from. The Stone Flower had rows of Mannequins, all wearing different casual designs, along with shelves full of accessories. “I mostly act as a fashion consultant, putting together full ensembles for important events, but I do walk-in sales too. See anything you like?” Gurtrude asked with a smile.

I didn’t know exactly where to start, so Kass pushed me towards one of the nearby displays. “We’re looking for something she can wear out of here, along with one or two backup outfits that could be sent to the dungeon,” she announced excitedly. “She looks best in black, and red! Plus she’ll need a matching hat, or some other sun blocker. She… uh… doesn’t get out much.”

Gertrude nodded sagely. “Not surprising. A lot of subterranean folks have that issue. Give me a minute.” The dwarf went straight over to one of the mannequins and pushed it aside. Behind it was a rack of different clothes, which she dug through with purpose. A few seconds later she pulled out an outfit and thrust it into my hands.

I stared at the outfit in shock. It was a neat, armless, backless, red blouse with a high neckline, black scarf, and matching black slacks. It even appeared to be in my size. “How?”

“It’s my gift girl! You don’t get to be a high level designer without getting the ‘eye for fashion’ or ‘exactly your size’ skills,” the dwarf said proudly.

“I didn’t even know those were a thing,” I mumbled.

“What? You think only combat classes get skills?” Gurtrude said with fake anger. “Every class gets something!” She swept up behind me and shoved me towards a small door in the side of the room. “Now, you try that on, while Kass and I discuss what else you might need.”

I stared at Kass in fear as I was pushed into the small dressing room, the door slamming behind me.

After a moment of hesitation, I stripped down and tried on the outfit. I had to admit, Gurtrude did have an eye for fashion. The open back allowed my legs to move without restriction, and the material was light and breezy. Even with the scarf I felt quite cool, so there must have been a minor enchantment on the outfit. Once I’d finished checking myself out in the mirror, I tentatively left the room.

“I told you it would look good on her,” Gurtrude said. Kass didn’t reply, she was too busy bouncing up and down, clapping.

“EEEeeeeeeeee…. So cute!” she screeched after a few seconds. I could feel my face heat up, as I blushed in embarrassment. “We’ll take it, plus the other three outfits you pointed out!” Kass declared.

“Wait… I don’t know if I have the money for that,” I said, rushing forward to interrupt her.

Kass raised an eyebrow at me. “Of course you do. You’re a floor boss at a professional level dungeon, and even though Gurtrude’s prices are a little higher than average, it’s still a minor expense. Haven’t you checked your account yet?” she asked.

I just shook my head. “Well you should,” she said with a sigh. “It doesn’t matter, I dragged you out, so I’m paying today.” She plopped a fashionable, wide brimmed hat on my head and started pulling me towards the front. “Thanks Gertrude, send those other outfits to the dungeon, and charge my account!”

“Have a great day girls,” the dwarf called back, “see you next time.”

I half struggled with Kass, as the Naga pulled me out of the store. “Where should we go next?” she asked. “Explore the stalls, cafe, or…” her voice trailed off as she stepped out the door.

I slipped around to her side, to check what she was looking at, only to find a huge crowd surrounding George, as he ran around, lifting random objects, and generally showing off. I didn’t know what to say, so Kass lightly elbowed me in the side. “And you thought you wouldn’t be popular.”