Chapter 160 - 159: Even More Handsome
Hearing this request, Barrett tapped his chin with the other end of his quill.
"In that case, your options for the main fabric are limited to three materials: Flowing Light Silk, Shadow Spider Silk, and Feathered Down."
"All three of these rare materials have excellent Magic Power conductivity and reduce consumption from magical overflow."
As he spoke, Barrett led Zelir over to inspect the different fabrics.
Zelir reached out to feel them. As expected, they were incredibly comfortable.
’This is high-grade fabric for Magic Robes, all right.’
But as he continued to feel the materials, a sudden sense of unease washed over him.
Hsss...
’How much would this cost?’
"Um... Mr. Barrett, I wanted to ask."
Zelir reluctantly pulled his hand back. "How much would a custom-made set like this cost?"
The amount of money in his purse brought Zelir back to his senses.
"Hmm..."
Barrett did a quick mental calculation.
"You’d be looking at over three hundred Gold Coins at a minimum."
"The bulk of the cost will depend on the fabric you choose, and what Array Circuits you want inscribed on the Magic Robe."
"The final product can have many special effects. I can even throw in a small circuit with an automatic cleaning effect for free, to guarantee your Magic Robe will remain spotless forever!"
’Holy shit...’
’It’s that expensive?’
Zelir’s eye twitched.
His Night Peace Magic Wand had only cost him One Hundred Gold Coins.
Seeming to notice Zelir’s predicament, Barrett gave a small smile.
"Of course, you don’t need to worry so much."
His voice was full of allure. "For a distinguished guest such as yourself—someone with limitless potential, but perhaps under a bit of financial strain—we have more flexible options."
"Such as?" Zelir asked.
"For example, you could pay one-third of the total price upfront. We can work out the rest, and you can pay it off in monthly installments."
Barrett said, "If it were anyone else, I might hesitate a bit."
"But you, Zelir, are arguably the most famous Junior Mage to come out of the Black Stone Town Mage’s Guild in recent times. I see great things in your future, so I’m willing to offer you this convenience."
’Isn’t this just a loan?’ Zelir grumbled to himself.
’In my past life, I was saddled with a car loan. In this otherworld, I’m getting saddled with a Magic Robe loan.’
Still... Barrett’s proposal could certainly solve Zelir’s immediate problem.
He currently had seventy-eight Gold Coins on him. For a Magic Robe costing over three hundred, a one-third down payment meant he’d need to come up with at least a hundred-some Gold Coins.
Zelir did some quick mental math.
’If I just take on a few more high-paying quests from the Adventurer’s Association, I should be able to earn enough for the down payment.’
’Then, the monthly stipend for Junior Mages can help with the repayments, so my life won’t be too strained.’
’The plan was surprisingly feasible.’
"Come now, let’s put aside the vulgar matter of money for a moment. Let me draw a design sketch for you. Tell me what you think."
Barrett laid his sketchbook on the table. With a few quick strokes, his quill danced across the paper as he began to draw.
In just a few short minutes, he had produced a rough sketch of the garment.
Zelir took it and glanced at it, a flicker of admiration in his eyes.
’Barrett really gets my style.’
The design on the paper wasn’t a traditional, bulky robe, but a sleek, long Magic Robe styled like a trench coat, with clean cuts and flowing lines.
It featured a high collar that could be turned up against the wind.
The waist was distinctly tailored, complemented by a leather belt with a metal buckle that would perfectly accentuate the wearer’s upright figure.
The hem wasn’t fully closed either; it had high slits on both sides to ensure freedom of movement.
The small details, like the epaulets, cuffs, and lined lapels, were all perfectly executed.
Zelir was already completely sold just by looking at the sketch.
"How is it?" Barrett asked confidently.
"It’s incredible..." Zelir couldn’t help but nod.
Barrett’s personal sense of style might have been a bit odd, but he certainly knew how to design beautiful clothes.
It had to be said, Barrett’s tactic was highly effective.
Zelir’s mind was already filled with fantasies of himself wearing his own custom-made Magic Robe.
"Right?"
Barrett smiled smugly.
"And this is just a preliminary sketch. We can discuss all the other small details later."
"I’m not just bragging. You can go and ask around. Among all the shops, big and small, in the Mage’s Guild’s entire market district, mine is the only one with the skill to make custom Magic Robes."
"If you go look at the other shops, you’ll see they only sell off-the-rack items."
"Never mind that the various enhancement effects on a pre-made Magic Robe might not suit you. If the fit is even slightly off—too tight or too baggy—it just looks cheap, doesn’t it?"
"Even that cool red and black Magic Robe Lena wears was custom-made by me several years ago."
"That does make sense..." Zelir couldn’t help but agree.
"Anyway."
Seeing that the time was ripe, Barrett stopped pressing the issue. He handed the design sketch to Zelir.
"I’ve given you a basic introduction to custom Magic Robes today. You can hold onto this sketch for now. Once you’ve thought it over, feel free to come back and see me anytime if you’re interested."
"I, Barrett, would be more than happy to be of service!"
After Barrett saw him enthusiastically out of the shop, Zelir went to check out some of the other Magic Robe stores.
Sure enough, he had been right. The other stores only sold finished products, and their craftsmanship and sense of design were nowhere near as refined as what he’d seen at Barrett’s.
Barrett’s was the only shop that offered custom tailoring for Magic Robes.
...
"You’re talking about Barrett..."
Instructor Lena thought for a moment, then recalled, "That guy might seem like a bit of a creep, but his skill at making Magic Robes is top-notch."
"I see." With Instructor Lena’s endorsement, Zelir’s mind was completely at ease.
Zelir had come to the general affairs office specifically to ask because Barrett had mentioned making Instructor Lena’s Magic Robe.
Now that Lena had finished her seclusion, she had once again taken charge of student assessments.
From the first moment he met Instructor Lena, Zelir had been captivated by her Magic Robe.
"Did he ask you that question?"
"What question?" Zelir asked, confused.
"The one about who you plan to marry."
"Oh... he did." Zelir’s expression was complicated.
"So Barrett’s still the same as ever."
Lena laughed. "Come, let me see what he designed for you."
Lena took the design sketch from Zelir. After studying it for a moment, she looked Zelir up and down.
"Hmm... if you were to wear this custom Magic Robe, Zelir, you’d definitely look even more handsome."
"Instructor Lena, please don’t tease me..." Zelir said, a little embarrassed.