Chapter 167 - 166: Black or White
"Zelir, what do you want to do with the rest of the beef shank? Are you going to sell it to the restaurant? The owner would definitely be happy to take it," Aurora asked.
"If you don’t want to sell it, you can store it in the ice room in the cellar. You’ll just have to pay a small storage fee, and you can order it whenever you want to eat."
"Let’s store it, then. I’ll have it cooked when I feel like eating," Zelir said as he began to feast.
’He could never have enough of something this delicious. There was no way he’d sell it.’
"You got it!" Aurora returned to the counter.
...
「The next day.」
「Mage’s Guild, Exchange.」
Zelir pushed open the familiar door and entered Barrett’s shop.
This time, with over a hundred Gold Coins in his pocket, Zelir was clearly much more confident than his last visit.
As soon as he stepped inside, he heard Barrett’s familiar, flamboyant voice call out from the back of the shop.
"Oh... I smell a familiar presence. Let me see, which esteemed guest has graced me with their presence once more?"
A curtain was pulled aside, revealing Barrett in the same peculiar attire as before.
The only difference was that his purple silk ensemble from last time had been swapped for a red one, making him look even more dazzling.
Upon seeing that it was Zelir, Barrett’s attitude grew even more enthusiastic.
"Mr. Zelir! I knew you’d be back. Well? Have you made up your mind?"
"Yes... I’d like to pick up where we left off last time," Zelir said with a nod.
"No problem! This way, please."
Barrett once again led Zelir into the special room off to the side.
"Alright, Mr. Zelir, let’s just confirm the details."
Barrett flipped open his notebook from their previous meeting.
"Are your requirements the same as last time? For the style, you prefer an open-front design for ease of movement. For the function, you’re hoping to reduce Mana Consumption."
"Yes, that’s right."
"Excellent."
Barrett tapped his pen. "Next, we’ll need to select the fabric for your Magic Robe."
Barrett walked over to the wall, unfurling three different materials one by one and presenting them to Zelir.
"This is Flowing Light Silk."
He pointed to a bolt of fabric that shimmered like liquid moonlight.
"Flowing Light Silk is woven from threads spun by a magical creature called the Moon Silkworm. During the weaving process, it must also be soaked for a full seven days in mountain spring water mixed with secret silver powder."
"It has excellent conductivity for pure Magic Power, and can minimize your Mana Consumption when you channel and construct Techniques."
"On top of that, it has another property: Magic Power Adsorption. Flowing Light Silk can slowly absorb ambient Magic Power from the environment, providing you with a faint but continuous Magic Power regeneration."
"Next, we have Shadow Spider Silk."
Barrett caressed the second bolt, a black fabric that looked like a solidified shadow.
"As the name implies, this is silk harvested from a Shadow Spider Cocoon. It’s incredibly tough."
"In addition to reducing Mana Consumption, it also provides a bonus to physical defense, enough to stop a piercing blow from a dagger or Short Sword."
"And finally, we have Feathered Down."
The third bolt of fabric was as white and soft as freshly fallen snow.
"It’s woven from the downy feathers on a Wind-Speaking Bird’s neck."
"Besides its basic mana-saving properties, it also possesses a slight affinity for the Wind Element, granting you a small power boost when casting Wind Element Magic."
"Hmm..."
After pondering the three fabrics for a moment, Zelir ultimately chose the Flowing Light Silk.
’He was mainly interested in its Magic Power Adsorption effect.’
’The Magic Robe itself would already reduce Mana Consumption. Paired with Magic Power Adsorption, it would maximize his sustain.’
"An excellent choice. I also feel this fabric is the most suitable for you, Mr. Zelir," Barrett chimed in.
After they had selected the fabric, Barrett retrieved a rough mock-up of a garment from a cabinet.
"This is a sample garment I made based on the design from last time. Please, try it on. See how the cut and sizing feel, and if there’s anything that needs adjustment."
Zelir couldn’t help but marvel at Barrett’s craftsmanship and professionalism.
’He hadn’t even explicitly said he would be back to order a custom Magic Robe when he left last time, yet Barrett had already prepared a sample.’
Although it was only a preliminary mock-up made of Linen, he could already get a clear idea of what the final product would look like when he put it on.
Zelir examined his reflection in a large, full-length mirror.
It was a long, trench-coat-style Magic Robe that fell past his knees, featuring a very sharp, open-front design.
The shoulders were slightly padded and stiff, making Zelir’s frame appear broader.
The collar could be worn up or down, perfect for either blocking the wind or concealing his face.
The Magic Robe was tailored to cinch at the waist, and there was a place on the back to thread a sash through.
It was a perfect fit for Zelir.
"So, what do you think?" Barrett asked, full of confidence.
"It’s impeccable..."
Zelir murmured in admiration, tracing the sample’s perfectly fitting shoulder line, still somewhat amazed.
"Barrett, you never even took my measurements. How did you make it fit so perfectly?"
"My eyes are my measuring tape, Mr. Zelir."
Barrett gave a proud smile. "Trust me. No one is ever disappointed with a custom piece from Barrett."
"Next up is the color of the Magic Robe... While any color is possible, considering your... particular air, I can only recommend..."
Barrett walked up beside him, squinted at Zelir’s reflection in the mirror, and said...
"Black, or, white."
"Other, more eclectic color combinations would be too gaudy; they wouldn’t suit you. Only a minimalist monochrome palette can truly complement your style. Wouldn’t you agree?"
Zelir nodded, thinking the same.
He imagined himself wearing the finished Magic Robe for a moment before making his choice.
"Black. I’ll take black."
’Pure white... would feel too ostentatious, too eye-catching.’
"A wise choice."
Barrett snapped his fingers.
"Alright, that’s everything for the custom order. The fabric will be Flowing Light Silk, with the style based on the mock-up you’re currently wearing."
"Function-wise, in addition to the basic amplification circuit for Magic, the Robe will be inscribed with an extra Rune Circuit to reduce Magic Power dissipation."
"This will grant you greater endurance in combat. We’ll also include a small, complimentary auto-cleaning circuit so you won’t have to worry about washing it. And finally..."
Barrett looked at Zelir to confirm. "The color is pure black, correct?"
"That’s correct," Zelir nodded.
"Alright."
Barrett picked up a pen and paper and began to calculate.
A moment later, he raised his head again and spoke.
"Alright then, Mr. Zelir. The total cost to customize this Magic Robe will be three hundred and twenty Gold Coins."
Tsk, tsk...
Even though he had been mentally prepared, Zelir couldn’t help but inwardly marvel at the price.
’That’s really not cheap.’
"The installment plan you mentioned last time... is that offer still valid?" Zelir asked directly.