Chapter 373
by post_apiChapter 373: The Seamstress
“I didn’t expect it would take this long,” Magic Rainbow remarked from the carriage, lifting the curtain to observe the sky.
“Are you hungry, Mom? This is all my fault for poor time management.” Magic Rainbow’s voice carried genuine apology.
The sun had already passed its zenith, marking the early afternoon hours between one and two.
“It’s fine,” came the weary response. “You were considering the Ant Clan’s interests.”
So hungry…
The words seemed to drain what little energy remained.
“Magic Rainbow…”
The white-haired woman’s eyelids fluttered at the address. She shifted closer to Lin Yu, effortlessly slipping her arm through the younger woman’s. “Since you call Darkling Stalker ‘Little Shadow,’ why not call me ‘Little Rainbow’?”
“Little Rainbow?”
The nickname felt scarcely better than rustic monikers like ‘Two Silly’ or ‘Dog Egg.’ But if it pleased her…
“Shall we eat now?”
“Mmm… What if we find a restaurant in the inner city? What do you think, Mom?”
A soft hum of agreement.
The tailor’s shop apparently lay within those same walls. Magic Rainbow inquired with their coachman about dining establishments, impressed by the lord’s personal driver’s detailed knowledge of inner-city eateries he’d never visited. These culinary reviews, she suspected, originated from Simon himself.
They selected the nearest highly-rated establishment. Upon arrival, anticipating Lin Yu’s famished appetite, Magic Rainbow promptly ordered every recommended dish – over a dozen in total.
“Young misses… eating all this?” The middle-aged proprietress blinked at the order sheet, her gaze darting between the finely dressed pair. Their refined appearance eased her suspicions, though she remained unaware she stood before the veiled ruler of the Ant Clan’s domain – the elusive Queen Ant herself.
“We’ll take leftovers home,” Magic Rainbow assured with a disarming smile. From her Magic Backpack emerged a gold coin clinking against the tabletop.
The woman’s reservations melted like morning frost. With practiced ease, she exchanged the coin for six small gold coins and silver change, her smile widening with metallic gleam.
The two girls then entered a private room.
“The expenses in the Inner City truly surpass those of the Outer City by far.”
Lin Yu remarked involuntarily.
For ordinary folk, monthly meals typically cost between three to five silver coins, yet their single feast had consumed over thirty silver coins—amounting to nearly a year’s food expenses for an average person.
Even Lin Yu, who had been considered a young lady of some standing in her previous life, couldn’t help feeling this extravagance was excessive.
Though part of the reason for such expenditure lay in their prodigious appetites…
…
After finishing their modest meal, the pair exited the restaurant and reentered the carriage.
They directed the coachman toward the tailor shop Simon had recommended.
The carriage’s gentle rocking combined with their recent satiety gradually lulled Lin Yu into drowsiness, prompting several yawns.
“If Mother’s weary, you may rest awhile.”
Magic Rainbow indicated her lap.
“The carriage seats are wide enough but lack proper cushions. Mother could use her daughter’s thighs as a pillow.”
Her hopeful gaze settled on the silver-haired maiden.
“Mmm…”
Lin Yu studied her daughter pensively before her eyes drifted toward Magic Rainbow’s thighs.
A daughter’s lap-pillow…
What’s to be done? Truly, this isn’t Mother coercing you.
It does appear remarkably inviting.
Adopting an expression of reluctant acquiescence, the white-haired girl reclined against the seat, nestling her head upon her daughter’s lap.
Instantly, her skull registered the plush yet resilient softness beneath.
A contented sigh escaped the maiden as drowsiness enveloped her, carrying her into slumber.
…
“Mother, we’ve arrived.”
The girl awoke to these words, blinking sleep from her eyes.
“Already? …Why is your face flushed?”
Her newly opened eyes found Magic Rainbow avoiding eye contact with rosy cheeks.
Recalling something, the girl abruptly sat up and patted her garments…
Nothing seemed… amiss?
When she turned to Magic Rainbow again, her daughter’s complexion appeared even more crimson.
“Come, Mother. Let’s assess this seamstress’s craftsmanship.”
Without explanation, Magic Rainbow clasped Lin Yu’s petite hand and alighted from the carriage.
The silver-haired girl swallowed her unanswered questions.
This daughter undoubtedly acted strangely during my sleep…
But… no matter. Ignorance brings peace. A mother should indulge her child! Why, I didn’t even mind when Little Shadow spirited me away that time.
…
Upon disembarking, they stood before the tailor’s establishment.
The shop’s validity as Simon’s recommendation seemed questionable—through its glass panes, not a single patron could be seen.
Nevertheless, they proceeded, knowing true skill reveals itself in finished garments.
With this thought, Magic Rainbow pushed the door open.
The entrance’s jingle startled a woman dozing behind the counter. Awakening to customers, she rose with practiced cheer.
“Welcome to our humble shop!”
Her greeting froze mid-smile upon seeing the half-masked duo. After momentary shock, barely contained delight bloomed across her features.
The woman appeared thirtyish in age, though meticulous upkeep lent her the freshness of a twenty-year-old matron.
“What garments might interest you fair ladies? Without presumption, our wares rank among the town’s finest!”
She advanced swiftly, grasping each girl’s hand with natural familiarity to guide them toward clothing displays.
Before the startled pair could respond, she launched into passionate descriptions of various attires.
Lin Yu swayed under this enthusiastic assault, while Magic Rainbow observed the woman’s hands—currently caressing both her own and the silverette’s palms—with contemplative scrutiny.
“Exorbitant…”
Lin Yu’s murmur diverted Magic Rainbow’s attention to price tags.
A pale yellow dress caught her eye… priced at…
Three gold coins?