Tumbling Wells-san

We were still in the living room of Claudia's home. Wells-san listened intently to my request to work with him and was now deep in thought. He sat there for a few minutes before slowly lifting his head.

"Yuzuki-kun, please, help us."

"Thank you for believing me. I'd like to discuss future business changes with you. Is that okay?"

I may have given him money to keep his shop open, but we've only met for the first time today. I thought he might be against a stranger suggesting major changes to his business, but Wells-san seemed eager to hear any of my suggestions.

"Based on what you've said, your plan is to copy the design used to create Claudia's outfit so you can sell it and restore your business. Correct?"

"Yes, that was my plan… You don't think that will work?"

"Yeah, well… Unfortunately, I think that is impossible."

It would be possible to recreate the design and I'm sure it would sell well once we've altered the design to make it less revealing. However, I don't think anything like a patent exists in this world. So if we recreate her outfit and begin selling it, it would be incredibly easy for any other shop to purchase the outfit to copy its design. Rennis' Clothing Shop could recreate the design in no time at all and begin selling it for almost nothing.

"So what do you think we should do, Yuzuki-kun?"

"I think we should make clothing targeted at wealthy people."

The wealthy cla.s.s — n.o.bles that are more concerned with quality and appearance over the price. In other words, Wells-san won't have to worry about keeping his prices compet.i.tive.

If we sell to this specific cla.s.s of people, we'd no longer have to worry about price and can specifically focus on making the clothing as high quality as possible. Also, if we only sell to n.o.ble families, there's a reduced chance of the design being copied.

"I think that idea sounds great, but…I think there are two problems."

After Wells-san heard my explanation, he said this.

"First off, if we plan on selling to the n.o.bility, we'll need more than a singular design."

"You don't need to worry about that. I have several designs that we can make."

"- how can that be possible!?"

Wells-san was in shock.

"We-Well, I haven't come up with any exact designs yet, but you don't need to worry about coming up with any additional designs."

"That's good then… The second problem I see is that even if we want to sell to the wealthy cla.s.s, that's a lot easier said than done if we don't have any connections."

"As for that… I think I have a solution as well.

"You know someone?"

Wells-san, who was unaware of my relations.h.i.+p with Rose, curiously tilted his head.

"Actually, the eldest daughter of the Countess of this island, Rose, is actually -"

"She's also Master's s.e.x slave."

"…could you be more tactful about it?"

Claudia just innocently looked at me and said, "It's the truth, isn't it?"

Well, Rose calls herself my s.e.x slave so I guess I can't deny it… Although, I feel more like her s.e.x slave than anything.

By the way, Wells-san and Asia have remained silent this entire time. As I looked at them, I could see their faces harden.

"…what's wrong?"

"No, it's just…Yuzuki-kun, are you a member of the royal family?"

"No, I'm… I'm just a commoner that attracts Yanderes."

When I explained my circ.u.mstances to them, they both laughed.

"So that's how it is. You must be really having a hard time."

"No, well…yeah."

That being said, shouldn't Wells and Asia be reacting to my skill…. They seem okay for now.

Is this because they're Claudia's parents or is there another reason?

Well…there's still a lot of time before it's night; I can put off worrying about that for now.

"I'd like to get back to the topic at hand. If I can make a design that Rose likes, I can get her to spread the name of Wells' Clothing Shop to other n.o.ble families."

If we're able to spread the word that the daughter of the Countess of this island loves our clothing, it won't be hard to bring in more n.o.ble customers.

If we attract more wealthy customers, not only will the designs of the clothing be praised, the name of Wells' shop will become tied to these clothes.

This is called 'branding.'

If people start to a.s.sociate the name of Wells' Clothing Shop with these high-quality garments we'll be able to compete against any copies.

"However, I don't think we'll attract any customers unless the dress I design for Rose is actually her favourite."

To be honest, I'm sure I could just ask her to tell other n.o.ble families how much she loves the clothing made here. But I don't want to do that.

"So I'll first need to come up with a design she'll like. Do you have a 'pencil' and 'paper' I can use?"

I was able to immediately understand that they had no idea what I was talking about. I said the j.a.panese word for pencil and paper without even thinking about it.

Nothing like that seems to exist in this world, so I just politely asked them for a fountain pen and parchment.

"Okay, I'll bring you some right away."

Wells-san turned an eye to Asia who quickly ran into the shop. Claudia said, "I'll help too, " and followed after her.

Still…parchment and a pen. I won't be able to make a mistake. I can try drawing it out on the ground first and correct any mistakes I make there. I can then transfer it over to the parchment later.

…it's much more of a ha.s.sle than it needs to be. It can't be helped now. I'll need to speak with Rose about creating paper later.

"Is there anything else you'll need?"

"Umm… I'll be draping, so I'll need some cheap cloth to get the basic shape down. Using Rose's measurements, we'll need to make a mannequin to mirror her body shape. Can you get that done?"

"Draping…and a mannequin to match her body shape?"

Wells-san looked perplexed.

Even though the words I used seem to exist in this world, they have a different meaning.

"Well, what I mean by draping is I won't be cutting the cloth to match a flat piece of pattern paper. Instead, we'll make a model that resembles Rose's body shape and create the dress directly on that model."

"That…sounds complicated. What's the point of doing this?"

"This method is best for tailoring a dress or outfit to perfectly fit the body of the customer. It's especially useful when designing clothing to fit the curvier bodies of women."

Of course, it's entirely possible we could design this outfit by only using pattern paper. But we're aiming for the highest quality possible and this is the only way to achieve that.

I've also heard that once a person has mastered draping, it become easier for them to make better fitting clothing using pattern paper. But someone like me who gave up on his dream is nowhere near that level.

I also know that you need a level surface when using pattern paper.

I doubt there's any system for levelling tables or counters in this world. So, it makes even more sense to use the draping method.

"That's why I'd like you to make a model using Rose's measurements."

"Well…if I know her measurements I should be able to get that done. But I don't know how you know her… No, I don't need to know."

What's with that face he's making?

"Anyway, with the measurements, I expect you to get the model done."

"I understand. As for the material you need…."

"Right now, anything will do as long as I can pierce it with a needle."

"Okay, I'll start working on that."

Alright, that's everything I need to begin draping.

After that….

"What type of fabrics and threads do you have here?"

"As for that…."

Wells-san looked reluctant to answer.

"Is there a problem?"

"Actually…that has also been part of our problems. Not only have we had trouble matching the prices of other shops, good quality fabric has become scarce causing the prices to soar."

"I see. That's troublesome."

How can we get fabric? I could ask Rose for some in exchange for creating this outfit for her. I'd like to experiment with various types of fabric before deciding.

"- Can't we get fabric from Karen's house?"

Claudia entered the room and said this.

"Here, Master, a fountain pen and parchment."

"Thank you. I should be able to draw out the design with this."

Parchment? That's what she said, but…this isn't what I was picturing. It seems rather fragile. I'll have to be careful when writing on it.

"So, who is Karen?"

"She's my childhood friend. Her parents own a fabric store."

"Your childhood friend…. Is she a Yandere?"

"Don't worry, she's not yandere. And be careful what you say about her."

I can understand that reaction.

But she said we should be able to get fabric from that store.

"The fabric store of her childhood friend…would that be a potential store we could buy some high-quality fabric from?"

"That's…recently, they haven't been selling us anything. Karen told us they'd be unable to sell us any fabrics from their store."

Does that mean their store has also been affected by the Earl of Chaos…?

"Karen said that!?"

Claudia became upset after hearing this.

"No, well…it was because she couldn't forgive us for selling you into slavery."

"Oh…so that's why. I'll go to her store later to clear the air. Master, you can come with me."

It seems that everything has been settled. but…I don't want to be taken to see a woman that may be a yandere.

…eh? Does she think she'll need me to help persuade Karen? If that's the case, it can't be helped….

I don't want to put something like that off, so I wanted to leave with Claudia right away. However, Asia came back into the room carrying a tray with tea.

"By the way, Father, before I was bought by Master I received a terrible burn."

"What!? That's…. I'm sorry that happened. I can't see it on you…is it somewhere under your clothes?"

"No. I was burned from my face down to my chest."

"…what do you mean? Aren't you still affected by the curse of weakness like me?"

"I was under the effects of that curse, but, thanks to Master, I'm no longer affected by it. I know it will be hard to believe but it might be easier if I show you. Status open."

[Name]: Claudia [Overall Ability Score]: 20,000

[Base Skills]

Strength: F / Stamina: E / Intelligence: C / Dexterity: B / Magical Power: A / Willpower: B / Luck: E->D

[Resistances]

Curse: E / Fear: C / Misfortune: E / Pain: E / Yandere: S

[Combat Skills]: None

[Magic Skills]: Haste: E / Sanctuary: F / Mirage: E

[Technical Skills]

Sewing: C / Negotiation: D / s.e.xual Technique: D->C

[Hereditary Skills]

Support Magic / Business

[Special Skill]

Foresight: C / High-Speed Chant: F

[Rare Skill]: None

[Bad Status]

Easily Pressured: C

Weak to Pleasure (Pure): E (NEW)

[t.i.tle]

A Fallen Lady

Yuzuki's s.e.x Slave (NEW)

[SP]: 124 SP

I guess she made it visible to everyone present.

Claudia's parents and I looked over her status window…and we each looked surprised.

"""Your s.e.xual technique ranked up to C, easily pressured is also rank C, and weak to pleasure has become rank E….""""

"What are you all looking at!?"

"…Claudia, I thought you were still a child, but…you've already developed into a fine woman."

"Wha-!? Mother!? Why do you sound like you're proud!?"

Claudia panicking and turning bright red is cute. So her s.e.xual technique ranked up to C, huh. She really is a hard worker.

And…she's developed weak to pleasure (pure). That seems like a suitable skill for her. Even though we haven't formed a contract yet, she has somehow developed the t.i.tle 'Yuzuki's s.e.x Slave.'

Is that just what Claudia wanted…?

Truly Claudia is a pure female heroine.

"Master, please don't stand so close to me! This is all because Master is so perverted!"

"Even if you say that…."

As I was saying this, another line was added to Claudia's status.

Underneath the 'Bad Status' category, Claudia had developed the 'Shy' status at rank F.

Shy:

The holder of this status develops less resistance to being embarra.s.sed. They will also occasionally derive pleasure from being humiliated.

…that's what it said.

"…Claudia?"

"Hauuuuu~"

She turned a deeper shade of red and crouched down. The 'Shy' status seemed to take effect immediately…. Does that mean she's feeling pleasure now?

That's…ecchi.

Stop, stop. We're still in front of Claudia's parents. I need to control myself. We should have plenty of time for that later.

And Wells-san…looked like he was about to pa.s.s out.

"Wells-san, are you tired?"

"No, that's not…I'm just suddenly feeling so sleepy…."

Wells-san began to wobble back and forth before collapsing into the sofa and falling asleep.

…w-what just happened.

"Oh, the sleeping medicine that Rose gave me has a strong effect."

Claudia casually stated this.

"…C-Claudia-san?"

"Why are you suddenly acting so serious, Master?"

"N-No reason…. W-Why do you have sleeping pills?"

"Well…."

I absolutely won't drink the tea Claudia prepared.

"Why did you put it in Wells-san's tea? Was that meant for me!?"

"No. I told Mother to put it in Father's tea."

"…why would you do that?"

I can't understand why she's doing this. I have no clue and yet, I can only picture one ending for me right now.

"Master, you can still use 'Resurrection' without any problems, right?"

"Eh, sure. I haven't used it for a few days so I can use it if I need to."

"And you're sure about that?"

"Yeah, I'm sure."

"Is that so. Then — Mother."

Following Claudia's words, I looked over at Asia — and I could feel my heart skip a beat. She had an ecstatic expression, and in her hands, raised high above her head, was a sword.

Why does she have a sword!? What's going on!?

Aaah, she's getting ready to swing it! Asia brought the sword down in the direction of Wells-san.

She actually did it!

The sword connected with Wells-san's neck and cut clean through. His body fell from the sofa and hit the table before collapsing to the floor. His severed head was sent rolling across the sofa. Asia picked his head up and cradled it against her chest.

"Wh-Wh-Wh-What are you doing!?"

"It's…it's been so painful this entire time."

"P-Painful!? Umm…is this due to domestic violence or something…?"

If so, is this her seeking vengeance against Wells-san? No, this doesn't make any sense at all!

"I've always loved how pa.s.sionate my husband has been about clothing. But for the past few years, ever since he received the curse of weakness, he's been suffering…. He's been suffering and I wasn't able to do anything."

"I-Is that so?"

"Yes. That's why I'm so happy to hear that Yuzuki-san is going to remove his curse. In other words, thank you in advance for your help."

"Eh? Umm…what?"

I still can't recover from the shock of what has just happened.

"Umm…ah! Is this about how I was able to remove Claudia's curse after resurrecting her?"

"…what other reason would there be?"

"No, well…that still doesn't make this okay. You should at least explain the situation to Wells-san first."

I know that I wouldn't want something serious like this decided for me.

"But if we do that, Father will be scared. Isn't that right, Mother?"

" — Yeah, that's how I feel. The last thing I'd want to do is cause my husband unnecessary fear."

"O-Of course not…."

What she's saying makes sense, but the situation is still wrong in so many ways.

There's only one thing I've learned from this.

Asia is absolutely a yandere. A yandere that's obsessed with Wells-san.

While still trembling slightly, I began to cast 'Resurrection' on Wells-san's headless body. After a few seconds pa.s.sed, his head turned into light particles and began to regrow on his body.

Wells-san was resurrected and the curse of weakness was lifted.