Na-Isekai Ako
Chapter 39: Why Choose Between Fashion and Comfort?

Chapter 39: Why Choose Between Fashion and Comfort?

The first stop was a jewelry store, and Katherine’s eyes immediately widened at the dazzling sight before her. The moment she stepped inside, she felt like she had entered a dragon’s hoard—if the dragon had particularly refined taste in accessories and a penchant for bankrupting people.

Necklaces, bracelets, and rings glittered behind pristine glass cases, each piece more breathtaking than the last. The sheer variety was overwhelming. There were delicate silver chains adorned with sapphire pendants, gold rings set with emeralds in intricate patterns, and tiny, shimmering brooches shaped like flowers, birds, and even a particularly smug-looking owl.

This was the kind of place that could turn even the most fiscally responsible person into a financial disaster.

"Ooh," she murmured, pressing her face against the glass like a kid outside a candy store. "I bet if I put on one of these rings, I’d unlock some secret noble heritage I never knew about."

Adolfo, who had been watching her reaction with mild amusement, chuckled. "And here I thought you were just admiring the craftsmanship. Turns out, you’re here for destiny."

She smirked. "Well, if I’m going to suddenly discover I’m the lost heir to a kingdom, I should at least have the accessories to match."

Adolfo huffed a quiet laugh. "Practical thinking."

"Exactly. A girl’s gotta be prepared."

As she spoke, her fingers instinctively reached for the simple pendant around her neck—a small silver "N." It was the only thing she had brought with her from her past life. A gift from her parents, given to her on her graduation day. Not extravagant, but precious.

Her moment of sentimentality lasted all of three seconds before she mentally smacked herself. No, Katherine, focus. This is not the time for nostalgia. This is the time for resisting the urge to spend money you do not have.

"These are gorgeous," she said, her voice filled with genuine wonder. "I’ve never seen anything like this before."

Adolfo nodded, his gaze flicking to the display. "The shopkeeper here is an artist. Her work is sought after by the ladies of the court. She has a talent for creating pieces that feel personal."

Katherine turned to him, a teasing glint in her eye. "You sure seem to know a lot about jewelry, my lord. Is there something you’re not telling me?"

He huffed a laugh. "I’ll have you know I have many skills, but jewelry expertise is not one of them. I simply listen when people talk."

"How shocking," she said dryly. "A nobleman who listens. Truly, you are one of a kind."

He gave her an exaggerated bow. "I do my best."

She rolled her eyes fondly before turning back to the jewelry. Her fingers lightly traced the glass as she admired a green bracelet with red flowers, set in silver. Diamonds were embedded into the design, catching the light just right. It was simple yet stunning—elegant without being too much.

Her brain, however, had other concerns.

Why am I so drawn to this? I mean, sure, it’s pretty, but it’s also giving ’wedding gift from a fairy godmother’ vibes.

"Oh," she breathed, tilting her head. "This one is really pretty."

The shopkeeper, who had been quietly observing their exchange with an amused smile, stepped forward. "You have a good eye, my lady," she said kindly. "Would you like to try it on?"

Katherine’s eyes widened, and she immediately shook her head. "Oh, no, no. I was just admiring it. I don’t think my budget is ready for this level of elegance."

Translation: I would rather not financially recover from this.

The shopkeeper chuckled. "There’s no harm in admiring beauty," she said with a wink. "Sometimes, just appreciating something is enough."

Katherine smiled at that, but before she could respond, Adolfo let out a thoughtful hum.

"You know," he mused, "I was just thinking about what you said earlier. Do people buy jewelry for memories, or for status?"

Katherine looked at him, intrigued. "And?"

"I think it’s both," he said. "Sometimes, jewelry marks a moment—an emotion, a promise, or simply a time to remember. Other times, it’s about showing off wealth." He glanced at her with curiosity. "What about you? Do you buy things for memories, or for status?"

Katherine considered this, still gazing at the bracelet. "For memories," she admitted. "For the feeling it gives me. Not because it’s expensive or because people will notice it, but because it means something."

Her mind wandered back to her world. People don’t just buy jewelry randomly. It’s always for something special—weddings, engagement proposals, their first salary... something meaningful.

Adolfo studied her for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then, a small, knowing smile tugged at his lips. "I think that’s a beautiful way to see it, Lady Katherine."

For some reason, his words sent a warm flutter through her chest. She wasn’t sure why, but it felt like he truly understood what she meant—like it wasn’t just casual conversation.

She glanced at the bracelet one last time before straightening up and sighing dramatically. "Welp. I have now officially developed expensive taste, and I fear I shall never recover."

Adolfo smirked. "I take full responsibility."

"As you should."

They exited the store, stepping back into the lively buzz of the market. The moment they were back outside, Adolfo glanced at her with a knowing smile. "Enjoying yourself so far?"

Katherine tilted her head, pretending to think. "Hmm. Let’s see... I’ve been dazzled by jewels I can’t afford, mildly tempted to become a runaway noble heiress, and forced to acknowledge that you’re surprisingly thoughtful. Yes, I’d say I’m enjoying myself."

Adolfo let out an amused chuckle. "Good. Because we’ve only just begun."

And with that, they continued down the market streets, the promise of more discoveries ahead.

They moved on to the next store, a boutique that displayed fine clothing, and Katherine immediately felt like she had stepped into the wardrobe of a particularly dramatic duchess.

The fabrics were rich and luxurious, each outfit more elaborate than the last. Delicate lace dresses in soft pastel hues, velvet gowns with embroidery so intricate it probably took a lifetime to complete, and silk scarves that shimmered as they caught the light. It was the kind of place that screamed, ’You are not rich enough to be here,’ but Katherine pretended not to hear.

Sure, she was from the Marquis household, but that didn’t mean she had free access to all the family fortune. Technically, the money wasn’t hers to spend. She might be technically rich, but she was also technically broke.

She ran her fingers over a deep green gown, admiring the lush texture of the velvet. "This would be perfect for a royal ball," she mused aloud, momentarily lost in the fantasy of twirling around in an opulent ballroom.

Adolfo, surveying the dresses beside her, nodded with an amused smile. "Indeed. A noble lady would look stunning in such attire."

Katherine hummed in agreement, but her mind wandered to her preferences from her previous world. She had always preferred loose, comfortable clothing—like slacks. High-waisted, wide-legged pants that didn’t try to strangle her legs and actually let her breathe.

Unlike these extravagant gowns, which were basically wearable furniture.

She sighed wistfully, then chuckled. "I wonder if I could ever get something like slacks made here without causing a scandal," she mused aloud, imagining the absolute meltdown noble society would have if she strutted into a ballroom wearing pants.

Some noble lady would probably faint.

Adolfo turned to her, clearly puzzled. "Slacks? For women?" His tone was one of genuine curiosity, like she had just suggested wearing a suit of armor to afternoon tea. "Some kind of... local fashion I haven’t heard of?"

Katherine grinned. "Oh, no, nothing like that. They’re just comfortable," she explained, still amused by the thought. "At least for me."

Adolfo grinned back, the twinkle in his eyes unmistakable. "Practical? I’m not sure how the noble ladies would react to such a... practical garment," he teased. "I suspect they’d be scandalized. Or, at the very least, very confused."

Unconventional was an understatement. Some noblewoman would probably cry, ’Think of the children!’ while clutching her pearls.

Katherine laughed. "Yeah, I imagine so. But hey, practical clothing has its appeal, right?"

Adolfo tilted his head slightly, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "Practicality is certainly important, though I think many would say elegance is key. But then, there’s something about your effortless charm that makes whatever you wear look right."

Hold up.

Was that... a compliment?

A very smooth one, at that?

Katherine’s brain immediately malfunctioned.

Her heart did a little stupid flutter, but she shoved it aside like an embarrassing impulse buy. "So, you like a lady who keeps it simple, then?" she teased, raising an eyebrow, determined to regain the upper hand.

Adolfo chuckled, his expression warm. "I think I like a lady who can wear whatever she likes and still make it look effortless." He shot her a playful grin. "Though I must admit, you do have a certain way of carrying yourself."

EXCUSE ME, SIR. This man sure has a way with words.

Katherine cleared her throat, trying to ignore the warmth creeping up her cheeks. "Well, maybe I’ll start a trend for simple dresses here. We’ll see how the noble ladies take to it."

Adolfo’s grin widened. "I’ll be sure to say I knew you when."

Katherine narrowed her eyes playfully. "Are you implying that when I become famous, I’ll leave you behind?"

"Of course not." He smirked. "I’m implying that when you inevitably revolutionize fashion, I’ll be standing there, watching the chaos unfold, thoroughly entertained."

Katherine snorted.