Due to her physique, Artoria wouldn't gain weight no matter how much she ate.
Because of that, the two quickly swept through the entire food street.
At that moment, a new legend was born on the food street.
After eating, Eichi took Artoria to the nearest large shopping mall.
A female salesperson was enthusiastically promoting the store's clothes to Artoria.
Never mind the handsome young man beside her, the young woman who came to buy clothes clearly carried herself like someone from an esteemed background, perhaps even a noble from overseas.
If the salesperson managed to serve her well, her commission for one day might equal a month's salary.
Thinking this, she became even more eager.
"This white dress suits you very well, Miss."
The salesperson took out a white dress.
When Artoria put it on, Eichi's eyes lit up.
Wearing the pure white dress, Artoria shed her usual dignified and heroic air, transforming into a delicate and elegant young lady.
The dress reached her calves, with blue patterns along the hem.
Thin blue straps revealed her soft fair skin and slender collarbone, and her neatly pinned golden hair added a touch of refined grace, making her look like a blooming lily.
"It suits you perfectly, Miss."
The salesperson clasped her hands together, eyes sparkling with admiration.
Eichi was already dumbfounded, so there was no need to mention his reaction.
Standing before the mirror in the dress, Artoria first nodded, then shook her head.
"What's wrong, Ria?"
Seeing her shake her head, Eichi stepped forward and asked.
"It is indeed a beautiful dress, but its light and airy fabric isn't suitable for combat."
"Eh?"
Her words made the salesperson freeze.
Combat? Did this girl just say combat? No, that couldn't be right. Why would a girl in real life need to fight?
The words that usually belonged only to fantasy stories made the salesperson's brain momentarily short-circuit.
"Don't mind it. Ria received knight training in Britain, that's why…"
Eichi didn't finish his sentence.
But that was enough. The salesperson already imagined several stories based on his half-finished explanation.
Although her expression didn't change, her eyes sparkled with growing excitement.
A noble young lady and a knight too! I actually met a real noblewoman, wow!
"Could you find me some clothes that are easy to move in?"
"No problem, please come this way."
Time passed pleasantly until evening.
Artoria wore a happy smile as she and Eichi walked side by side on their way home.
Now, she had changed into her classic casual outfit.
A white shirt paired with a blue high-waisted skirt, black tights, and a pair of brown long boots.
Eichi, who didn't understand fashion, had assembled the outfit for her based purely on his memory.
However, after she put it on, the salesperson couldn't help muttering in disbelief, "Artoria, it's the real Artoria."
It could only be said that the Zen'in Family's publicity power was truly impressive.
But as Eichi looked through the shopping list, he suddenly realized he had forgotten something.
Underwear.
"What's wrong, Eichi?"
His sudden reaction caught Artoria's attention.
"Nothing, just thinking about what to eat later."
He couldn't possibly say he needed to buy her underwear, right?
"Dinner, indeed a question worth serious consideration."
Eichi fell into a dilemma.
He didn't know how to buy clothes for girls, and while going to a regular clothing mall was fine, going into a store that sold those kinds of clothes... just thinking about it made his face flush slightly.
Who could help him?
The class representative?
A somewhat dazed girl with glasses appeared in his mind.
No, no, no, she would think he was a pervert, wouldn't she?
Besides, he wasn't even close with her.
Who else? Who else?
Did he really have so few friends?
Suddenly, a suitable candidate appeared in his mind.
"Ria, let's buy some food, then visit some relatives."
"Okay."
Entering a supermarket, Eichi bought enough ingredients for ten people, then took Artoria to their destination.
Ding-dong.
Click.
"Oh, it's Eichi. And who's this?"
Fushiguro Minako, who opened the door, immediately brightened when she saw Eichi bringing a girl.
But she was also puzzled. She should be seeing this girl for the first time, yet there was something oddly familiar about her.
"Hello, Sister Minako. This is Heroic Spirit Artoria, my new partner."
"Eichi, you really are something, calling me sister."
Minako smiled.
"Sister Minako is still very young."
"Artoria, is it? Please come in."
Upon hearing that name, Minako finally realized where the familiarity came from.
After all, Eichi was one of Toji's few close relatives, and in her eyes, he was a young man with a successful career and limitless potential.
She also knew about Eichi founding a company and producing animation. Hearing the name Artoria, she instantly made the connection.
Jujutsu really is incredible, Minako thought to herself.
When they entered, Toji was watching a horse race on TV.
For someone with Heavenly Restriction, only in such uncontrollable activities could he experience the thrill of chance and risk.
In the corner, Megumi and Tsumiki were playing with toys on a soft mat, surrounded by a small fence to keep them safe.
Eichi skillfully walked into the kitchen.
Potatoes, beef, eggs, tomatoes, green onions, salmon…
"Are you making that much?"
"Don't worry, we'll finish it."
Eichi gave Minako an "all clear" gesture.
He salted the surface of the salmon and set it aside, then started cutting potatoes and beef.
Stewed potatoes with meat, scrambled eggs with tomatoes, baked salmon… After preparing dinner for Megumi and Tsumiki, Minako also came to help.
"Eichi, that girl…"
Minako subtly gestured toward Artoria with her eyes.
"Artoria only arrived at my place today."
Eichi smiled and nodded, not really understanding her hint.
"By the way, Sister Minako, are you free tomorrow?"
Seeing Minako glance at Artoria, Eichi casually continued.
"Yes."
"Then could you take Artoria to buy some daily necessities? She just arrived and doesn't have anything yet."
"Oh, leave it to me. A girl's life needs a touch of delicacy."
Minako readily agreed to his request.
Objective achieved, Eichi thought to himself.
The next day, Eichi experienced the true fear of shopping.
Loaded with a dozen large and small bags, he followed behind the two blankly. Even with what he had stored in his shadow, they had still bought a ridiculous amount.
From small household items like a dressing table (seriously, would Artoria even need that? She looked perfect without makeup) to clothes, shoes, and other necessities.
Minako was very happy. She had finally satisfied her shopping urges and could enjoy some live gossip up close.
She didn't expect Eichi, who always acted so mature, to have such a cute side. Youth truly was wonderful, Minako sighed inwardly.
That day, Minako took Artoria through all the major malls in Shinjuku.
Eichi finally felt relief.
Why?
Why had shopping with Artoria yesterday been so enjoyable, yet today felt like this?
Still, when he saw the smile on Artoria's face as she bought things recommended by Minako, Eichi felt it was all worth it.
(To be continued.)
◇◇◇
◇ One bonus chapter will be released for every 200 Power Stones.
◇ You can read the ahead chapter on Pat if you're interested: p-atreon.c-om/Blownleaves (Just remove the hyphen to access normally.)