ch101-ch120 · 118-ch118

Chapter 118: Measurements and Adjustments

"Ugh, that ticks me off. Anyway, this topic's over. Time to fit your armor. I'm taking your measurements, so stand over there and spread your arms."

Measurements. As in, with a tape measure, around the chest and everything...?

When I entered high school there was a uniform fitting, and I remember my heart racing because the one doing it was such a pretty lady.

When she reaches the tape around your back, you end up practically in a hug, you know.

And Mia-san is quite small.

That would mean quite a lot of close contact...

"Haruki-san?"

This is bad.

If I keep dawdling, Kasumi-san will think something's off.

It's just measurements.

Nothing for it, right?

Steeling myself, I spread my arms.

"There. Done."

All right, here it comes...

"Huh?"

Mia-san hasn't moved an inch from where she's standing.

What's going on?

"Aren't you a little too skinny? I made it too big. Put on some more muscle. No, wait—you're still growing, huh? I'll leave the adjustable parts on the loose side, then..."

She takes out a notepad and starts scribbling something down.

It really is over already.

So this is the "real-life Scouter"—the thing that measures all three sizes just by looking?

"You're done already? Without even a tape measure?"

"Hm? Oh, I measured with a skill. 【Measuring】. It's more accurate than fumbling around with your hands, and since the image sticks in my head, the 【Adjustment】 afterward goes easier too."

【Measuring】!?

Not a real-life Scouter—a skill Scouter, of all things.

Grr... toying with my pure heart like that...

Hm? Wait a second. She's writing down numbers...

"The 【Measuring】 skill gives you numbers?"

"Depends on the person. For me, the mental image comes with numbers down to the millimeter. Some people read even finer, and some only get the image."

So with the skill, you get actual numbers. I see.

This puts production jobs on the table for the 40s floors as well.

"...Just so you know, it doesn't work unless the other person is standing there with their arms spread. It can't be used the way you're imagining."

Said while still writing in her notepad.

Can she read minds?

This is bad.

"Usage, you say?"

Hayashi-san reacts.

"Whatever could we be talking about? My next job is planned to be a spear one, after all."

"There is no 'next' for you."

"As expected of you, Haruki-san. For you, even 【Spear Saint】 is within reach."

"Ehh? No way that's happening. If anything, I'd end up a 【Lousy Spearman】 or something."

What even is a 【Lousy Spearman】?

But I managed to change the subject, I think...

"Right, that should about do it. Kasumi, where's Haruki's armor?"

"Upstairs, on the second floor. This way, please."

Mental images should have a time limit on how long they stick around, right?

My 【Scouting】 lasts about three seconds—do production-type skills last longer?

I follow Kasumi-san up the stairs.

Today Kasumi-san is wearing what you'd call a smock over her armor under-layer—something like a stylish kappōgi work apron you pull straight on over your head.

So during breaks, she can come back here through 【Gate】, take off her armor, throw this on over the under-layer, and head out shopping.

Quite the handy garment.

"While you were away, Haruki-san, I ended up adding all sorts of things. Ah, please take off your shoes here."

(What the heck is all this?!)

The room on the warehouse's second floor now has carpet down and a genuinely stylish feel to it.

There's a sofa, a wardrobe, and even an electric kettle on the table, so we can have tea here.

Huh? The appliances are still to come? I see...

In the three weeks I was gone, this has completely become Kasumi-san's room.

Well, that's fine, but...

By the entrance, my armor and Kasumi-san's stand side by side.

"My, when did all this happen? As expected of Kasumi-san."

Hayashi-san showers Kasumi-san with praise.

"The paperwork and such is all finished by morning, so lately there's nothing to do in the afternoons..."

So she's been sitting here drinking tea, huh.

"【Adjustment】... There we go. Haruki, try it on."

Without batting an eye, Mia-san wraps up the job in a flash.

Ooh. So this is my armor.

"...How exactly do I put this on?"

"I'll help you."

"As will I."

With Kasumi-san and Hayashi-san assisting, I work the armor on over my clothes.

"Honestly, you don't even own an under-layer? Here—I've written your sizes down, so buy ones that match."

Mia-san tears a sheet off her notepad and sets it on the table.

Apparently making cloth is beyond even her.

I wonder if I can buy armor under-layers in the Chiba Dungeon?

"And this is the last piece. It suits you wonderfully."

Just the helmet left, and it's complete.

Ooh. This looks pretty good, doesn't it?

Silver armor, modeled on the Orc General's.

You could call it light armor.

It's not full-body—there's no metal at the joints, the thighs, or the upper arms.

"You ordered it to be silent, after all. Be careful not to take any hits on the joint areas. The helmet is full-face with safety in mind—would the half kind have been better?"

"No, the visor lifts, so I don't see it being any inconvenience. Thank you."

I put the helmet on too and show off flipping the visor up and down.

Being able to hide my face is a plus, and this way seems more practical.

"How splendid, Haruki-san. I find myself looking forward to today's exploration."

"You look every bit the proper adventurer now. That presence is pure Triple-Rank."

Kasumi-san and Hayashi-san bury me in compliments.

"...I'll take ten of these in different colors."

"What are you, a clothing shop? You'll be needing new gear soon enough anyway, right? Once I get my hands on golem materials, I'll make you something modeled on that, so make do till then. Anyway, I'm heading back—go easy on the break-in."

"Eh? You're leaving already? Won't you at least look at the shop locations?"

"I've got to pack up the shop at headquarters. Gotta give my regulars a heads-up too—all the weapon-maintenance work I take on. I've got a mountain of things to do."

The sooner she packs up, the sooner she can come to Chiba.

Faced with that logic, even Hayashi-san has no choice but to back down.

Shaking off a clinging Hayashi-san, Mia-san headed home.

She came all this way despite being swamped—I'm nothing but grateful.

Now I can go on my dungeon date with Kasumi-san in a proper outfit.

Thank you!